NSC Stars Lose Another Close One in Montreal
Montreal 2-1 Minnesota
The Montreal Impact defeated the Minnesota Stars on Saturday afternoon at Saputo Stadium in front of a full house of 12,265. The game was a day after Major League Soccer and the Impact announced that the team would be moving to MLS in 2012. The strong crowd was behind the Impact but they may not have needed the supporters to defeat a young Minnesota team that once again conceded a late goal with a thin defense. The team was going into the full time with a 1-1 score and like last week give up a draw late in the game.
While Minnesota has played more games than any other team in the league (7) they have the worst “goals against” average in the league, tied with AC St. Louis at -7 and have leaked 12 goals this season. Clearly, this is a sign of a thin defense. In fact with the suspension of Wasson (red card last week) and Kallman for this game, (extended suspension after review by the league for red card 2 weeks ago) the team traveled to Montreal with only 3 listed defenders on the squad.
Minnesota seemed to be chasing the ball most of the afternoon and then in the 69th minute referee Mike Edmunds called a PK on Kevin Friedland. Friedland had tackled the ball away from Rocco Placentino outside the box. Edmunds not only claimed Friedland didn’t get the ball but also judged him to be in the box and to have denied a goalscoring opportunity therefore sending Friedland off with a direct red card.
Oddly, just like the previous game when Wasson was red carded off for a similar foul, Joe Warren again stopped the pk for the second game in a row giving Minnesota new life.
Brian Cvilikas then scored against the run of play for the Stars in the 78th minute. But Minnesota were not able to hold that lead as just 60 seconds later Placentino of the Impact scored in the 79th minute with an assist by Tony Donatelli. Then in injury time Placentino scored his second of the day with an assist from former Thunder player Stephen deRoux at 90+4.
This again was a game where Minnesota had little possession compared to Montreal which was proven out by the statistics. Montreal had 13 shots to Minnesota’s 7, although at the end of the day only 7 found their mark for the Impact as Warren conceded 2 goals and stopped 5. Montreal stopped 5 shots and conceded 1.
Montreal also dominated in corner kicks a whopping 8-1.
For a more complete summary please see the NSC Stars game report.
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In my respectful opinion, I think this report is a little off.
I saw a fairly well played game by our team. We had a fair amount of build up during points of the game and naturally, after a red card we had a goal against the run of play. In fact, prior to the red card our thought our possession was about 50/50 and we had a great shape with Montreal having very little threatening runs. Save for some horrible let downs at the end of the game we looked pretty damn good.
We are much better than our 2-5 record indicates.
With out a doubt good teams find ways to win and we will eventually.
There is being positive and then there is being delusional. NSC looked pretty bad. Poor first touches, lack of solid possession, not being able to spread Montreal’s back line, etc.
I get the idea you want the Stars to do well. I don’t want them to suck it up this season either, but at some point you have to let go and accept that they aren’t that good. And with this ownership, and the lack of capital, they probably never will be.
I think my .02 is closer to Superrookie’s comments. While I wouldn’t say possession was 50/50, it wasn’t that far skewed in Montreal’s favor (the time after the send-off notwithstanding). I would say they certainly played more defensively, but it wasn’t like they were just playing a long ball game either. I think they were playing for a draw, which isn’t a bad idea considering who and where you are playing. In any case, as the half progressed and into the 2nd half, they were creating chances and it would seem the composure was playing off. Did they dominate, no. Did they control the run of play, no. But I certainly don’t think they were chasing the ball all game.
Perhaps delusional will always depend on one’s perspective, but I think it’s better to start supporting this team for who they are, not for who you wish they were (I know this is terrible generalization, but I’m just trying to make a point). This is D2 soccer and I think Rookie is right, they are far better than the 2-5 record shows for this level. I guess I’m just trying to say lets stop expecting Ipswich Town or Newcastle (zing!) to play like Manchester United (or Chelsea etc.) and instead appreciate this level for the high level of play that it still is.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter who the ownership is or how much capital is put into the team if people don’t come to games and support this level of play it won’t get that much better. I’m also not convinced that just putting more money into the team will put butts in seats. I think people supporting this level of soccer has far more to do with perceptions or expectations about how this league or even MLS for many, compares to Europe. Hell, I didn’t start coming to Thunder games because more money was put into the team (which I believe actually was the case the first year Dean J. owned them). I went to a number of games here and there throughout the past ten years and I still thought they sucked. However, I finally started enjoying it and coming back (regularly) when I stopped expecting them to play like Arsenal and started enjoying it for what it was.
I guess that was more like .05
“……and accept that they aren’t that good. And with this ownership, and the lack of capital, they probably never will be”.
I have to say I agree. The lack of capital can be overcome to some extent, I’ve played
in and watched mens/co-ed teams that would do some damage against NSC …if you have people playing cohesively, with effort, you can do something. Semi-professionals with some experience should be playing much better than we’ve seen from The Stars. Being payed to play soccer you should be better…. not the level of the Prem…… but at least better than a well organized weekender squad.
