Category: Denver Soccer

Video Rating: / five

FC Dallas could only manage a 0-0 draw with Columbus Crew during the weekend in a result that is very disappointing for the team. They have managed just three wins in the last five matches, although they have avoided defeat during this run. In terms of MLS matches only, the form is very disappointing after they have managed only one win – against Colorado Rapids in a close game – in the last five matches. This has seen them slip down the table and there are currently fourth in the Eastern conference.

Despite this, manager Oscar Pareja said after the draw with Columbus Crew that he could not have asked for more from his players. He pointed out to the four clear-cut chances that Dallas had in the match. However, they were not clinical in finishing and the hard work put into the 90 minutes went unrewarded. Defender Zach Loyd, though, tried to look for on the positive side after saying that it is a point, but a point that has come from an away match. Even with all the positivity given by the players, it is hard to look away from the fact that they have just two home wins in the last five matches.

The away form is even poorer with no wins in the last five. “It’s a great point for us on the road. It’s really tough to regroup after something like that happened last night. For the guys to come out and do the work that we did and to come out with the clean sheet was really big for us,” said defender Zach Loyd. “We had four clear chances to score that was due to the hard work and the discipline the boys showed on the field. Despite the challenges, this was one of the best performances we have had during the year,” said Oscar Pareja.

Montreal Impact slipped further down in terms of form after a 4-2 defeat at the hands of DC United on Wednesday. After the match, Montreal Impact Frank Klopas stated that none of the players did their job in this match and they should be extremely disappointed with their performances. He has stated that he is a very competitive person who demands the best from every game. However, the players showed that they did not respect the jersey that they wore on the night. The 4-2 defeat means that the club stay bottom of the table.

Troy Perkins also voiced his concerns about the result after saying that none of the players appeared to care about the result. This is likely to be worrying for manager Klopas, as it could put his job on the line. Klopas has been trying to introduce some continuity in the defensive side of the pitch. He retained the same players for the centre back that have started in the last four matches. However, he did not do the trick after DC United created numerous chances time and time again. It was extremely easy for DC United to open up Montreal. In the first half, the opposition went on to the break with a 3-0 advantage.

“I’ll tell you one thing: I’m a very competitive person, and this is not the team I want. I want a team that’s going to go on the field and compete and honor the jersey they put on. Every game. It’s unacceptable, because we’re given thrashings [des volées], so to speak, at home. On the road is one thing, but at home, where we have to show some heart and will, it’s unacceptable,” said the manager. “We let ourselves down. Everyone. No one did their job. We didn’t make the plays they should have made. We just have to be better,” said the goalkeeper.

Movie Ranking: / five

Kenny Walker was one of the positive aspects for LA Galaxy from their recent match against FC Dallas. The midfielder was outstanding in all areas of the game against the opposition, as LA Galaxy secured a 2-1 win. This result was extremely important for the team considering that they were going on a poor run of form, which had seen them win no matches in the last four. As result, even the prospect of getting into the play-offs has been put under major doubt. Now, the team will be looking to getting back to a consistent winning run after this victory.

Club captain Robbie Keane said after the match that everyone could see Walker in such impressive fashion, which is a surprise given that he has played little football in the last two years. Manager Bruce Arena decide to employ the midfielder as a holding man, which allowed Juninho to go forward and join in the attack. Walker was not only impressive at cutting down the attacks of the opposition, but he was also very good at starting at their own attacks as well.

Apart from playing a couple of matches for the LA Galaxy reserve team, Walker has had little football in the last two years. Despite this, he was able to provide this incredible performance.

“I thought Kenney Walker was outstanding tonight. Simple but very, very effective, the way he played. We talked about simple passes, and at times he’s taking three or four people out of the game. That’s how he played, and that’s how the best players in the world play. They play very, very simple, but it’s so effective. To be fair, in training, he’s been knocking on the door. He’s been looking good in training, the way he’s been playing,” said Keane about the midfielder.