The Revs seem to have lost the offensive flair that characterized their play early in the year. Are they finding their true place in the league or is this just a minor slump?
Maybe a minor slump,because most of our goals involved Noonan, Ralston, and Dempsey. Anyone see Dempsey tonight? Slide tackled two men at the same time somehow, and almost scored. Can't wait til he's back in the Revolution uniform. Whats the deal for Saturday? Are they going to be able to play half and half? Better yet, the whole game for us?
are you informed that we are missing 3 attacking options right now due to the GC? TnT probably isn't 100% fit yet either. i will say this, though, we need a dependable 3rd striker for when things like this happen.
I voted for "in the middle" but not "as usual" because the usual is to finish at the bottom. There weren't enough choices. I think it is very possible that they will not finish first, despite the great start. Gettint the USMNT member back will help but I think June had a lot of so-so play even with Dempsey, Ralston and Noonan. Not horrible play, just so-so enough that I could see them dropping back into the pack if they keep it up.
Realize that Bruce Arena is probably not going to let any field players go before the Gold Cup is over - he's already lost on player to an ACL injury and is constantly dealing with yellow card accumulations. Given that the game on Saturday is a 'knock out' game for the US, I am sure that he isn't given two seconds of thought to making life easier for the Revs....and as big a Revs fan as I am, I understand that. I think the 'half - half' idea, though nice, is not really viable. If this was a 'friendly' then I would agree with it, this, however, is a competition.
But you should be!!! Notice I did not predict they would drop to 6th place in their division and never win another game this season. For me, I was quite upbeat and said they might drop back with the pack. MIGHT, I said MIGHT. I allowed for the fact that they could kick arse and finish first. This, you should admit is great progress.
Since Doc recently reminded me of my responsibilities to the dark side... The US could.... lose on Saturday, thereby ending the GC for them right there and we'd potentially have all three available by 7 PM (albeit some of them might be tired from a 4 PM match...)
The Revs game is at 7:30 right? This is the second thing I've seen stating 7, so I just want to make sure.
Uh, did you happen to miss the first option or something? By the way, has anyone noticed that dempsey seems to really step up his game with the USMNT? Not that he slacks off with the Revs, but he seems to have more drive and flair during the GC games than in the past month with the Revs...
Yes, I must give you that. In fact, even though you identify it as coming from the dark side I also have given some thought as to what might happen on Saturday in the second game. The way the US has played the first three matches almost anything could happen. I never want to see the USMNT lose but it sure would be nice to have our players back for the Dallad match
eh, with this tourney I'd take club over country...but I don't think we'll be put in that situation. as per the original topic, I think that the Nats players seemed to be collectively lacking something before they went off to the GC, maybe with Twellman getting back into early season form they can find that magical spark that got us going on that winning streak...otherwise I see more grind it out games with slightly less anxiety involved.
Not to worry. I wasn't sending bad vibes towards the USMNT---only saying that the way the Nats have played in the first three matches anything could happen on Saturday and we could suddenly find ourselves with an expanded roster and I sure would like that---king of like--"'ve got bad news and good news" I do think there is very little chance of the USA losing on Saturday.
Ok, what math are you suggesting? That Dempsey is being played out of position with the Revs and that he's naturally a forward? Your post doesn't really make a clear point here. I suggested that Dempsey had creativity and played well in the first part of the season and then fell out of sight during many subsequent games, yet makes a mark when he plays for the USM. Maybe he figures he no longer has to fight and impress Nicol for time? I don't know. By the way I guess I underestimated how many optimists there are in here.
By the way I guess I underestimated how many optimists there are in here. [/QUOTE] easy to do, seeing that pessimism is a natural instinct among us new england sports fans
I agree his play has been, how should i say it, "uninspired" since he got back from his last stint with the Nats. Although, i think he picked it up some the last few games though.