Btw - if we win our next game we will be only 1 point behind Seattle at the season halfway point (17 games each). Then of course we dust them and SKC and go into the playoffs with home field advantage, just the way the good lord intended.
Postscript - Somehow we’ve moved up the table while allowing the 3rd most goals in the league. Only TOR (32) and CIN (29) have allowed more than the 27 goals we’ve given up in 16 games. Actually we are tied with CHI in GA but they have played only 15 games. So, to be fair, we have only the 4th worst defense in the league. But somehow it doesn’t feel like our defense is as atrocious as it has been in recent seasons, despite our still dismal GA stat. I don’t know if that is because we are still racking up points by hook or crook or because of how the goals have been scored against us. Whatever the reason, it is unrealistic for us to expect to stay near the top of table unless we tighten up our defense. But because Sega and JDS are coming back - and of course because in Vanney we trust - I predict we will do exactly that. Only allowing 1 goal vs POR was a good start. Now let’s go get us some shutouts.
I think it's more most of us understand the patchwork defensive lineup. Imagine when Sega + Williams are starting CBs.
OK, let's talk about Cabral, ha ha. I agree with you. I wanted to say this after the last match, but it seemed like a bad time to bring it up after the 4 goal mauling. But I think Cabral has improved a lot the last couple matches, and this might have been his best 90 minute match for me. Saying that, expectations for him have dropped a lot from DP to basically showing he's a starter. I think the last couple matches he's improved just by taking pressure off and playing within himself -- completing the simple pass and play often and attempting the spectacular less. I think the biggest improvement is he's drifting out of games a lot less. My favorite moment in this game is when we're already up by 2 I think and Grandsir comes in hard to win the ball from a Timbers defender and Cabral charges into space only to be called back by the ref and both Grandsir and Cabral punch the air in frustration. You can see Cabral's ability in several instances, I feel there's just a mental switch that needs to be flipped so he can marshal all those together consistently and dangerously -- but this the first game where he showed that kind of aggression and hunger. You can see him being more vocal with his teammates, calling for the ball, giving direction, pointing to where he wants passes, but also mixing it up, fighting for the ball, using his body. I think that's all good and I hope to see more. He still had a these weird mental moments like you said; like a ball passed in front of him that he sort of just let drift by and a late in the game he has this 1-2 situation with Araujo that just breaks down because he's slow to react. He shows he can be dangerous; he had that 30 or so yard drive and stinging shot. He straight-up broke that Timebers defenders ankle on the late run. Even his headed finish that ended up being offside showed quality; its a weird mental thing not being able to pull it all together.
Well, at least he drew a PK. And come to think if it, that was the biggest takeaway from watching his highlight video, for me. in those videos, he looked like a guy that is a bit tricky in the box and then falls down at the first hint of contact. So from that standpoint, I guess I shouldn't be surprised at his lack of production, though I was really hoping for better. I guess if he can draw a PK every few games, then he might have some value.
True. Araujo’s always been dynamic going forward but early on his defensive marking was too haphazard. Fortunately he’s become more disciplined - his defensive lapse in this game was the exception, not the rule.
I believe three out of our next 4 matches are home games. Fate continues to smile upon us as Seattle has taken to fielding a bunch of kids and have lost their two last matches, at home. Last match losing 1-0 to our water loving friends to the north San Jose. SKC lost to Dallas. Colorado keeps winning and now have traded for reinforcement Anthony Kaye and are going to be a problem.
Highlight Time Folks We were in trouble for bit in the beginning of the game with 2 old players in the middle as mentioned in the previous match thread, it would be a problem that could carry over if both Vasquez and Sasha started at the same time. However the 2 guys I also wanted to score did so and got us the lead. Then when we pulled Vazquez and allowed Sasha to be the cam in the middle as well as and the only guy with older legs, we took over the midfield completely. It was just a matter of creating enough opportunity that somebody would eventually capitalize and that did happen twice. We are going to be in great shape once our starters return and we get the new signings into the mix. I smell the blood in the water and soon we shall feast on the league.
Also, I noticed it earlier but there was a long sequence of just one touch passes. Kinda feels like the return of Tika taco.
That definitely seems like a focus for Vanney. He mentions the quick release pass a lot in his press conferences.
Thank you for breaking down your Cabral impressions. It's quite something, hopefully we are watching him progress into a special player, DP even. Dunseth said Cabral "left the defender for dead" - LOL
Yes we’ve been so focused on Seattle and SKC in front of us that we haven’t noticed Colorado sneaking up behind us. They have very quietly put together a good team and are going to be trouble.
Won 2 awards at that festival, now traveling to another. For the superstitious types our film screened Friday night right during the game and we screen again Wednesday night right during the game….