"Fioranelli doesn’t expect many transactions in or out of San Jose for the remainder of the window"

Been there, done that.

 

*sarcasm alert* Why would we want him anyway?

 

Closer to those who follow the team closely and are willing to vote in a poll and are on BS. Don's response would be the more likely to be correct statistically.

 

I think it's safe to say that this offseason doesn't move the needle much for most people at all in terms of the *yawn* factor. there's a little excitement around Almeyda who is being hailed as the great savior, but I've always maintained that Pep Guardiola doesn't squeeze much more out of last years roster and let's be honest, we haven't really added much at all in terms of depth, quality, scoring prowess, etc. I imagine 2019 is a tough sell for our poor ticket reps, Don's unwavering enthusiasm and cheerleading not withstanding.

 

We scored a fair number of goals last season. The big question for this season, is can we stop the bleeding on defense? Lopez should be a help in that regard, but Matias is going to play two d-mids in Godoy and Judson. IF we actually sign a new 'keeper, and he's actually MLS starting quality, then we have a shot at having a better season. But we'll have to keep up or improve on the goal scoring from last season. Hopefully, between better coaching, better goal keeping, and Lopez on the backline in place of Shea, our defense will be better and we will win more games.

I am on of those who argues that coaching makes a big difference in a team's performance. In 2017, we made the playoffs, albeit barely. In 2018, we had an epic meltdown and the worst season we have ever had. The big difference was a change in coaching, because the starting roster didn't change much. Wer'e going to see if improved coaching can turn the team around now, because honestly, we aren't changing the roster much. (Three new field players and maybe a new GK? That's four of eleven.)

I'm not optimistic.

go quakes!

- Mark

 

Yeah, that!

 

I really hope that Almeyda is the coach everyone thinks he’ll be and, that coaching and these few additions can make a difference. Who knows, maybe TT has a break out season and goes on a scoring rampage I am genuinely hoping for that as well.

 

My optimism should not be mistaken for disagreement with this proposition.

 

Why assume Godoy and Wondo will be missing from the starting lineup?

 

If Godoy has his head in the game, he's darned good. And Wondo's still Wondo. They're both among the league's very best players. A good coach will get them both in the lineup and playing to their capabilities.

Take your lineup, replace Jungwirth with Godoy and move Vako to the wing, while slotting Wondo behind Hoesen or up top.

And, by the way, I expect Vega to start if he's signed.

 

I've already wagered on it.

 

- - - - - - Hoesen
- - - - - - - - - - - Wondo
Vako - - - - - - - - - - - - - Espinosa
- - - - - Godoy - - - Judson
Lopez - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lima
- - - - Cummings - - Kashia
- - - - - - - - - Vega

I'm showing Vako and Espinosa and Lopez and Lima pushed up because I expect them to play attacking roles, while Godoy and Judson will play as "holding" midfielders, and Cummings and Kashia as more stay at home defenders.

And I expect us to get crushed with this lineup.

Edit: Ha ha!! @xbhaskarx and I just posted the same lineup. We should sign a replacement for Wondo, and then use Wondo as a sub. (And move Wondo to coaching or scouting when this season ends.)

Go Quakes!!
Pass the whiskey!!

- Mark

 

This is a Club. I'll bet you if the stakes involve our sitting together to watch an athletic event in 2020, just like I did with Quakes05.

(And, by the way, the value of what I wagered with Quakes05 was worth more than $100).

 

this looks like a win-win to me. if I'm buying tix to a Niners / Bills game, my soccer team has done something truly extraordinary and I'm thrilled. Plus, hitting up the game with you, Don, sounds fun anyway. If I win, I get to enjoy a game in the front row with Don...excellent!

 

---------------------Wondo---Hoesen
---------------Vako------------------Espinoza
----------------------- Judson
--Lopez-------------------------------------------Lima
--------Cummings----Kashia----Jungwith
---------------------------Vega

 

We still need a signing that will create a similar buzz to hiring Almeyda. Just one player like that and fans would calm down a lot.

 

I know I would.