A lot of what is happening resembles people playing the same system and with each other for a long time. Sanabria and Guilavogi though? They'll get even better, too.
Griffin Dillon is the first of our inexperienced players who has looked inexperienced this season. But he's a glaring weak link so far this half.
Guilavogi is definitely out of gas. He hasn't provided much in fifteen minutes or so. But with Olatunji and Piol out, we can stay the course or go to Berea.
Pablo still going with the protect the lead with 0% possession tactic. Not surprised we gave up one and and conceded momentum too. Buckle up.
This Atlanta local radio broadcast team has been great all game. It took most of the first half for them to correctly identify Gozo, but they're calling the game by describing what's happening on the field instead of talking about whatever the hell comes into their minds. It's a bold strategy, and it's been paying off.
Despite all the unavailable players we are still able to put out a competitive starting 11. That's really nice. But we don't have much of a bench for the the closeout period. Glad we survived. The kids are fun to watch. Let's go! P.S. 3 yellows in 3 for Gozo. He needs to figure that out because we need him available!
On the bad side ATL was scoreless before tonight. On the good side RSL ended ATL’s 6 year home opening win streak.
No matter how it ended a very good game for RSL tonight and 3 points. Still a very long way to go but my 10th place pick for them is looking really stupid. But like the second half, Pablo can turn a great start into a WTH second half/end of the season like no other. jinx These kids are good. Really good. It is going to be very hard to sit some of them if/when other players get healthy. I would love to see a healthy Eneli with Moisa. I think that might be a decent pair back there. When I dropped by practice last week there was a play that made everyone watch practice, there were about 5 or 6 of the "press" plus the actual press, DJ, watching from above when Hezarkhani absolutely ended Katranis. They were on the endline in the box when Hez backheeled a meg through the legs of Katranis and got around him like he wasn't there. I'm sure everyone heard us with the group "Oh My" or "No Way". It was something else. It was quick and lethal. The kid is good. Solans, Gozo, Hez, Moisa, and even Booth have been pretty amazing. Time will tell if they can keep it up. They did look gassed in the second half. I'm not used to saying this but the goal could have, and maybe should have been saved by Cabral. The second one. He's is so good if he gets a hand on it you think he is going to keep it out. It was a nice slicing pass that too easily beat the RSL defense. One of the few mistakes from Quinton. Maybe the pass was jus that good but it looked like something that could have been defended better. Like most people, I am pretty stunned RSL has 6 points in 3 games. I would have bet a lot of money against that happening. By a lot I mean every penny I have. Lucky for me I don't gamble. Unless you count scratchoffs and a little bit of distracted driving now and then. Season after season we have watched RSL start strong only to fade. Like it's a thing or something. Be curious to see what makes this season different. It looks like they have players that can change the narrative. Knock on wood.
He’s missing a gear that he had his first stint in the league. He used to have Gozo-like speed and energy. Looks like that has gone away, but he’s still a fantastic player. Sad that Miranchuk hung a couple on us.
Props to Maestroeni and Kimball. The teams tactics look SOOOOOO much more dangerous. The 25 full backs / wingers strategy was really questionable during the summer but they saw the opportunity, had a plan with personnel, cut the fat, and put some great pieces/tactics together. I hope we can actually learn how to play a low block without conceding goals because it is a skill that leaves doubt in my mind and a task that Pablo will ask of the team come rain or shine. The sync''d up playing from the backline to the wingers looks so intentional and class. The top (barring booth imho) looks dangerous. I said it last week, Solans is a HUGE upgrade to Piol. Giuyouhavealoogi is class. Bravo Kreis, Pablo, and Kimball on a great start. Hopefully we are witnessing the start of something special.
We had another great turn out with all of the tv's we need to watch the game. @andyslc was the only one in attendance to guess the score right and win a kit. He even had Gozo and Solans as goal scorers. He's a savant.