Wizards suffer first loss of the season

By: travis | April 9th, 2008

I love early season optimism. Two wins in a row to start things off and you’re feeling good about the possibilities. Your next opponent has just been punished the previous week, 4-0. They’re missing four regular starters, either through injury or suspension. Not to mention that three 19-year olds in the opposing starting lineup almost resembles three points in the bag. Unfortunately, the Wizards couldn’t continue the good-vibes of their early season success. A 3-1 loss to the Revolution came at a good time, as the season is just three weeks old. It highlights what I think will be the underlying question of the year: defense.

Last night was an indication of what could happen if they underperform. It wasn’t a bad showing, but nothing stood out. The first goal given up, an own goal off the foot of Jack Jewsbury. And to be honest, it was a freak goal. Jewsbury was trying to clear and it flicked off of Tyson Wahl’s head onto Jewsbury’s shin and ended in the net. The Wizards looked to rebound quickly, and when Kurt Morsink was felled in the box, Jewsbury was given the chance to atone for his sin and leveled the score at one.

From there, the rest of the first half was all New England. Jimmy Conrad was beaten down the left side by Khano Smith who crossed it in front of two Wizard defenders to Sainey Nyassi who punched it in. Another set piece in the 40th minute then led to the death blow, and it was 3-1 at the half. The defense on both occasions faltered mightily, unable to simply clear that ball from danger. But the offense didn’t bail them out in the second half.

The fight the Wizards showed during the final 45 was lively and inspired, but the Wizards touch in the final third of the field betrayed them to defeat. Chance Myers and Roger Espinoza, both picks in the SuperDraft (stupid name) made their debuts respectively. Myers looks like he’ll be a starter soon enough; he had some nice runs down the left side, but his crossing can use some work. He’s a real big kid too and should become a formidable force on the wing.

Highlights/lowlights:

Next Opponent:
Houston comes to town still looking for their first win of the season. They were spanked by the Revs 3-0 during opening weekend. Wizards look to restart their winning ways.