Nelsen was huge again for Rovers. He has worn the Captain's armband for every game back since injury. Clearly a difference maker for Blackburn.

Outstanding saves by big Brad at the end.

Thanks for the coverage, Steve.

i recorded this game and was planning on watching it this afternoon, now i guess i don't have to.

Yeah, I just learned not to check the blog if I've got a game recorded, too! Learn the hard way, I guess.

Looked to be an interesting strategy. The English coverage guy thought Hughes was playing for the draw so that the re-match would have to be played at Ewood when Blackburn's two missing strikers would be available.

That looked to be what was going on until about the last 15 minutes, when Rovers went more on the attack. At that point the game got more interesting, and big Brad made his most spectacular saves.

Friedel rules.

And JkR, now that you know, just watch the last 15 minutes.

Sorry JkR. That advice should have been for oof.

Friedel should go down as the best US goal keeper (ever) to this point. Keller is a close #2 but friedel has a better cup record. I thought early in his career he was #2, but his form in 2002 and the continued high level of play for Rovers on a consistent basis has put him over the top. He's almost unbeatable at times (like today).

Keller has moved around much more although has had 3 straight clean sheets trying to keep 'bach in the boondeshliga.

What's a replay, anyway? Only in the EPL?

A replay is what you get when one team has to advance and you don't play overtimes and have penalty shoot outs to decide the winner.

You just go at it again another day for a full 90. And another after that if it isn't resolved. And then another...well, you get the idea.

except that in England, when they have a replay (for the FA or League Cups), it only goes to one extra match (per round). If a game goes to a replay, and the teams are still tied after 90 minutes of the second match, then the teams play an extra 30 minutes of time followed by PKs. Such as the Arsenal-Bolton match this past Wednesday, which Arsenal won 3-1 aet with the decisive goals scored in extra time.

There's no "away goal" rule for replays in these competitions.

I've followed the side since Nelson made the move a couple of years ago. The Tactics from the Rovers' boss were spot on for this match. The side was always going to have a tough time in this match, what with injury and suspension woes eliminating their top scorer, their influential left wing, and their two starting center midfielders. I'll tell you, by the closing whistle in that match the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Great match.