1: What happens in New Jersey apparently travels to Cincinnati. Ironically, we looked like could’ve used a Red Bull in the first half.  It was a surprisingly and disappointing slow and uninspired first half. Given the opportunity that was in front of us I expected us to come out fighting and take control of the game immediately. Now with the NYC and Philly result it didn’t end up mattering in terms of getting a home game, but it was disappointing nonethless. To put it simply, we looked disinterested. 

2: Not having Moreno or Sosa left us without anyone connecting the play midfield or organizing the attack. Ibarra just didn’t provide that. Our press, if you want to call it that, was ineffective. We didn’t win the ball back enough and when we did, we never capitalized. Passing and first touches were sloppy. It was down to individual runs with ball at Barco or Luiz’s feet. We were bereft of creativity and teamwork. It was a bewildering 1st half performance. 

3: I don’t need world class play every time but my goodness, it wasn’t until stoppage time of the first half that anyone started to even step up and have a sense or urgency. This kind of performance, even if only for one half, won’t be good enough in the post season. Certainly not against NYC on their kiddie pitch. 

4: So you’re telling me Bello has a chance? And then another chance? I don’t know what’s going on but if he converted even 1/3 of his chances, he’d be a completely different player and we’d be in a completely different position. 

5: Please tell me the PR team recorded the halftime speech. I gotta know. I’m imagining a Bill Pullman Independence Day style moment. The subs of Mulraney, and Lennon the formation switch to a back 4 made a huge difference so once again, I think credit goes to Gonzo. Also Josef Martinez is that Mo&@!%F*^%$!@. He’s given us some breathtaking goals, that one sure sucked the air out of my lungs. That being said, it’s gonna have to be a much better full 90 performance to move on from here. Hopefully having Moreno and Sosa back and healthy will help. We are going to have to be at our absolute best with our absolute best players.