RSL Equalizer Nullified by Offside
Real Salt Lake lost on another questionable call. This time it was an offside call that nullified a Will Johnson goal and gave Columbus a 1-0 win. Video review confirmed no player was offside on the play.
“Its getting annoying now,” said RSL Captain Kyle Beckerman. “Great…great officiating.” (Note: these remarks came in an interview with the television station broadcasting the match)
“My reactions (on the field) don’t change those calls,” said Coach Jason Kreis. Kreis kept an upbeat tone, told interviewers the squad cannot control what has happened, and emphasized the need to move forward.
Real falls to 1-3-1 on the season.
Scoring
Columbus scored in the 38th minute on a penalty kick, which was set up by a Robbie Russell foul in the box. The foul was the correct call, as Russell pushed the Crew player in the back and clipped his leg. The fall resulted in the whistle and a penalty kick.
The 82nd minute equalizer from Will Johnson was called off by the questionable offside penalty.
Johnson gave the side judge a piece of his mind; however, Jason Kreis quickly calmed an incensed Real side and prevented a card.
Robbie Findley nearly scored in the 88th minute on a beautiful lead from Kyle Beckerman. Columbus’ keeper made a brilliant save to stop it.
Game Notes
The field and everyone on it was soaked all night as rain poured for all 90 minutes. It let up periodically but never appeared to stop.
Real’s starting lineup at midfield and defense contained a couple of changes due to injuries.
Javier Morales appeared at the end of the match rather than starting. This was his first match back from his groin pull. Andy Williams started at the offensive midfield position in Morales’ place. Colin Warner received his first MLS start, playing for Grabavoy at the side midfield position. This was surprising because of Nelson Gonzalez’ successful appearance last week in LA. Gonzalez appeared late in relief of Tony Beltran.
Beltran started at defensive wing in place of the still-injured Chris Wingert.
Alvaro Saborio and Fabian Espindola started at forward – Saborio had an early opportunity to score when he intercepted a pass that was poorly sent back to Columbus’ keeper. The keeper was able to dive on the ball as Saborio was dribbling it, but the play was good and showed hustle.
RSL continues to struggle on set pieces. They nearly gave up a goal just after a free kick deep in their zone. Jamison Olave and Saborio just watched a Crew player pass them and miss a wide open header at the net.
Morales and Robbie Findley both checked in during the 62nd minute for Warner and Espindola respectively. It was good to see both as they have been hampered by injury issues – Morales missed the last match entirely.
Jamison Olave seemed to get into it with a fan in the 69th minute. He stood in the middle of the field and was yelling at someone on the sideline (opposite the team benches), and appeared to give some sort of masculinity challenge. We will ask him about it next week and see what he says.
Andy Williams played the entire match. He is playing a lot of minutes since Grabavoy went down, and he looks to be in really good shape. He was still making hustle plays late into the match.
No cards were issued during the match.
Real may have gotten a reputation for rough play in the box among officials. It looks like they get less deference on penalty calls from officials than most other teams. Officials watch tape and know individual players well, so they can judge flops etc.
RSL Man of the Match
Will Johnson, who played incredibly and found the net in the most questionable call of the evening.
Category: Game Review, Opinion
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