I'm just hoping to see Esky and 'Tiba run into the wall that is Olave. Repeatedly. Frustratingly (for them). I wouldn't mind Olave or anyone else taking 'Tiba down in the manner that 'Tiba is known for. I'm just sayin'.
With Yura out, the opportunity exists for someone to break out like he did last season. He was unexpected and it would make my night if someone else jumped out of the mass of mediocrity that is RSL.
Actually, it has happened twice this year already (hello Columbus, hello New England) - we just sink back to blah afterward.
its going to be an interesting one. Kreis doesnt seem to have the team too pumped for this one (see behind the shield and his comments on the New England game)... I see us sucking in the first half, going down a goal, then a crazy second half. Espy with a brace and Findley on a counter
Ok I just suck today. I knew the Esky one, it just slipped my mind, I completely forgot the Atiba to Dallas trade!
I'm going to keep saying it until I get it right! Going off the philosophy that even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Thanks behind the shield for the interviews. I'm glad to see that JK has realized that he's "charged to win games". I'm yet to see that attitude from his team or himself. Here's to hoping we see it tonight, but I'm not that confident. 1-0 for Chivas. Mathis, Findley, and Campos all hit the posts.
one interesting thing that is not being brought up is the treatment of Clint for this game. Olave had to sit out an extra game (he was subbed on, but it wasnt until the 60ish minute) when he got his "stupid red card"... so why isnt Clint being treated the same way? Is Clint more important than Olave? not at all... Is the Javi situation playing a factor? Without a doubt. But, couldnt JK use Andy and then sub in Clint? where does the line start and stop?
It's good to be good friends with the coach. Personally, Mathis shouldn't be on the pitch this game, not just b/c of his recent "dumb" red card, but that coupled with his poor performance the past few games. Too bad no one else can effectively play that position. (Love Andy, but let's face it, his mind is elsewhere as it should be)
Andy didnt look awful against New England, just not as involved as we would like. If you tell him to run his ass off for a half though... I think you will get a better effort from him. Andy also showed some spark at the end of the last game. Not sure if that is a bash on the rest of the guys or if he is stepping it up, either way... not sure how Clint has "earned" that spot personally (though i do see JK starting him)
Kyle cant play that role. he was put in a position with the nats to show he could, and he always hung back too far for the attacking role. I cant remember who the opponent was, but Benny F subbed in for Pause making it Beckerman and Feilhaber in the middle... benny tore it up, cuz he actually got forward. If you put Beckerman at attacking mid, you will think Yura has an accurate shot by the end of the day
Beckerman played the role exactly the way Bob drew it up. he and Pause were supposed to play defensively to give cover to more offensive minded wide mids. When Benny F subbed in, he was told to attack more. Don't confuse how Beckerman played (defensively with permission to get forward judiciously) to how he would like to have played (straight a-mid). With that being said, yes, his shot is inconsistent.
Some of RSL's most dangerous offensive games have been when Beckerman gets forward and puts more pressure on the other teams central defenders.. That being said, I don't know that he can pass or that he has the vision to play the A-Mid all game. We do have enough D-Mids though on the roster to try it out for a game...