Starting this thread early because it's the week the Ismitjes get to attend a game at the RioT! So huzzah to that. Also good news: NYCFC is winless on the road this season at 0-5-3, 4-7-5 overall and a slightly worse pace than us this year. They do have former RSL academy and RSL Monarchs player Richie Ledezma on loan.
RSL really should get 3 points against NYCFC but who knows with this team. Curious to see how it goes this week. A loss at home to LAG in the USOC could mean Saturday has quite the interesting vibe. Still surprised that there is noticeable booing when Pablo M is announced during the pre game lineups. My hunch is that RSL wins both games this week.
If they can beat ATX on the road, they can certainly beat NYCFC at home. My concern is this is trap game no matter what happens Wed (better be a win, btw). There has just been so many games, I wonder when it catches up. This is not a priority win for me at this point.
I worry about the trap. Like LA last week that was probably another humiliating loss from blow up I believe this NYCFC team will have it's worst losing streak ever with no result against RSL. In both cases the visiting teams come in with a lot of baggage from the first part of the season but also a bit of a chip on their shoulder about this being the chance to turn things around. It's not about RSL but interesting timing for both. Unfortunate for us. That being said, this is a game that RSL should win at home.
Looks like NYCFC will be missing 3 of their normal starters along the back. They could be susceptible to RSL's attacking form as of late, but RSL is definitely capable of giving up goals against this squad. Hopefully we get to hear from Ledezma and show him that he should come back and play for RSL.
He was never on RSL's roster, I don't know why he couldn't. I know the loans within the league work this way, but they loaned his MLS rights. I see the distinction, but maybe the League still says no. MacMath is questionable. I say if there's no risk for further injury, play him tonight. You can resume playing Beavers for the rest of the year and he'll probably be ready for the next round by then.
It would depend upon the agreement we reached with NYCFC when we loaned them the rights for this year. It certainly is possible that was included.
I'm not optimistic that they'll make the playoffs or win in the leagues cup. I badly want to advance in the USOC. Beavers can have the rest of the games this year. That was my thought, but it doesn't matter, Beavers is starting tonight. I hope he plays very well.
For one game, and with Glad and Silva in front of him, I want the experience and steadiness of MacMath, at this current point in time. Oh well. Maybe this is 2021 again only with Beavers instead of Ochoa.
Statement stands Macmath is at best a mid level mls keeper I’ll take the 18 year old oozing with talent over him every day
Beavers struggles in distribution and playing at his feet in comparison to McMath. I think the experience thing is overrated, unless you are in a high stakes single elimination scenario. Talent needs experience, no? I’m not ready to throw in the towel on McMath, but Beavers is doing well with his chances. Like you said earlier, these opportunities are rare. Let us not waste it!
Macmath is pretty awful at distribution too. He can absolutely destroy a soccer ball but that’s about it. There are certainly still areas beavers needs to improve on to be seriously courted, but all the raw potential and talent is there. Give him the chance is my vote
Talent isn't everything, we just saw that with Ochoa. I agree he's talented, I just said I would have preferred a healthy MacMath for last night. I think Beavers did about as well as we could have expected last night. It'll be interesting to see if MacMath gets any minutes going forward.
MacMath is kind of the red-headed stepchild of MLS. He was doing well with the cRapids and then Timmy showed up, so he gets to warm the bench. He's been doing...okay...with RSL, but then he gets injured, Beavers steps in and Zac is back on the bench. I'm for giving Beavers the playing time and think that's our best choice going forward, but I kind of feel for Zachary.
Absolutely love MacMath but Beavers looks to be doing all that is necessary to sit Zach down. Zach is a very good keeper and a guy you want on your team. But he's not a great keeper. If he was we wouldn't be having this conversation. He was pretty hard done though in Colorado because Tim Howard was not great there at least after the first season or so. I would keep him around for a long time especially if you have a young keeper like Beavers. He may not want that but he could play another 10 years in the league. He's only 31. He may want starting minutes and there could be some interest for his services but I doubt teams are beating down the door to get him from RSL. Beavers doesn't look to have the attitude that Ochoa had, which was obvious to anyone that paid attention, so unless he decides to get to big for his britches I can't see him not being the starter before too long. Nice problem to have.
So where are your seats at the game on Saturday? Or should we ask which fancy suite can we wave at for your blessing?
He sat on the bench for most of 2021 behind Ochoa and was the backup going into the preseason in 2022 until Ochoa got hurt. Something to think about is that MacMath is making about $350k/yr and signed an extension through next year with a club option for 2025. He'll be 32 this summer. He's still a starting quality GK in this league, but he's not at the difference making level. I'm pretty sure I'd take him over both the LAG GK's, for example. I think a few other clubs would love to have him, too.
I think the "he's not at the difference making level" is the important part. Let him know you value him as a player and what he can do for your team and let him know he has a role making the team better and keep him around. Or, if he really wants start minutes do what RSL seems to do for their players and help find him a home in the league. Maybe he's at that point where making a good living and being in a good place for 5-6+ more years is a great option. Be the anchor the team needs, be there when needed and really make a difference. If things go well RSL sells a quality young keeper in Beavers and Zach is back to starting. A lot of ifs but I think that kind of player is worth the money.
One of the peculiar reasons to start Beavers is the guys behind him are reportedly as good or better than him, and will soon need lineup spots. So if he's good enough to start - if there's even a question - the pipeline says start him.
Ochoa flamed out of MLS so quickly as his antics seemed too heavy. He was released from his contract with Atletico San Luis last month, hopefully he finds a decent landing spot as he's still only 22 years old.
So he found his way to the wrong side of the Crazy-Talent axis? His talent wasn't surpassing the crazy.