2017 Game Thread [R]

Dead Fingers · Apr 20, 2017

Date: Sunday, April 23, 2017
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. CT
Location: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minn.
TV: MY29 TV
Radio: ESPN 1500

Dead Fingers · Apr 20, 2017

Feeling optimistic for three points. If everyone is healthy, I still give the nod on the left to Ibarra, and Warner in the middle.

NORML · Apr 20, 2017

Only way I see us ending up with a draw or worse is if Heath trots out that 4-3-3.

Boloni86 · Apr 23, 2017

Just saw United mentioned in the local weather report. Thanks weather man. That's the most marketing I've heard for this game all week.

Teak · Apr 23, 2017

And a fine 1-0 home win over Colorado. First clean sheet for this group that leaked too many goals early on. Ibarra with the headed goal from a headed pass by Venegas.

Bluecat82 · Apr 23, 2017

Winning is definitely more fun than losing.

I believe all we need a draw in Salt Lake to clinch the Rocky Mountain Cup.

Zenit · Apr 24, 2017

It was a nice win, a feel good win against a not very good squad, just like the win against RSL at home. We held serve at home against a bad team, which realistically is all we should be able to expect this season.

The defense looked much improved, but again it is difficult to benchmark their performance against the likes of RSL and the Rapids. I'm not a huge fan of our coaching choice, I find his substitutions odd, many times, and I don't think he has the mentality or patience to lead an expansion team. Ibarra should be a stone cold starter, ever game, from here on in.

Fun game, finally some nice weather, the fans and atmosphere at the Bank was uber cool. The Dark Clouds were loud and proud all game, kudos DCs.

Dead Fingers · Apr 24, 2017

What a lovely night!

Attendance was again hovering around 17, 500...right? Surprised we are not hitting 20,000, but still, those are not bad numbers, as long as they keep steady.

Good

So happy for Ibarra.

Shutout -

Cronin and Calvo

Always like Thiesson driving the flank

Hmmm?

Ramirez had little to no service. Though, KUDOS to MacMath for that save on Christian's header

Ibarra mostly on the right and Molino on the left....???

Was expecting a lot more offense here. Did Ibson provide much more than Warner would have?

We still lose a lot of headers.

Dead Fingers · Apr 24, 2017

Highlights

NORML · Apr 24, 2017

Listening to the post game show, staring at the standings I wondered; are we the best of the worst in the west? I keep expecting LA or Salt Lake to turn it around but if they don't, I think it's a fair question; are we the best of the worst in the West?

Dead Fingers said: ↑

Ramirez had little to no service. Though, KUDOS to MacMath for that save on Christian's header

Ibarra mostly on the right and Molino on the left....???

Was expecting a lot more offense here. Did Ibson provide much more than Warner would have?

Click to expand...

I actually wonder if our poor(quiet?) performance in the first half was the squad getting used to having Ibarra on the right with Molino on the left. Why I love Ibarra on the left is that he is able to open up so much more space on that side of the field compared to Molino. The flow with Miguel and Kevin switched was ok there were times; like in the first half against Houston, where the attack was collapsing on itself up the right flank.

Dead Fingers · Apr 24, 2017

NORML said: ↑

Listening to the post game show, staring at the standings I wondered; are we the best of the worst in the west? I keep expecting LA or Salt Lake to turn it around but if they don't, I think it's a fair question; are we the best of the worst in the West?
Click to expand...

At this particular moment in time? Yes. We have to eat those ugly losses, but what are you going to do? I guess the funny thing is, is that fans of opponents are probably not sure how to gauge us.

NORML said: ↑

I actually wonder if our poor(quiet?) performance in the first half was the squad getting used to having Ibarra on the right with Molino on the left. Why I love Ibarra on the left is that he is able to open up so much more space on that side of the field compared to Molino. The flow with Miguel and Kevin switched was ok there were times; like in the first half against Houston, where the attack was collapsing on itself up the right flank.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I am not sure why Heath had them on opposite sides last night. I'm missing something. Otherwise, in the first half, it was pretty bad in terms of offense. Don't know if I should blame our lack of connecting (Say Ibson to wings) or give credit to Colorado for shutting down outlets?

(sidenote) I think when it comes down to bickering over whether Warner, Ibson, Schuller...or even Martin should partner Cronin, it just means that we do not have a player that stands out. It's a position we need to fill.

Dead Fingers · Apr 24, 2017

62' - Another huge save by @ZacMacMath to keep it scoreless 🙈🙈🙈

0-0 | #MINvCOL https://t.co/qlpscxFl0b
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) April 23, 2017

Here is that MacMath save.

