From what little I've seen of Dallas this year (about 25-30 minutes through condensed games and other footage) they are a damn good team. They definitely/foolishly aren't afraid to play out of the back. They circulate the ball quickly but aren't afraid to go all the way back to the goalkeeper to reset. I remember a team somewhat similar to this a few years back in 2015 and how an aggressive game plan by Caleb Porter made them come completely unglued. I'm not sure the 2019 Crew has the horses to apply that same sort of game plan, but I'm excited to find out.
They’ve played hopeless New England and LA Galaxy without their stars, both at home. Let’s not go crazy over Dallas just yet. They still have no striker, and are giving big minutes to some young, inexperienced players. Two wins in two games is a solid start, but the opposition has been weak. If the Crew beat NE and LA you’d say its no big deal because the other teams suck.
Perhaps, but it also depends on how they beat them. Dallas does have a plus 4 goal differential, I believe? We tied NYRB's B team at home with a 100% experienced lineup. And for what it's worth, haven't so many Crew fans been clamoring too give young inexperienced players time instead of throwing the likes of Pedro, Meram, and even Afful out there? This was one of the greatest failings of the Berhalter era and one I hope Porter doesn't repeat. What better time to throw out those you, inexperienced players than against opposition you seem to think sucks? I look at teams like Dallas and NYRB with humility and know regardless of the result there is something to be learned from them.
I’m not saying what Dallas is doing is wrong at all. Gonzalez will actually play teenagers and kids way more than Pareja did. I’m just saying, they beat two crap teams at home, one of which (LA) was a B Team. Let’s not act like they are some juggernaut already. I can’t trust any team relying on Dom Badji to score goals. EDIT: Wait, didnt dallas draw with NE at home? The same shit NE we beat away? *looks it up* They did draw.
FC Dallas has a plus 2 goal differential, same as Columbus Crew SC. They also have the same record, 1-0-1.
I love this every week Presenting: @MLS Imperialism 2019WEEK 2What if MLS matches were battles for land? Every county starts with the team located closest to it. If you lose, your opponent takes all your land.More info: https://t.co/0IP3aDizTC pic.twitter.com/VjBIIA3A7i— Joseph Même 🌟 (@ThreeDEF) March 13, 2019 Half of Texas at stake here
Who in their right mind would ever bench Afful for Jimenez ? Because Maloney isn’t even worthy of playing time , we have no other option as of now
Here is the thing. Harrison Afful just isn't very good. He's an offense first right back who is pretty poor at crossing. He delivers an assist once every 8 games or so in his MLS career? He had his best statistical season for the Crew last year, but anyone who watched the games had whiplash from watching his poor crosses. I've had it confirmed through numerous sources that one of the first moves that the new ownership group made was to give the ball boys and girls a raise for the work they have done the past few years chasing errant Afful crosses down all over the field, into the players tunnel, and stands. We don't see much of a downgrade, if any, on either side of the ball when Jimenez comes in for Afful. Should Jimenez permanently move Afful to the bench? Probably not. Should Afful start all 32 games and average 89.5 minutes a game again this season? Definitely not.
Afful defends well 1v1 has recovery speed when he gets out of position ( usually from being too far forward in attack) he keeps possession and dribbles in tight spaces and is better than Jimenez by a wide margin. We do need to replace him i agree with that. We should have gotten rid of Maloney and picked up a RB but the ownership change being so late it is understandable. I think many have acknowledged on this board we need : 1 better wingers 2 replacement for Pipa ( or reduced salary ) 3 replacement for Afful ( a young starter to put him on bench ) 4 replacement for Steffen long term
Hey! Sort of like we are not all a bunch of assholes (at least not all of the time). Your son and mine would make a cute friend pair. Markus favors the Crew Union hat to wear at school, and well home, and out...