They are making the right moves both on and off the field but there are still some gaping holes that can be filled with 2-3 players in the 300-500K range. We are on the cusp of something that hasn’t been around in almost a decade - hope and excitement. Just one more signing (not Ozil - though that would be good for a season) in defense or striker would go a long way. If LAFC can find an Eddie Segura than DC can find someone similar.
A signing to provide depth at any defensive position would make me a lot happier. As the roster stands now, if the annual injury bug hits more than one starting defender, this season goes down the toilet pretty quick.
I'm gonna bump this because I watched the stream of Philly-DC in Florida and it was a positive viewing! It was really hard for me to see who was who but I watched a well played game by both teams. United looked pretty quick on the counter, and in the second half played the ball on the ground really well and looked savvy. Philly worked over both wings but the crosses weren't dangerous, United would be happy to concede that. So yeah, I feel like they should beat Colorado, when I didn't feel that way yesterday.
With a healthy Arriola, DC was treading water compared to last season's team. Without him, I think United could be in the hunt for a playoff spot if the stars align but they'll be closer to the Spoon than the Shield.
I think they're going to try and get Junior Moreno a lot more touches this year, and that's a good trend. He should be a big part of turning the field around and he and Felipe both can play a nice long ball to spring attacks. I guess Flores was a wing and Segura in the middle? I'd eventually like to see Nyeman get MLS minutes in the middle, he's potentially a special player.
Honestly, I think Julian Gressel is an upgrade on Arriola, production wise. You won't have a pouting Acosta when it comes to Flores. Asad should produce more than Rodriguez. And Kamara is a proven MLS goal scorer. Assuming the team avoids further major injures, can get a couple more depth signings, and doesn't swoon in the summer when Flores and Moreno go to Copa America, they'll be fine.
I'm hoping Flores plays more like a shadow striker tucked underneath Kamara. than a pure winger. I'd like Flores to get shots on goal and exchange a lot with Kamara. Memory serves that Kamara liked to drift out wide left a good bit so someone is going to have to run into the space he leaves vacant -- Flores should be that guy.
Arriola wasn't a great finisher but his speed and hustle helped us keep possession and led to goals. Yes, we can restock the attack and make do, but his absence will be felt nonetheless.
Arriola is a major loss. But.... it's also an opportunity for the others, Segura, Boateng, Yow, etc. to step up. Let's see if one, or a combination of them can do it. FWIW, it appears Segura was quite impactful in the last pre-season match.
Goff once described Segura as the teams' " best athlete." He's clearly among the most versatile on our roster, as he can be plugged in almost anywhere.
One of the big things I'll miss about Arriola (assuming Ben's tactics don't change) is that he's so quick he can dribble the ball up field against the counter press when we're so deep in defense. Our team's ability to pass out of those situations is usually abysmal so we have to get someone dribbling into space in order to consolidate possession (or we just hoof it up field...)
Yea there were 1-2 early attempts at playing out of the back against doop the other night before I gave up on the stream, that didn't inspire much confidence. I am positive that we're f_cked this season since they're not going to replace his roster spot with any kind of even remotely equivalent quality.
I like Goff's report that we're close to signing Federico Higuain to a player/assistant coach deal for only $100K. He's coming off a major injury, but if he can round into form by the summer, he'll be a good late sub to kill games and a spot starter with all the national team games our Ticos and Peruvian will have. In any event, he's such a smart, technical player that he'll probably make a good coach moving forward. Very low risk, medium-to-high reward move.