Still no news on JoGo. Chicago has 5 ties in 6 games, but no wins. They've given up 10 goals, but they have scored 9. Can the Revs win back-to-back games? Can the Revs score in back-to-back games?
Jeff Larentowicz has looked good for the Fire. tear... If Alston doesn't start after scoring the winning goal and making MLS team of the week, I'll scream. I'd like to see: Bengston Neumann-Nguyen-Caldwell-Diego Dorman Alston-Soares-Farrell-Barnes Knittleworth I'd like to see Bunbury and Davies get time as subs, as well as Kobayashi if we need to slow down the game. And maybe Imbongo!?!??!?!!??!?
I've much preferred Kobayashi to Caldwell this year. And unless he's suddenly tearing it up in practice, I can't see Neumann starting, let him get some time as a sub first. Bunbury has done fine as a midfielder, better than Sene, I'd like to see Teal start there, where it's not a problem to have a guy who prefers to pass to others rather than shoot.
I'll be glad when Rowe is healthy. That will probably mean Kobayashi heads to the bench. not a fan, terrible first touch
I think Kobayashi has been pretty good for us. Never looks like he can win a game singlehandedly like Nguyen or Rowe, but the vast majority of his influence is positive IMO.
No real update on the extent Jose Goncalves' right quad injury today. When asked, Heaps said the captain was still being evaluated. #NERevs— Jeff Lemieux (@jeff_lemieux) April 15, 2014 If I had to guess, based off the way Rowe's injury was reported, Gonçalves will be missing out this weekend.
Yeah, I'd agree. That they don't seem to know the extent of the injury makes me think it's likely going to take at least a few weeks recovery.
I think you're taking that tweet too literally. I think they know, they just don't have to say yet, so they aren't going to. I think that he's probably unlikely to play mostly based on how well Farrell filled in for him. If Tierney's healthy, they'll probably bring him back on the left and put Alston on the right (with Soares and Farrell in the middle).
Not letting the Fire know (for as long as possible) if he will or won't be able to play so they can better plan might be a useful ploy
I thought about that, but then why say anything if you're Heaps? It's not like a real media source was asking for a comment, their own PR tweeted that. Guess we'll see this weekend.
I don't think it makes one difference. A smart coach will have his team practice with JoGo being in there all week. And if he doesn't the player going into his place will be a worse player. And again a smart coach can make adjustments to his tactics in game. The best coaches in sports plan for the best players to be playing for the opponents and make last minute adjustments or in game adjustments. The ones who don't do these don't last very long in coaching.
Yeah, it isn't like, say, a baseball team preparing to face a certain pitcher, and they will plan their lineup around that. Then, by throwing another guy out there, especially one who throws from the other side, it can make a mess of the best laid plans. I think Chicago is figuring JoGo will play, but if not, they get a lucky break.
I'm not a Tierney hater, I think he can definitely contribute. He was part of a very good defense last year. He is great at some things (crossing, passing), doesn't do stupid things to get carded, and mainly is handicapped by being slow. But I also think Barnes is seriously underrated.
The problem is Tierney's passing and crossing has *also* been very poor this year, on top of his usual deficiencies (lack of speed, ballwatching), so he really should see very limited time. Barnes I agree is underrated and played well this year, but he's a natural CB and has a tendency to give the ball away when he's playing in a fullback position. That's why I'd like to see a true fullback play one of those spots, like I dunno, a CONCACAF international or someone along those lines...
If there was a Tierney who was a great crosser or passer, I'd love it. The problem is that he thinks he's a good crosser and passer and ends up giving away the ball in stupid spots too often.
How many games has Rowe won singlehandedly? He has 2 game winners. Would love to see him score more in clutch situations as he develops.
Thanks, but I don't care about the preseason. Win games in the regular season and playoffs, that's what a #3 pick with bags of potential does.
Can't tell if you're knocking Rowe or defending him... But he had 12 goals and 9 assists in all competitions last year. Pretty damn good production from a second year player.
Whether or not it's useful, Heaps is not going to say Goncalves will play even if he knows he will. He showed this earlier when the contract stuff was going on. I think no news is good news.
90th minute goal against our #2 (IMO) rivals (in preseason). too bad he won't be replicating it on Saturday
It's good production from a raw numbers perspective but the nuance is when the goals are scored, a point Twellman made on the Revs season preview, which I agree with. Last season, he scored the majority of his 7 goals either in losses or blow out wins. Would love to see more game winners from him, is all. His assists were timely so that's good, especially for an AM. Like I said, I'm happy with his progress but just have higher expectations than most revs fans apparently.