Cardiff Round 1 Now 2

COYW!!!

A word with man-of-the-match Josh Onomah. “We started quite slowly, but second half we came out sharp. We were determined to score, and after the first few minutes we knew we were going to score. Thankfully I got that goal! I’ve been working on scoring, and tried to keep my composure. I rolled a couple of people and passed it in. Once I scored it lifted our spirits and we controlled the game from there. I’m looking forward to the next game, and hopefully a game after that. Morale is high.”

 

That really was a great performance from the team. I was sullen when I saw that Mitro wasn't in the lineup. We all know that scoring without him is a weakness. Then the opening few minutes had my heart in my throat. Thankfully the back line weathered the early onslaught and Fulham started to "play their game" as Don said.

I thought for sure Cairney had gotten Fulham the first goal when he fired that shot that just nicked the post. It was a classic Cairney shot that was almost magic, but at that point I felt like the goal was coming. Onomah's moves to get through the box and score were mind-blowing. I'm eager to watch that again and again. I'll also enjoy watching another spectacular free-kick from Kebano. I have this Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer-esque vision in my head that Kebano was the sad little kid not able to break into the first team so he just spent his time doing free kicks on his own while everyone else played. Then one not so foggy July day the manager said they needed him on the field. Everyone got to see Kebano score from his amazing free kicks and the teammates all shouted with glee, "Neeskens, you'll go down in Fulham history!"

 

My dog hated that game. Our goals were so fantastic I let out the two loudest yells of the season. Best day in a long while.

 

Highlights from Fulham. Love the grin from Parker after Kebano's goal.

 

Quality match by the Whites after first 5 min. 9 stars out of 10. Fantastic goals. Fun listening to ex-white Konchesky as an announcer. Looking forward to Thursday!

 

Very good second half obviously. I think we’re seeing two stars coming of age. Onomah and Kebano have been huge since the restart, and today will only stoke the fires for the return leg at the Cottage. Kebano, especially, is turning into a right footed Messi on direct free kicks. He’s figured some things out as it pertains to finding the weak spot in the opponent’s formations. Today’s was about as different as you can get from his grass cutter against Wednesday. Time will tell if he continues to be a set piece threat on every freebie in range but, right now, we need to ride the hot hand (or foot, if you will) of No. 7. Not take anything away from Onomah’s effort. And another clean sheet. Stranger things have happened, but you gotta feel pretty good about our chances of completing the job Thursday night at the Cottage.

 

Curious about Mitro's injury, but with a two goal lead and the form they've been on without him, do you risk bringing him back in the starting lineup Thursday? Would like to see him on the bench to know he's healthy, but I'm not sure I want to see him in the starting lineup

 

In the space of 2-3 weeks, Kebano has elevated himself to a folk hero. I wish the club would resume personalized kits, as I would like to purchase a Kebano one.

Was so happy to get that second goal. Cardiff will now probably throw everything they can at us early on Thursday. If we can weather the storm, I like our chances going to Wembley. Even during this totally surreal, often times bleak present, the thought still makes me smile.

 

Parker was cagey about injuries during his press conference today. He didn't mention Mitro by name and said something nearly unintelligible about those who were injured getting better, but uncertainty about their fitness. Fortunately, Fulham goes in with a two goal advantage, so defense is more important than offense in this one. Plus, Fulham's got Kebano who's practically guaranteed to score! I'm trying not to be overconfident, but Fulham is certainly in a strong position. Hopefully an early score for the home team puts this one to bed.

 

45 miuntes! COYW

 

Well, that was a couple years worth of stress

 

Not much to add to what DtD said. I am just glad that is over! On to Wembley!

 

world soccer talk has it showing on ESPN+ HD. perhaps they havent updated their site yet?

 

It will be on ESPN+. Here's a screenshot of their schedule:


I thought it was unlucky for Fulham that the second goal wasn't called back for offside. Tomlin was certainly in an offside position, so the issue is if Christie played the ball "intentionally". That bounce off him toward his own goal did not meet that definition. I'm glad that in the end it didn't matter.

Fulham looked fantastic in the first half, but after losing Kebano and giving up the early second goal they seemed to barely hold it together in the second half - but barely holding it together was good enough!

Between the three bad hammies, Mitro's, Kebano's, and Cavaleiro's, I'm pretty worried about Fulham's chances against Brentford. Hopefully a couple of them can get healthy this weekend.

 

Phew!