Sanchez Ejected. Again.

By: Anne | July 5th, 2007

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.