What did our beloved Claret and Cobalt do the evening of March, 10th? They did what they trained for. They did what they most wanted. They did what they are capable of. They “came to score” (The Aggrolites).
—El Güero,
RSL shamed in 3-1 Open Cup loss to Minnesota Stars FC
RSL shamed in 3-1 Open Cup loss to Minnesota Stars FC
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
As fans, we're quite allowed to be overconfident about our team's abilities on the pitch. This is especially true of times in which our team is facing lower league opponents. It is only natural that a side that is among the best in the league should be expected to handily beat sides like, I don't know, Minnesota Stars FC.
But while we're allowed to be confident that our opponents will receive a pasting, those on the pitch can't be. When they are, their level drops. Massively. Against this little team from Minnesota, we never looked like an MLS side. We never looked like a side that plays together, week-in, week-out.
I know, I know. These guys don't typically play together on the pitch — some of them, at least. But they train together, they learn together, and they should at least fight together. I can deal with a bad result when effort is there. Last night, the effort only came for about 10 minutes in the second half before it dropped back off again.
Watching our midfielders surrender possession of the ball in the 80th minute was heartbreaking. When additional fight was needed, we stood down and surrendered our arms. Who needs a win in the 99-year-old Open Cup, anyway?
Perhaps tomorrow I will write something about the match and how it was lost. Or perhaps not. But today, all I can really say is this.
Really?
We're clearly better than we showed. Every single player is better than this. They've showed it before. Most of them showed it against FC Dallas on the weekend. Last night? Not a chance.
And that's what hurts.
