So which will it be? Will Hankinson revert back to the 3-5-2 he played for most of the latter 2/3rds of the season? Or the 4-4-2 which won the last two games versus the Burn? The 4-4-2 effectively shut down the fine wing play of the Burn, but the Galaxy don't have great wing play, at least not with speed a la the Burn. You never know where Cobi will pop up on the field but you do have to watch out for Ezra coming down the right flank. On the left side, the side where Kingsley got burned by Martinez prompting the switch to the 4-4-2 but where otherwise he's held his own, the Galaxy don't really have anyone, just mixing and matching as the game goes on. Also, does Titus make a return to the lineup to (help) shutdown Ruiz, which he did earlier in the season? Is Herdsman too injured to play? Looking for the insights of more savvy Rapids' followers than I.
We can't play a 3-5-2 with Kramer in Goal. We'll stick with the 4-4-2, but who that consists of is the real question. I say bring Titius back to mark Ruiz.
I agree that the 4-4-2 is working well right now. But if we bring in Titus to mark Ruiz, does Herdsman move to left back, right back, or the bench? He used his speed to break up Dallas attacks and is getting more skilled by the game. If his shoulder is OK, I'd hate to not have him out there. He is a hot player. I think Herdsman is probably most comfortable in the center of a 4-4-2 though I think he has played outside in the 3-5-2 and even subbed in late for Carrieri at times to play defensive mid.
The past two games were among the most focused, intense, emotional, and solid performances that the Rapids put together all season long. They went from giving up 4 in game 1 to a shutout and a 1-goal hold on the road. Certainly it was the best back-to-back performance we've seen. There is no reason whatsoever to change for game 1 against the Galaxy.
A agree, stay with what works. Dallas was a good team, there is no reason they shouldn't handle LA the same way. That means don't sit back and defend a 1-0 lead, keep attacking and score more goals. BTW: Does anybody know what was wrong with Herdsman's shoulder?
Stick with the 4-4-2. Play tough on the road and let Herdsman rest the shoulder if it's still hurt or separated. The Rapids have Stewart, Kotschau, Fraser, Titus, and Hart to choose from. My thoughts would be to bring in Hart as a sub to make the run from the back later in the match to help put pressure on LA. I recall Stewart going forward a few times and making some good crosses into the box.
From this morning's Post article (I think it was), now Hankinson's thinking about putting Titus and Kingsley back in there, presumably in a 3-5-2 alignment. I'm starting to understand what some of you have been saying about chaning alignments, players, etc. We'll see on Wed. ps. In Hankinson's defense, I did think the Rapids midfield got overrun by the Galaxy's 5 man midfield, especially in the first half when it counted most. Hankinso might have to counteract this with a 5-man midfield of his own.
Formation has nothing to do with 3 defenders ballwatching and leaving Carlos Ruiz unmarked nor allowing an easy near-post corner. Games 2 and 3 of the Dallas series were the best they've played all year, not because of their lineup/formation changes but because the team was focused and confident.