If you want to say that the Stars “aren’t that good,” I think one must first admit that the Impact need to learn a thing or two about doing a webcast. I think my kid’s elementary school puts on a better production. For the most part, the video was so terrible that it was hard to make out who the players were on the field. It was also hilarious that the audio was about 10 seconds behind the video—now that is, well, elementary. Maybe the Impact needs some more “capital” in their budget for production capabilities before they take the next step to MLS.
Yes, I will admit that I am not as critical of the Stars as I should. However, everyone including the critics needs to remember that the NSC has had to make a lot of decisions in a short period of time. They will get better and will be able to correct some of their mistakes—including putting themselves in positions where red cards fly and they play a man down. (Friedland got 100% ball and was outside the box. That was NOT a foul!)
In my humble soccer opinion, the Stars are having a hard time penetrating when they possess the ball. I have been very disappointed with their play up top. Some of their runs just are not there, and they could be better timed. They have also not been as sharp as they need to be on set pieces, which is frustrating. The back line is also making some critical mistakes at certain points, which has resulted in goals, goal scoring opportunities and “the red card” in the Montreal match. These are things that can be fixed, and I have faith in the team/Manny.
ON THE OTHER HAND, our young lads played a good game. I think the important “first-touch” is getting better, and they are for the most part more patient as the games progress. Their ability to counter-attack is also present (see comments above) and they did score a goal a man down, which it top-notch in my book. We have also have had a tough schedule and with the sole exception of the Puerto Rico match, I think they are proving they can play with the best at the D-2 level. (Hey, if Montreal is MLS material, why did they only beat the Stars 2-1. It was not like the Stars got lucky and the goal differential should have been larger.) Be patient and give this team some time to “gel,” and I think some of the current criticisms are going to disappear.
Keep up the great work you Stars and BELIEVE!
I got to see the game.
I am an Impact fan, but from what I saw of your club on Saturday, they were pretty good for an expansion team, and to play a good chunk of the second half with a man down, not bad at all.
I will admit that even in the first half, Montreal got a ton of crosses into the box, mostly along the left, but your guys managed to deal with most of them.
Nice to see them play away in a 4-4-2, as well.
To be honest, you guys should have got a draw out of the match, but as an Impact fan, it was sweet to see that late goal by Placentino!
Cheers!
@ Futty
The webcast was perfect on my end…Maybe check your computer.
…ah, the old adult league argument.
Could the team be better?
-yes, without a doubt.
Are three of these losses the refs fault?
-No. Composed teams find ways to win despite obstacles.
Am I delusional for thinking the Stars played well in Montreal?
-No, and it seems others agree vwith me including a self-defined Impact fan.
Are you crazy to think an adult amateur team is better than the Stars?
-Certifiably.
BQ, I wouldn’t put a lot of stock in that “full house” attendance figure. I was watching on a pretty crappy stream for the last part of the first half, and it looked to me like there were a whole lot of empty seats. I thought it might be my feed, though, so I went looking – and indeed, these photos from Montreal’s website also suggest there was plenty of room for more folks. Same story is told by the highlight video. I ain’t saying there wasn’t a good crowd (I’d love to see that many folks at the NSC), but it sure didn’t look like a sell-out to me.
I only mention it because I thought you’d find it of note, given the recent posts on league attendance figures.
Can we start a charity thing where you have to put a buck into a Sanneh Foundation Paypal account anytime you say your co-ed 6-a-side team or U15 traveling squad could take NSC to a draw and probably beat them in penalties?
I don’t even care if it’s true… I just feel like we could be making some real money here.
I watched the last 20 minutes or so of the game. The PK/red card was a crap call. And as far as I could see, Montreal’s first goal was scored after the Montreal player pushed the Minnesota defender down.
In other words, I think Minnesota deserved a tie out of that, and as much as I’m an Aztex fan, I was rooting for y’all to pull it off, and sad that you didn’t.
But, having watched the Aztex drop points a number of times at the end of games last season, I know the pain y’all are going through. Upshot — despite holding on to some of last year’s players, y’all have a first year team. It’s going to be rough.
I agree with the lack of penetration, and it all starts in the back.
They are giving up too many goals, and in my opinion, it’s forcing the midfield to stay in a holding position instead of pushing the ball up top. Also, the touches in the midfield are not the greatest. I haven’t seen all the games, but to me it looks like a majority of possession is lost there [in the midfield]. I would say they are staying too compact, and not getting ball out on the wings.
People (me) wouldn’t make the comparisons if there wasn’t some truth to them.
There is zero truth in irrational suggestions of a co-ed team doing damage against the Stars.
I can’t stop laughing at the thought.
What if Mia Hamm played on the co-ed team? As well as Messi.
