Vic’s Fall 2-0 to Railhawks
By: Anne |
5 Comments
I’d like to apologize in advance for the crude personal opinion that may be expressed here, instead of an informative news article. But these days, being a Vic’s fan just keeps getting harder and harder, and it’s nearly impossible to discuss the Vic’s at all without acknowledging the rumors, turmoil, and speculation surrounding them.
There is pretty much only one reason why last night’s scoreline didn’t read 12-0, and that is because of ‘The Enforcer’, goalkeeper Eric Reed. For a team that seems to be waning on their enthusiasm level, Reed consistently shows his professionalism, intuition, and energy on the field. Time and time again last night, when defenders found themselves on the wrong side of the person they should have been marking, Reed showed that he knew when to come out to meet a challenge or keenly parry - sometimes one-handed- each shot. In the 23rd minute, as one Carolina attacker cut through three Vic’s defenders, Reed came out alone and stymied the shot on goal. In the 36th minute, Railhawks super-striker Bailey got around defender Randolph - again - and attempted to chip a shot in. Again, Reed was there to deny Bailey. So many times Reed saved difficult, challenging shots, that could have been avoided with a defense that was paying attention.
When the defense is not pulling their weight, it seems to make the rest of the team nervous and the midfield unsure of themselves. How can the attack move forward if they are worried about the back?
This isn’t to say that the rest of the team doesn’t have any quality: they do. But there is some serious disorganization. The introduction of many new players, combined with the ridiculous exit of players like Josh Hansen, is not doing the attack any favors. Who is the strike force? Who is the midfield, that should be preventing the constant turnovers? Standout players, such as Morales, Kim, Munoz, and Sanchez - who all played last night- and Casillas and Fitzgerald - who did not- have all displayed the ability to get possession and attempt goals. But in pausing for a moment, searching for someone to pass to, and trying to get their bearings - the Vic’s lose a precious moment and allow teams with strong defenses (PDX) to pounce on them.
The current ’situation’ of the club must weight, at least somewhat, in the back of the players minds. As most of you already know, Dmitry Piterman, who owned the Vic’s at one point, relinquished his interest in his other club Deportivo Alaves, after an apparently extremely acrimonious fall out with their supporters. This move prompted a ton of new questions. What would happen to the Vic’s? Will this be their only season? Will they be sold? Can they be sold? Then the Earthquakes announced their comeback. Will the Vic’s now be a feeder team for the Quakes? Can they compete with the Quakes for fans interest?
Most of these questions remain unanswered, and the Vic’s management have left their supporters in the dark. According to a Victory spokesperson, ” Piterman will continue to support the club until the end of the season.” After that, evidently, it’s anyones guess.
Perhaps one of the bright lights of this situation, though, is the 1906 supporters club. Despite the turmoil, they still come out in force to the games, organize viewing parties, and heatedly debate team issues on websites. So for Vic’s players who might feel a bit out of sorts, just know you guys still have a lot of fans and support. Better luck at Charleston.
Category: Team News
Vic’s off the Bottom
By: Anne | 5 Comments
After a successful trip to the tropics this past weekend, where the Vic’s did NOT lose, they are now sitting second from the bottom in the USL table. Way to go, Vic’s!
The Victory drew both of their games 1-1, with the Puerto Rico Islanders, and the Miami FC. In the game with Puerto Rico, it marked one of the first times I’ve ever seen the Vic’s come back and equalize- by Josh Hansen, who also scored in the Miami game. Yuri Morales also had a great free kick in the P.R game, that very nearly went in. It’s good to see other members of the team improving on set pieces, since Ricardo Sanchez usually takes them. With his ever increasing number of red cards, it seems he’s had to sit out several games.
Obviously, it’s always great not to lose. But considering that the Vic’s lost to Miami 1-3 at home earlier in the season, it’s good to be able to draw with them on the road. As for the Islanders, we’ll have to see what happens when they meet back in SF this Saturday.
Category: Team NewsAnd then…..The Earth Stopped Turning on it’s Axis
By: Anne | 1 Comment
Yes folks, the Vic’s won their game against the Atlanta Silverbacks, 1-0. Ok, I guess the Earth didn’t really stop. But sure felt like that big of a deal when we got those 3 points! Especially after we just lost twice in a row to Portland, the last scoreline reading 4-1. Yikes.
