Curtin could pull a Van Gaal move (last World Cup, he brought Tim Krul in as a last minute sub in extra time in the Netherlands - Costa Rica Quarter Final match - Krul saved 2 of 5 PKs in Netherlands win) if he wanted to get Local Goalie a game appearance. For the other 120 potential minutes, Blake has a superior goalkeeping skill set across the board compared to McCarthy. On another note, Nando has started two regular season games since May and has scored in both of them. Sapong is still the starter unless Curtin wants a two striker formation. Despite his lack of pace and high price tag, that type of strike rate is what you want to see from a striker. In terms of Philly floppers, Moreno and Ruiz were at least good at the skill and got calls - Hoppenot flops but is not good at it and then whines to the refs about it.
Ah, its that time of year again on Reddit. The "we're technically not out of the playoffs!" and the "we were just a few bad breaks from a good season" posts have started.
I know I'm in the minority but I'm all for Helmet Head on Wednesday... go with the guy who got you there.. I don't want the bad juju of messing with that.
Wouldn't be surprised if Blake tries to push for a move in the off season. He's by a landslide the best keeper on our roster but is held back because he wasn't born in the tri-state area. The Union media crew is going bonkers over his performance last night, but it just makes Curtin look like a fool.
Its sort of true though. A small change here and there probably would have gotten them into the playoffs. If only M'Bolhi decided to be a poet instead of a pro athlete. If only CJ didn't get a DUI. If only Sugarman's last name was Walton or maybe Rockefeller. ...if only.
Here's a question - You start Blake Wednesday - what international do you not play in the field? I think who starts is far from a "no brainer".
Nogs Barnetta Maidana Blake Ayuk/Nando is a toss up. I think Casey and Wenger are fine as subs depending on which way you lean. Fabinho got his green card, relieving the pressure. Vitoria sits. Marquez and Edu start at CB. What's the beef? Nogueira was rumored to be close to his green card too.
Who would be the bench GK then? I don't remember what happened last round. Because Sylvestre is cup tied isn't he?
I think it's academic. With Sylvestre cup-tied, Blake would have to be on the bench anyway if you start McCarthy. EDIT: What Tony said
simple google search people http://www.brotherlygame.com/2015/7/20/9003147/andre-blake-got-a-green-card
Just to comment on the game, that one felt like a win Saturday. Blake was obviously superb, but really gutty effort.
Curtin should leave sentiment and the player's feelings aside and go with the hot hand. That said, if he goes with McCarthy and we win, it will have been the right decision. If he sticks with Blake and we lose, questions will be asked on why he bailed on the guy who led us to the final. It may seem like an easy decision in some of our minds, but these calls make or break coaching careers.
That's why you play your best players. Then there are no questions. When we lose am I going to question Curtain why he didn't start Hoppenot? Nope. If he goes with McCarthy and we win, it was still the wrong decision. All that means is that greater talent wasn't needed in this particular match. We still would have had a better probability to win with Blake in there.
I just realized that as bad as the team is, there was no Hoppenot on the field despite playing a second choice lineup. Small victories...
I don't know anyone who would ask that question. Blake is the better player. SKC is still the better team.
So what was his rationale to play Ethan White last year to defend against Oba Martins and Dempsey? He benched Okugo, whose career has stalled granted, but was still so much better than White last year. At least the same talent gap between Blake and McCarthy. And while we're talking about the hot hand, yes, McCarthy beat a decent RBNY team, but the last match was 8/12, is he still warmed from the glow of beating Chicago? They've played 7 league matches since, going 3-2-2, which for this team qualifies as febrile. "Run of form", "hot hand", do these terms apply to a team that just drew on the road? And if McCarthy is hot from a few Cup wins, what's Tim Melia's temperature then? Lava? Play your best XI. McCarthy ain't in it.