Thanx, I thought that might be the case after I hit submit. I predict a stand-out game by Namoff and solid play from Stokes will contribute to a very entertaining game, with DC eeking out a win late, causing half of us to have heart problems. This assumes the guy saying Warren might not play was just on bad shrooms. Yesterday I wasn't too optimistic about this game, but I'm feeling much better now. We will defeat the crew in their fancy high school metal stadium. When McBride repeatedly heads the ball over the bar, I will sing "couldn't score with the Cruisers..."
Interestingly, an older lady in the crowd at Rutgers mentioned that she was surprised Warren was with the team as his brother was getting married and he should be going to and getting ready for that event. I didn't followup with her as the game was starting, and forgot later. Plus, I thought she meant the wedding was going to be the next day (Thurs). Assuming she actually meant this Saturday, and assuming she wasn't just pulling my leg, or smoking crack before the game, that could be the reason for the rumor Warren might be out. Just mentioning it as a possibility. Have no idea if it's true or not. Certainly doesn't seem likely given that he's listed as playing this weekend, but you never know.
Lineup as listed on DC United.com D.C. United: Doug Warren; Brandon Prideaux, Ryan Nelsen, David Stokes, Galin Ivanov; Bobby Convey, Eliseo Quintanilla, Bryan Namoff, Earnie Stewart; Ronald Cerritos, Thiago Martins. Wow - we hardly have enough to fill out a team. Who is left to ride the pine: Etcheverry, Stoitchkov, Algeria, Geddes, Esky, and Carrol. Sure hope no-one goes down. Ivanov and Prideaux are on a short leash as one more card and they are over the limit on points and have to sit the next game. Nelsen is already out for the next game - Kiwi Commitment. I hopeing for a tie at least. And for gawd's sake, someone tell Ivanov not to let Bundle lose. That kid can score. -The Far Side
Now aren't you the one who's always saying things don't go the way they're supposed to in MLS? I'd think that means DC should win going away.
I am hoping and praying Warren is not out, Geddes will not be able to pull this team through a whole game.
damn this player shortage is getting to be a bit dicey. although i have to say a line up with martins and cerritos up front with earnie in the middle might do well against columbus. last thursday and again wednesday night, earnie had an outstanding two-way game. he is settling in nicely. hristo looked pretty damn dangerous in those minutes last nite and i could see marco coming in and maybe giving us some great minutes in the second half. i hope convey is ok and plays as he did at giant stadium. there could be some opportunities in midfield, certainly likely to find some spaces and i think thiago can hold the ball against their backline. i our ranks were pretty thin and remain more so. but as a certain dutchman said in terms of football that "every disadvantage as an advantage" and there are some here. the above mentioned play of hristo. the chance for someone to maybe step up--guys like a thiago or a brian namoff. guys who have showed well in their time on the field and now may be able to stand up and really take on a game. of late, while we haven't always played the best football, we have opportunities to win matches. we stunk the first half, lost our keeper, went down a man and still had it tied up in jersey and had an opportunity, a nice one to win. same thing in the tie. i expect this game will be no different. we may not win, hell we may not play all that well, but i bet we have a chance to win the game.
I don't think there's any way these two share time out there. We're already a bit shaky on defense- the last thing we need is two 30-somthings give a half-assed effort at D in the midfield. Of course, I could be wrong, but I think Ray's gotten over that experiment. (Fingers and toes firmly crossed.)
I'm in DC for the weekend, and couldn't schedule this trip for a time when we were at RFK. My shootout package does me no good here, and I don't want to wait to watch on Sunday when I get home. Does anyone know of a good place to watch? I remember some comments earlier in the year, but of course not much of the specifics. Did someone say Summers? (where is this?) The Exchange? any other ideas? Thanks for the help! I'm hoping that my cheering will telepathically spur the guys on!
it seems like just a week ago we had so much depth... options at every position... my how time flies...
The relationship with The Exchange ended a few games into the season. Their desire to feature live music on Saturday nights pretty much told us what the management thought of us. Summers remains the best bet, though expect the place to be filled with college football fans until about 7:00.
tiebreaker It seems that head-to-head goal difference is not a factor in determining final standings. So a DC win means they can do no worse than tie in the season series with Columbus. The next tiebreaker is goal differential which DC currently has a 7 goal lead in. I don't expect Columbus is going to score many against CHicago, and DC ends the season against two of the worst defensive teams in the league (though also two of the better offensive teams). Even a one goal loss then would probably help us (assuming we can beat the Crew at home). Ohio State doesn't play Saturday. The Crew are on center stage.
I had a dream last night, my friends 3-2 DC. I don't know why, but I just remember us scoring an early goal, the TV going out, then looking up at the score box when it came back on and seeing DC-3, COL-2. Oh, and we get a fourth disallowed for offsides. This is my first preminition ever. I hope I'm right.
i prefer "we all hate the yellow football team...." however i certainly appreciate all forms of derision of the crew.
I may just go out for the game ..... but I'd like to head to Fat Tuesdays in Fairfax after, Summers may be too far away, does any bar in Fairfax County show the games regularly..... OK, Ray is making me nervous ... maybe it's psychological to weaken ComeBlowus' resolve, make them think this will be easy.
These are the times that try men's souls. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Win one for the gipper. Break a leg. Enough cliches. I don't care who's playing, who's sick, etc. We're going to win. And I'm going to be drunk.