Looks like that's what Goff projects. It should interesting to see if they can pull this off. Acosta doesn't strike me as a 2-way midfielder. NDL puts in tremendous amount of work to play both ways. I'm just not sure Acosta can or will do this. If Acosta stays forward in the attacking half, that would leave Jeffrey as the sole central DM. On the flip side, it would seem like a waste to have Acosta out there if the expectation is for him to sit back next to Jeffrey. I question whether his would even be an effective D-mid. So, this is a problem in my eyes. The back line was badly exposed (for their lack of pace, poor 1v1 defensive skills, and inability to identify and cope with runners coming from midfield) early in the season in situations when NDL drifted forward, leaving Marcelo as the lone DM in front of the back four. Things have changed over the past 3 games. NDL no longer hangs out in the attacking half. Instead he makes deliberate runs forward. He then works tirelessly to recover to the defensive midfield, when the ball is turned over. In addition, the team seemed to adjust by having either Neagle or Nyarko (mostly Neagle until last week) recognize forward runs by NDL and provide cover by holding back/pinching in toward the middle. DCU has leaked far fewer goals with these changes. It will be intriguing to see how Olsen alters the tactics with Acosta in there. If there is no adjustment and Ben sees this as a straight swap of Acosta for NDL, I suspect we will leak goals and lose.
No clue. I thought he was getting fit, but haven't seen anything recently. If he's healthy, I wouldn't mind seeing a Jeffrey-Halsti dmid pairing and an Acosta- Saborio front line with Rolfe coming in off the bench.
I assume that you saw this, mentioning Halsti going 90 min in scrimmage. I assume that this was before quad injury. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...eed-drastic-changes-right-now-ben-olsen-says/
I don't see Olsen putting Acosta in the NDL position -- that's antithetical to his tactical set up. Instead, I expect one of the following opening line - ups Saborio - Rolfe Neagle - Vincent - Jeffrey - Nyarko subs - Acosta for Rolfe, Neagle move up for Saborio and Aguilar/Buescher moves to the wing or less likely Neagle - Rolfe Vincent - Buescher - Jeffrey - Nyarko Subs - Acosta for Rolfe, Saborio in and Neagle replaces Vincent
What's wrong with DeLeon? Olsen should just play Buescher with Jeffrey. Players need a chance to show in games, give the kid a start. If it doesn't work, it's a road loss and who cares?
Can sports teams require their players/employees to get flue shots? I know the shots aren't always 100% effective, but they're damn close. Were I the owner I would insist on it, unless for some reason the CBA forbids it.
I have never understood this about college/professional sports. Unless it's the "flu," there is almost no excuse for this.
Agree that we can only guess. Flu vaccination is far from perfect. The vaccine is based on whatever strains they anticipate to be here in the coming year. Pretty much every year there are some strains in the area that are not covered by the vaccine. Some years are better than others. People who get vaccinated can still get flu, even from one of the covered stains. The infection usually runs a shorter course of illness and/or is less severe than if the person did not get vaccination. Finally, there are many viruses that cause flu-like illnesses that are not influenza. So, probably not worth any outrage since we don't know the facts here.
It's also possible it could be "flu-like symptoms" related to something else like Norovirus or a whole host of other things. But it's easier to say "flu". [Oops, just noticed dcu n bntwn said the same thing] It will be interesting to see what happens. It's almost like a perfect storm. Olsen could put Acosta and Sabo out there to start and if it fails miserably he can say "I told you so"
Starting XI: Worra; Kemp, Boswell(C), Birnbaum, Franklin; Neagle, Rolfe, Jeffrey, Nyarko; Acosta, Saborío Subs: Hall, Mishu, Opare, Vincent, Büscher, Aguilar
Subs will be Buescher for Rolfe, Neagle moves up, Sabo to bench and either Vincent/Aguilar into the match depending on tactical situation.
That's why I put it in quotes. My first thought before the flu when I hear an athlete has the flu is a hangover.
Impressed so far with Jeffrey's ball control and passing. His positioning needs some work but pleasantly surprised.