Nope, but I'm betting it's because Javi is going to start, and Gil is going to be out on the left. And this is just my hopeful imagination, but maybe Will Johnson makes the trip?? Probably not though.
Could just be normal rotation to keep legs fresh...3 games in 7 days requires a fair amount of advanced planning when it comes to lineups.
True, but I also know that Will Johnson made the trip. Which makes me want to jump up and down and scream... Just saying, I miss that guy!
Lineup looks to be: [LINEUP-4-4-2] Saborio, Paulo Jr., Grabavoy, Morales, Gil, Beckerman, Wingert, Borchers, Olave, Beltran, Rimando [/LINEUP-4-4-2]
It's game time. RSL playing a tough match after a tough loss. (Balance beat me to the lineup) Looks like Espindola is getting a well deserved (But probably unwanted) rest. Borchers, Morales, and Saborio getting back on the starting 11. Johnson is on the bench along with Schuler Espindola Steele Tanaka Reynish and Alvarez Believe.
****! No turf and thats a goal for paulo. Nice shot from Beltran This field is a nightmare. Turf. Small. Wet. Ughh.
Really so far so good, good control of the match with some nice passing. Paulo should have shot first touch, but I say again where is Sabo?
Re: RL -vs- Portland, 3/31/12, 8pm, P/I/P Really cool hearing RSL sing but maybe we need another song soon.
That play by Javi was terrible in two ways: the crap trap which turned the ball over, and then his initial lackadaisical reaction which had him crambling and out of position on that almost-break (thanks Mr. Referee!).
Two really bad calls by the side official, first against Portland, second for Portland. Again where is Sabo?
What do they mean when they say the pitch plays narrow/tight? Both teams are playing slip-n-slide out there.
Scoring a PK! RSL! RSL! RSL! We've done OK. Controlled pace of the game. But, Portland is very dangerous on their counterattacks. We need more. That's what I think I saw Morales telling PJ and Sabo after the PK was converted.
This is - IMO - the first game I've seen the 'old Javi' just dominating one side of the field. I was pleased with our defensive rotation. There was a lot of patience and back tracking. Portland got behind us a couple of times but not on balance (thanks Ref!). Fitness will matter as this match progresses. Espindola off the bench against that back line? Droooool.