Votes cast in the above poll will be posted to and used in the (Un)Official 2006 Crew Wagering Thread. If you are not a Crew fan, there is no need to participate in the poll. 6:00pm home game on Saturday, September 9th against the Chicago Fire. TV: none. Radio: 105.7 FM (English) 1550 AM (Spanish). The previous two meetings with Chicago have been draws (1-1 home, 0-0 away). Chicago is on a ten game unbeaten streak (last loss 07/15 vs FCD). The Fire play DC United in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup this Wednesday.
Extra bonus points question: Over/under: How many F*re fans will vote in this poll despite being asked not to? I figure an over/under wager set at around 15.
The Fire has a USOC game in midweek vs. D.C. that is getting close to hardware time. I think both teams will take it seriously and play regulars. That should hlep us on Saturday. Crew 2-1.
So, I havent seen this discussed anywhere yet, but isnt there a bit of a line-up issue for this match? Namely, how it would be rediculous to bench Virtuoso after his performance in the last match, but where does that leave Ngwenya? Joe had a run of 2 and a half solid games, seemed like he was finding his form...In the end though, Sigi will probably stick with the line-up that produced the most goals, like, ever. Right?
How about we bench Gaven (gasp!) and start Ngwenya and Virtuoso as the wingers, and leave everyone else the same? Or we could save him for late game speed if needed.
Gasp indeed. Not bloody likely that Sigi would bench Gaven, and thats where the "controversy" comes in. Gavens struggles are well documented, but will that goal he got give him a little boost in confidence that hes been needing? Or since hes been transparent for so long on the wings, do you put in Ngwenya, who seemed to be figuring things out finally before his suspension? I'm with you, Gavens been supremely ineffective running the wings, I dont care if he did tap in a sitter. I would be a lot more confident with Virtuoso and Ngwenya on the wings, but Id put my money on Sigi leaving Gaven out there. I disagree. In the RSL debacle at home, Ngwenya was the only bright spot. He was giving their backline fits all night, and he did the same against NYRB, with not only "one good shot" but one absolutely brilliant run which produced one good shot. Granted, this is all moot if/when Thomas gets healthy. If Virtuoso can continue that form, a tandem of Thomas and Mango on the wings is almost drool worthy.....
In the post game Sigi intimated that the fight would be between Gaven and Ngwenya for that right spot. I think that implied Virtuoso was a lock for the staring left side if healthy. Personally, I think it's a toss up. Ngwenya moves an awful lot, but his first touch is enough to get him out of scoring position, while Gaven could probably use a spell on the bench. Then again a consistant position, and with a goal last game Gaven could be gaing confidence. Finally a choice for Sigi not dictated by injuries.
Well, the first defeated DC United 3-0 last night at Toyota Park in a "spirited affair" (Nowak is furious, someone ran on the field, two ejections, goal disallowed, etc.) Their starting lineup: 18 - Matt Pickens (GK) 2 - C.J. Brown 3 - Calen Carr (2 goals) 5 - Jim Curtin 8 - Diego Gutierrez 10 - Thiago 11 - Nate Jaqua 14 - Chris Armas (ejected) 21 - Justin Mapp (1 goal) 23 - Ivan Guerrero 25 - Gonzalo Segares This Saturday should be another hard-fought contest.
The way this team has played in teh last 3 games, how can we even begin to suspect that we know what they'll do here? It's feast of famine with these guys. And we've been left hungry a lot. I have a feeling that we go hungry again this weekend. Fire 2-0 And Bucks 31-17 EDIT: OH, and anyone going to be tailgating this weekend? It was kinda lonely being the only Crew fan with all the New Englanders for a long time last weekend....
from the mlsnet match preview: So long as Virtuoso isn't listed under the injury column, we're fine. I'm thinking it'll be an extremely similar starting line-up to last week. Though I'll echo the comments about maybe putting Ngwenya in for Gaven. Other than that, hopefully there won't be any changes.
By the way, everyone, there's a Crew game today. Don't get too excited though. According to the Dispatch, Marshall is expected to start, and the final spot in the midfield is down to Ngwenya or Gaven.
I still can't believe this game is not on tv. anyone that wants to text their friend hang updates, it would be appreciated.
shoot me a pm with your number and I'd be glad to. although I'm already on my second beer of the day, so by the end of the game, they might not be that coherent.
You mean the paper wasn't printed scarlett and gray today? I'm stunned... I am thinking the Crew wins 2-1.
What's the over/under on how many F*re fans show up here in the next 24 hours, win or lose, and explain to us how they "owned" the stadium?