But enough Portland talk! Let’s talk about the awesome game last night. It was one of those games, especially the last half, that make all the other cold, rainy, empty stands losses feel okay. Last night was crazy foggy, which evidently must have impeded more than a few of the refs decisions, but at least the fog kept the Kezar slightly warm.
Many players turned in excellent performances. Hugo Casillas stepped in to play defense, since Cameron Dunn and others were out due to suspension and energy. Time and again Casillas has shown his quality as a player in being able to play many positions well, and maintaining strong energy throughout the game. Last night was no exception… despite the linesman just about impaling him with the flag….what was THAT all about?!
Captain Chris Schwarze also had a number of well placed header clearances, and in general, the Vic’s defense was looking good.
Chuck Kim, Josh Hansen, and Mike Munoz all played well on the attacking front, although truly the Vic’s could have scored 2-3 more goals. But we’ll take the awesome one scored by Federico Bianchi in the 39th minute, after an assist from Hansen.
This brings up an interesting point on the attacking front: is it better to have our defenders playing longball? This often seems to be the case with the Vic’s; huge clearances and kicks by the defenders bringing the ball way up front. I’m not sure. And especially when the Vic’s often play with only one striker up front, it can’t be easy.
The last 10 minutes of the game- including the 5 minutes of injury time- were enough to cause a heart attack. In a flurry of last minute activity, goalkeeper Eric Reed and defender Luis Aguilar made some fantastic saves, showing their lightening fast reflexes. But in the end, the win was awesome; let’s hope this winning spirit carries over to the Vic’s game with Puerto Rico on Friday.
Category: Team NewsOffside Exclusive: Ten Minutes with Yuri Morales
By: Anne | 2 Comments
For Santa Cruz native Yuri Morales, the chance to play for the California Victory was an opportunity too good to pass up. “I love San Francisco, I love playing for the Victory,” says the friendly 25 year-old. “I’m glad (owner Dmitry) Mr. Piterman and Glenn Van Straatum have brought this opportunity for us local players to have a place to play close to home. Being from Santa Cruz it’s a perfect opportunity for me to continue my career here and I feel grateful that there’s a team here.”
Although Morales initially played in a striker position growing up, he now plays on the wing for the Victory, and says that this position suits him well. “In a 4 4 2 position, I would say I would like to play striker, but the system we play with one striker sometimes it’s hard to get support as a striker you know, so I like making things happen on the wing. Taking players on, one-against-one. I feel that I can be effective out there.“
Indeed, the wing has proved a good place for Morales, as his goal against Montreal won the USL Goal of the Week recognition. It’s a memory that Morales chalks up as one of his favorite. “The goal in Montreal was… a great feeling. I like scoring goals on shots, it just feels great. And the first two goals I had this year were headers and, not to take anything away from the goal I scored against Vancouver, cause that was a great feeling to get that first win at home, but it just felt great coming off my foot, that last goal in Montreal, and I would say that’s my best Victory moment this year.”
Morales acknowledges a big difference, though, between games like Montreal, and home games against lower ranked teams, where the Victory has not been able to get good results. “I think it’s just inconsistency on our part. It could be for a number of reasons, maybe inexperience… just starting to get to know each other as a team. But also I think it’s a sign of inconsistency when you can play up to a good team’s level and then play down to a team who might not be as good. If you can’t keep that high level of performance, then you can’t be consistent.”
Asked about whether the Victory might have the same group of player next year, Morales pragmatic side shows through: “I think first we need to focus on the rest of the season, and getting good results. Obviously we’re at the bottom of the table for a reason so we have to look at everything and, you know, make some changes if that has to happen. Hopefully we can turn it around. And that’s what we’re focusing on right now.”
Though Morales is keenly intent on getting better results for the Victory this season, when pressed, he admits a desire to play in Europe again someday. He sees his previous experience in Denmark with clubs Viborg and Olstykke FC as a good experience. “It was great,” says Morales. “I feel a little bit more experienced and prepared at this point, after playing there. And just maturing as a player.” He also admits to a dream of playing in Spain. His favorite La Liga player? “I like Thierry Henry and I like Samuel Eto’o who plays for Barcelona now.. they’re my favorite players, and of course you can’t take anything away from Ronaldinho.”
When asked about Eto’o stance on racism, and his call for players to walk off the field, Morales turns quiet and serious.
