Thread in Metros forum indicates Balboa's been activated. Implications for the game?https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=14268
I think they're just activating them so they can use him in the playoffs if neccesary. My understanding is they have to activate people they intend to lose before the last game of the season so...
Yeah Balboa has been seen rehabing with rehab GURU tab ramos and should be ready to play by 9/21/2005. but seriously tim howard will be missed he's been great, he owned the area until the defense would let someone go in alone and score
This (from Chris Bergen at PlanetFootball) seems to indicate that Balboa might actually play. What scares me is the prospect of Ramos and Balboa on the field at the same time. Not because they can really play anymore - but because MLS officials have pretty much officially inducted these into the "blessed Hall of Fame players who can do no wrong" category (other honorary members, comically, being Alexi Lalas and Hristo Stoichkov). I can't see the there being much contact with either of these "legends" that doesn't lead to a free kick of some sort for the Metros. Yes, paranoid I know - but just watch and see if I'm right.
There is nothing in what Chris Bergan has written that says any more that what was released a few days ago by the MUTTS. Balboa has been activated(period). I would doubt that he is fit enough to play having just gotten back to full practice activity. However, I do hear your concern about "sacred cow" being protected by Refs. I don't think this has been a problem.
Subtly different. This article/interview implies he may actually play on Saturday. Given the tumultous situation in Swampland and Oz' penchance for veteran players, I would no longer be surprised if we saw Balboa on Saturday - even if it were as a substitute. Desperate times call for desperate measures.