Oh, BTW...50/50 chance that Espy doesn't play...he picked up a knock in training the other day. Since I don't have a lot of confidence in the forward tandem of Braun/Bonfigli, RSL is going to have to get a clean sheet or it's over. Let's just hope there are lots of set pieces (free kicks/corners) because I don't see RSL scoring in the run of play without Espy and Sabo. The one area where RSL have a clear advantage over Herediano is size...if RSL can get 9 or 10 corners, I bet that either Braun or one of the center backs can head one home (assuming Javi clears the first defender with the service).
Without Espy we're ********ed. I'd chalk it up to a 1-0 loss or a 0-0 bore-fest without him on the pitch. The tandum of Braun and Bonfigli? God help us all. Those guys struggle against reserve team defenses. You expect them to find the net against Herediano in Champions League play?
The goal will either come off a set piece, or off the midfield. If there was ever a chance to step up and contribute, now would be the time.
Line-up I would use if Espy is in fact out (and PJ still isn't 90 fit) I have zero confidence in Braun against a defense like this. All he has is some speed and decent size. This defense took Sabo out of the match when we played down there, I doubt they'll struggle with Braun. What did work against them down there, though, was some well timed through balls. Bonfigli has speed and Gil isn't slow. You get those guys in behind (and able to finish, unlike Espy) and we could actually find a cheap goal. The biggest issue in this game will be how well our midfield plays. If they play like they did @ Seattle, we'll lose. If they play like we did against LA after the Keane goal, we have a chance. Johnson has to have a career night, Javi has to show up, and Steele needs to just do his job. And, as always, KB has to keep things calm.
No, I don't. That's why in my post above I said "I don't see RSL scoring in the run of play." Without Espy and Sabo, RSL scoring comes down to how many set pieces can they generate. I can see Javi possibly scoring a free kick, or one of the tall trees heading in a corner.
you don't generate set pieces without forwards, though. Unless we're going to just hit the ball long and tell Bonfigli/Braun to run into guys hoping the ref will buy our dives... Maybe we can call in Lenhart for a training on this bullshit?
Tougher, yes, but not impossible. Seattle generates lots of corners by having midfielders who are willing to take long-range shots which are often deflected out for a corner. And if RSL's outside backs are doing a good job getting forward and making overlapping runs, they might be able to pick up some corners by getting crosses deflected out. And Javi is one of the most fouled players in MLS - if he stays connected to the game and gets lots of touches, expect him to be taken down a time or two. If Espy can't go, that's pretty much RSL's only hope from my point of view.
Great, just what I wanted to hear on a monday morning. This team/season is cursed with untimely injuries and suspensions.
Johnson can make a difference. Like the game at Arabe Unido in 2010, when he scored twice -- including the game winner. Hopefully that guy shows up tomorrow.
nothing is worse than having the squirts when you can't breathe and are freezing to death. We've got a lot of the outside elements going our way, now Espy get ********ing healthy! The better question, though, is where is Herediano staying? A few well timed phone calls tonight could make things very fun
If Steele plays more like he did before the Seattle game then we might have a chance. If Gil were to play as a forward I'm worried that he would drop too deep. And if Bonfigli disappears again we'd be left with a 4-5-0
Sounds good to me. That's the formation that I would run if I was going into a game looking to score goals.
I really think Espy will start, if Paulo can go he will, if he cannot I would rather see Sabastian Valazquez get the start in place of Braun or Bonfigli. Valazquez always looks dangerous in the offensive third, his scoring touch in college was no fluke, kid seems to know where and when to be in the attack.
It doesn't even sound like Paulo is in contention. I'd love if Espy could start, but throwing a guy out that's 50/50, in some possible rain, is just asking for trouble. If he's able to log minutes, I'd prefer he started on the bench. With any luck we don't need him at all, and if we do you give him 20-25 minutes against a hopefully worn out Herediano.
I'd like to see Velasquez too. Maybe some Vianna if he's ready. Maybe if we're not doing so good we can switch to a 4-5-1 with Alvarez in the midfield so Beckerman had more freedom to attack. So if it's late in the match and we need a goal. (or more ) This sounded better in my head. (Johnson,Steele and Bonfigli would come off for Alvarez, Velasquez, and Vianna)
What we would get with that line-up is pure attack and probable high percentage ball possesion. I would love to see RSL come out balls to the wall, make Herindiano work hard and early at altitude. Back 4 looks solid trust them.
And for anyone wanting to see Steele get some action, may I suggest Jason let him drive the team bus more!
http://www.nacion.com/2012-10-22/De...ra-con-tres-delanteros-ante-el-salt-lake.aspx A Costa Rican newspaper says that Herediano is going to play 3 forwards, 2 holding midfielders and one attacking midfielder. And they are staying at the Crystal Inn.
Can Viana even play in this game? I remember we had to submit a roster at the beginning of group play, can you add guys to that? I would honestly rather have him for a half up top with (insert uninjured forward here) over Braun
So they're going for a 4-2-1-3 (or 4-3-3) ? Seems like their game plan is to score that one goal and then prevent us from scoring 3. This could be bad if our defense isn't ready. Counters will be deadly.
Thinking back to my one experience with a Crystal Inn, we don't need to make any phone calls. The hotel itself will do all the work for us. Hopefully, for their sake, the SLC Crystal Inn is nicer than the one I stayed in.