Bottom line, the 2014 squad is better than the 2013's. The question is: will Olsen be able to transform it into a team? If he does, we will compete against anyone. If he does not, it won't be like 2013, but it will feel like it, nevertheless.
Ives was asked about it on some podcast and he said it was from a reliable source. So I mean, people can say 'lol Ives' but really, are there any news sources in soccer we don't/can't laugh at?
Well, I'd just like to see one other reporter pick it up, just the tiniest hint of corroboration; but nobody's touched it.
Well it didn't come to fruition. Not many reporters are in the business of saying "a team tried to sell a player but didn't."
Goff, Floyd, or Boehm would -- DCU is their specific beat; and as we're demonstrating, word that a player was being offered is news to the team's fans, even if no deal occurs. Again: I'm not saying it's not true; I just wouldn't assume it is simply because one and only one soccer journalist said it.
Goff has been REALLY off his game lately. He was practically a day late on the White deal (or some important deal recently, I forgot).
Goff works for a reputable newspaper with editorial standards. Any reporter at such a newspaper will appear "late" because the enterprise demands verification of sources for news stories. Bloggers are under no such restraint, their currency is web hits. Not to pick on Ives who generally does a good job, but if he was down on hits, he could run a "Does Klinsman abuse gerbils?" headline to gin up traffic. A blogger generally can go with one unconfirmed source, or one sort of source without direct repercussions. Goff can't do that because of his employment situation.
Yeah, a blogger can call up somebody in the business, who heard from someone else, who read on Big Soccer, that DC United was looking for move Silva for a LB, and by time it gets from one end of the other is turns into "I heard DC United was going to move Silva". Which, if we did it for a LB, I'd be pretty happy. Nothing against him, we just need a LB more than we need him. I am actually pretty happy with the "back 6" (and reserves) as they say, but I'd like to up the ante at CM, sorta like we've just done with the CB position. I'm happy with the First 3 forwards if we play 1. If we play 2, I'd rather have another forward unless Seaton is ready.
--------Espindola---------EJ----------- Pontius-------Arnaud----------DeLeon ---------------Kitchen------------------ Korb---Boswell-----Parke-----Franklin It's decent, it's okay. Those three across the middle are big question marks. IF Pontius and DeLeon are near their best, this is a good team, but we just don't know. What I was afraid of happening is happening, Arnaud isn't being brought in for cover, he's a starter. That Arnaud size hole is where the DPish player should be. But that's okay for now. If Arnaud can keep the ball moving and be a bit of a hard man, he can play a role until end game. Then, Olsen can bring on Silva for Arnaud to push for a goal, Jeffrey for Arnaud to lock it down, Silva for Espindola to aid possession. Hell, a creative coach might sub in Birnbaum for Arnaud with 5 minutes left to try all out for a goal, all it takes is one header. Anyway, the midfield still looks a little thin to me, unless Martin and Porter really leap forward.
He should get a lot of playing time in Richmond to start the season and hopefully by June he's shown to be a level above that competition. Take it from there.
I would take Korb off the field, play three in the back with Arnaud and Kitchen in front of them and then add espindola.
The 3-5-2 formation needs two outside midfielders who can run up and down the side end-line to end-line and come back on Defense - A LOT - DeLeon needs to be in terrific shape as in his rookie season, and we'll need somebody on the left, because that just ain't Pontius' strength
We have a better chance of seeing the zombie apocalypse than DCU starting any game in a 3-5-2 next year.
How about a 3-4-3 Espindola-----------EJ-----------Pontius DeLeon---------------------------Porter -------Arnaud------------Kitchen-------- --Parke--------Boswell--------Franklin No? