FYP. Whatever this formation is, it really fits the players' strengths well. Carroll way deep, Adu up in the corner, sending crosses in and not having to worry as much about defense, JackMac up front to poach...even Lahoud, who seemed pretty poor at first, is thriving in a "run around like a madman and wreck everything" role. Overall, just lots of fun. I don't even care about getting a result in this game, I just want to see a total attacking effort that puts the fear of God into teams from now on.
The only game I was truly disappointed in Lahoud was his first game where they had him at RB. Since he has been in the midfield his play has been better. Though he is still begging for red with some of his tackles. My lineup would be (to lazy to get a chart) JacMac-Pajoy-Adu Gomez-Carroll-Marfan Garfan-Valdes-Okugo-Williams Big Orange Guy subs would be depending on game, if up 2 take off Adu or Jack depending on fitness for Lahoud a switch to either a diamond mid or the dreaded empty bucket, then Hoppenot for the other (unless Pajoy is laboring) and the final sub could be Torres or Daniel for anyone needing to come out If down, Hoppenot is first in, then Torres for the same first two then Keon for Lahoud.
I'm down with Hoppenot being the first sub as I like what he has shown in the last 2 games, In spanish we would say he has shown 'cojones' and 'hagallas' and I like players like that even if they don't always work out in the pitch, I like Gomez for the same reason and of course many would agree that El Capitan does too.
That's my point, don't we get all of that good distribution type stuff from Torres as well? Also, I agree with Gomez for Lahoud, but I think both Gomez (and especially Torres) would need a couple of appearances as a sub to regain fitness before starting. I doubt either would get the start in the Houston heat. I know this is what we're 'calling' the formation, but I really don't think it plays this way, especially with regard to Freddy's role. He doesn't seem to really be playing as a forward, just as a midfielder who has been relieved of the defensive side of the game. Like an attacking mid, but shaded to the right rather than playing out of the center as a traditional CAM would. So when we're in the midfield portion of our passing progression, he's playing like a right mid, with Lahoud shading to the center. I think that's the best use of him really and allows him to express himself in the game. On the whole, it's an extremely fluid setup with Adu, Marfan, and Lahoud free to roam from channel to channel, especially when they're trying to get open for a pass from the D to Mid. I think the fluidity is a big part of what's been giving other teams difficulty, but it also demands a really slick bit of chemistry between the midfielders (and I'm including Adu in this). They need to be constantly aware of their interchanging positions and avoid stepping on each other. And THAT, I think, in the final analysis is why Hack will stick w/ the same midfielders until something forces a change (exhaustion, injury, performance, etc). Yeah, long way of saying, I think we'll see the same lineup (with the exception of Valdes for Lopez, and maybe Williams for Gaddis if his foot allows).
Gaddis suspended by MLSDC one game.................. well throws a monkey wrench into things now doesn't it..........
Unless Williams' toe is miraculously better, I'm guessing Michael Farfan slots into RB opposite his brother at LB, while Keon gets the start out on the left. Or we have a midfield-three of Lahoud-Carroll-Gomez. Or, they throw Soumare to the wolves, start him at CB, and push Amo-beast out to RB. Or, better yet, I just STFU and let Hackworth & Co. do their jobs.
Classic Rigby: "The referee had no option other than to throw [sic] the yellow card." Um, no, I think that the other option was to show the red card. http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-23-phi-v-kc/highlights?videoID=189759
So it was only a third as bad as Marquez's tackle on Salinas. I understand the pros and cons of post-match refereeing. But I think MLS is going too far with it. SKC didn't exactly play a "clean" game.
Yeah how about some retro active action for Kemara going all Macho Man Randy Savage flying elbow on MacMath????
From what Hack said yesterday and the fact that Williams was working out prior to the USOC match on Tuesday, it is possible that Williams could play. If so, it's not an issue. If Williams can't go, it may solve the problem of how to play Gomez. Marfan could slot back to RB and the mids could be Lahoud, Carroll and Gomez. Also, wasn't there a game earlier this year where Carroll played RB in the second half? Not ideal (and maybe part of the "Nowak problem"), but still a possibility.
He didn't do so well the game he was back there though it was only his first or second game with the team so maybe that factored into it. My guess is Marfan if Williams can't go. He has shown well there in spot duty.
I was relieved that the Gaddis card was only yellow. If Sheanon can't go on Saturday, then I would have to vote for Lahoud at RB. Personally I'd rather have Marfan in the midfield over Lahoud. Does Hackworth dare slot Party Rock at RB?
If he plays, at the very least I would like to hear this instead of Bush before kickoff. EDIT: Except we're not at home. Duh.
Albright was warming up at the islanders game too, so it looks like he could slot in along the line and be an instant upgrade over party-rock
You obviously didn't go to the Open Practice. Albright was beyond woeful in the practice games. You could see he was frustrated with himself.
This game is huge.......after 3 solid performances, we have some momentum and what looks like a good team spirit. Now we need the points!
Jack Mac out with food poisoning, according to his twitter. brb slamming head on wall. https://twitter.com/?utm_campaign=b...&utm_medium=fb&utm_source=fb#!/JackMcInerney9 edit: the starting lineup: MacMath; Williams, Okugo, Valdes, G. Farfan; M. Farfan, Carroll, Gomez, Daniel; Perlaza, Pajoy. bench: Konopka, Torres, Hoppenot, Adu, Albright, Martinez, Lahoud.
: MacMath; Williams, Okugo, Valdes, G. Farfan; M. Farfan, Carroll, Gomez, Daniel; Perlaza, Pajoy bench: Konopka, Torres, Hoppenot, Adu, Albright, Martinez, Lahoud Perlaza full debut. Should be interesting.
he only played 60 minutes. Or am I misremembering. I'm ok with the line-up. Would like to see what Perlaza does with a start.