Pre-match: Crew at New York Red Bulls (MLS 04/22 07:30 PM)

Lose by two or more goals.

 

How dare you!??! #hangontour will be in attendance for this one. Suffice to say, you can expect a GOLAZO BONANZA. Possible guarantees to come later in the week.

 

The very rare #hangontour and @hangthadj Guarantee™ double? Lose by five or more.

 

Shit went back to change my vote after this proclamation and no "lose by 2 or more" option.

 

write-in votes!

 

Another good test for the defense. Despite talk of a 'soft' early schedule, Toronto (Cup finalist) & DC are the only two teams we've played not in PO position so far. We've played 2 of the top 3 offenses (Portland, Houston). Given 3 teams their first lost (Portland, Orlando, Toronto). Played 2 of the West's top 4 including the #1 (Porltand & Houston). And played 3 games vs. the #2 & #3 teams in the East (Orlando & Chicago). The next two are against the #4 & #5 teams in the East.

If we are top of the conference after a firsts 9 games like that, having not played Philly, Minny, Colorado, RSL, or hardly any of the poorest teams yet, I think we are legit. Let's take this one & get it started. I'd assume same starting XI.

 

Their backline has been beaten up a lot this season, though I think they've settled on Collin and Long, who has been surprisingly good thus far, as a partnership in the middle. Tyler Adams has lots of potential, but he has not looked good and I think we can exploit him in the midfield. I have no idea what they're doing with their formation where they've moved Kljestan away from a central role in order to accommodate Royer and Muyl, who have not impressed at all.

If we limit BWP's chances, make their attacking midfielders defend, and exploit Adams in the middle, I don't see why we can't get 3 points in this one.

 

FWIW, nice forecast for Saturday: low 60's, partly cloudy.

 

Perfect #hangontour weather.

Worth noting that NYRB is the only team in the East even with us in games played so far this season. While our top of the East standing is a bit inflated by our extra games, having a 6 point lead over Red Bulls (with a win Saturday) after 8 games for both would be significant.

 

If we get a shutout I'll eat my shoes. 3-2 Crew.

 

hangthadj is right, this is the part of the schedule that will separate the team from the leagues best and the creamy middles. I hope he brings them good luck for it could set the tone for next few months.

 

If we get a shutout, I'll find you a new pair.

 

Careful, that Brummie has expensive tastes.

 

Not exactly like Red Bulls are pulling up any trees this year. Marcsh tried that 4-2-2-2 formation yet again this year, and yet again, it hasn't worked. Offensively they look challenged, defensively alright. And win is most definitely possible, but I expect a draw.

 

Best post of the year.

 

I carefully chose the word "find" instead of "buy". You'd be surprised what you can "find" on the cheap these days...

 

Looks like Manneh tweeted from Ohio this morning. Not with the squad?

 

Rumors are out there that the #Hangontour is in trouble due to some train issues. Let's hope these are just rumors and his highness is able to make the game.

This could affect Grouchy Points so is a troubling development that needs to be followed closely.

 

Hang shouldn't even bother to go. He'll be pissed when he finds out Manneh isn't there.

 

Same as last week, no Manneh.