It’s the 2nd or 3rd game in a row that he has not started. Either he has an undisclosed knock or he has worked himself back into the doghouse. I did note a couple of weeks ago that he played so far forward that opponents were sending long balls to attackers in the space Acosta had vacated.
That's by design and has caused the left side of our attack to be not as effective since the Herrera switch. Hell, look at Lennon on the first RSL goal. He's up almost in the box. Petke wants that from his outside backs. Saying it's a reason to bench Acosta just doesn't add up. Further, Herrera is pretty worthless in the attacking half of the pitch. He made multiple half ass runs that Chicago essentially ignored because they know he can't put in a quality ball with his left foot. Acosta can. I really don't get what Herrera brings that Danny doesn't (and then some).
Damir is our top goal scorer 6 goals tied with Plata. Damir is also our top assist tied with Rusnak at 6. Hard to believe he is our top offensive threat. Is he that good, or are we just that bad?
Damir really is pretty good as an offensive weapon. The only reason he has had the negative publicity against him comes from the fact that he and Beckerman simply don't work together. They combined, lack enough pace in the midfield, and they don't seem to have much chemistry either. Damir also started the season getting a bit too far forward, and now seems to be at least hesitating on his forward runs more which I think makes him more dangerous on headers while also keeping him available in possession more. Rusnak is tactically not being utilized enough with the way we are playing out of the back. We send too many long balls forward that Sava (plays into cul de sacs too much) and Plata tries to attack forward quickly as well. The counter strategy works for our youthful quick attackers, and potentially can offer better chances for unpolished finishers like we have all over our attack... but it also minimizes Rusnak's part in the attack. We don't build through him, and rarely look for him until the initial counter attack fails.