Let's see how late-season Freddy does compared to late-season Petke. Last year we played Portland twice, needing a result to ensure qualification for the playoffs, and we were blown out each time. Now we go to Portland in the thick of the 2019 playoff race, and . . . ?
I think it's very interesting that even though it's getting late in the season and RSL is in 2nd place we really have no idea whether or not they're actually a good team. The jury is absolutely still out on how to define this team for this season. RSL is sitting in 2nd but only 3 points above 7th 6 points above Portland in 8th. The playoffs aren't even close to being a lock especially if Portland gets 3 points tonight which would cut RSL's advantage in half. I have no idea what will happen tonight. I have ZERO faith that Freddy has any real idea how to run this team any better than Petke was doing. This game could go a long way in defining the season and if this is a good RSL team or not. I would certainly take 3 points but I'm just guessing that Portland might be ready for this one and RSL will do what they do best, come out flat and unprepared for the pressure the home team will be exerting. I be watching intently.
4 of our last 7 are against fellow WC playoff contenders. 2 away, and 2 home. If we stay at the 1.6ppg rate, we hope to get 11 points out of these 7. Win them @ Home + 2pts would get us there. Given our schedule congestion, this would be a massive boon. I'm with @georg. Biggest 3 pts of the season up to now. However, any points sound good to me. I won't be devastated with a loss here, but aside from @VAN to end the season, this is our best chance to pick up away points.
It's a must win if you ask me. With how many starters we'll be missing against SJE, these points can help us make up for that loss.
So the guys doing this for a living must have a better grasp on this than we do, so I fully expect a good showing for Rowe.
Damir is playing some odd mix of a 6 and a 9. I get when he and Rusnak switch it up, but he's dropping back behind Everton and Rowe.
Of course, it isn't his fault that the entire back 7 except Glad has turned the ball over badly at least once in a dangerous position.
Is it just me, or is Dunny uncommonly critical of the team, tactics, and effort tonight? 1-0 at the half.
Personally, I think we have looked OK. Dunny is forever full of shit, he tends to get on a groove and carry that shit to whatever end he seems to see that night. Dunny reload, and start seeing the match as it is instead of as you saw in minute 3.
Remember the old days of a few weeks ago when Petke's subs were later than we wanted, less frequent than we wanted, and were generally frustrating? Those were the days.