Im saying this now again the Islanders need to shake things up in their tecnical staff for 3 years now I been saying that the rest of the league has Clarke figured out and his ugly playing style and lack of good results on a regular basis is costing us fan.
I think this team has a lot of promise. When healthy, we have played very well. During the first part of the season and the Caribbean Cup, we were able to overcome our injuries. I think the loss of experienced and skilled players is beginning to catch up with us (or already has). Hopefully, when our veteran players return, the Islanders will find the rhythm and success they found earlier this year.
Needham is maybe out for max two weeks, Jones 3-5, Velez around that same time and Alexis for longer.
Carolina won over the weekend. They have pretty much run away with the top seed for the playoffs. Having said that, the rest of the playoff spots are wide open. PRI could finish second and get the first week bye or finish one of the other four spots. Unless we have a major train wreck, the Islanders will be in the playoffs. One of the unique situations for the Islanders is that they are the only NASL team to have additional obligations for the remainder of the year. The U.S. NASL teams were denied entry into the U.S. Open Cup competition and the Canadian Cup has already been completed (well almost, a few minutes are left in the second leg.) We are the only team that has to worry about squad rotation for the NASL and CONCACAF Champions League. Clarke has a lot of experience with this. I hope we will focus on NASL points until the last week in July and then put our best team forward against Metapan. Hopefully, the problem of who is playing when and where and in which competition will continue throughout the fall.
I trust in Clarke for those rotation problems. I'd just wish we could make a little win streak before the CCL starts just so once it does we can totally foget about NASL for a few weeks.
I think we can get on a good streak during July. And, we have a number of home games in August and September to help us in the NASL during CONCACAF play.
I'm glad we play at Metapan July 27 and then play at home on August 3. That way we play at home knowing what we need to do to advance in the CONCACAF Champions League. BTW has anybody noticed that during this same time period we have a game in Montreal on July 31 and in Edmonston on August 6. I assume the original plan was for the team to stay in Canada. Now, I would think only the reserves will go, depending on the outcome of the first Metapan match.
Why worry, it's easy, 'A' squad for games on July 27, August 3 and August 6, and 'B' squad for the game on July 31.
It looked like we played to keep from getting beat and were successful. Looking forward to us playing to win in Atlanta. Happy Fourth from the mainland!!
Intru, I think help is on the way. Needham should be ready to return soon. That will give the back line some experience. Also, with the transfer window opening, we might be able to fill any gaps before the first game in Metapan.