ok I’m impatient....who is starting? Mattocks Asad-Acosta-Arriola Harkes and Moreno Mora-Brillant-Birnbaum-DeLeon Ousted I wonder if they don’t shift the lineup...maybe run 4-3-3? 4-4-2? Only because if any of the A-team (yeah I’m stealing it) has to come out you gotta run a different formation right? I’d like to see Durkin in the whole game just to see or even 70 min. I wouldn’t mind seeing 2 strikers either but maybe just at the end if they need it. Thoughts?
This is where that midfield depth pays off. Missing Segura and Stieber, and looking at that lineup, there isn't a big drop off. A little thinner on the bench, but you still have some interesting options with Mullins and Durkin. The bigger worry is the defense. They need to get it together because otherwise the lack of confidence will become a habit.
Olsen(Emily) tweeted that Moreno is out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury. Looks like Durkin and Harkes on Saturday.
I'd like to say it'll come down to either using Mullins in a 442 or Harkes in a 4141, but it might be Jeffrey in a 4231.
No chance we can bring Miranda up due to international slot issues, or is there? The bench on this one will be awfully thin.
I'd like to see Opare for Brillant. Bonehead moves deserve a benching. And I'd like to see just about anyone in for NDL but that's a long standing weekly comment. I again watched the game specifically for his decision making, first touch - essentially everything he can bring. He again under performed, had terrible give aways, missed a sitter, and remains our biggest liability. Hell I'd rather see Kemp play right back OR keep Brillant in and try Opare as an outside back.
[QUOTE="Petworth Posse, post: 36434854, member: 142109"]I'd like to see Opare for Brillant. Bonehead moves deserve a benching. And I'd like to see just about anyone in for NDL but that's a long standing weekly comment. I again watched the game specifically for his decision making, first touch - essentially everything he can bring. He again under performed, had terrible give aways, missed a sitter, and remains our biggest liability. Hell I'd rather see Kemp play right back OR keep Brillant in and try Opare as an outside back.[/QUOTE] Are you trying to lose???
Brilliant's brought some stability to the back line, but he hasn't been outstanding individually. That said it seems as though Brilliant + Birnbaum > Birnbaum + Opare. Brilliant's "bonehead move" was actually a miscommunication with a brand new player. Asad's header back into the mixing bowl was a bonehead move. Unfortunately, we can't sit him this week. I'm sure we'll get around to it next week. Kemp is back? NDL is a limited player, but he keeps possession, which is critical to our endeavor this year. I'd be willing to give OA a look again. He's faster and a better one-on-one defender. Might not be a bad idea to start NDL on the bench in case we need fresh legs at RB, LB, RW, LW, 8 (and by extension the 10).
Thank you - brain fart! How many players do we have on this roster that have gotten callups for their country? 12?
This would be a good week to keep De Leon on the bench in favor of Odoi Atsem. Our midfield depth will be really thin, so having a utility guy like De Leon might come in handy. Otherwise your next best midfield option off the bench will be Jared Jeffrey.
I understand, but I think Nicky starts at RB but might move to either wing if/when Arriola or Asad tire, at which time Odoi-Atsem could enter and give us fresh (and very fast) legs. Unlike many of you, I don't think Jeffrey is a total waste. Having been off the pitch for so long, he would come on trying his best to make a positive impression.
Ben likes Nick. Nick is probably the player Ben seems himself in on the team. He is going to run his ass off for 90+ minutes and give his full effort. He may not be the most talented but you get everything you ask him to do. James
I agree that that is what Olsen is probably thinking. But thats not the best way to pick your starters or primary subs.
Normal amounts of scorn for the Cows. But feel bad for the fans. The new owner (and you thought ours are the worst) is lobbying for a quick move to the money crowds in Texas.
So what you're saying is that Bennie asks him to sail balls over the cross bar and miss sitters, have a god awful first touch, and commit the most unforced giveaways on the team? If that's what it means to get everything you ask him to do, no thanks. I forgot about Odoi-Otsem. He should start for sure this week. At least give him the opportunity to develop. It's clear NDL has had every opportunity - and then some - but hasn't developed beyond "run his ass off for 90+ minutes."
OA isn't going to improve the giveaways, he's not good with the ball yet. He is a good defender though, and could be real trouble if he could stretch his legs out there, and pressure the Crew back line. I say go for it, it's a look they won't be expecting. Of course it has 0 chance of happening.