So how does our lineup change? 4-4-2 was working with Boca and Armas but without the big 3 what is the plan? I don't want to lose to B.O.B. Mathis will be gone and everyone knows that stat about them wining when he scores and losing when he isn't around. Are we going to be able to turn it around like after we lost to NE?
Razov, Ralph Mapp, Gray, Pause, Williams Perez, Curtin, Brown, Whitfield Thornton Hopefuly, Dave will beat some sense into Gray because Kelly stank up RFK. OK, everyone but Thornton stank up RFK, but several of DC's chances came because Gray was too far forward to effectively play his d-mid role.
Why do you, or anyone, think that Kelly has performed so poorly this year? Last year he was a real standout for us and filled in wherever we needed him and did really well. This year he seems to struggle and doesn't look as commanding on the field has before.
Actually, I was wondering the same thing until this past Saturday. I was wondering why some people here were beasting on young Mr. Gray. Unfortunately, in this particular game, I think he forgot he was playing Armas's d-mid spot. I know he loves to join the attack, but in our 2 d-mid system, he has to learn to really pick his spots for going forward. And like I said, he was hardly the only one on our team who sucked in RFK.
Ralph had a tough outing in DC as well. It was probably just a 'bad game' type of thing. But I think Dave needs to watch him closely. He's still just a rookie. If he has another off performance, it might be wise to start Jaqua for a game or two. Let those two know they are in competition (and Dipsy too, if he's healthy) and to keep the fire burning.
I'd expect him to make his first appearance at the next home game or the weekend after that. (Obviously not starting). DIPSY!
CJ struggled some as did Gray. My goat was Perez though. How many passes did he serve directly to DC players? Seemed like a full half dozen or so.
Missing players I think they've got the worst of it. I'd argue that Pope and Howard are more important to the Metro defense than Bocanegra and Armas are to ours, although not by much. And Mathis vs. DMB is probably a wash. Both of them *can* be crucial parts of their team's offense when they put their minds to it. You'll see more on this from me later, but everybody in the East is going to be hurting for the Confederations Cup. Yeah, New England only lost one guy, but he's their leading scorer. And some might argue that Nelsen and Convey are the only guys playing good ball in DC. Columbus lost half their starting defense, their playmaker, and a key forward. The Crew are probably the most vulnerable right now. Later, COZ
Re: Missing players Plus, Nick sucks. And Bob Bradley is a whore. But, yeah, it should be a even matchup otherwise.
Welcome to Metro Week This game would be a perfect time for Razov to come through with one of his hat tricks like last year in New England. Anyone know about Faria for this one? And who is this Nick that apparently sucks? Hopefully I shouldnt feel ashamed at not knowing.
Re: Welcome to Metro Week 1) it is not "apparently" 2) it is clear from his name 3) the "one and only" (thank god) Nick Suckowicz
Hey, what'cha got against a nice Italian kid. So he blew us off to go work for some jerks in a swamp somewhere. Maybe he wanted to be closer to his mother.
DMB: "I played terrible, no ifs, ands or buts. I've had bad games. However, this one was unacceptable.'' Well, it's good that he can be accurately self-critical. Too bad the insight gained from this newfound humility won't help us for two months.