It's been far too long since we've seen a performance like that: We dominated every blade of grass on that pitch, and our three goals on another night would have been five or six if not for the work of the sage-like Kasey Keller. But while it would be easy to rue missed chances (though, today, it's harder than it might be in other circumstances) the real story should be about the domineering return of our forward line.
Two assists for Javier Morales, two goals for Alvaro Saborio, a goal for Ned Grabavoy, a bit of controversy and a lot of heart: 90 minutes with those things mixed in and Seattle never had more than a fleeting chance at moving forward in the playoff race. Now, yes, I know we're not through yet, and there's another half to go, but you'll forgive me if my excitement is punctuated by moments of optimism.
That first goal, a tap-in by Alvaro Saborio, came almost unexpectedly. We were leading the match perhaps in terms of play, but it didn't always feel that way. Perhaps Chris Wingert should have had that goal, but I don't think anyone should be blaming Sabo for ensuring that we score. In the heat of the moment, heart-in-mouth, and another mixed metaphor, I don't know that anybody knew with absolute certainty that, well, that was going in. From the north end, I had little clue until Saborio went wheeling away in celebration. At any rate, the alternative — Sabo tries to let it go in so Wingy can get a goal, it rebounds out, and we all hate Sabo for his selflessness — is a bit terrifying a prospect.
That second goal! What a beauty. This is one that they'll be replaying over and over and over and over. Eric Hassli, eat your heart out! Saborio's deft back heel — the ball laid cleanly on a plate by the able feet of Javier Morales — glided into the back of the net. Thing is, Saborio was being marked fairly tightly, and Javi put it into the one spot it couldn't be reached by the defender that was still within the reach of our Costa Rican. Really, the single spot — and he could really only reach it then by stretching out and back heeling that thing. It was a moment of pure magic made by two magical players.
And that third goal, the one that really sealed it as a dominant win for us, came through the graft and effort of the feisty Ned Grabavoy. Bursting into the box at just the right moment, winning the ball, and firing home a shot which, though deflected, should see his name attached to it. What can you say about him? In his short time on the pitch, RSL wasn't in possession, wasn't in great control as Seattle tried to battle back, and he only made a pass or two — but when it comes down to it, goals are what matters, and that's what that was: A goal that matters.
But everyone made an impact last night, even if they weren't one of the players to score or assist a goal:
- Nick Rimando got his shutout. Of course, he didn't have to make a single save (is that right? Wow.), but he swept up well and controlled play from the back. It's easy to ignore a goalkeeper when they aren't forced into making spectacular saves, but he did quite well to build from the back.
- Robbie Russell had a screamer of a match, and he looked like the Robbie of old: He got back when he was needed, he got forward when it was useful, he helped out in possession and he provided a safe outlet — and he was always looking to create from the flank. That is, indeed, refreshing. Those calling for his retirement can kindly slink back to their caves now, thank you.
- Chris Wingert looked solid, and his attacking play was, like Robbie's, a big part of why we were successful. By getting forward at the right times — and, indeed, crafting out the first goal — he was an essential part of that win. It's funny — both he and Robbie played their hearts out — with Tony Beltran creeping back into fitness, they may be worried about their spots. Now that's not a bad problem to have.
- Nat Borchers and Jamison Olave were both good before both went off with injury. Early reports suggest that Nat's set to have an MRI today and Jamison may have come off as a more precautionary measure than anything. Now, I know those two are brilliant together, and I love the way they play, but let's not worry too much: Chris Schuler has improved greatly this year, and he looks much closer to the real deal. Now, losing both may be a blow, but I suspect Robbie Russell might move to a central position as he did last night. More on that in the coming days.
- Kyle Beckerman, finally back from his ill-conceived vacation, made many vital interceptions and showed just how good his defensive positioning is. He made his role look simple, and it's certainly not that. I confess, I was urging him to shoot every time he got anywhere close to goal, and that, I think, is an indicator of how far he's come as a player, even at his age.
- Will Johnson was a hard-tackling midfield dynamo, and one of these days, he deserves a goal for his efforts this season. Even when his passing goes astray, he's as hard a worker as you'll find on the pitch, and it's really great that we've got him. His post-match comments on Twitter, also, are just great. Love that guy.
- Andy Williams didn't have the best start to the match, but he really grew into his role, and his play in the middle of the park is safe and effective. It's exactly what we need from those spots, and while it doesn't make him look like a spectacular attacking midfielder, it's just essential.
- Fabian Espindola was constantly running, running, running at the defense, forcing players out of position and opening holes for his fellow attackers. Once again, he and Javi formed a brilliant partnership, with Javi providing short options to stretch the defense further. While Fabian may have earned himself a yellow card, he wasn't too chippy, and I was never particularly worried that he'd be sent off.
- Alvaro Saborio, a man who four months ago was angering fans left and right (though I don't think it was particularly for good reason, but fans don't like seeing an angry Saborio), is looking again irreplaceable in his center-forward role. How quick some were to write him off! Egg, that's what you see, on your face. Right?
- Luis Gil became RSL's youngest player in playoff history, which shouldn't be surprising. But at 17, for him to come on and for nobody to say things like, "Oh no! Don't put kids in!" illustrates how far he's come as a player. Good on him.
- Ned Grabavoy is an incredibly hard worker for our side, and I suspect he'll get a start on Seattle's turf, if just to protect Andy a bit. I'm firmly convinced he'd have been starting if Andy hadn't made himself a sure starter with his late-season play.
- Chris Schuler has come on leaps and bounds this season, and I feel no fear if he's going to start against Seattle on Wednesday. His positioning is good, his tackling is good, and while he may not be the highest jumper, his heading of the ball is good. I can't ask for much more from a young third-choice center back. Now, how do we get him in the national side?
- And a final word for Javier Morales, king of kings: Can anybody really believe that he's back and looking strong and it's not even November yet? Sure, he's still lacking a little bit of sharpness, but a less-than-sharp Javi is still one of the sharpest knives in the kitchen drawer. (Did I work that metaphor correctly?) What a classy, classy man.
More tomorrow undoubtedly, but for now, I'll leave things there. It's one thing to win a match, but it's another completely to win it in such a dominant fashion. Alright, boys: Get to Seattle, get the job done, and let's get on with it.
Come on you Claret and Cobalt!
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