No Oscar, no Cerritos. But EJ looked decent vs. Metrostars. Is this game a must win? Pro: To have any chance at home field advantage, they must win at least 3 points in final two games. Home game is points you should win, you cannot count on winning in DC. Burn can advance to semifinals on home field advantage. Win homefield advantage, and your season is a success. Con: They blew it all on Thursday night. No matter what, they have a harder opponent in the playoffs, and have a semifinal series away against either LA or SJ. Where you land in the final standings is not that meaningful once you lose the shield.
Not necessarily. The Burn still have a chance at the #3 slot (and a semifinal series against either the East champ or the #7 seed). However, to finish #3, the Burn have to win both their remaining games, and either LA or San Jose have to get two wins in their last two games against each other. If that happens: LA/SJ 51 pts. Dallas 46 pts. SJ/LA 45 pts. However, for this to happen, the Burn must win Saturday night and hope that LA and San Jose don't draw. Heck, if the Burn want to wrap up #4, they have to win Saturday night.
This game on Saturday is a must win game because it guarantees the Burn home field advantage for the first playoff series. All this talk about them possibly getting the #3 seed is moot if they do not take care of business step by step. Step one, beat NE. Teams that do not show the ability to close the deal when destiny is in their own hands during the regular season generally do not do well in the playoffs. In other words, teams that back into the playoffs usually are the first to back out of the playoffs. So while it is not a must win game mathematically. It is definitely a must win game from the emotional fortitude-desire-do whatever it takes to win-angle. La locura rojinegra ps. My gut tells me that LA is about to sweep SJ.
Re: Re: Make or Break: Burn vs. Revolution Pre game thread It wouldn't shock me. San Jose has been letting in a lot of goals lately, both at home and on the road. Meanwhile, LA's playing some good soccer right about now. But it's all moot if the Burn don't get three points on Saturday night.
I would like to see this on Saturday (which means that it will never happen. ..................Jordan Zarco T-Bone Morrow Suarez ..................Deering O'Brien.........................Broome ....................Vaca ..............EJ...............Martinez Possible substitutions: Bring Rhine off the bench for EJ when he tires if they need the offense. Bring in Bussey for O'Brien when he tires. Bring in Kreis for Vaca if he is ineffective after 60 minutes and they are down or even. The logic here is to move up the left side tandem of Broome and Martinez for their speed and offensive skills and to put Suarez behind them. Suarez not as accustomed to playing on the left will be more likely to concentrate on defense and not be so quick in joining the attack. Vaca and Martinez always combine well and they will create ample scoring chances for EJ. In this lineup EJ is the focus of the offense. He will be forced to play like it. O'Brien can break down a defense with his skills as well as a his speed, and Broome's speed kills. I know its out there, but it doesn't really tinker with the defense and it puts the offensive players into positions that best utilize their skills. La locura rojinegra
Re: Re: Make or Break: Burn vs. Revolution Pre game thread You're incorrect here, Chamo. With a win vs. NE, the Burn will have 43 pts. Colorado, however, could potentially finish the season with 45 pts should they sweep KC in their home-and-home. So as it stands right now, the Burn need to win their 2 remaining games to guarantee themselves 4th seed or better. You're incorrect here, Viking. Dallas could potentially end up 4th seed (but not 3rd seed) even if they lose both their remaining games. Of course, they'd need a bunch of help from other teams to end up as 4th seed with just 40 pts. But it is possible. If KC beats Colorado once and ties them once in their home-and-home, Colorado would end the season with 40 pts (the Rapids lose on head-to-head with the Burn) and KC would finish with 39 pts. The Burn would also need the MetroStars to earn 5 pts or less in their remaining games and for Columbus not to sweep the Fire in their home-and-home.
Re: Re: Re: Make or Break: Burn vs. Revolution Pre game thread Yea lets not do that because I don't want the fire in the playoffs if at all possible.