Hold on!! – if Messi and Mia Hamm played on the co-ed team do youstill need to donate a buck to the Sanneh foundation?
If Superman and Wonder Women played on the team you donate a dollar to the Sanneh Foundation. If know one plays at all you still donate a dollar to the Sanneh foundation.
My predictions for Saturday: Stars win 3-1; 6,000+ fans show up at the Nessy; some people still have their heads stuck in the sand about how great the Stars are (and will be); no red cards are given to Stars players; the Super Rookie helps put up all three points for the Stars on the scoreboard.
Come on you Stars–BELIEVE!!!
PS: I am going to make a donation to the Sanneh Foundation. Keep up the great work Tony!
My prediction: 0-2 loss
Two red cards.
300 fans show up but 1,000 will be announced.
Mia Hamm comes off the bench and scores a brace for the opposition.
The Stars have scored 5 goals in 7 games, where are they going to find 3 in one game? I say 1-1, on a Granum header from a Gao corner kick, in front of 2,500, including the foster families.
The Stars have scored 5 goals in 7 games, where are they going to find 3 in one game? I say 1-1, on a Granum header from a Gao corner, in front of 2,500 fans, including the foster families.
That seems a bit out of character going for the draw MN Soccer Guy… Are you sure the Stars will get a point?
I’ll go for 1-1 as well, and I estimate the attendence will be 1800, but in actuality it will be more like 925.
Big Joe and The Granumator will stand tall in the back. After the Big Norwegian storms forward to score, he will rip off his shirt, much like the Swedish girls team did at USA Cup a few years back.
3-1 Stars.
3000announced.
2201.5 announced.
Gary the Cat runs on field.
I just realized that the Montreal match report referenced “a young Minnesota team.” Seven of the starters were 26 or older, which doesn’t seem young at all when you’re putting together a team on a budget.
I can’t tell if the comparison of adult Norwegian male to a young Swedish girl is a beautiful subtle reference to the rivalry between the two Scandinavian nations or not.
I agree with MN Soccer Guy on the age thing. I don’t think being “young” has really had anything to do with our late meltdowns. I just think it mostly has to do with being short on playing experience AND not finishing with 11 players for 3 straight games!
I am soooooo running to the scoreboard!
Joe Warren (35), Chris Clements (23), Kyle Altman (24), Andres Arango (27), Kevin Friedland (28), Two-Boys Gumede (24), Andrei Gotsmanov (24) , Johnny Menyongar (30), Leilei Gao (29), Melvin Tarley (27), Brian Cvilikas (23)
Subs: Simone Bracalello (24), Leland Wright (23), Neil Hlavaty (23),
I have 6-players over 26 and of those 3 were 29 or older. Subs averaged 23 years of age and overall age of players on the field for the team was 26 years old. 8 players who spent time on the field were 24 years of age or younger. Subtract Warren and look at just the field players and your down to average age of 25. I still call it a young team because there are quite a number of players on this squad without a lot of pro experience and very little D-2 experience. When talking to Manny on Monday, although he disagreed with my assessment of the game and he was cool with that, he also called it a young team. Compare this team to Montreal, Vancouver, PR or Portland and tell me its not an inexperienced and young team.
Whitecaps – 11 over 26
Timbers – 12 over 26
Impact – 18 over 26
And like the Stars, many of these older players log substantial minutes.
I realize this isn’t pure journalism, but I would recommend attributing that comment (Lagos) or comparing to older teams. Calling them young sounds a little like excuse-making, especially when key plays for NSC were made by Warren (35 – PK stop), Friedland (28 – tackle from behind on breakaway) and Cvilikas (26 – goal).
I just looked at a random MLS roster, Toronto, and only 8 of 23 players were 26 or older.
I wrote the article on Sunday, I talked to Lagos on Monday. I certainly would have attributed the quote to Lagos if he had made it for the article. BTW, thanks for that journalism tip. Young is my word and I would not say it’s an excuse but a frustration. I’ve been watching this league as long as you have and you certainly know it plays out much differently than a lot of leagues. Very physical and the schedule is demanding. And those are things I’ve not only seen myself but been told by the players through the years.
I could be wrong and this is possibly one for uhclem to check on because I sure don’t have the time to do it if you want me to keep writing content for IMS, but I would guess that you will see more young talented players in MLS and then older players who are highly skilled and more veteran mid 20 something players in Division-2 because of the way MLS pays out, contracts and the draft. Too long for me to go into right now. But a fair amount of guys in D-2 have played in MLS for short stints but didn’t make it long term for whatever reason and they can now make more $ in D-2. MLS wants to spend the money on the young up and coming talent and the very good veteran player.
You’re right. I know there were a number of Rochester players from their heyday who could have played MLS but had greater earning potential combining D2 pay and indoor wages.
Older players typically earn more, which doesn’t make sense around here. That’s probably why Jeremiah Bass isn’t around. Think he might help in the central midfield?