Metrostars v. Fire Pre Game Thread

In addition to the U.S./Mexico match, both Andy Williams and Damani Ralph played 90 minutes for Jamaica, while Ziadie played a half. Also, Amado Guevara played the entire match for Honduras.

Beasley seemed to be all over the field vs Mexico and got hit hard in the second half, while Armas was a workhorse as usual. Pope was solid, but wasn't involved much in the action (except on set pieces) since the U.S. controlled most of the game and Walker wasn't very involved, except for the one breakaway. Overall, it seems like The Fire might be more effected by the extra games than the MetroStars.

The Jacqua suspension seems a bit harsh (not complaining though ). When Wolyniec was suspended for elbowing one of The Crew's goons in OT last year, it was a premidated act. I guess the MLS motto is an elbow equals a two game suspension, while a vicious leg-breaking slide-tackle from behind earns a stern lecture or a yellow card (see Dema Kovalenko).

The Fire may have lost a lot of players either due to turnover, or injuries, but they're still going to put up a fight. Ralph seems to have bulked up considerably from last season and with his speed, will make him even more dangerous to stop. Biggest question will be will his afro blind either Eddie Pope or Jeff Parke.

I see Bradley starting Taylor and Woly, and then bringing on Galvan Rey in to start the 2nd half, with Cornell Glen coming in for Taylor. Will be interesting to see if Clark starts over Lisi again.

Here's my prediction:

Metros 2 (goals by Gaven and Galvan Rey)
Fire 1 (goal by Ralph)

 

well...with jaqua gone it will probably be damani and dipsy up top (the black attack)...its probably good jaqua's gone because he hasnt done much any way. dipsy scored two goals and had one assist against San Juan in the champions cup and damani scored our only goal of the season.
oh! and jim curtin...yeah lets punch him in his stupid mouth!!! (sarcasm)

 

i'm also disappointed Jacqua won't be starting in your midfield on Saturday...he's looked very out of place, and now BallSarach is actually going to have to play someone who belongs in the midfield..

 

New Jersey Metrostars v. Chicago Fire Preview:

After two powerful victories to open the season, the Metrostars had trouble putting the ball in the back of the net against a determined New England Revolution team last Saturday. However, the team can take a number of positives from that game, including solid defensive performances from Ziadie, Leitch, and Parke. That game also witnessed the debut of Sergio Galvan Rey, who played nice combination soccer with Guevara and Gaven. New Jersey will remain in first place with a win or a tie, and given Bradley's history, he'll be looking to win against his old team.

New Jersey Metrostars Starting Eleven
Given the team's depth at a number of positions this year and the number of viable starting midfielders and forwards, it's hard to predict what line-up Bob will throw out against Chicago on Saturday. My guess is that it will remain the same from last week, with one change up top. Who will be starting there remains hard to predict:

Galvan Rey/Wolyniec/Glenn---------------------- Fabian Taylor

------------------------Amado Guevara----------------------

Eddie Gaven-------------------------------------Joselito Vaca

-------------------------Ricardo Clark------------------------

Chris Leitch-------Eddie Pope------Jeff Parke-------Craig Ziadie

--------------------------Johnny Walker----------------------

One Note: It's my personal opinion that, while Vaca has been dangerous, perhaps Bob should try starting Lisi on the right instead. Lisi consistently creates offensive chances through excellent vision and passing. While some call Lisi a defensive liability, the same would apply to Vaca. Then again, perhaps it may be premature to be removing Vaca (and changing a midfield line-up that has so far worked very well) from the starting eleven.

Chicago Fire Starting Eleven
Nate Jaqua is suspended from this match, while both Evan Whitfield and Ante Razov are listed as questionable. So far, as we all know, Chicago's offense has been anemic. Expect the team to rely heavily on Ralph this weekend. Regardless, here's a projected starting eleven:

