by TRAVIS CLARK
One of the hottest and humid days of D.C.'s summer couldn't keep the fans away as Real Madrid took on D.C. United on Sunday. And while the crowd on hand heavily favored the Spanish club, the 72,000 fans saw D.C. United perform admirably despite the final score of 3-0.
While the match had no competitive meaning, Tom Soehn elected to go with a full strength squad, fresh off what had to be a draining 120-minute game against Firpo on Tuesday. They came out in their typical 3-5-2 formation, which raised some eyebrows if you consider how much space that can open up for Ronaldo and Kaka.
From the opening kick, United looked up to the task, holding the ball well at times. Ronaldo and Madrid were not without their chances in the first half, as the Portuguese winger managed to get behind the United defense on a couple of occasions.
Two things favored United early on: they were composed when they had possession of the ball, and they weren't in awe of their competition. Rookies like Chris Pontius and Rodney Wallace, perhaps more likely to be affected, weren't fazed by their clashes with Xabi Alonso and Ronaldo.
However, going forward they were lacking in that final ball to unlock the Madrid defense and create a scoring opportunity.
In defense, Greg Janicki and Dejan Jakovic held their own through the first 45 minutes—and while they had Josh Wicks to thank for the 0-0 score at halftime, it was a solid performance, especially when you take into account the 5-1 thrashing Real had given Toronto FC Friday night.
Madrid almost looked shocked that United was putting up this good of a fight, and it began to show with a number of cynical fouls in the second half.
The tide eventually turned, something that seemed inevitable from a club that has players making more money per year than the entire opposing team.
The insertion of Arjen Robben for Wesley Sneijder proved to be the catalyst. The former Chelsea man put in a man of the match performance in the second half, playing a hand in the first two goals from Gonzalo Higuain before scoring the third himself.
Credit should go to United for getting stuck in and not letting themselves get run off the field. While they may not have threatened Madrid's goal, mustering just four shots, they kep their shape well and helped entertain the crowd.
More important games lie ahead for D.C., starting this Saturday in Toronto. While they sit in third place, they remain just a couple points ahead of the playoff pace in the East.
As for Real Madrid? It's hard to judge them against an opponent like United. They certainly have all the talent in the world, but their performances against the likes of Villareal and Barcelona will define them this year.
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What did you think of the game on Sunday? Think D.C. will make the playoffs at the end of the season? How will the collection of superstars get along at Madrid?
very good we wait barca
Congrats to DC United on a good showing.
seriously an analysis of an exhibition match? Why?
Posted by: Alex | August 10, 2009 at 06:09 PM
Well, I was busy all weekend, didn’t get to see the match, but am very happy to read a recap of the game. So thanks Travis/Ives, and keep all the great content you deliver coming.
@Nytshade71: Ives himself has a link to Goff’s website under “SBI Media Blogroll”. So what’s the problem providing a link with your Adu mention?
I was at the game which was great up until the 60th minute. Very competitive in the first half, but ultimately, United became gassed. D.C. United’s top influential players (Olsen, Moreno, Gomez, Emilio) are old– what else can you expect from players well out of their prime in 100 degree weather against a young, star-studded team? (And the crowd was pro-Real Madrid)
Normally I am disappointed when D.C. loses, but after this game, I walked away content and with optimism. D.C. gave a great fight for 55 minutes or so, with chances to even take the lead. RM’s frustration became apparent in the 1st half when Ronaldo became noticeably agitated after a jello shot was thrown at him. And after RM scored their first goal, United’s defenders were yelling at each other. That is exactly what I like to see from United! Great game, no disappointments.
jloome. I don’t know how much soccer you watch, but DC played them tough. Drenthe was letting the tough marking on him get a bit under his skin. Jakovic overall played very good defense. Pontius, for the rookie making peanuts that he is, played against RM well. They did not roll over and die. They had decent passing. No one is claiming they will win La Liga (if they could), or even be mid table La Liga. But they played well, and RM, yes in pre-season, are still no slouches. ANd right they shouldn’t–even in preseason; they get paid enough, for cryin’ out loud.
@ Win you are right to an extend. Jakovic and Namoff are really good, but burch is trash.
@ Jloome Real Madrid were playing bad because DCU made it tough for them.
I don’t know how much Euro footie you watch, Travis, but that wasn’t DC “performing admirably” in the first half, it was Madrid playing like crap. They played marginally better in the second half, cruising at half-speed throughout and still scoring three unanswered, in a walk.
United’s defense is frustrating. This would have been 0-0 if the back four didn’t get burned on 3 fast breaks. Let’s be real, they got burned by Robben. The dude hardly looks fit. If DC had a stronger defense they not only would have kept a better scoreline in this game they would probably be the best team in MLS.
