Hopefully, we're not spoiling anything for anyone. The walking wounded qualify for the Gold Cup Final. They play on two days' rest after a draining semifinal. Luckily, the opponent had to also. I think we'll need ways to inject some fresh legs into the lineup, which is the genesis of some of the surprise selections. Injured: Casey, Cherundolo, Pope, Mastroeni. Card Suspensions: Arena. Players whom I wouldn't want to play 90 minutes on two days' rest: Conrad, O'Brien, Armas. Assuming Reis and Hahnemann won't play in the field (we're actually only a field player injury away from Reis being an official bench choice as a field player - ponder that for a second), that takes us down to 14 players for eleven starting slots. Formation: 4-4-2 GK: Keller - no explanation necessary. D: Hejduk-Onyewu-Vanney-Ralston Vanney is a competent central defender in MLS. This is his actual position. He brings some fresh legs to the D, and hopefully Onyewu's athleticism can help cover some of his lack. I like a fresh Vanney over Sanneh or a probably-exhausted Conrad. Ralston or Hejduk could switch sides, but both have played on the left in a pinch, and the pinch is definitely here. (If you didn't see Ralston play both wing back positions for the Revs in '04, review some tape before freaking out.) Conrad is the backup for the entire defense. Midfield box: Olsen-Dempsey (D), Donovan-O'Brien(A) I don't really think O'Brien will make it 90 minutes, circumstances will dictate whether the sub is Davis, Quaranta, or Armas. Dempsey and Olsen should both be a lot fresher than Armas or Sanneh, the only other logical choices for this role. Donovan will certainly be on the pitch, and although I played with Davis over O'Brien, I've got to give JOB a chance to bring home the championship after gutting it out all tournament. He's too much better. Davis can mop up if he gets tired. Attack: Beasley-Noonan: Wow, these are our forwards for the continental championship? Hope Pat repeats his good performance vs. Honduras. Wolff may be fresh enough for 90 minutes, but I have deep concerns with that. I wish Quaranta had found some more minutes some other time during the tournament. This is a little out there, but it's a way to address our obvious problems. I may have gone overboard to avoid tired legs (Olsen & Vanney zero minutes, Dempsey & Noonan just 30 each), but I think this could prove critical. With the rarely-tired Hejduk, Donovan, and Beasley on the field, we shouldn't suffer from the short turnaround. O'Brien and Onyewu are too good to leave sit for a championship match. Wolff and Quaranta are available as offensive subs, and their speed could be a great asset if Panama tires in 2H. Conrad could sub in for Vanney or push Vanney wide left to solidify the defense, Armas could play late to be a defensive improvement on Olsen or Dempsey, and Davis would spell O'Brien if he tires. Sanneh can cheer loudly. This is the kind of lineup that gets managers fired if it doesn't work. But I like the idea of using our superior depth to avoid a tired letdown. I'm not holding my breath for another 6-0 pasting; seems more like the tough road Panama '04 match to me.