The one where we don't bend it like Beckham

1: It was a very strong start from Gallagher. For his first MLS start he appeared confident right away and had no problem getting himself involved in the attack. He was good on and off the ball. He was threatening throughout the first half. I'll happily take another dangerous player in the attack, especially right now. 

 

2: The first goal from Miami was not unexpected. We have to play a higher line and take risks. With risks comes opportunity for opposition especially when you’re playing a team like Miami who is playing on the counter. It’s still preventable but I can look at that with some forgiveness. There is absolutely no excuse for Miami’s second goal. Lewis Morgan was totally unmarked with acres of space. 

 

3: I absolutely love the encouragement from Glass on the touch line. "See what he’s got Johnny!" I don’t want a coach who’s berating players or barking out instructions on every touch of the ball, but I think "atta boys" and positive encouragement from the gaffer is a really good and really important element. Maybe even more so without fans in the stands. This was sorely missing from FDB. 

 

4: WTF Sibiga!!! No cards for LGP until nearly halftime. I saw him count out the fouls on one hand when he finally shows him yellow. He needed to drop his whistle and continue counting on the other hand. Moreover all of LGP’s fouls were deliberate and cynical. Sibiga just had no control over this match. It should have been a red card on Figal. Sibiga also nearly allowed a Miami player back on during a free kick after receiving treatment. This was just a really poor performance from him all around and he’s not one I usually call out. The disciplinary committee HAS TO issue a suspension to Figal. It was a deliberate elbow/forearm to the face of a player. It's dangerous play and can't be allowed or condoned. 

 

5: Overall, this was maybe our best performance since the return to play, despite the loss. For me its even better than the 2-0 win against Nashville because I think Miami is a better team. We created way more chances and the play was much faster, though still not fast enough. Look, it’s difficult when the calls aren’t going your way, you miss a PK, you don't get the call red card call and the team sits as deep as Miami did. The book is out on us. Sit deep, clog up the passing lanes, foul a lot and pay off the ref and you can’t get a win over us.