Saturday, August 6, 2011

The Thrill Is Gone...

I like to try to be objective when I write about the games that SKC plays, but tonight, that just isn't going to happen. I think the last chance of that happened when Seattle scored twice in the final minutes to scrape by with a 2-1 win at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park, ending the unbeaten run at 14 and is the first loss at LSP in league play.

It all started with the 59th minute "red card" for Omar Bravo. I say it that way because that red card was completely unjustified. Granted, Omar did leave his feet when going for the ball, but Omar got the ball and then Pat Noonan ran into him. The ironic thing about the whole situation was that while I was looking at the video board, I saw referee Jair Marrufo telling one of our players that he should look at the replay while pointing toward the video board.

After the post-game pres conference, I was sure Peter Vermes felt the same way about the call that I did. He said that when players and coaches screw up, there are consequences, but referees don't seem to be held to the same standard. He was absolutely right, but that won't stop the league from fining him for what he said. This team has been on the bad end of a, pardon my French, bullshit red card or non-call on penalty kicks way too often this season. As a sports official myself, I understand that it's a hard job, but when I screw up, there are consequences. The same should be able to be said about MLS referees. MLS wants to be considered one of the best leagues in the world, but they won't be if the quality of the officiating doesn't improve, and quickly.

Before I give myself a stroke thinking about the officials too much, I'll just post some pics and call it a night...

The "revolutionary" color guard for tonight's game...


Former KC player (current technical director in Seattle) Chris Henderson and SKC VP of communications Rob Thomson...


Birthday boy Jimmy Nielsen celebrates Kei Kamara's goal in the first half...


I took this one because I loved the sign... And the kid's so serious-looking...


Evidently, Jimmy's not the only MLS keeper that sticks his tongue out... Kasey Keller does too...


MLS All-Star Matt Besler tries to make his way through the Seattle defense...


That's all for now... See you soon...

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