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MicroLeague Sports Association |
September 20, 2000 |
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MLS: San Diego Captures MLS Cup 2-0
Dominant Performance Caps Season |
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The San Diego Sun completed a
perfect playoff run with a completely dominant performance in the
first ever MLS Cup, beating Detroit 2-0.
Missing from the
game was Texas, the prohibitive favorites to win the title. They
were ousted in the first round by Detroit with the league's best MVP
candidate, Brian McBride, out with an injury.
Nonetheless,
San Diego handled the game with the same level of control they had
handled Boston with in the first round. Their midfield was
completely dominant in every aspect and Jason Kreis was named MLS
Cup 2000 MVP.
The first goal of the game came in the 60th
minute. After five near misses in the first half, San Diego finally
cracked the goal early in the second period. Jason Kreis distributed
the ball wide to Mo Johnston, who had come on as a substitute for
Preki. Johnston stopped and sent a long 30 yard cross into the box,
right on target to the far post. Raul Diaz Arce gained perfect
position on Maurizio Wright and ripped the net with a powerful
header that left no chance for Kevin Hartman to react.
For
the rest of the game, San Diego completely confounded Detroit
playmaker Mauricio Cinefuegos. Richie Williams, as he had done all
year, did the defensive work. San Diego's possession and Steve
Ralston's tireless running kept Jason Moore in a defensive posture
all game, effectively neutralizing one of Detroit's best creative
forces. At the center of it all was Kreis, directing the offense,
which held possession of the ball for 62% of the game, on their way
to outshooting Detroit 11-5.
Although Detroit never
threatened Scott Garlick's net, the championship was not assured
until Ante Razov scored another last kick goal, similar to the one
that ended San Diego's first round series. Jason Kreis again started
the play by distributing down the wing. This time, it was Ralston on
the right who sent the cross in for Razov to snap home with his
head.
With such a dominant performance, San Diego proved they
were the Champions of MLS. After a horrid 0-4 start, they were the
league's most consistent team. They climbed the standings as others
dropped and when the high flyers riding hot streaks cooled in the
playoffs, they were left standing, holding the trophy.
Box
Score @ San Diego, CA September 16, 2000
Scoring SD-
Diaz Arce (Johnston, Kreis), 60th SD- Razov (Ralston, Kreis),
90th
Bookings None
Statistics SD Det 11 Shots
5 9 On Goal 3 4 Corners 0 0 Cards 0 0 Fouls 0 62%
Possession 38% 26% Att Zone 20%
Most Valuable Player -
Jason Kreis, San Diego
Player Ratings SAN DIEGO SUN G,
Scott Garlick (7) - Wasn't challenged but controlled game
well. D, Paul Caligiuri (6) - Solid performance
defensively. D, Jan Eriksson (6) - Made no mistakes or notable
plays. D, Ted Chronopoulos (7) - Blanketed Zambrano, made several
key plays. M, Steve Ralston (8) - Terror on the wing all game,
clinching assist. M, Richie Williams (8) - Dominated flow,
created offense. M, Jason Kreis (7) - Started both goals from
center of the field. M, Matt McKeon (6) - Helped Williams contain
Cienfuegos. M, Preki (6) - Solid but unexciting
performance. F, Raul Diaz Arce (7) - First goal put San Diego in
control. F, Roy Lassiter (6) - Failed to finish but was a
threat.
Substitutes Mo Johnston (7) - No letup when he
entered. Ante Razov (7) - Clinched game with late goal. Todd
Yeagley (7) - Played well defensively late in the
game.
DETROIT MERCENARIES G, Kevin Hartman (7) - Made some
amazing saves to keep team alive. D, C.J. Brown (6) - Played
solidly in first half, not noticed in second. D, Peter Verms (7)
- Played very well, tackled with perfection. D, Maurizio Wright
(6) - Inconsistent. Good plays and beaten on both goals. D, Jimmy
Conrad (6) - Had to contend with Ralston and Williams. M, John
Maessner (6) - Disappeared after dangerous first half. M, Jorge
Salcedo (4) - Had no impact in slowing San Diego's midfield. M,
Mauricio Cienfuegos (4) - No threats created, no defensive
impact. M, Jason Moore (5) - Had too much trouble defending to
create offense. F, Henry Zambrano (5) - Failed to convert and
create. F, Dante Washington (5) - Missed all
opportunities.
Substitutes Richard Mulrooney (4) - Was
overwhelmed on the wing. Josh Wolff (5) - Wasn't provided with
many chances. Brian Maissoneuve (5) - Little time or opportunity
to impact game. | |
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