10/27 EC Semifinals Leg 1: NE Revs @ Redbull NY (Pre-game)

[Hed7181]

There's still time to talk about the TFC trip and festivities, but we're into the playoffs now and there's alot of overanalyzing to do before the first round this Saturday in Jersey.

So what do you guys think?

I am hoping Dorman is back in the starting line-up. I think he will be actually. I just think the team as a whole plays better with him in, even if he isn't at his strongest.

It looks like we have a healthy roster, which is a huge blessing. The Redbulls will be without Waterreus and Reyna I think, but that's not exactly a bad thing in the fans eyes over there.

So let it rip. Let's debate line-up changes that won't happen and FO decisions that weren't made 3 months ago. It must be done!

EDIT: Oh Sh!t! I'm going back to the future here. Mods, could you please change the date to 10/27? Thanks, in advance.

[Chowda]

We'll be playing for the tie. I highly doubt the lineup will change from last game's with the exception for Riley starting instead of John.

[Hed7181]

We'll be playing for the tie. I highly doubt the lineup will change from last game's with the exception for Riley starting instead of John.

I understand the idea, but you really think the team and coaching staff will be playing for a tie?

I find that hard to believe myself. I'm sure they're just as aware as we are of the relative inability to hold a lead these days. I bet they'll want to get the best result possible to take pressure off the second leg at home.

[beryl420]

We'll be playing for the tie. I highly doubt the lineup will change from last game's with the exception for Riley starting instead of John.

I would think John would start.
There will probably big three big defensive challenges for the Revs in these games.
1. Containing Richards' pace on the wing
2. Angel is so good at finding space and the Revs are really good at losing runners in the area.
3. If Altidore starts out wide, this could create real problems if Khano and Thompson are your wing midfielders

[Soccer Doc]

As much as I like Ralston in the middle our defensive structure is better if he's out wide to help Heaps and frankly I would go with John to help Smith on the left putting Dorman back in the middle.

Reis
Heaps, Parkhurst, John
Ralston, Joseph, Dorman, Larentowicz, Smith
Twellman, Noonan

Bench options: Cristman, Thompson, Riley

[Hed7181]

As much as I like Ralston in the middle our defensive structure is better if he's out wide to help Heaps and frankly I would go with John to help Smith on the left putting Dorman back in the middle.

Reis
Heaps, Parkhurst, John
Ralston, Joseph, Dorman, Larentowicz, Smith
Twellman, Noonan

Bench options: Cristman, Thompson, Riley

I like this line-up.

It's the team that lead us to the top of the table and kept us within reach of the SS as well as won the US Open Cup.

[rkupp]

I am hoping Dorman is back in the starting line-up. I think he will be actually. I just think the team as a whole plays better with him in, even if he isn't at his strongest.
I totally agree. I don't quite understand Dorman's free fall for inked-in starter to spare part. Even if he's not individually effective, I think we're more dangerous and balanced with him in (and Ralston on the right).

I've suspected from midseason that he's been plagued with some undisclosed injury that isn't going to get fixed during the season. Guys with that level of physical ability and skill don't just lose it for no reason. Dorman had more stamina than anyone on the team coming into this season.

The same thing happened with Twellman last year. He was pretty poor in almost all phases of the game and sure enough, he was playing hurt almost all year. Now that he's healthy again, he's returned to form.

Maybe the time on the bench is to get him some recovery time - at least that's what I'm hoping. I think Dorman's the spark we've been missing lately.
I understand the idea, but you really think the team and coaching staff will be playing for a tie?

I find that hard to believe myself. I'm sure they're just as aware as we are of the relative inability to hold a lead these days. I bet they'll want to get the best result possible to take pressure off the second leg at home.
Playing conservatively and *intelligently* isn't playing for the tie. The Revs should go in fully aware that the pressure is on RB to get goals and they should be looking to take advantage of that.

RB will come out strong and throw a lot at us early. It'll be important to absorb the pressure and be ready to attack when they overexpose. Then when the game settles in, we can look to control the midfield.
As much as I like Ralston in the middle our defensive structure is better if he's out wide to help Heaps and frankly I would go with John to help Smith on the left putting Dorman back in the middle.
Yes, Thompson is very scary defensively, IMO. Heaps needs Ralston to babysit him.

As for Riley/John, I think they're basically equivalent. Riley brings more quickness and athleticism, John brings more experience and intimidation. Riley gets burnt sometimes and John makes rash tackles. I don't think either has an edge in distribution. I just prefer Riley because he makes the whole team quicker.

[mrt/MLS]

yep, Doc's lineup is the best we got and most likely what we'll see.

