Was intrigued by this posting over on the "How many points will the 2011 Revs end up with?" thread: So have at it.
No playoffs without help up front. On a side note I'm curious what people think as to how many goals the Revs will score in 2011? Last season's gpg was pretty anemic. I pray it's more or it could be a long season. Striker anyone? Bilello when asked if he's heard of a striker: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GftWT-2u7jY"]YouTube - Have you heard of Ted Striker?[/ame]
The last TWO seasons were pretty anemic. A year ago at this time, we were discussing if they could possibly score fewers goals in 2010 than they did in 2009. It wasn't easy, but they did it. It would be great to have a guy we could count on for 15-20 goals this year, but it is unlikely. Playing devil's advocate for a moment, can we live with what we have? In 2010, RSL (considered a model team), had 18 goals from their 2 starting forwards Saborio (12) and Espindola (6). If you consider our two starting forwards were Perovic (6) and Schilawski (first half - 5) splitting with Stolica (second half - 3), that's 14 goals, not too far off of RSL. Add in the subs and it's a wash (Findley 5 for RSL, Dube and Mansally had 5 for NE). Looking at the service, RSL had 26 assists from their midfielders: Morales - 9 Williams - 7 Russell - 5 Beckerman - 3 Grabavoy - 1 Johnson - 1 Revs only had 14: Joseph - 5 Tierney - 4 Nyassi - 2 Niouky - 1 Phelan - 1 Smith - 1 The question is, was it the forwards inability to score that led to the lack of assists, or was it the lack of service from the midfield that led to the lack of goals? I tend to think it was the latter. Was it the lack of ability in the midfield? Tierney and Joseph certainly have the skill, and Nyassi seems to be improving. Was it the lack of possession that contributed? I think so. Have they addressed that lack of possession? The French Connection seem to have both been brought in to address that. Stolica had a half season to adjust, so he should improve (of course, I said the same thing about EJ last year, oops!). Schilawski hit the rookie wall and lost his job to Stolica, but I have hopes he will continue to learn. OK, I apologize for rambling. My prediction is that the Revs offense will improve slightly, the defense will improve vastly, getting them back into the playoff, somewhere in the 7-10 spots.
Great analysis first of all. I actually think it was both of the above that you mentioned though. I remember thinking Dube wasn't going to hit the broad side of a barn at times last year, he was no snake bitten. He had chances, and wasn't finishing ... and he comes immediately to mind in regards of finishing (or lack thereof). This time I agree with you. I thought EJ was going to be a flop last year, and he was worse than that. I have faith that Stolica will help this offense this year. Yeah, after the TFC home opener. He needs to make a bigger impression this year, we can't have a "starting" striker that only scores in 3 regular season games (if I'm not mistaken). I've voted that this this team will make the playoffs ... but I'm still not sure about that. The offense will be better, but has this team done enough to make up that 14-point gap from last season?
Kyle McCarthy's Revs Preview for the MLS Site pretty much says the same thing I think most of us have been saying...
The east is terrible. Even without a goal scorer, the Revs could somehow make the playoffs. That doesn't mean they are good. It just means the rest of the conference is bad.
Thanks. Agreed. Fortunately, with Perovic and Stolica as starters, and Schilawski first off the bench, we won't be counting on Dube to lead us in scoring (like he did in 2009 - tied with Shalrie at 8 goals). Dube started 12 games last year, and IIRC, most were early on before Perovic moved up top. When it was apparent he lost his scoring touch from 2009, his playing time decreased.