8/6/05 - DCU vs. Fire - Center Back?

[thecheat48]

From what I've been reading/hearing, Boswell will sit on Aug 6th when DCU takes on the Fire.

So, who is starting at center back?

Hell, what does the back 3 look like?

I know its over a week away, but I'm curious what folks think.

I, for one, am not stoked about Stokes starting at center (bada-bing). Who would be better in the center, Prideaux or Wilson?

[JoeSoccerFan]

If Stokes is healthy, he starts in the middle

[thecheat48]

Can we get Gooch for a game?

[Sundevil9]

I don't think Wilson is a Center Back type.

I would put either Prideaux or Stokes in there, with the other playing on the right. There's pros and cons to either player.

Stokes in the middle offers the support of BOTH Prideaux and Wilson, in addition to the Defensive Midfielder(s) Olsen, BC, or Sims. But obviously, there's not a lot of experience in Stokes, and it would be a bad time for him to show his bad side.

Prideaux in the middle would be Stokes on the outside, which seems to be a place where he's comfortable in going forward, and it's an easier (less hard, really) defensive responsibility. The drawback is Brandon in the middle. Has he done this before? He's shown some pretty good organizational skills earlier in the season. You gain some more veteran savvy, but Brandon's good for a bad pass a month.

[Winoman]

I don't think you want to put Stokes in the middle because, AFAIK, he has not played that position recently, if ever. In college I think he played a CB in a 4-4-2 (but not 3-5-2), IIRC.

Others, who have seen the reserve games (I admit I haven't) can say better where (and how well) he has played since his injury. For a while, he wasn't doing TOO badly as the RB in the 3-5-2.

The only viable options (IMHO) at center back are Kenny Arena and Brandon Prideaux. While its true that BP hasn't played CB for some time (perhaps never), I agree with Sundevil9 that it's kind of dicey with some of BP's passes, but we just can't have Stokes puling a brain f@rt in the center of defense, in front of goal.

AFAIK, Kenny Arena is healthy, but I don't know how he has played with the reserve side. Is there anyone who has been to the reserve matches who can give an evaluation of Kenny and David?

It will be interesting to see who PN thinks is good enough to do it!

[Bootsy Collins]

Simms at center back?

Is my memory correct that he was played there against Rochester, and that it didn't go that well? Anyone who saw the match wanna comment if so?

[jason1551]

4-4-2.

Have Wilson and Gros/Namoff on the wings and Prideaux and Stokes in the middle.

[JoeSoccerFan]

I don't think you want to put Stokes in the middle because, AFAIK, he has not played that position recently, if ever. In college I think he played a CB in a 4-4-2 (but not 3-5-2)

Stokes has been playing in the middle during reserve games (but so has Arena at times).

[RMDad]

4-4-2.

Have Wilson and Gros/Namoff on the wings and Prideaux and Stokes in the middle.

Switch Stokes outside.

[Mason16]

From what I've been reading/hearing, Boswell will sit on Aug 6th when DCU takes on the Fire.
Why? What did I miss?

[JoeSoccerFan]

Why? What did I miss?

yellow card accumulation

[jason1551]

Why? What did I miss?
His yellow in the LA game pushed him over the 21 point caution limit.

[Sundevil9]

4-4-2.

Have Wilson and Gros/Namoff on the wings and Prideaux and Stokes in the middle.

4-4-2 and Nowak. That'll be the day.

I don't think Namoff will be ready to go by the Chicago game, he'll just be getting into the window where he could be healthy/available. If things go well, and for Bryan, he's due, he could get some minutes.

But your idea of Gros could work. But Nowak will play him as a more conservative midfielder in the skewed midfield that Hudson would sometimes roll out.

[Roqueforlife]

You are actually considering playing Kenny in this game? Have you even scene him play in the reserve matches... ? That shouldn't even be a thought!

[Red&Black]

You are actually considering playing Kenny in this game? Have you even scene him play in the reserve matches... ? That shouldn't even be a thought!
i saw him against dallas in the reserve match and he was actually pretty good. he came forward very well and marked his guy pretty tough. i don't know if he consistently plays that well but i was pleasantly suprised.

[dcuinvermont]

4-4-2 and Nowak. That'll be the day.

I don't think Namoff will be ready to go by the Chicago game, he'll just be getting into the window where he could be healthy/available. If things go well, and for Bryan, he's due, he could get some minutes.

But your idea of Gros could work. But Nowak will play him as a more conservative midfielder in the skewed midfield that Hudson would sometimes roll out.

If we're honestly considering having Stokes and Arena in this game then it's time to switch to a 5-3-2. Put an electric collar on Gros and Dema and zap them any time they go past the half line. Hell, Stokes needs a collar himself, perhaps thats the tool he needs to teach him about positioning and staying with his man.

[beltwayrob]

I think we're going to see Wilson-Stokes-Prideaux there really is no other alternative within the 3-5-2 Nowak loves so much. Or who knows maybe DC will get lucky and the Argie can be here by the 1st of August! ;)

[Hunter R]

...and he was actually pretty good. he came forward very well and marked his guy pretty tough.

never thought I would hear those phrases around Kenny Arena :)

[silentbob]

Kidnap John Terry or Ricardo Carvalho on Thursday? Trade Freddy's BMW for two hours of Robert Huth?

[tab5g]

When is our Argentine defender due to arrive?