BALLSACK!!! (Argentinos 1 – Gimnasia de Jujuy 1)

By: Scott | September 17th, 2007

Sorry for the language, kids, but I can’t think of any other word to describe what happened. On one hand, the boys in red and white controlled most of the match on Saturday, and on the other they had NUMEROUS defensive miscues in the area that put Navarro and the crossbar to the test. They came through on every occasion except one.Many will put the blame on one much-maligned Nestor Ortigoza for the tying goal, which was conceded 3.5 minutes into injury time when our beloved hunchback stood passively as a loose ball found its way to his man’s foot on the doorstep of the goal. And that definitely was his fault. However, the coach who is in charge of set piece defense strategy and execution (if that position does not exist, it should and I nominate myself) should accept much of the responsibility (I do NOT hold that position as of yet, so I will NOT accept that responsibility). A sign of professionalism, intelligence, dedication, blablabla on a soccer team is the fact that a loose ball within the penalty area needs to be kicked FAR and AWAY from goal. It does NOT need to be stared at, moved away from, or just sort of, you know…well, forgotten about. I poop you not, it happened FOUR TIMES in the second half. Of course the opponent will take advantage of such a ridiculously ridiculous situation at some point. So, congrats to Gimnasia de Jujuy for doing that.

Positives? Sure, Alvaro Periera, as has come to be expected around these parts, busted his ass, caused havoc, and scored the lone goal. Nico Gianni looked good as a substitute creating spaces and making good runs, looking to put home the second goal, and it was the first time that he looked good since his knee injury in September 2006. Nico Navarro was spectacular in goal, saving jackbutts like Sergio Escudero from their amazingly inexplicable blunders on defense.

Alas, life is cruel, as we have all learned, and a tie is better than a loss. Take that to heart, fans. We tied. Yes! The sensation is overwhelming. I cannot control my excitement.

I will be back tomorrow with various other news, though there is not much to be found. The next match is Saturday evening at home against Newell’s Old Boys. They have the distinction of having my favorite name of a soccer team. More interesting tidbits coming later…be sure to check back in!