HARRISON, NJ- Juan Pablo Angel snapped his early season goal drought, picking up a goal in the run of play and converting one of two penalties to help Metro secure a 2-1 win over FC Dallas, stealing 3 points in the process.  New York didn’t play terribly (outside of the first 15 minutes), but it certainly didn’t deserve to beat a threatening Dallas side that forced NY goalie Bouna Coundoul to be his absolute best.  Either way I doubt the team or its fans will complain, as a win is a win.

Hans Backe stuck with his theme of organization and continuity, making only one change from last weeks line up.  Bouna, Miller, Ream, Petke, and Hall rounded out the defensive side of the squad, while the midfield consisted of Kandji, Stammler, Lindpere, and Richards.  Angel and Salou Ibrahim, who made his first start and replaced Sinisa Ubiparipovic in the line up, started up top.  The first 10-15 minutes were a lesson in futility, with Dallas dominating every aspect of the match.  Metro couldn’t possess the ball, and unforced giveaways typified their early play.  Dallas punished the team for its ugly start by scoring in the 10th minute.  Dax McCarty, who is roughly 4 feet tall, out jumped the entire New York defense and headed home a beautiful cross from Heath Pearce.

Luckily Metro managed to settle the game down, and they played better for the rest of the first half.  Juan Pablo Angel had a goal correctly called offsides, but despite looking better New York didn’t manage to create many solid chances.  The second half started fairly evenly, although Dallas had a few more opportunities than the hosts.  In the 57th minute Angel put away a good pass from Joel Lindpere, tying the game at 1.  Although the game was tied, FC Dallas could have scored at least 5 times between this goal and the end of the match, but a combination of poor finishing and an amazing effort from Bouna Coundoul in net kept the score line even.

The true difference maker in the match ended up being referee Alex Pruss, who awarded New York two penalties.  Although both looked like actual penalties to me, I am sure there are some Dallas fans with differing opinions.  But if you are reading this, you are likely to be a Metro fan and in agreement with me (or my mother, who makes up about 25% of my readership and always agrees with me anyway).  Angel took both, missing the first in the 65th minute.  When given another chance to take a PK he didn’t disappoint, and he converted the game winning penalty kick in the 90th minute.  Was Metro a little lucky?  Probably.  Is it worth complaining about?  Probably not.

Although New York didn’t play terribly, the number of shots Coundoul faced, coupled with a lack of overall possession and an inability to create significant chances in the run of play were negatives and give the coaching staff something to work on in the next week.  Carl Robinson, who made his regular season debut after coming back from injury, looked solid and will probably end up starting with Lindpere in the middle when he is fit.  Bouna had a great comeback after a rough night against Chivas last weekend, and if he can be a bit more consistent he will be one of the best keepers in the league.

Dave Braneck is a blogger and an all around soccer fan who represents North Jersey to the fullest and contributes to Dailyharrison.com

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