Hey all, I just contributed some theories as to where the sudden change in offense has come from. Also, I'm performing solo tomorrow night (Friday) at a place called Goldie's Bar, which is at 3839 North Lincoln. 21 and over, should start around 9 or 9:30. There's a song list here, although I've added some stuff since then. Come on out! There's no cover! Later, COZ
Well, COZ, those are good and correct theories I think. I would also add a couple of other things. --Our defense is playing with incredible tenacity and coherence. Our keeper and 3/4s of our back line have been together for quite a while now, and it shows. Carlos Bocanegra is on course to be Defender of the Year Again. And Jim Curtin snuffs out any target-forward/aerial game an opponent tries. Which means they have to come on the ground through midfield...which leads to my next point.... --Having seen them play together twice in person, along with TV games, I am becoming more convinced that the pairing of Armas and Pause in the center of midfield is a great partnership. When they are both in there, we hold the ball better, disrupt opponent's midfield play better, and otherwise control the tempo of play throughout midfield. This allows DMB to explode out from the wing. I am preternaturally an optimist, but I have to say I am very optimistic about the prospects for this season. I think, barring critical injuries, we are an upward path here. I think we can get better. Mapp is dynamic and Ralph is going to be an absolute monster. From them, the best is yet to come. Moreover, I sense a high level of confidence and morale amongst the players and the coaching staff. I think it's going to be a really good year.
Re: Re: New column, shameless plug I guess I'm taking that for granted, or I could get semantic and say that it's not so much a reason for the offensive explosion, but a reason we have only lost one match. Plus, it was the one thing we knew for sure coming into the season. And I think I alluded to the strength of the central defenders being part of the reason Armas and Pause had a bit more freedom to push up into the attack. It does make Bocanegra's time with the Nats a slight concern, though. Later, COZ