In order for us to win the series here's what I'll be looking for: 1)Dunc. Has to maintain his status as Crew's #1 midfield terrier. Has to put one of his long range missles through the back of the net. Probability: Likely, I'm going out on a limb here, Dunc opens his account tonight with a cracking goal from thirty out. No yellow cards. 2)Big Save. You know he's capable of it, our own version of Little Big Man, John Busch will be called upon to make a huge stop or two. Probability: Also likely as long as our defense doesn't leave him out to dry. Unfortunately we saw this against scum, to many connecting passes allowed inside twenty-five yards, god save our defense. 3)Perez. Will he play big, or will he be staring in our own version of Casper the Friendly Ghost. If he dissapears again, as he's prone to doing, goodbye MLS cup. Probability: Job depends on big playoff IMHO, Martino is the real deal, and will probably be the hardest worker on the team this offseason next to John Busch, you got to believe Perez feels the breath on the back of his neck given the size of his contract and SI status. 4)McBride. As he goes so the team does. National team SUPERSTAR, Columbus Crew half-timer. What will we see? Probability: My heart says cracking playoff, six goals, helps us get into the finals, my head says he'll raise the ire of supporters and have trouble fending off the boo birds. I hope for everyone's sake involved it doesn't come to that, as he really has turned in some wonderful perfomances while playing in Cols.
Holy crap, he is back. That's great. I agree on all four counts here. I think the biggest key is our distrobution outta the back. That all falls on Duncan, Mais, and Perez/Martino making themselves available. Our back four doesn't have time to dance around with a field of these dimensions. Dunc, Mais, and Perez especially gotta get back and give them and outlet and hopefully link up for some good one touch work outta danger, otherwise this could be a short postseason.
after the game in Chicago. I am sort of wondering if Perez will be the man thats called upon. I thought he didn't play to his full potential in Chicago. I think I would feel more comfortable with Martino!
Having denton in central defense? really? Dunseth has been one of our most solid/consistent defensive performers. He has to start in central defense.
i think we can handle a game in San Jose. We were minutes away from tying, except there was that red card in OT. So that game earlier this month proves we can hold our own in San Jose. We could have won that, who knows. We'll come back home on Saturday in front of a big crowd and get a win. It won't be easy, but i'm feeling a win on Saturday. We really don't want to do the 3rd game, but if we need to, then the boys better be prepared. In other words, I think the first game could go either way and the second game will go our way.
Can you picture Greg sitting McBride? I can't. But I'd rather see Buddle upfront...and sit Perez for McBride.
i may have made the denton - dunseth mistake again, but hey its only september, i'll remember who's who by october.
Goos call DS...sit him. Miase is much ore effective..and it appears Garcia and Buddle are too. I like Martino better than perez at htis point. Team chemistry.
Well, 3 out of 4 isn't bad. Oughton, at least in my eyes, played a great series. His play wasn't outstanding, but he was a "silent" gamebreaker. Busch and Bakes on the other hand were superb. Thank GOD we have evidently waved bye-bye to the Bakes we saw against KC in the Open Cup. I do find it funny that Perez was non-existent. The 3rd point is still valid as Garcia stepped up. Who will get the hardest player of the postseason -- Garcia or Martino??
Perez subbed in...and decided to walk. He looked like he was just awakened by the staff . Doesn't it seem like the typical P0'd attitude about not starting...or playing enough...and not agreeing with the coach? Too bad...we may need him to step up. I hope Maise is ready to turn it on big for us.
Wasn't Pelusa playing D-mid? If so his job wasn't to run into the attack in the 81st minute when we have the lead. McBride and Mais were covering the attacking Mid role and Pelusa was trying to play in the stopper possesing role. I though he did a nice job of keeping possesion and providing transition to Mais or the wings. Duncan is doing a great defensive job, but his ball control And passing out of the back is still his weak point IMO.
Who wants McBride to sit? That is ridiculous. All three should be in. mcBride is playing a lot of mid...if you are tlaking about me. Buddle just ins't that effective if not in fornt of the goal...I htink they swithc around on their own...but if maise is hurt too much to go long....I'd rather Buddle up with Jeff...and McBride right behind them. Or three forwards...we make too uch out of positons...but Buddle stays so wide...for a flank...he is wasted too much. I'm not saying I know who is better wide...it's a question. And I never said sit McBride. He draws...and so does Jeff..that is why Garcia and Buddle get great opportunities.
I meant his attitude. On TV...the close ups of his face were very telling. he was not happy. And I don't think he hussled as much as you do. Up or back.
It's hard to recognize my hustling anymore, FF. Seems to be more Racoon like now -- lot's of movement and not much happens. I was at the game, Elisabeth, and thought Pelusa played well. He seemed to be plenty energetic when he needed to be. I couldn't see his facial expressions that well though...
I'm curious, Elizabeth, exactly what facial expressions are players allowed to make? Once you went off on Garcia and Perez, after the Open Cup semifinal, because they were laughing and joking with each other before entering the match. Now you say Perez has a pissed off look on his face. What facial expressions are allowed? The Troy Aikman Face? The Bruce Arena Face? The Steve Spurrier Face?