Dipsy Selowane-----------------------------------Damani Ralph

DaMarcus Beasley-----------Andy Williams-----------Justin Mapp

-------------Chris Armas-------------Logan Pause--------------

C.J. Brown------------------Jim Curtin-----------------Kelly Gray

----------------------------Henry Ring-------------------------

Key Matchups

• Amado Guevara v. Chris Armas/Logan Pause - Guevara needs to take control of the midfield very early in the match. Possession is the key to New Jersey's success, and if Guevara can't take that control, the Metrostars will struggle. Spreading the ball across the field and to the wings should certainly help. Armas is certainly an underrated player, but he is obviously not without his faults. Quick one-touch passing and speed should exploit a relatively slow Chicago central midfield.
• Eddie Gaven v. Justin Mapp - If there's one thing that Mapp has been good at doing this season it's playing defense. While he played a bad game last week, Mapp looked good (defensively) against Landon Donovan and San Jose. If he can create the kinds of offensive chances that he's definitely capable of, then the battle with Eddie Gaven should be much more interesting. Gaven just needs to continue to play his game, creating quality chances and making nice runs.
• DaMarcus Beasley v. Joselito Vaca - While earlier I stipulated that perhaps Lisi should start at right mid, I've changed my mind just as I began righting this. Given Beasley's speed and talent, it might be best if Clark starts at right mid and Lisi slots into that offensive midfield role. The defense will certainly be crowded, and given the Fire's use of two defensive midfielders and five total midfielders, it will be difficult to maintain consistent possession unless things are being run well in the middle. Regardless, if Vaca starts it will be an interesting battle, that Chicago will likely benefit from. Beasley plays tenacious defense, and while Vaca is quite a talent, he is not half the defender that DaMarcus is.
• New Jersey Defenders v. Chicago Forwards - I like Dipsy Selowane. I don't think he's a bad forward at all. But he's not Ante Razov, and while Ralph has been a notorious Metro-killer, his options will be severely neutralized by what has been a relatively strong defense of late. Parke has been a nice addition and, like Pope, is strong in the air. Leitch and Ziadie have both markedly improved and should be able to defend the wings admirably. I don't see too many problems from the Chicago forwards, unless Damani is given chances to create on his own, then watch out.
• New Jersey Forwards v. Chicago Defenders - If Galvan Rey gets the start, instead of scowling, rejoice! Last week, he showed flashes of tremendous brilliance, hooking up with Guevara and Gaven on a number of sweet combination plays. Unfortunately for the Metros, most of those came to nothing. However, he put a nice header on frame that should have been a goal were not if for the efforts of an in-form Adin Brown. I want to get another look at Galvan Rey before writing him off. Taylor, Wolyniec, Glenn, Magee, or whoever starts should cause fits for the backline, a three-man, which can be exploited with speed and crosses into the box.

New Jersey's Keys to Winning

• Keep playing your game. What New Jersey has done this year has worked. Maintain possession and control of the midfield, and the three points will be yours, so long as your forwards finish their chances.
• Exploit Chicago's three-man back-line. The 3-5-2 is effective, but can be exploited. New Jersey must do so, especially with a Chicago defense not known for its speed. Use that speed advantage, put men in the box, and use effective crosses to take control of Chicago's defensive half.
• Pass the ball quickly and effectively. This seems obvious, but with what will be a crowded midfield on Saturday, short, quick passes will be very important. Chicago may counter with the long ball, but it's essential that New Jersey exploit Chicago's lack of speed and the crowded midfield.

One More Comment About Chicago
Despite the weakness of their line-up right now, don't underestimate this team by any means. Dave Sarachan will have them prepared to play your possession style ball, and will try to get the ball to Damani Ralph at any cost. Chicago will probably try and force New Jersey to play the counter which they aren't good at doing (remember the Olsen goal?) but it shouldn't be too hard to establish a strong midfield presence, with your dearth of offensive talent and clever passing skill. Leitch and Ziadie's offensive contribution will have to be as good again this week as it was against New England.

 

If Chicago comes out to win and play for its home crowd, we should be able to exploit the open space and win this game. We are definitely the team to beat here. I'll be really disappointed if we don't win.

 

Maybe not Officially, but we all know its a matter of time before the officially add the NJ. Probably waiting for a NY team to be added before they do that...

CG




Viva the NJ Metro FC (oops...I mean the Metrostars)

 

The team is in first place and playing great, and you guys are going to argue over where they are from? Who cares?

 

He's not called CurtAin either.