“I was actually watching that game when it happened,” he says slowly, choosing his words carefully. “And, I think it was the right thing to do. Especially if like, …if one person says something to you, sometimes you have to just let it go…because it’s going to happen. People are going to say bad things, especially if you are, like, a public figure. You have to take that; take the good with the bad. In that sense, if the whole stadium is chanting at you and it effects you because it’s a game… I think it was a sign that you know these players might seem superhuman, and invincible to anything and everything, but we’re still human and we have emotions and when you say things that can effect someone like that, it hurts you.”
But certain forms of crowd involvement can have a positive affect for Morales, and don’t go unnoticed. The chant of “Yu-ri Mor-AL-es” by the Vic’s 1906 supporters has become a frequent fixture at Kezar home games. “We have a small but dedicated group of fans and everybody really appreciates their support,” says Morales. “It’s a much better atmosphere with them there.” And his nickname of ‘the Fury’? “I like it,” he says with a smile. “I think, at least it’s positive, and a little intense I guess, as opposed to a joke name. But I like it. I’ve taken to it.“
The Victory play their next home game against the Atlanta Silverbacks Tues July 17 @ 7pm.
Category: Team NewsHoneymoon’s Over
By: Anne | 1 Comment
Well the Vic’s luck on the road evidently didn’t last, as they crashed out of the US Open Cup yesterday, losing 3-1 to the Colorado Rapids. But as the Vic’s try and pull themselves together for yet another game against Portland this Friday, it seems they might not be the only one for whom the honeymoon is over.
Last week ESPN Soccernet posted a commentary about Vic’s owner Dmitry Piterman on their France page. It seems Piterman and the supporters of the other club he has ownership in, Deportivo Alaves, are a bit at odds. Although the article is in French, it seems evident- through the mess known as Google Translation- that the article is not flattering of Piterman. Among other things, it alleges that some players for Alaves went 4 months without pay.
Unfortunatly, I haven’t kept up with the happenings of Deportivo Alaves this season. But as a Vic’s fan, if the ESPN commentary is accurate, it’s a little unsettling.
http://www.espnsoccernet.fr/feature?id=442891&cc=5739&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab4pos2
Category: Team NewsOn the Road Again
By: Anne | 2 Comments
After the California Victory’s display against Portland on Saturday night, I really couldn’t bring myself to write up a match report. I think I’m over it now. Almost. 3 goals allowed in 20 minutes. Yes, the Vic’s were terrible. It was like watching one of their very first games. Set pieces without Sanchez? They really need work. Missed shots and opportunities? I’m trying hard to think of one area that looked ok. Although to be honest, the referee was shocking… so many bad decisions.
But with the Vic’s on the road again, things may be looking up. They seem to have a better record on the road, and let’s hope that carries over to their US Open game against the Colorado Rapids tonight.
I also sat down with Yuri Morales at their practice on Friday for a few questions- very interesting. I’ll be posting a player profile for him soon.
Category: Team NewsChandler to Make Victory Debut
By: Anne | 3 Comments
Forward Aaron Chandler, selected by MLS team Columbus Crew in the 2007 SuperDraft, is expected to make his debut with the California Victory in tonight’s game against the Portland Timbers. The 23 year old Riverside native played for USF from 2003-2006, making 66 appearances in 75 games, scoring 28 goals and assisting with 16.
Vic’s Head Coach Glenn Van Straatum is hoping that the addition of Chandler will give the Vic’s speed up front and turn some of their draws and one point losses into wins. ”Once we score one or two goals a game, and we dominate the midfield, and we are consistent in the back… and play our game with some faster movement in the front,” said Coach Straatum, “I think we have the potential of picking up a lot of points.”
The Vic’s have experimented quite a bit with different formations, explained Van Straatum, and have not initially found the 4-4-2 formation successful. But the addition of Chandler to the squad could potentially change that. “Now we have Chandler, we get some more speed, maybe we’ll have the second forward there that we need. Right now we are using our strength to come from different angles from our midfield. It’s a little bit unorthodox.”
Tonight’s game against Portland is one of the last opportunities for preparation before the Vic’s US Open game against MLS team the Colorado Rapids on Tuesday. “These 5 days are very important, I told the guys,” says Van Straatum. “Every time we’ve had challenges on and off the field we have been able to persist and ….this again is a challenge that we have to be ready for.”
As the Vic’s enter the 2nd half of the season, Van Straatum remains positive. “I can’t tell you how many challenges I have put in front of this team and I feel that they are stepping it up.…is it fast enough? Obviously I want it to be faster. But again the good thing is we have a good half behind us. We have the confidence of playing the big teams. Now we have to battle against the other teams that are ahead of us, that should be behind us… The 2nd half, I’m going in with a lot of confidence.”