Dead Fingers · Apr 24, 2017

Bluecat82 · Apr 24, 2017

Dead Fingers said: ↑

At this particular moment in time? Yes. We have to eat those ugly losses, but what are you going to do? I guess the funny thing is, is that fans of opponents are probably not sure how to gauge us.

Yeah, I am not sure why Heath had them on opposite sides last night. I'm missing something. Otherwise, in the first half, it was pretty bad in terms of offense. Don't know if I should blame our lack of connecting (Say Ibson to wings) or give credit to Colorado for shutting down outlets?

(sidenote) I think when it comes down to bickering over whether Warner, Ibson, Schuller...or even Martin should partner Cronin, it just means that we do not have a player that stands out. It's a position we need to fill.
Click to expand...

...and there's a summer transfer window coming and we've got DP money!

Dead Fingers · Apr 26, 2017

MIN/Rapids game note.

Kortne Ford suspended for hard foul (On Ramirez)

http://www.denverpost.com/2017/04/26/kortne-ford-suspended/

Bluecat82 · Apr 27, 2017

Good morning! I have a favor to ask:

Beerking said: ↑

Thanks for posting the info. Please send me a PM, I'm looking for somebody out your way to send me some:

I made a bet with Don about the outcome of the game on the 29th. and that particular beer is on the line.

PS: I'll pay for shipping, handling & etc.
Click to expand...

Since, as a very active Mormon, doing something like this is a bit out of my league and a whole lot out of my comfort zone, would one of you be able to hook this fine individual up?

Thanks!

Dead Fingers · Apr 27, 2017

Bluecat82 said: ↑

Good morning! I have a favor to ask:

Since, as a very active Mormon, doing something like this is a bit out of my league and a whole lot out of my comfort zone, would one of you be able to hook this fine individual up?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Anyone? Anyone have experience shipping cans?

Dead Fingers · Apr 27, 2017

Date: Saturday, April 29, 2017
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. CT
Location: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minn.
TV: MY29 TV
Radio: ESPN 1500

Dead Fingers · Apr 27, 2017

Cautiously optimistic. Was not too thrilled with our offense, especially in the 1st half of the game with the "depleted" Rapids. Also, still not thrilled with Ibson as a starter. I have no problem with Warner partnering Cronin. Not sure if Schuller is still having injury issues? I would also sit J. Venegas and start Danladi behind Ramirez.

Boloni86 · Apr 28, 2017

Looks like Molino could miss this game due to injury. Could we see a first start for Danladi?

If I was Heath I wouldn't change the shape of the attacking diamond. Move Venegas more central and keep Ibarra and Danladi on the wings with Ramirez up top.

The question becomes depth and who comes off the bench. Schuller and Anor are still injured. Will we see Kadrii come out of the dog house? My impression with Kadrii is that he hasn't been very motivated. Since he's here on loan, maybe he's already decided mentally that MLS isn't a good fit for him. There really isn't a lot of wide and attacking depth beyond that. Maybe a surprise appearance by Collin Martin could be interesting.

Dead Fingers · Apr 29, 2017

Boloni86 said: ↑

Looks like Molino could miss this game due to injury. Could we see a first start for Danladi?

If I was Heath I wouldn't change the shape of the attacking diamond. Move Venegas more central and keep Ibarra and Danladi on the wings with Ramirez up top.

The question becomes depth and who comes off the bench. Schuller and Anor are still injured. Will we see Kadrii come out of the dog house? My impression with Kadrii is that he hasn't been very motivated. Since he's here on loan, maybe he's already decided mentally that MLS isn't a good fit for him. There really isn't a lot of wide and attacking depth beyond that. Maybe a surprise appearance by Collin Martin could be interesting.
Click to expand...

I was hoping Danladi would start in place of J.Venegas, who I have not been too happy with lately. I could see Heath putting Ibarra on the right (as he was mostly inverted last game anyway) and Kadrii on the left.

I agree with the Kadrii issue, i.e., he doesn't seem too motivated. Of course, he pulls in too much for a winger.

They are trying to get loan options for Jome and Martin.

Kcirtap · Apr 29, 2017

What time do people start heading to the stadium after the surly party?

Dead Fingers · Apr 29, 2017

Kcirtap said: ↑

What time do people start heading to the stadium after the surly party?
Click to expand...

I think the 5 piece band leaves Surly around 6:30. It's about a 15-20 minute walk. I will probably leave Surly around 6:15 today.

Kcirtap · Apr 29, 2017

Finally I'm going to make it my pre game party doesn't allow me to make it most games.

Boloni86 · Apr 30, 2017

Well, that didn't click tonight. San Jose is a tough team to break down and a team that doesn't score much. In reality the game should have been 0-0, but one moment of loose marking on a set piece and it cost the game. Typical expansion inconsistency.