From Quake Magic: http://quakemagic.matchnight.com/qmdefault.cfm?page=ARTICLE&show=284 "At this point, it’s time to get it on or don’t anything for the rest of the year. [The knee] is not quite 100 percent, but I’ve got to make a move right now, to try and help this team and give us some attitude heading into the playoffs."
Goose hasn't appeared the same the last couple of games (even slower than normal). I think this is a good move to get him some rest and give Troy some playing time. At this moment, it's more important to get healthy and in form for the playoffs. Also, good news about Faria showing up at practice next Monday...
Glad to hear Goose is getting a COMPLETE week's rest. That's better than just the day of the game. It does beg the question: what happens if Troy's knee doesn't hold up during the game and has to come out? Will Jeff be there waiting in the wings? I also wonder who will start on the left side and who will start on the right between Troy and Eddie.
I'm happy to hear that Troy's back, but I'd rather see come off the bench for at least one game before starting. I'm concerned that he's coming back too early (like Robinson did earlier in the year against Chicago). I'd rather see him be a sub this week and start Robinson and Waibel as the center backs with Dayak in for Waibel at about 60'. Next week against Dallas, start Dayak and Agoos (if ready) so that Dayak and Agoos get to play the rest of the season and into the playoffs together.
According to the Earthquakes notebook Agoos will not travel with the team this week so he won't be waiting in the wings. I would expect to see Roner, Dyak, Robinson, and Dunivant with Waibel coming on to replace Dyak if necessary. Normaly I would expect to see a player returning from injury to see time as a substitute first, but with Agoos gone Dyak's presence is needed to keep the defence organized. That's what he and Agoos both do so well that keeps the defence solid.