Assume Ivanov is in. Where does he play? D mid? Central defense? I am thinking of this in that Hudson is looking at a 352: Q1 New Forward Convey (or Etch) Etch (or Convey) Kovalenko Olsen Reyes Prideaux Nelsen Petke Rimando Maybe Petke gets moved. Nelsen plays, he earned it. Can Ivanov play left back? Do you move Kovalenko or Convey up and put Ivanov there?
Assuming we get both Ivanov and Stewart, this is the starting lineup that I see.. -------------------- Rimando -------------------- Reyes --------------- Nelsen ------------- Petke ---------------------- Ivanov ------------------- Olsen ---------------- Kovalenko --------- Convey ----------------------- Etch -------------------- ----------- Quaranta ---------- Stewart ---------
Interesting XI. But it would appear to be too vulnerable to flank attack, particularly down DC's left flank. I would think Ray will put two DMids in front of the back three. Those two Dmids would appear to be Ivanov and Dema. I think it will look like a pentagon rather than a diamond and one. Consider our depth: Fwd: Ali, Q2, Alecko Mid: Q2, Chino, Namoff, draft choice D: Prideaux, IMac GK: draft choice Other than GK, our depth would be OK. GM
Given the projected roster, I'd say Cweedchop nailed the lineup. Remember, Ray's Fusion team scored a lot because it had a lot of midfielders that could play through to the forward line when an opening presented itself. And, the forwards were both creative forwards/attacking midfielders, and only Serna was really a target forward of any kind. Preki was often on the forward line, as was Henderson and Marshall. Likewise, Mastroeni and Dunseth played up into midfield often as well. And even the Hmids Bishop and Rooney attacked. This interchangability really helped Ray create mismatches and force the defense to lose shape. IMHO, last season United simply didn't have the experienced players who knew how to play that style. It was exacerbated by Etch's slow methodical buildup game, as we always attacked a set and compact defense, so our forwards didn't have as many good shots as they should have (but they still missed most of them!). Dema and Olsen both fit that interchangable bill, and if needed I think the 5 man midfield should help defray some of the weakness of not having a second Dmid. But it is a very attacking lineup, and I'd be happier with another Dmid/Hmid as well. I also think that Ernie and Santino would be of the correct forward/midfielder interchangability as well. -Tron
Hold on !!! Stop the horses !! A little bird whispered in my ear : Olsen and Convey will not play, to much, for DCU next season !!!! I could't find why is that ?? May be playing for the US ??? Or.....
I see that folks pencil in two forwards: Quaranta and Stewart. However if Escandarian is at all good I'd say he rates a decent chance to unseat Quaranta because Alecko is more of a forward presence/striker/target type than Q1, who, in turn is much like Stewart. Then I could imagine Tino subbing in for Etch a lot, with Stewart moving to a-mid.
While unseating Tino is possible, I imagine that Esky will need some time to adjust to MLS defenses and match speed. On the other hand, he may have an advantage at the beginning of the season while defenders are still trying to figure his game out. It will certainly be an interesting training camp down in Florida.
Don't know what birds you're listening to but that just seems ridiculous.. Of course Convey and Olsen will miss time due to National Team commitments, but it won't pull them away from United but for a few matches here and there.. If there healthy, their in the lineup.. Period....
From what I have seen, Escandarian is not going to unseat Quaranta unless he scores boat loads of goals. They are totally different types of players. Quaranta is a very big forward in MLS's standard. Escandarian could hold his own in college level, but I predict he is going to get outmuscled by MLS defenders.
we have yet to see... time will tell. I don't think of Landon or DeMarcus being that big either and they seem to handle it all pretty well. I don't expect to see too much of Esky at first. Q1 should hold his spot the whole season (assuming he's healthy). If Q1 is away from some reason, I wouldn't be suprised to see Esky and Q2 split time.
Your first sentence is a bit of a paradox, but I think I know what you mean. When judging effectiveness of strikers in the MLS, the standard is set by Ruiz. lalagal roster shows him at 5'9" and 170 lbs. (both exceedingly generous, I think). It's the size of the heart that makes the difference, not the height and heft of a player (given at least effective speed and ball skills). I hope Ray sees the heart of champion in Alecko before we spend a #1 pick on him. GM
442 Rimando-GK Reyes-RB Petke-RCB Ivanov-LCB Prideaux-LB Nelsen-DM Olsen-RM Convey-LM Etcheverry-AM Stewart-RF Quaranta-LF Kovalenko, Quintanilla, and Curtis off the bench
Swap Ivanov and Nelsen, and it's an intriguing possibility. Right now, Nelsen's our best central defender. As others have posted he really has neither the speed nor the vision to really be effective at d-mid. The vision is developing, but he was timid there two years ago. Move him to defender, his comfort level goes up, and he's a force.
Seriously, I am affraid there is moore to this than a rumor !!! Acctualy, "my little bird" tryed to cover up the information, about Olsen and Convey, by mixing with the US teams duties. I believe, Olsen wants to return to England and there is an arrangement for him. Same thing can apply to Convey(second league may be). We might end up without them before the season starts. My " little bird" was really unhappy about that. As far as I am concerned, I, really, do not care if Convey will be gonne( as you all know) but, I care if Olsen goes !! I think, the next "allocations moves" will tel us what Ray and the GM have in mind. Let's try, for a second, to think what if, Olsen and Convey will be gonne. How the lineup will look like ??? Interesting isn't it ?? PS.This not a joke !! I am convinced it is gonna happen !!!
sornum, Can you strangle that little bird? WOW! If Olsen leaves DC United is up shitscreek without a paddle! Could it be that they are just going on a loan before MLS season starts? (sort of like what McBride is doing)
I suppose you could slot Earnie back to RM, and start Alecko in front of Stewart. But lets hope it doesn't come to that.
Convey, who stinks so bad he should be in the A league, is going to get a contract overseas? Sormun, you must have multiple personality disorder. I look forward to meeting some or all of them Friday! Back on topic, I like the 3-5-2 suggested above. Only 94 days until the season opener!! That's way too long - maybe they can do some exhibition games?
What I think The Funkster was saying is that sormun's hatred of Convey doesn't fit with a contract in Europe.
SAB - down, boy! I must remember to use the little smiley faces when I post. The Sormun personality we see most is Bobito's harshest critic. That's why, if he's suddenly saying Convey is going to Europe, Mrs. Sormun should be checking her basement for pods!