So, what's the deal with this thing? Is this going to be a pro-America crowd, or are Atlanta United STH's coming to this one? I'll be at home watching on TV. We've got the roster to field a first-choice lineup, but there are also plenty of second-stringer types on it. I'd prefer to rest the starters for the games that matter. I know absolutely nothing about the Club America lineup, so my pregame analysis will be limited to whether or not I've washed the popcorn maker and making sure the beer is cold.
I have little interest in this match. Will I watch? Sure, and it will be interesting to see the size and make up off the crowd. As of yesterday the AJC reports that 35,000 tickets have been sold. As for squad selection, it is nice to see both George Bello and Kevin Kratz rejoin the first team.
A) America is a strong side and I would assume them to the the favorites regardless of the event structure. They're not the offensively explosive side we saw in Monterrey but they are a complete team. I like their Chilean striker Nico Castillo, and they have a midfielder (Iparra?) who also seems an immense talent. They also have the benefit of fans all over the US, so I would not be surprised at all if the majority of the crowd tonight is sporting yellow and blue, since most of us Stripes faithful don't really care about this match. Because... B) Under no circumstances should the club in any way do anything tonight that impairs their ability to field a first team at Portland. No injuries, no overworking, etc. This is for all intents and purposes a scrimmage, so treat it as such. But there is no reason to sacrifice possible points from this weekend just to claim sonething from a glorified friendly. Should any Atlanta player be injured in this match I would not be upset at all if anyone beat the snot out of Garber in exchange.
If there's 35k already sold, I'd expect 45,000 or so at least. Crowds for Mexican teams tend to be a much higher percentage of walk-ups and last-minute purchases. Should be a normal MLS sellout crowd, probably a very high percentage of yellow shirts, though. As long as there are no injuries, I'm fine with whatever lineup the coach runs out. A win would be a nice feather in the cap and would represent a difficult victory over a good team, but wouldn't carry much real weight with anybody. A loss, on the other hand, means basically nothing.
This. I'm still upset about the injury the MLS ASG aggravated in Garza, and he ain't even on our team anymore.
I get what MLS is trying to do with the Campeones Cup, but what would be more interesting is to create a permanent rivalry between MLS/Liga MX teams. One game in February in Mexico and one game in August in USA. Winner of Campeones Cup is league with most wins. Atlanta - America LAFC-Club Tijuana LA Galaxy - Chivas New York Red Bulls - Cruz Azul New York City FC - Pachuca Toronto - Atlas Dallas - Juarez Houston - Leon Monterrey - Austin Chicago - Morelia SKC - Puebla Orlando - Queretaro Seattle - Santos Portland - Toluca Miami - UANL San Jose - UNAM Crew - Veracruz Etc..
Too clever by far, but Jimenez did come off the line too early, should have been a retake, but you are never going to get that call.
F***. I feel like warning Garber like I would've when a boy dated my daughter; "Whatever you do to her..."