Pre-match: MLS Matchday 15: Crew V RSL 6/30

Guaranteed Fireworks. Not on the field of course, but after the match. Be aware that this one has the 8 pm start.

No time to set up the normal thread, but here's the Grouchy Poll.

It looks like Beckerman is out because yellow card accumulation.

Lose by 2 or more. Emphasis on the 'more.'

Because I'm coming into town for this game and the fact that this team defies our common sense, I am saying the Black & Gold win by one goal.

Because you are right they defy common sense they should go counter to what should happen and that is a win. I am going to say the universe knows that and we will lose. 1-2 loss because we love that score line, for or against us.
The thing about this team is they can beat anyone in this league. The why they aren't is the question for another thread.

0-3. We'll make it look like Ireland was competitive in the EUROs by comparison.

Built in alarm clock... wake up kids time to go home.

Can't avoid a let-down in front of what is expected to be a big crowd.

Hope Arrieta is ready to start. Sight-unseen, he HAS to be our best striker.

Hope we don't see James on the field. Even with Marshall out, I'd much rather see Gehrig in the back. Hopefully Mendes will be healthy.

At this rate, O'Rourke is probably our best striker.

Jardy said the Montreal game would be the first one in which he could play. Brace yourself for Schoenfeld and Renteria.

There's no denying that his goals to red card ratio is better than it's ever been.

I just don't see how we win this game. But then again, I said the same thing about this game last year, and we smoked 'em! I still chose lose by one.

Beckerman out, might be a huge plus for us thought. Hopefully, we can win that central mf battle. I think it's the key to slowing down their attack.

Olave was doubtful last week, I wonder if he'll be back Saturday? If not, their 3rd CB, Schuler, is also injured. That can only help us.

I seriously doubt Kreis will force him back for this game as we have 2 more in the 8 days after this game.

Grabavoy had to leave the SJ game early for an injury.
Luis Gil and Javier Morales are both on their way back from injury
Wingert has been sliding into the middle of defense with Tanaka (new signing from Japan) being the outside back to fill in

The starting XI that I think RSL will throw out there:
----------------Rimando
-Tanaka--Wingert--Borchers--Beltran
-----------------Alvarez
-----------Gil------------Johnson
-----------------Morales
---------Saborio-----------Espindola

Steele could easily switch (and probably will, I just hate Steele) in for Gil as a starter
The last 2 RSL games have featured some really really stellar defense (not). Each and every dead ball situation you guys get, even goal kicks, should be viewed as a goal scoring opportunity. We're abysmal right now on defending dead ball situations.

Best of luck

What a nice and helpful RSL fan? Next you will be telling there are Fire fans that don't like to fight or a Toronto fan that doesn't like flares. I take that back their fans have usually been okay, it just the players.

Holy crap, it's gonna be a scorcher. 100 degrees. Yikes.

That just means Meram will get pulled in the 38th minute because he looks "fatigued".

Wife is suddenly wondering why she agreed to a Crew game at the end of June... at least it is not a mid-afternoon game....

Who do we lose to cramps?

I put win by one for the same reasons. I would love to see Miro get back on the score sheet. Or Rent have a better conversion than one out of every billion shots goes in. That guy should not be allowed do anything but take shooting practice.

(Stupid public service announcement) Stay hydrated out at the tailgate folks and during the game. The olde farts will have a couple cases of water at the tailgate. for those that would like some. (Don't hold me to this but I believe that if the temp is above 85 degrees at game time you are allowed to take an unopened bottle of water into the stadium. Someone with a little more knowledge can probably confirm or deny this.)

I believe a tie will be a good result. Our defense except for the last game has looked good but the offense is still horrid. 0-0 or 1-1

More likely we'll see Birchall start on the left and Meram gets to watch from the bench when Anor comes on in the 89th minute.

Hot weather is stoopid

The Tuesday injury report:

No way in hell should Mendes by anywhere near the pitch if there's 100 degree weather. He's got a 0% chance of playing 90, and would likely cramp up before halftime.

Hey, who wants to use this thread to talk shit about the opposing team's state?

..........

Well, apparently we're all serial killers who are too busy riding roller coasters.