April 27, 2011
Rhinos 3:2 Dayton
The good news is that JC Banks' run to Rhinos Rookie of the Year gains more momentum with his first pro goal, Alfonso Motagalvan gets his first goal as a Rhino, and Anthony Hamilton is back and netted the winner.
So, after getting blanked in the first two games, the offense is alive. But, the defense once again was unable to get a clean sheet on the road.
Hopefully the Rhinos can get some momentum this week in Harrisburg as they have their last match before the home opener. Coming home at 2-2-0 will be a lot better than 1-2-1 or 1-3-0.
Flash 2:2 Atlanta
Equalizer Soccer - Flash's 1-2 Punch
The good news is that even when the Flash weren't looking great, they still played a match that was really fun to watch.
Christine Sinclair and Marta scored the Flash's goals. It took two pieces of brilliance to score against them. And they still have a ton of room to grow.
I just wonder how much growth they can expect with the whole issue of USWNT players not practicing with the squad during the week and the team losing so many more players to national team duty in a month or so.
But you do get the feeling that once the World Cup is over and the team comes together for the stretch run, it will be immensely fun to watch.
I just hope that everyone in the Rochester soccer and sports community gives them a shot.
Real Salt Lake has a massive game tonight
MLS Soccer.com - Fear the Beard
While I doubt a win by Real Salt Lake tonight in the CONCACAF Champions League final 2nd leg will have any huge impact on soccer in the US and how people at large view MLS, I do think it would be really cool for RSL to become the first MLS club to win a CCL title.
But, it will be a step in the right direction. Plus, it will be a step made by a club that is doing things the right way. From building a team with the mantra that the team is the star and not really having a Designated Player, RSL is building a team that I would be proud to root for.
So while I doubt that I'll have the energy to stay up late tonight and watch RSL take on Monterrey at 10pm EST in Fox Soccer Channel, I will be thinking good thoughts for them as I tuck myself into bed.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the Rochester Rhinos or SoccerSam.com. Feel free to send any comments or complaints to news@soccersam.com. James promises to read (but not to respond) to all of them.
