United 2, Rochester 0

The prettiest, most gorgeous, Summer evening of the year.

The game? had a familiar feeling for about 75 minutes. I'm glad United's calculations worked, but there was little threat of scoring in play. They could have lost - they didn't deserve to lose, but they could have lost. They say they're taking the Cup seriously. Let's see who's on the field next Tuesday against the Fire.

After watching Dyachenko flunk yet another audition, who does United turn to when Gallardo is hurt or yellowed or redded? D introduced a Gallardo debate. I'm obviously in the pro-Gallardo faction, and I think had Gallardo played United would have scored enough in the first half that he could have been given the second half off. He would have found the holes in Rochester's defense that Dyachenko could but couldn't hit. Dyachenko is smarter than his body is able.

Actually, Kirk and Doe flunked too. Kirk had one chance for brilliance, mid-2nd half, a breakaway, tough but doable with a deft touch and burst of speed, and he botched the touch as he was hesitating. Could have earned himself some minutes there. Doe? Besides triggering a stupid-ass song from Sound of Music in my head every time I hear or see his name, I'd rather have Kpene not scoring.

Mark Burch. I turned to this guy after Burch's second goal and said, Burch makes an excellent USL player, which is not to be ungrateful for the goals or for his contributions to United. Burch is a terrific first or second player off the bench for a contending MLS team. I'm glad United has him. He's an asset. On set pieces he's a weapon. But good teams who've scouted United and play tough defense can render him quiet. Don't get crazy.

Fred. Oy.

Goff skips player ratings but adds:

-- Ryan Cordeiro was active and determined on the left flank.
-- Francis Doe didn't do much.
-- Quavas Kirk got up and down the right flank, but didn't show the technical ability to make an impact.
-- Pat Carroll was quite good at right back (and offered strong throw-in ability) and then did well in the middle in the second half.
-- Zach Wells got the shutout, but seemed indecisive on several balls.
-- Rod Dyachenko had some nice moments, but disappeared at times in the middle of the park.

Pat Carroll?

....

Did play well.

Hey, credit to Rochester fans:

That's a freaking long drive.

Had a good talk with this guy:

We were waiting in line for the one bathroom open at the entire facility. To his mocking that even a bottom table USL team's stadium had more than one bathroom, I could only laugh in agreement.

Still, just a quibble. Make it out there next Tuesday, mofos. A totally different, totally fabulous experience.

DCENTERS DEBRIEFING is up with its standard linky goodness and insight.