Barring any injuries, or unexpected things this is how the line-up should look in my opinion, for the playoffs. -Walker- Leitch-Pope-Jolley-Bartolomeu Clark-Lisi Guevara-Gaven Mathis-Magee In the following things, the second option would not be used unless the first player is not available. CK(1st option): Magee CK(2nd option): Lisi Direct/Indirect kick in attack zone: (1)-Lisi (2)-Guevara PK Taker(1): Guevara PK Taker(2): Lisi 5 man bench(for road games): J. Wolyniec(F) A. Juskowiak(F) T. Regan(D/M) C. Zaidie(D) P. Grafer(GK)
The problem with Lisi has been addressed in other threads. He doesn't play enough defense to partner up with Clark. If he was more concsious of that, he would be a lock in that position. Actually, he would be ideal for the deep distributing role, sort of like a Pirlo with AC Milan. Again, the obvious problem is that he isn't a two-way player. Also, if it is true that he has problems with his ankles, how many minutes do you guys think he can put in? My only peeve with Gaven is that his runs are way too isolated. He makes the run, but it usually doesn't result in anything constructive, because his teammates don't combine with him that well at times. He is a lock though, just because he has become a marked man (how many fouls did he draw against NE?).
Lisi is not fit to play 90 minutes. I would put him in at around the 60th if we're losing. He changes the way the team plays whenever he steps onto the field. We are always more offensive when hes playing.
If Lisi is healthy enough to play 90, you can flip flop Guevara and Lisa in that line-up. Guevara can get the job done defensively while still distributing/contributing on the offensive end. I'd prefer to have Lisi on the field because he seems to make things happen. As for Clark, for the latter part of the season he seems to have been a little lost going forward. However, he is undoubtedly our best ball winner. Let him play Richie's role at breaking up the opponent's attacks. Clark Guevara Lisi Gaven
After trumpeting Lisi all year it's nice to see everyone else coming around on him. Yes, I just threw my arm out patting myself on the back. Even so, this thread is wishful thinking. There's no way Bob doesn't start Richie Saturday. And there's no way it doesn't come back to bite us in the ass. I can't believe I'm going to spend 50 bucks to see a team that's going to field Richie freaking Williams in the starting lineup, but such is the nature of being a MetroStars fan. At least I'll get a thanksgiving turkey out of all the pain they've caused me this season.
PLJ, 4-4-2 Diamond shapes are very common, you'll see 'em a lot on defense. Not at all "stupidity". You've got to go to a whole 'nother level to approach that here. I agree with you on starting Magee over Woly. Woly off the bench is a great spark!