Frank Dell'Apa is suggesting that very possibility in today's Boston Globe here: http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2004/04/02/llamosa_could_miss_season/ Options in replacing him include Brian Kamler and Shalrie Joseph, and apparently some consideration of acquiring a new player to replace him. Looking at the roster if we have to go with Kamler and/or Joseph, we're actually not in bad shape, and in fact, it could be a blessing in disguise. Anticipated line-up with Llamosa on the field: GK: Brown RB: Heaps CB: Pierce CB: Llamosa LB: Franchino RM: Ralston DM: Joseph AM: Canecla LM: Kamler FW: Twellman FW: Moore Now, if we move Joseph back to replace Llamosa: GK: Brown RB: Heaps CB: Pierce CB: Joseph LB: Franchino RM: Ralston DM: Dempsey AM: Canecla LM: Kamler FW: Twellman FW: Moore Now, if we move Kamler back to replace Llamosa: GK: Brown RB: Heaps CB: Pierce CB: Kamler LB: Franchino RM: Ralston DM: Joseph AM: Canecla LM: Noonan FW: Twellman FW: Moore Believe me when I say that I don't recall there ever being a point where we've had the depth and flexibility in terms of the roster to make these moves (if necessary) and feel comfortable with them. Thoughts? The Magpie P.S. Speedy and good recovery to Llamosa no matter the eventual outcome in terms of his injury.
We'll need to replace him sooner rather than later anyway due to age, so perhaps this is the time to see if Kam is more the attacking MF than Shalrie. Maybe Francis Okaroh can be persuaded to come out of retirement?
I would hope that Nicol would go for any formation that gets Noonan on the field. Although I certainly see through Rev colored glasses, I don't think Noonan's performance last year was a fluke (and apparently the Bruce is hoping that it wasn't either). Granted, I don't think JMM or TnT will play every match so there will be starts for Noonan throughout the season and certainly a role as super sub at minimum. But if he can do the job at LM then I hope to see him there as a regular.
It's hard to not read Little Franks report and the quotes and not get the message that Carlos is going to be out for a considerable time if not for the entire season. His loss will be sorely felt no matter how well Kante is able to step up his play. I think having a cool headed older player like Carlos in the back line was the key to our defense maturing and not giving up the dumb goals like in years past. We have no one currently on the roster except maybe Kamler who can fill that role. We may just see Kamler back there if only to bring that dimension to our back line. No question that the addition of Dempsey has given Stevie Nic the option of playing Joseph as a Central Defender. He and Pepe sure make great music in midfield but if Dempsey is anywhere as good as some of the rumors seem to indicate we may see a spine up the middle of: Brown Pierce-Joseph Dempsey Pepe TnT-JMM Not bad---not bad at all. I'm betting that we see just that happening before the season is very old. Of course Kante could step up and play like he did in 2002 and rearranging what has been a stellar midfield duo not be necessary. But then that's why they have rosters and coaches to call the shots. George
The reports on Dempsey, and just how his career has gone in college, he would be better suited for the Dmid role then Joseph, just for the fact he can play defense and that he has better vision and better passing then Joseph. Joseph's height and size is well needed on the back line, and his abilty to take control of the play and get the ball out gives me reassurance that Joseph will fit in well in the back 4. Of course Kante has something to say about that, and will most likely fight his way to stay in the startin lineup. So although this is a bad situation with Llamosa getting hurt, its not as bad because of our depth (has any Revs fan ever said that before?). But if he's gone for most of the season, that would mean he would be back at the latter part of the season, just in time for playoffs. Even if Kante is havin a great season, I would much rather have Llamosa in there for the playoffs, but we can worry about that when the time comes.
Try this: GK: Brown RB: Heaps CB: Pierce CB: Kante LB: Franchino RM: Ralston DM: Joseph AM: Cancela LM: Noonan FW: Twellman FW: Moore You get the big body in the back with Kante. He had said during this pre-season that he came into last season out of shape and this year would be different. Reports are that he did come prepared this year. I have always felt that Kante was one of the major reasons the Rev's made the 2002 playoffs. Kante plays the CB position so he should be prepared to step in. Kamler is a midfielder. Please don't move Joseph out of the midfield. I think the tandem of Joseph & Cancela worked so well last year. They have a good understanding for each other and it worked so well. Putting in a new defensive midfielder throws the motor of this team out of sync.
All this confidence in Dempsey's ability is grossly premature. The kid looks like an athlete and may eventually master the Dmid position, but (as Santa Clara showed) he is prone to mistakes that will cost us goals and games while he learns.
Which makes the projected line up on the Revs website all the more frightening. No Llamosa No Joseph No Kamler
Did anybody see what happened to Carlos? I was watching the play off to his left side and into the corner. There was a stoppage of play somehow and when I looked to the middle of the field Carlos was on the ground on about the N.E. 20 holding his knee. The article says there was just a bit of swelling just after the injury but later the swelling occurred. What does this indicate, if anything? Did he have ice immediately after the hit? Get well, Carlos. This team needs your presence and leadership. You are a pleasure to watch.