Stream of Consciousness Match Report
Chicago Burn v Dallas Burn 17 April, 2004

Good save early on by Scott Garlick. I’ve always liked Garlick, but it took me a while to get used to him in Dallas, especially since I considered D.J. Countess one of the best young keepers in the league. Garlick has tons of experience, especially in big games, and I’m now comfortable with him in goal.

Burn back on their heels early, two good chances on goal for Chicago in the first five minutes. Razov looking very dangerous, as well as Andy Williams.

Dallas settles down after 10 minutes or so. Left wing play looks strong. Behncke is a good pickup for us.

Eddie Johnson and Tony Nhleko (pronounced ‘klekko’, of course) can’t get out of each others way in the 12th minute, spoiling a good buildup. Nhleko, to look at him, has a weekend park league player’s build, and doesn’t seem to be in great shape. To pull that off, you have to score 20 goals a season. If you do, you’re “colorful” and a “free spirit”. Anything less than that, you’re unprofessional, and probably unemployed.

I like the way Dallas will not be pushed around this year. A much tougher, much more physical team this year. Not thuggish, just good hard-nosed soccer. Very American.

Good pressure and ball control for approximately 8 minutes, starting at about minute 13. Nhleko with a scorcher of a shot in the 23rd that Ring spilled, but recovered. Good run right after that by Eric Quill, but Ring came smartly of his line and smothered Eric before he could finish.

Gorgeous goal by Eddie Johnson in the 27th minute! Quick release by Garlick to Ronnie on the right wing, long pass into the box which EJ hits on the half-volley while being covered close by two defenders. A true thing of beauty.

Everybody in Dallas has known that EJ was due to be big in this league, and hopefully this will be the night we all look back on and say, “Yep, that was the night Eddie showed up”.

Leading 1-0 at halftime. Oh my. This is the way it should be. I’m nervous. A win against Chicago means we’re back baby.

Dallas comes out strong at the beginning of the second half, creating a couple of chances. Substitute Dipsy Selowanne almost levels in the 52nd with a long shot that just misses wide right.

Valakari got another yellow. Two in two games. I kinda like that, though. He’s not dirty by any means, but he plays a hard defensive midfield. We’ve lacked that. I like the guy.

Jim Curtin tried to stomp Tony Nhleko like a narc at a biker rally. Ronnie immediately came in and got in some faces. This team is taking no nonsense this year. And they’re playing as a team, not a group of individuals. It’s good to see.

Razov missed a sitter in the 69th.

2-0 in the 70th minute!! Great run by EJ up the left side, he stops, because he’s got three men on him, he plays it square over to Rhine, who shoots from the 18, catches a fortunate deflection, and poor Henry Ring again doesn’t get a sniff at it. Two goals in two games for Bobby Rhine. He showed such great promise his first year in Dallas, it is great to see him coming into his own.

Man this feels good.

Pareja came in late and looked healthy. When he gets back in form it will be tough for Clarke to keep out of the starting lineup.

Damani Ralph missed a good header chance in the 92nd minute. It would have helped my fantasy team, but I’m glad he missed, nonetheless.

And that is it my friends! The Burn are back.