My guess would be Finley rotates to the bench unless there is a need for his speed (to negate the other teams speed). Meram was tied with goals and leads in assists for the entire team, which even though some people find fault, is hard to argue pulling out of the starting 11.
I'd like to see Finlay stay out there for defense and overall play. Kekuta can come in from the bench to replace him or Meram. Having a difference maker on the bench can, believe it or not, make a difference.
Congrats CrewV Man for accurate predicting this. https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/crew-vs-montreal-impact-mls-06-24-07-30-pm.2058964/#post-35586468
And Brummie apparently. https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/crew-vs-montreal-impact-mls-06-24-07-30-pm.2058964/#post-35590768 Either of you guys have Power Ball numbers for me?
Crewster Points standings following last week's games: EAST Toronto 8 Chicago 7 NYC 6 Atlanta 1 Montreal 0 Columbus -2 NYRB -4 New England -4 Orlando -4 DC -9 Philadelphia -10 WEST Kansas City 7 Dallas 1 Houston -1 Portland -2 Los Angeles -2 Seattle -3 San Jose -4 Vancouver -5 Salt Lake -7 Minnesota -9 Colorado -10
The score flattered us, but at the same time, we have pissed away a few games we shouldn't have. Not to sound all Andrulis in here, but sometimes the soccer gods grant you a game or two like this a year. The key is to just keep it in perspective, unlike our idiot owner who is tweeting about this being the fruition of our potential. Kyle is right, 4 shots on goal and 4 goals is unsustainable. BUT, it's a home win against conference bottom Montreal. And those are the games you need to win if your ambition is is a low playoff spot like Columbus's ambition seems to be this season. The key is to look to larger trends, and there are a few positives. As has been said multiple times, Higuain is having a far better season than anyone could have reasonably expected. If he can keep that up for the last 16 games, that's a good sign (though, dangerous if the HC/SD/FO think this form is sustainable for a few more seasons). Young players thrive on confidence, Manneh has that now after this game. And he likely should get a decent run of minutes with Hansen out injured. I've stated before Manneh has already accomplished more than Hansen is likely to in his entire career. He needs a good run of form with his new team now and to gain the confidence of coaches and teammates and he can be a big part of this team. Meram even acknowledged this in a postgame interview. The guys in the lockeroom know Manneh's talent and what he can bring to the team. Steffen is a stud. Win the games you are supposed to and you can be a 5th or 6th place team in the East and roll the dice against at least 3 teams clearly better than you. The glory of the playoffs can be ours.
And despite people saying Montreal are bottom they are above us on the crewster rankings. Why? They have only lost three games away from home. Obviously once to us. 8 points from 9 games away is not Stella but they actually have one of the better records league wide.
Yep. There are some good signs. Steffen is a stud & he is going to get better. Pipa's form has been great (bad TO aside). Meram has been great. Manneh's game is hopefully a portent of things to come. Still need to get the backline sorted. Mensah still having issues.
The interesting thing is that we have more wins today than we did all of last season. Mind you there are a fair bit of blown draws in that--but I do think that this means the team is trying [and yes, as Mrs KG would say, that word does have two meanings--both being applicable].
Yes. Try my password number 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8. Now since this seems to be Even Steven's year. Do we go even by winning against an Atlanta team we just lost to or do we go even by losing after a big win? or get a tie just because no one expected it?
I dunno. logic/reason state we should win because being the home team makes a huge huge difference in this league. But Crew BS Board Magic 8 Ball says we should probably tie, just to keep us guessing as to what this team really is.