Re: Re: Re: Make or Break: Burn vs. Revolution Pre game thread I stand corrected. It is a must win game because it is the first of two steps needed to guarantee themselves home field adavantage for the first round of the playoffs. La locura rojinegra
A month ago these last 2 games looked like 6 points. Now we're in a bit of a slump, we're missing a couple of key players. When we play DC, they will likely have nothing to play for - but the Revs will have EVERYTHING to play for. With 2 wins they are IN and can erase almost 3 seasons of pain. We have always underperfomed against the Revs and now they have the leagues leading scorer and assist man. We're going to have to play one of our best games of the season to beat these guys. Somebody other than Kreis and Pareja is going to have to stand up and say follow me and lead these guys to a win. They can't just kick the ball back and forth to each other and wait for someone to think of something, which is the way they looked against LA in the Cup and the Metros.
Oscar's sitting out the game because he received 11 caution pts over 3 consecutive games. While his knee is still troubling him, he won't have surgery on it until after the season.
What? He already missed the Colorado game due to caution points, right? Am I missing something? What kind of crap is this?
Maybe my memory's going on me, Jambon. But while listening to Inside Soccer tonight, I'm 90% sure I heard Coach Jeffries state that Oscar will be missing the Burn's next game due to acquiring 11 caution pts in his last 3 games. It does seem like there's a little bit of double jeopardy going on here. The caution points received by Oscar in the two games immediately preceding the Rapids match helped earn him a suspension for that game for having accumulated too many caution points, and apparently these same caution points have also been applied in this 11-pts-in-3-game suspension.
So who is marking Twellman, Ruiz or Suarez? Does Twellman float side to side or stay predominantly rght?
My take on the game for what it's worth: Dallas is in pretty good shape in terms of the MLS playoff picture, currently retaining the third-best record in the league. They're looking for home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs and I believe they can guarantee that with a win over the Revs this Saturday. Game-time weather looks like temps in the 80’s, partly cloudy with light winds. Jeffries isn’t going to take the same risks he did against Metro, and after a week of rest he’ll put his better line-up on the pitch. Potential Dallas line-up 4-4-2 alignment GK: Matt Jordan RB: Ryan Suarez CB: Tenywa Bonseu CB: Steve Morrow LB: Paul Broome RM: Ronnie O'Brien DM: Chad Deering CM: Joselito Vaca LM: Antonio Martinez FWD: Jason Kreis FWD: Bobby Rhine Key absences : Oscar Pareja, Ronald Cerritos Potential New England line-up 4-5-1 alignment GK: Brown RB: Heaps CB: Cullen CB: Kante LB: Franchino DM: Cloutier DM: Hernandez RM: Ralston AM: Kamler LM: Griffiths FWD: Twellman Key absences: Rusty Pierce, Carlos Llamosa The Revolution have been on a roll of late, going 3-0-1 over their last four games, scoring 8 goals while only allowing 2 against. The Burn have been struggling, going 1-3-0 over their last four games, scoring 5 goals while allowing 9. This game will be won by who’s more effective on the counter attack. Dallas is blessed with speed on the flanks, especially on the left with Broome and Martinez, and that could pose problems for Jay Heaps unless Ralston’s committed to tracking back on a regular basis to assist in defense. While Vaca is a talent, some would argue he’s not as consistent as Pareja, and much like any number of past Revolution central midfielders he’s not exactly quick to play defense. However, if he can move the ball out wide to the wings then the Burn can really use their pace to try and get behind the Revolution backs. If they do, then they can drop the ball back into the middle where Kreis could play poacher, especially with Llamosa out and Kante being somewhat shaky in picking up the developing play behind him. Either that, or O’Brien could have a go from long-range, although Adin Brown’s been up to the task of late. The key to Dallas will be better finishing, but not necessarily trying to play Kreis or Rhine as target-men. Take it in deep via the wings, dump it back, and have them use any open space to test brown. The Revolution will not have the luxury of playing with two out-and-out forwards this match, but even if