The adjustments we make in this game - no matter the starting lineup - will likely determine how the match ends up. Our first XI vs their first XI has proven, even with minor tweaks, to be pretty even (not just this year, but in general). What changes the games, though, is the adjustments the coaches have made around the 60-70th minute. Kreis's mentality can't be negative in this first leg. We can't be all about defending. When we sit in a shell and just hope to defend, we get broken down. We have to look to attack and our adjustments later in the game have to be ones that emphasize just that - attack. And, as always, set pieces in these kind of games are massive. Defending and utilizing them are key. Hopefully Javi decides to actually get some over the first defender and/or wall.
I'm hearing Gonzalez and Ianni won't be available for Seattle on Friday due to injury...not sure how serious.
In the paper today they said that Borchers, Javi, Olave, and Espy were all questionable for tomorrow as well. So, this scrub v scrub game should be fun to watch
Our great win @Columbus (admittedly in a 2nd leg) was based upon unleashing the hounds. If we have a starting 4 healthy and fit in the back, we can take more chances (particularly if Olave is there and well). If not, a more negative tactical approach may well be merited. The way teams have defended us to date, going ape shit on attack may be a nice change up...but it all hinges on our finishing.
I know Javi has been the guy to take corners and such, but against Vancouver I thought Beckerman was doing much better taking them in his absence. I'd honestly prefer KB5 taking corner with Javi at the top of the box for any balls that get cleared in that area. It feels like it'd be a better situation even if Javi was whipping them in like he used to. That being said, I don't see us attacking much if we're running a makeshift back four. I'd still prefer we took to to them. If we can keep them honest, it gives us a better shot at walking away with a result, imo. If we let them attack, we're bound to fall behind.
If Schuler is healthy, then yeah, no reason to risk it However, while KWS has improved a ton this year, he is still very susceptible to speed. Do we really want to rely on this guy in the playoffs? If Olave is healthy, I'd expect him to play. We have nearly a week between games, so he'll get rest between.
RSL is no longer looking to win the shield, open cup or trying to finish the regular season in a CCL spot. This is it, all that is left is to make a run into the play-offs. If Olave is able to go? play him, play the best 11 available. If one of those 11 is Steele? then we have to start questioning the coach of this team. I am sick of hearing how Steele brings such great defense, what Steele is is Will Johnson lite. He runs around chasing the ball like my not so bright lab. At least when my lab finally gets the ball he brings it back to me instead of giving it to my neighbor. So so sick of watching Steele get minutes while players like Valasquez sit on the bench.
If Olave is 90% or 80% then yeah, go play him. If he's anything less than I'd rather save him for the second leg even if it adds the risk of conceeding a goal. This is a two game series, remember that.
Question: is there anywhere to watch the game that would not feel really awkward for somebody who is going alone? I'm thinking any restaurant would have me sitting at some stool or table alone feeling like a total loser. Thoughts? I would really love to watch this one with other fans.
I suppose I could arrange that, but it would kind of be going above and beyond the normal level of fan devotion to travel that far...
Given how bad turf is for Olave, anything less than 90% and I wouldn't risk it. Have him on the bench just in case. If this were the final I'd say throw him in, but I wouldn't want to risk losing him for the rest of the season.
Understood but beer is so much better in Baja offer stands if you ever are stranded in need so a T.V. While in southern utah.
The Bourbon House is a good place to see the game. They have food, but you'd better get there early if you want it to arrive before half-time. Just grab a seat anywhere or at the bar. There will be lots of fans, many of them very friendly. The Republican is a good bet too. No food, just booze. A bit more hardcore, but even more fun when it goes well. Other than that, I'm not certain of official RSL watch parties. Sometimes they'll have them at the Riot. I haven't seen anything announced yet.
The Republican....it's the only place I can go to that doesn't have the tough guy factor. Good conversation....only if you want it and it's not a singles bar
Seattle has a triple headed "monster" at CB with Ianni, Parke, and Hurtado swapping in and out depending on the schedule. However, even prior to Ianni's injury Hurtado and Parke were getting most of the chances with Ianni only playing if we had only 3-4 days rest between games. I doubt Ianni would have played even if he was healthy. Gonzalez, on the other hand, that's a fairly big loss for us. Gonzalez's replacement is Marc Burch, so expect Parke, Hurtado, or Alonso to be spending a lot of time assisting the LB.