Or, Mark v. Pia, round 1 Screw the fact it's a week away, that's exactly the point; it's just a week away, and we're going to be playing a game that means something in the standings, finally. These two weeks have been an eternity for us fans, but hopefully the Charge have gotten in quality PT (practice time). Charge are 0-3-3 on the road since 6/19/02 at Carolina (ties @ San Diego, Washington and Boston, L's @ San Jose, Atlanta and April 5 at SJ). Boston is 6-0-5 at the 'Nick since 8/5/01. And while it's not a must-win, considering the Charge will still have two games in hand on most of the league, must-score is a fair request to make of our team. And speaking of Fair, only #2 will be lost for the Nigeria morning game next Saturday. I think Boston will have a full contingent, barring injury, since I don't think they'll release Lilly or anyone else for that friendly at RFK. And that's how we should plan for it. The Charge need to score. If you tie or even win, that's gravy. But first things first. Hopefully, Smith can play a full 90. Scasna and Pichon up top. If a mere speedskating fan like me can figure Pia will try to exploit McVeigh's newbie-ness, then I'm pretty sure Coach K knows it too. I'd have as my midfield Monroe, Smith, Tullock and Hoffmann. Arrington, Borisjuk and Maso de Moya to come off the bench, in that order, perhaps. Your thoughts? Paul
http://www.philadelphiacharge.com/354871.html Not just a knee effusion for Misaki, but a hammy as well, and they're awful finicky to manage back to health. But I don't think it would affect the starting lineup at all. Paul
Arrington and Maso de Moya probable for Saturday; Misaki and Solo questionable, per the league injury report today, but of course, Thursday's will tell the tale. Gulbrandsen out, Meinert questionable. Fair to NTD, and supposedly Lilly, Hucles, Sobrero and Kluegel. Yes, all these Breakers will play at RFK vs. Nigeria. And the United Nations is still relevant... And on an unrelated note to this game, but not so for the league, Hege Riise is done for the season with a torn ACL. She suffered it in the Boston loss Saturday night. :-( (edit: if there is a world cup this year, she's probably KO'd for that, too...) Paul
http://www.philadelphiacharge.com/355519.html Fair might make the Boston match after all. If not, look for Makinen or Scasna... Paul
Would not bet against Boston at nickerson, but if the streak was ever to snap it would be with most of their starters gone. Id say a 2-2 draw...but i also expect and in a constructive way demand a more coordinated and ready charge team on the pitch coming off of 3 weeks of spring weather to practice in.
http://www.philadelphiacharge.com/press_room/breaking_news/355513.html Posted as of last night... Paul
Fair to Boston.... https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?postid=1010189#post10101 Heinrichs kept Hucles, Lilly and Sobrero for the Canada game. Unless they try to get to Boston afterward, that is... Paul