they had Llamosa and Pierce in the back, Nicol might still have gone with a 4-5-1 in order to close down the gaps and passing lanes, especially with the Burn’s speed. That means Twellman will once again be the breadwinner, no easy task when trying to get by Bonseu (size) and Morrow (experience.) He’s not going to have a great deal of time on the ball, and it’s a safe bet that Suarez will be a bit physical in imposing his presence. By no means does this suggest Twellman can’t be effective, but after his hat-trick against D.C. he’ll be even more the marked man, who’ll have to make the most of his opportunities, that means a quick release on his shots and good composure in close. Revs will need to have good field awareness, looking for gaps to send Twellman in alone much as the case was against D.C. It’s predictable, but it’s the best chance we have unless we put in Harris for Griffiths and hope he’s good for at least one. Key match-ups: Griffiths vs. Suarez: I’ll be honest, Griffiths is the 2nd coming of Evans Wise IMHO: he has mad ball skills, but his usual course of action is to take the ball to the corner, then waiting to beat the defender(s) by going through or right at them. A majority of the time he’s dispossessed in the process. For Griffiths to succeed he’ll need to put the ball past Suarez, beat him to the ball with his speed, then dumping it back immediately into the middle or playing it back to Franchino if he pushes up. Suarez will do his best to disrupt him off the dribble and that could frustrate the ex-Galaxy, ex-everyone player. Advantage: Suarez. Ralston vs. Broome: Ralston’s been somewhat quiet over the latter-half of the season, a good part of the reason coming down to better marking, necessitating the need to switch fields with Griffiths at times to disrupt the defense rhythm of their opponents. It’s worked to some degree, but Ralston is far-and-away better wide right. Broome is one of the Burn’s steadiest and most effective players, and while he can match Ralston for pace, he has to be careful not to play him too tightly or over-commit, otherwise he’ll be spun around and beat. The ex-Mutiny winger almost always finds a way to be effective. Advantage: Ralston Kante vs. Kreis: Ray Hudson knew what he was thinking when he originally drafted Kante, and must now be lamenting the fact that he didn’t grab the young defender when he had the chance. The guy plays with maturity and intelligence, i.e., he doesn’t panic nor does he send desperate clearances far removed from his teammates. However, he’ll be paired this go-round with Cullen unless Nicol shows a “wee-brain” mentality by giving Downing a shot… that would be suicide. That being said, Kreis is a league veteran and has something to prove as of late, a top goal-scorer in this league but criticized for holding onto the ball to long when a quick shot may be more effective. If he chooses to play much as he has the past few weeks, then Kante should be able to mark him. If Kreis moves better off the ball and takes his shots more quickly then Kante’s beatable. Advantage: Pick-‘em. Prediction: Jeffries will have his players test the Revolution defense early, pushing forward with pace (if not numbers) in the first 15 minutes. If they buckle then the Burn coach can work to maintain possession, working attacks through counter-attacking opportunities but looking more to deny the Revs the ball. If the score’s nil-nil after the first fifteen then the game should settle down for the next hour, with both teams looking to control the pace and tempo, pushing the attack when necessary but playing a more “prevent game” looking to exploit errors. I do not see this as a high-scoring game, but I do see goals coming, either in the first fifteen or late. It will be a physical match. Revs: Hot goal-scorer, more composed defense, increased confidence. Burn: Good team speed, semi-regular line-up, rested squad playing at home with something to prove. 1-1 after regulation, goals coming from Twellman and Martinez, Dallas winning in OT off a header taken by Ed Johnson from a corner, sneaking on the play behind Kante and Cullen. I’m nothing if not pragmatic, that being said, I hope the Revolution win. The Magpie
Magpie, thanks for reposting what you put in the Revs folder. It's a bigtime game, no doubt. And as I said in the Revs folder, I'll be livid if they don't win this one by two or more goals. They have done so much all year, they have to have the heart and the focus to finish the job.
