Prost Amerika video columnist Alan Hinton shared his thoughts on the Sounders’ 3-1 loss to Portland in a controversial US Open Cup match. Hinton went on to discuss Manchester City sending players on loan to NYCFC, MLS and the scheduling conflicts associated with international matches, the USWNT win over Nigeria, Copa America and the latest FIFA scandal news.
Portland’s controversial US Open Cup win over Seattle
“(the referee) was fussing over little things…then, it all went crazy.”
Seattle lost 3-1 to the Portland Timbers in an US Open Cup match that ended with the Sounders playing with seven players. Forward Obafemi Martins left the pitch after suffering an injury and three ejections gave the visitors all they needed to move on to the next round of the Open Cup competition.
Hinton was adamant in pointing the finger at a nervous referee who lost control of the game. Despite the controversial calls, he felt Dempsey’s actions against the official were not justified.
Analysis: In USOC and in derbies, anything can happen
Manchester City loaning players to NYCFC
“The loan system could be under abuse here.”
Hinton called out NYCFC for their plans to acquire four Manchester City players on loan. With MLS rosters lacking depth, he thought this could give an unfair advantage to NYCFC.
USWNT move on to the knockout stage in WWC
“The US…have to start scoring goals.”
The US women defeated Nigeria 1-0 and win their group. They meet Colombia on Monday to determine who plays in the quarterfinals.
According to Hinton, goals would be at a premium in the knockout stage. He cautioned about putting too much emphasis on the 15 group stage goals scored by the German women against weak competition. Hinton mused that no team was dominant and several sides had the chance to win the 2015 WWC in Canada.
