Matchday 5: CLB v ATL, 3/25/23

Hoping for three, expecting one. Let's go, Stripes!

 

Very interested to find out who plays the 10. Does Araujo move over? Sedjic move up with Rosetto coming back in? Tyler Wolff make his season debut?

 

I am hoping the tactics don't change just because a few players are off on international duty.

 

Miles was scratched from last nights US line up. I hope that doesn't mean he was injured in training. Let's see if he plays against El Salvador on Monday.Otherwise why was he brought into the USMNT camp?

 

They called him a "healthy scratch," so I don't think he's injured. Roster limit was 23, and for some reason they had 24 available. He'll play on a much better pitch against a much better team for the second game this window.

 

The Crew has been playing better than their record suggests. One of their two losses is to Philadelphia in Philadelphia, as well, so that's to be expected. With SEVEN dudes on international duty, including two center defenders, we might be looking at a back three tonight instead of a back four. Out of the seven, only three are lock starters for us: Giakoumakis, Almada, and Robinson.

Forward: I think Berry has done enough to earn the start at forward. He hasn't scored yet, but he's looked dangerous and made some good passes (including a couple that should have been assists).

Midfield: Does Alan Carleton or Firmino play the #10 for the 2's? If so, maybe start a kid and leave Ibarra and Sejdic in their roles. Nobody else on the regular roster really plays the role that Almada does. We could play Araujo in the middle, but I really think he's more impactful on the wing.

Center back: Not a ton of good options here, either. Purata alone and unafraid makes me a little nervous, and it also pulls Gutman and Lennon out of the attack a little more. Maybe Sosa as the second CB? Clement Diop is kind of built like a defender. Maybe he wears a regular-colored jersey tonight... let's hope not.

 

Strange. Why call him up if you already have your 23? If he doesn't play tomorrow I'll ask again, why?

 

Zelarayan isn't in the Argentina side. Does he play for some other NT?

 

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A simple Google search says he plays for Armenia. I doubt it will matter in today's clash (he'll probably score a hat trick after I type those words).

 

He is -- as I type this -- on the field in Armenia in a Euro qualifier. Armenia currently leads their group... purely by dint of alphabetical superiority.

It would be quite remarkable if he made it to Columbus in time to play.

 

Thanks! A question answered without snark. Wasn't sure if the sticky from GJ had been seen by all.

Armenia... Sometimes it's better to just be there for your club

 

Snark is important. It means we have a sense of humor. Do you want my tickets or not?

 

Noah Cobb is almost certainly going to start in Miles spot. He got a bit of playing time during pre-season, and the talking heads have noted that he's been practicing with the starting 11 this week. I suppose Sosa could be the backup, or maybe even bring up Efrain Morales from the 2s to sit on the bench.

 

Only if they come with a knowledgeable Clarkston-type fan. North African, Middle Eastern. Salt of the earth. Not privileged Euros.

 

So it is Cobb, and looks like Sejdic was moved up, but Sosa brought in, not Rosetto. We'll see how those two fair together from the go.

 

Apple TV, don't fail me now...

 

You called it. Rosetto still not quite 100% from the hammy, but we might see him late.

Not sure about Sejdic as the attacking midfielder, but the rest of the lineup should be just fine.

My prediction: Berry gets his first for Atlanta, and the good guys win 2-1.

 

Berry has to shoot that from midfield with the keeper so far off his line. So far, so good from the Cobb kid.

 

That goal is on Lennon for failing to step to the ball.

 

Ibarra has given the ball away about five times now. At least three of them were un-forced.

 

This is what an MLS game looks like when the talent is halved- or worse

 

At halftime I’d replace Sejdic who has so far provided nothing as an attacker. Or pull Sosa and move Sejdic back to his normal spot. I’d yell at Ibarra and insist on protecting the ball.

 

Gutman told Pineda when he was fouled, “I can’t run.” About two minutes later he was down on the grass with the injury. Couldn’t see what the physios were working on, but I hope it’s short-term. Wolff as the sub, though it looks like Wiley will drop back into the defensive role.