Caption entry:
Look guys, I’m sorry you don’t want to but there are more guys than girls in this class so some of you will have to dance together. Now just get over it and hold hands.
That’s great that MLS teams show well against top European competition. It would be even better if they showed well in Champions League games.
Hell, it would be best if they won the competition out right.
Based on the past 2 years, there seems to be no desire to win real competitions….just compete well against teams in their pre-season training.
I think the formation was a mistake, but what it boiled down to was depth. It was close to triple digits at FedEx yesterday and our guys played a hard 45 minutes and Tommy made no changes at the half. they were gassed before the 47th minute and most of Madrid’s team was fresh as a baby’s bottom. They had a bench of world class players and we had Clyde Simms and Danny Szetela.
If you’re tripping on your own balls while you’re doing the tango, then you’re obviously not doing it correctly.
For Freddy’s sake, I hope the Denmark rumor is true. Odense is about the level of a club where he could get some PT, which is the thing he needs to turn this ship around. Look what Denmark has done for the revival of Benny Feilhaber.
Didn’t see the whole match but I thought DC looked pretty good all things considered.
Pontius had a couple of good looks up top where he took one touch too many and didn’t get his shot off. Hopefully that’s something he’ll figure out as he developes.
Haig, overall a balanced view, but I think you badly, badly overstated the case when you said DC were badly, badly outclassed. Outclassed, maybe, but not badly badly. Badly outclassed is Barca over Sounders. Badly badly outclassed is Dallas over KC. 🙂
Yeah, maybe “lack of speed” was some of it, or perhaps ability on 1.v 1 vs the RM defense. However, if they could have lifted several of their crosses just a tad more, they almost sprung their players several times.
Maybe not the half of his life, but Robben did take control of the game completely when he came on. Madrid are crazy if they sell him.
seriously an analysis of an exhibition match? Why?
i think DC showed well, what do you expect against a world all star team, good move for Adu, he needs to get his confidence back, as to more rumors about things check this out:
Fiorentina are interested in the American defender of West Ham, Jonathan Spector. A source close to the player told calciomercato.com: “Yes, it’s true, Fiorentina asked for info about the player, but West Ham’s request was a bit scary for the Italians. It might be possible that the two clubs will meet if West Ham will ask for less money.”
Regarding Freddy Adu going to Odense, FWIW, Wikipedia already have him on their 2009-2010 roster…take it with a pinch of salt.
Arjen Robben has always been an incredible player when healthy. The half against DC was nothing new.
Ha, hey DC Josh, I’m guessing Robben probably didn’t have the best half of his life in a friendly game against DC United. What a ridiculous statement…
Thanks Nick. I’m sure Ives appreciates the gesture.
That pretty much summed up the game Travis. The problem with the final ball has hurt DC the entire season. They lack the pace up top to really get behind defenses. I like Pontius up top with Emilio myself, and hate the 3-5-2 formation, but Tommy works well with it. The problem is we’re loaded with wingers: Wallace, Tino, Pontius, and Fred.
To sum it all up in my opinion, they played a good first half, Wicks had the half of his life with some huge saves, and the second half Robben lit the field on fire with probably the best half of his life. I’m just glad DC showed more heart than Seattle against Barca 😉
Yes, what Nytshade71 said.
M – The Adu piece was on Goff’s website. Won’t link here out of respect for Ives.
The photo looks like a tango.
Chemistry is clearly the issue with RM. The best chances were made using the old guard players in the second half. The first had quality step-overs and missed shots (lots of credit to United’s keeper!)
@ Nick G: Where did you hear that? I believe you, but do you have a link?
I think DC took Real by surprise with their energy and effort. RM obviously wanted to take it easy on such a blistering day, and not put out intense effort to manage the midfield and attacking third, but DC challenged hard for every ball. They also had about a half dozen really nice moments, and a couple good combinations. Too bad it’s MLS, and even a good team plays a bad ball once every three or four touches.
The mark of a great team is the ability to break down an organized team. DC’s organization was very good, but Real was patient, knew they had 90 minutes to get goals, and let DC wear themselves out chasing the ball. At that point, the game turned into a rout.
DC were badly, badly outclassed, and all that effort took its toll. They looked exhausted in the second half, and RM had fresh players out in the heat.
But that’s not the only story… unlike nearly all MLS teams who come up against a far better side, DC actually played soccer. Most MLS teams defend like hell and when they have the ball have no real plan, but DC at least tried to play their kind of soccer. With five or six better players, they might have been able to maintain possession better and not get so worn down.
That is a caption contest picture.
DC United alum Freddy Adu is headed to Odense on a loan in the Danish league is what it sounds like.
“No, no, no, Kaka, it’s step, step, turn, and THEN the dip…”