It has the makings for a good game, but a lot depends on which team turns up, both for the Revs and the Burn. If the Burn can't finish or the Revs can't defend... then things could get especially interesting. The Magpie
Scary, scary game coming up. Revolution are red-hot and our Burn are on the skids. Add palyer-of-the-week Twellman and MLS-assist-leader Ralston to the mix and you suddenly have an opponent that strikes fear into this humble fan. I'm hoping we squeek by with a one-goal win, but I'm thinking we may not be as lucky. Good news for Burn fans is that I missed the last game on vacation. I am back for this one, so maybe I can bring back some of that home win mojo we had prior to Metrohack. Of course, the other home game I missed was the 3-1 thumping of the goons, so I may not be responsible for the mojo after all. Oh well.
I'm hoping the Revs continue to field the team they have been (in spirit, I know Pierce and likely Llamosa are out). They've been playing good, passionate football. They finally realise that they do have a good team, and are playing with the determination they should have been playing with all year. Hopefully they continue this trend and get these last two wins against your guys and the scum. I'm hoping you all get rid of the Galaxy. Good luck, but I hope my team wins.
Ahhh... one must REALLY pay heed to the fact that Oscar is out for this game and the Burn... fizzle without him in the middle. Vaca will get 'stepped on' offensively and be 'absent' on defense... ... the Burn need to setup EJ for as many scoring chances as they can, because without him starting from 'now on'; the Burn are doomed. Kreis, if course, will start; and hurt the Burn's chances of 'going anywhere' in the playoffs. Kreis MUST rest if he's to be of any use to the team at all. It would be an unbelievable miracle if Jeffries commited to EJ... MJ hasn't shown the 'savvy' to address the team's 'real' needs... otherwise, Kreis would've been well-rested by now - and given new incentive to treat this late stage of the season as 'a new beginning'... insight is so hard to... see?
I think EJ has a legitimate shot at starting. Even under the scenario he does not, he will be on the field by 60th minute. I think he'd rather start EJ than put O'Brien up top to start. On the other hand, he might just start Chivas at forward. With Oscar gone, gotyourback is right, the offense is anaemic. Putting Chivas and Kreis Obrien Vaca Deering Zarco, Broome Morrow Bonseu Suarez Jordan On 60 minutes EJ--Kreis Chivas--Vaca OBrien Deering- Broome Morrow Bonseu Suarez Jordan 80 minutes, Rhine for Kreis, Bussey or Behnke for Morrow
It seems no one has considered that Oscar is more of a d-mid now than attacking mid. I believe that makes O'Brien the candidate to replace him as he did in the Open Cup in Atlanta. That means the rest of the team stays with their usual roles and Jeffries has to decide whether EJ has passed Rhine. Bussey and / or Zarco become the spark off the bench along with whoever is left over as a forward. Stone or Behnke would be other options for subs.
Remember, Revs won the first meeting, 2-0, although it was the first game at CMGi, now Gilette Stadium. Revs know that they have to do and they know that they cant rely on other teams. Which ever way it goes, if the revs get points from this game and the last game, they most likely make it in. Maybe a tie will come out of this. Watch for twellman, if you know me, im always preachin this, and im usually right, i have been since the start of the season. Taylor knows he's the guy who needs to lead this team offensively and he's up to the task. Jordan isnt the greatest keeper, stats show it, so Twellman will be shooting, and shooting often. Revs defense will be a little shaky so i predict the Burn to attack the middle, but i feel whoever is with Kante will do just fine. I dont think Johnson will get the start, still not ready for the league yet. My prediction, Revs will grab an early lead off a counterattack from Ralston to Twellman, and then settle down on defense. Midway through the second half Wolde Harris will come in for Griffiths and create another spark for the revs. final score, 2-1. O'Brein gets the Burn goal.