I have seen the table, and we have games in hand against all of those teams. It is hard not to make the playoffs in MLS. All I am saying is that resting guys for two more games should not kill our ability to make the playoffs. A semi final and a final should take presedence over a regular season game imo.
I, for one, am still rooting for the quadreble. (Or whatever it is called when you get all four.) But one question: does that mean I have to hold up a sign that says HOPE or I BELIEVE or something?
With the games 48 hours apart, Sohn has to figure out his line-up for NE and then see who's left for NY. I have McT as the only player to start both. Would be nice if Peralta is ready to play some minutes, even if it's mainly in NY. NEW ENGLAND U.S. Open Cup (assuming no Gallardo, Q, Peralta; assumes Moreno as attacking mid): Wells Namoff McTavish Martinez Burch Simms Thompson/Cordierro Moreno Fred Emilio Doe Working backwards to: NEW YORK (assuming no Q, Gallardo; assuming Martinez is out for waxy yellow build-up): Wells or Thorpe Zaher (gets subbed for Namoff) P. Carroll McTavish (gets subbed for Peralta) Murphy Vide Barlow Mediate Cordierro/Thompson (gets subbed for the other) Dyachenko Kirk
It may be harder to make the playoffs in the East this year. KC is playing well... TFC has played well all year. Both of them are more dangerous then we are giving them credit for. One game in hand doesn't justify the argument for a playoff spot. HBR
I know NY sucks, but c'mon, guys. This lineup includes players I've never seen play, let alone in a DC uniform. I don't understand how so many posters can prioritize the USOC over MLS Cup - that one doesn't work for me. I'm with JE. Besides, I always like DC to kick the Red Bulls butts every chance they get.
Umm. Maybe I'm alone in thinking this but the priority ought to just be finding form. After the team starts clicking again, we can judge by the schedule to see what games may or may not be as important. But I agree with the general idea that United is 180 or so minutes away from the USOC, and the 2009 CCL berth it provides, so some extra attention should be provided.
The worst thing we can do is to throw out a line-up of half-starters for both matches. Losing both games respectably will not get us any closer to MLS Cup or U.S. Open Cup. It's only been two years since we beat the Red Bulls in Jersey. It's been almost four years since we won a major knock-out game at RFK.
I hate to break this to you (in case it will affect your plans) but we're not playing NJ in MLS cup week after next
I say put out our best 11 against New York ... go up 3-0 by the 20th minute and relax for the rest of the game. And then do the same thing 2 days later vs. NE.
Sure, I understand that. I just meant that some poster's priority lists read: 1. USOC, 2. MLS Cup, etc., which I don't agree with. Hope that clarifies things...
finding form is #1 winning US Open cup should be 2nd. After winning it, they should all give tribute to mr hunt
USOC will not quarantee anything if we don't finish this season in a good light. Fastest way to screw it all up is to post a season in the last place. O Gee we get first round draft pick!! That's great when the fan base drops by 45% due to complacency. Listen Guys all pipe dreams aside we are in the deep dookey now, so what ever we can do positively will do everything to save this team. Yeah save this team!!! There are new venues being added in the next 2 years. What's the best way this team could get what it wants, New players and a new stadium,.......New Town? Shades of Art Modell and the Baltimore Colts. Damn that's an Ugly Thought!!! But Anything can Happen when Money rules the roost. docanaheim
My prioties at the beginning of the year, before any tourney gets played: 1. CONCACAF Champions' League 2. MLS Cup 2. Supporters' Shield 3. SudAmericana (if we get invited, this year, we didn't.) 4. USOC 5. Reserves Cup 6. Atlantic Cup and SuperLiga is not even a priority, period. But currently, based on how the team is doing: 1. USOC 2. MLS Cup 2. CONCACAF Champions' League 3. Reserves Cup 4. Atlantic Cup 6. Supporters' Shield This is based on the simple fact that USOC is our most winnable tournament right now and even with the top priority given to USOC (resting players during MLS games) we still have a damn good chance at the MLS Cup. We're not going to win the SS this year, and CL is still a few months away. Winning USOC gives a spot in the CL, which means a not so crowded schedule next year. If we don't win MLS Cup or USOC, our schedule next year will be even more crowded because we will have to play pre-qualifiers for CL.
I'm an odd ball, I really like the USOC and have always wanted United to go after it more. Now, we have no excuse not to really focus for two matches and finally reclaim it. Watching the other teams I think United can still finish 6-8 even with an uneven finish and make playoffs and then who knows. SS is not really possible given our schedule and would prefer to see CCL knockout stage next Spring... So 1. USOC 2. Make Playoffs 3. Advance from group stage I think those three things are reasonable expectations, not easy by any means, but attainable.