RSL vs DC United: What we learned

Well, we won. We got another three points. Needed three points. But. A gigantic, massive, bulging but.

I can honestly say I was a bit disappointed when DC went down a man because I wanted RSL to take three points from a full-power squad, not be gifted an advantage once again. DC played hard and well tonight and—I hate to say it—we barely scratched out a win.

Rusnák

The best part of this match? Yeah, that was Albert Rusnák, no doubt. I used to joke that if I were RSL’s coach, I would have one rule: if you’re not Javi, pass the ball to Javi. I’m updating that and supplanting Javi’s name with that of Albert Rusnák. That guy is gold, his touches are magic, his passing, his vision, his movement. Get the ball to Rusnák and let him make the plays.

Rimando

No one has done what he’s done in this league. It’s going to be a long time yet before anyone challenges his achievements. It’s been spectacular watching him play these many years.

But

We still just aren’t playing well enough.

Huge props to RSL for hitting a discombobulated DC United after that red card. DC never had an opportunity to figure things out before we banged the ball into the net.

But we didn’t hit DC hard enough. We didn’t capitalize as much as we could have. We won. In the end, that’s what matters. The play will be forgotten to time and the points will remain.

But the guys took the foot off the gas just long enough for DC to put themselves back into the match.

Without that red card, I’m skeptical that RSL takes the full three points.

But there’s improvement here. They got it done in the end, which is what’s most important. Guys are coming back from injury. The season is long and I’m excited.

Overreactions

Even if he never wins MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, they should name that damn award for Nick Rimando.

Then Rimando should retire and come out of retirement to play in Mexico or something like that.

Then Rimando’s son can beat all of his records.

And his daughter can set all new NWSL records.

Or they can do something else entirely with their lives and that’s cool too, I guess. Dad’s proud either way, for sure.