So, RSL skies a couple PK"s and they're off to Minnesota on the brink of elimination. What has the team done to make you believe that they will be bringing the series back to the Riot for a deciding game 3? Does Pablo have any tactical moves up his sleeves? I don't know. MacMath Brody, Glad, Vera, Katranis Eneli, Ojeda Marczuk, Crooks, Luna Chicho Unless there are injuries this might be the best place to start. I don't know if they are making it back to Sandy for game three but who knows? They could be that one play, one goal, away from stomping the Loons 5-1. Or not.
That's the lineup we need to see. RSL will probably need a free kick or set piece goal if they want to win without PKs. MIN lines up in a very defensive 5-4-1 like lineup. RSL does not have the attacking flexibility to break this team down in the run of play. I highly doubt they get some of the clear cut chances they had at the RioT. As much as I think he needs to be gone, Vera has the ability to be the difference in this one (hopefully in a positive way). I think he takes the PK over Glad and they win in 5 in an alternate universe. I'm hoping to see a 2-1 win for RSL on Saturday.
I really hope RSL is practicing their PKs and quick shots outside the 18 in this game. MIN is going to have the 5 man back line again so I don't think you're going to be dribbling into the box. We're going to need to score a goal or two from outside. Also 2 players missing their PKs? Did they even practice these before the game?
I got ahead of myself. Brown will start at RB this game over Brody. Otherwise I think goobx1 nailed the lineup. I think Julio has to replace Chicho at some point in this one, especially if he hasn't scored.
Yeah, but he's been getting consistent minutes, mostly at RB. Brody seems like a guy that needs a consistent role. I think that role is backup LB at this point. It doesn't help the team to move him around. Brown is also like Quinton in that he can better play the almost CB role that is asked of the RB in this formation.
Here's my hot take because I think Pablo will be desperate for a spark, Julio and Chicho will both start game two. Julio up top and Chicho will bump Crooks out of the lineup.
stopped by practice today and they spent a lot of time working on getting the ball from the back line to the midfield and then back for passes over the top from the wing to runs trying to beat the back line. Options to break down the back 5 of Minnesota but I'm no rocket scientist. I don't know if that would indicate a Julio AND Chicho pairing but Crooks looked to be very involved in figuring it all out. Time will tell. Quinton and Bode not practicing but running the perimeter and looking fit.
The is where we really missed Vera in Game 1. He can pass accurately with pace over the top AND switch the field.
One of these two teams has the logical ability to come in and say “execute like we did last game”. That’s not rsl. if I’m Pablo I make sure I don’t go down trying the same tactics against a team you cannot score against. my hot take? Bench chicho Go 4222 Julio Diogo Luna Crooks Eneli Ojeda Katranis Glad Vera Brown MacMath it would require some really good interchange play so get the players on the field that can. Narrow through the build up with katranis and brown having to defend wings like hell
I love the idea, but not a chance Pablo changes his whole approach for a single game when he couldn't/wouldn't come up with a plan B all season. I'm pretty sure he said after the game the players just have to execute/finish better. I think the wildest he'll get is dropping Crooks and starting Julio with Chicho underneath. RSL has to score in this one. You can't take your chances in PKs again.
I appreciate your hot take, but do you truly trust Diogo in the starting lineup? Personally, I'd insert Marczuk over the stache and go full-bore 4222. I like the idea, get the first goal and force a change in the Minnesota shape.
I like this as it gives Luna more chances to combine, instead of isolating him 1 on 5 like it seemed all game on Tuesday.
I don’t think Pablo will do it I don’t think he’ll rotate from Tuesday beyond Vera, in fact. I just don’t agree with the thought to give Pablo credit, every game with Minnesota has been tight and could be argued a single play or two from rsl wins. I just have more doubt than him.
MacMath Brown Glad Vera Katranis Eneli Ojeda Marczuk Crooks Luna Julio Bench: Beavers; M Silva, Brody; Caliskan, Chang, Brook, Palacio, Diogo; Chicho