Here we go: road trip, opponent who is competing for the same sort of spots in the table as us (figuring on Dallas, Kansas City, and Portland as more or less secure atop the conference, and then 4-8 more of a jumble), us on a winning streak and our whole team fresh. Their whole team is essentially fresh too as they had a lower division opponent in the USOC and started reserves (except for Boateng), but the dos Santos brothers will be away getting ready for the World Cup. Feeling optimistic here, but guilty for feeling that way.
Rusnak was at the USOC game, so I assume he plays in this one. Hoping the first team guys go out proving how much better they are than the reserves as opposed to relaxing because they know competition for their spots is as bad as it is. XI I want: Baird Plata* Rusnak Savarino Sunny* Kreilach Acosta Glad MSilva Lennon Nicky *Bofo if Plata is hurt *KB will start and our midfield will be a turnover machine if its him next to Kreilach
I really, REALLY want to see Sunny start over KB. Recent results seem to indicate that makes us better in multiple ways. Peoples thoughts on Bofo over Savarino? Bofo is on such a tear, it could be good for him and us to keep that rolling.
What about keeping Kreilach in the attack, sitting Savarino and springing Rusnak to a wing? Then you'd have 2 attacking subs in Bofo and Savarino - that's decent potency off the bench. Sub out Kreilach at 60, switch Rusnak to CAM...
Looks like I'm having a couple friends over to watch the game tonight. If anybody is interested in joining us, send me a message.
Beckerman on the bench! I was honestly expecting petke to go back to the KB Kreilach Rusnak combo and get destroyed
Glad that Bofo is getting the start since he seems to finally be hitting his stride but I'm still worried about him going the full 90 since there's no Plata on the bench. I'd like to see Ruiz sub in and get a shot at the left wing rather than the usual Silva sub
I’m in as much shock as everyone else. It sucks for Beckerman, but it’s the right call with how Sunny has been playing. Beckerman is just past his prime and has lost more than a step. This needed to happen, and needs to continue. That heavy schedule might have given the evidence we needed... hopefully the team performs today to continue to prove the point and not blow up in Perke’s face.
So they keep saying all three designated players for LA are unavailable tonight, what is Zlatan? If not a DP?
Baird’s a young ray of sunshine but he has limiting technical shortcomings at this point in his early career.
Our attack is toothless so far. Such bad touches by Baird on a couple breaks. Savarino losing every header (as expected) and generally losing possession. Not seeing Rusnak on the ball enough, his one solid chance early he botched the shot. Defensively we look great and are getting into LA’s heads, but we need something going to the other way. With Ibra, it only takes one mistake.
Also, speaking of toothless attack. I don’t think we ever have a plan going forward. It’s all just winging it. It’s frustrating to see so little movement, or when a guy like Baird does pull a defender out of position, nobody attacks the gapping space. Rusnak doesn’t make runs, Bofo stays wide rather than cutting in and letting Acosta be the width, etc.
Bofo does that because his only threatening move is to gather the ball wide, dribble to the edge of the box and hit that bender.
Yes. He's signed for 1.5 million, the max allowed for a TAM contract. I have a feeling he goes up to a higher salary next season that puts him on DP levels.
That was a great example of how the referee has too much power in MLS. As Dunny says, what is the purpose of VAR if he ignores that shit. Except LA..,,