John does charge in with reckless abandon sometimes, but he's a tougher defender than Riley and usually is able to make the stop one way or another. Riley has a bad habit of getting pulled out of position and getting burnt. John gets a few more yellows, but is the better option.

and yeah, they must be resting Dorman, because Thompson is obviously not yet the better starting option.

looking forward to the road trip this weekend.

[NateP]

Count me in for Doc's lineup and rkupp's tactical analysis. Much more comfortable with John in the back and Dorman starting. I just want to see a better job from whoever is the defensive replacement for Khano late in the game. I still would like to see Leonard in that role, but given his lack of 1st team PT this year Riley (or Wells) needs to do better than in the TFC game..

[Mike Donovan]

f ny i hate them

[Mick7184]

Add me to the crowd that wants Dorman back in the starting lineup for this game. I also want John in there as well, it seems to me that whenever Riley is in the lineup there are problems in the back, I know it's not Parkhurst. I dont think the Revs are going play for a tie exactly, I think they'll go for it, but I see draw as the result.

1-1 Twellman early and Angel late.

[peabrainedidiot]

must have avery john back. that is key!!!.
dorman... who cares. Based on his recent form, I'm not sure how much he does for us (in comparrison).

In general-
2 ties against two teams not going to the playoff=not good.

they better get their shit together.

[rkupp]

dorman... who cares. Based on his recent form, I'm not sure how much he does for us (in comparrison).
If you're the opposing coach, are you going to be more worried about Dorman, who clearly has proven scoring and passing ability, or Thompson? And if you have to be concerned about Dorman, that's less attention you can put on other guys.
In general-
2 ties against two teams not going to the playoff=not good.
Let's face it, they were locked into their playoff slot with nothing really to play for. They didn't mail in those games, but they didn't risk life/limb for them either. They clearly should have done better and I'm sure Nicol has let them know about it. But I have zero doubt that they can/will turn it up several notches now. They have as much or more playoff experience than anyone over the last few years.

DC managed to coast home to a very humbling finish. Since last year's nose-dive, I'd say they have quite a bit more to be concerned about.

[patfan1]

Rain expected on Saturday, so that could affect the game....

[peabrainedidiot]

If you're the opposing coach, are you going to be more worried about Dorman, who clearly has proven scoring and passing ability, or Thompson? And if you have to be concerned about Dorman, that's less attention you can put on other guys. I wouldn't worry much about either, honestly. Personally, I think you can prepare more for Dorman, WT is a bit of an unkown to most opponents. I'm just saying neither gives us a huge advantage. My point was as much about John is simply a more important piece to the puzzle


Let's face it, they were locked into their playoff slot with nothing really to play for. They didn't mail in those games, but they didn't risk life/limb for them either. They clearly should have done better and I'm sure Nicol has let them know about it. But I have zero doubt that they can/will turn it up several notches now. They have as much or more playoff experience than anyone over the last few years. Agree, just wished they had rested some guys up instead of playing them

DC managed to coast home to a very humbling finish. Since last year's nose-dive, I'd say they have quite a bit more to be concerned about.
once again, the team to beat. they did well in acquistions and moves. just think if we had done something earlier. Our two Gambians have been non factors (abundis part II X 2):(

[patfan1]

Our two Ghananians have been non factors (abundis part II X 2):(
As much as people love to throw the negative tag at me, I think this is unfair. I know I personally expected nothing from those two kids this year. Hell, I was even surprised they got into a match or two. I expected/hoped for much more from Abundis when he came in than these two kids.

[ngower]

I wish we signed some Ghanaians, they develop well. The Gambians however...;)

I've been pleasantly surprised by what I've seen of them so far this season. It would be very unfair if Nicol let them go with such little playing time, I'm sure he knows they have potential.

Then again, the Revs have had plenty of players with potential over the past few years that don't get quality playing time and eventually end up in the USL.

[Bman]

Anyone going to bar to watch this one? We're up against the WS, so there may be strength in numbers.

[peabrainedidiot]

As much as people love to throw the negative tag at me, I think this is unfair. I know I personally expected nothing from those two kids this year. Hell, I was even surprised they got into a match or two. I expected/hoped for much more from Abundis when he came in than these two kids.
I think you are misunderstanding.

I'm not criticizing the players. I'm criticizing the FO for needing to make a move top add something that would impact this year and then not doing that.

I love them as a long term prospect. This is no criticism of either of them.

you are also negative :mad:






:D

[patfan1]

I think you are misunderstanding.

I'm not criticizing the players. I'm criticizing the FO for needing to make a move top add something that would impact this year and then not doing that.

I love them as a long term prospect. This is no criticism of either of them.

you are also negative :mad:






:D
Ok, that's fair enough.

On all counts. :D