The Victory kick off tonight’s game at 7:00pm at the Kezar Stadium.
Category: Team NewsSanchez Ejected. Again.
By: Anne | 1 Comment
Just last week, as I watched the Vic’s lose to Portland, I wondered aloud just how many red cards ‘animated’ midfielder Ricardo Sanchez has received. “Just the one,” claimed my knowledgeable friend, “in the US Open Cup against the Thunder.” Ah, yes. The dog and hydrant stunt. Wait, I said, what about Club Nexaca? “Ok, that’s only two.” Well, last night made it (at least) three, as “Psycho” Sanchez, as he’s called by the Vic’s supporters, was thrown out in the 79th minute during the Vic’s 1-3 to Miami. Too bad he seems to also be the only set piece-taker for the Vic’s.
Interestingly enough, Sanchez’ ejection was not the only one of the evening. After the ref awarded the Vic’s a thrown-in in the 60th minute, one of the Miami staff evidently stepped on the pitch while protesting. The linesman was having none of it, and ordered the coach off, although it took a very apologetic-looking 4th official and a Kezar security guard to finally remove him.
The ejections, unfortunately, seemed to be the more lively parts of the game, as the Vic’s turned in a rather dismal performance. The game seemed to start off okay, with midfielder Matt Fitzgerald and forward Hugo Casillas putting in big efforts to move the attack forward. Casillas was taken off around the half hour mark though, and Fitzgerald - arguably one of the most consistent players- was inexplicably taken off at halftime.
Despite their concerted efforts, the Vic’s performance last night highlighted a big problem with their finishing. Although the Vic’s seem to step up well to the challenges of top-table teams, like Montreal, when it comes to lower ranked teams, the Victory let their guard down. They don’t seem to be able to set up an attack well, and take too long get shots in.
The defense last night was having big problems as well, mainly with Miami forward Sean Fraser. He was constantly given too much room, and although keeper Eric Reed did well to fend him off most of the time, it was more Fraser’s missed shots than the Vic’s defense that kept the scoreline down.
And speaking of scoreline, Vic’s fans out there- did YOU see the 3rd Miami goal? I must have missed it. We all thought it was a cruel joke when Chuck Kim’s goal was credited to Miami, and the scoreboard read 0-3. Then it read 1-3…did anyone else miss that?
Well, maybe it’s something about the Kezar, as the Vic’s away record seems to be better than their home record. Come to think of it, it MUST be the Kezar. What other stadium in the world would you huddle under a blanket from icy winds…. in JULY??
Here’s hoping we have better luck against Portland on Saturday.
Category: Team NewsFree Admission
By: Anne | 1 Comment
Hey Folks- Don’t throw away your ticket stub from the Vic’s game against Miami FC tomorrow; you can use it for free admission to Saturday’s game against….the Portland Timbers.
Fresh off a 2-0 win over the Montreal Impact on Sunday, Wednesday’s game has the potential to be very exciting. Miami FC is home to Zinho, the Brazilian midfielder, who was capped by his country 57 times.
Category: Team NewsHeartbreak for the Vic’s
By: Anne | 1 Comment
After being on the road for the last two weeks, the Vic’s were defeated at home by the Portland Timbers 1-0 last night. The Vic’s have played four games in the last six days, and unfortunately their exhaustion showed a bit.
Yuri Morales had a great breakaway in the 54th minute, but chose to pass to Ricardo Sanchez. Sanchez, just yards from the goal, waited too long to shoot and was unable to convert, as the defenders converged on him.
Sanchez, who was infamously red carded for his ‘dog and hydrant’ goal celebration in Tuesday’s US Open game, had other opportunities last night. In the 69th minute, a well placed free kick from Sanchez forced the Timbers goalkeeper into a full body jump, and the ball was parried over the bar.
Newly mohawk-shorn Chuck Kim was brought on as a sub in the 2nd half, but was unable to cause much trouble for the Timbers. The referees were not helping matters though, as Kim was dubiously judged to be in an offside position several times.
One very bright spot in the game was defender Cameron Dunn, who had several consistent clearances and was instinctively in the right spot at the right time.
Unfortunately for the Vic’s, the defense was unable to stop a long range goal kick, that Portland converted in the 88th minute for their only goal.
The Vic’s will be back in action, at home, on July 4 as they take on Miami FC.
Category: Team News
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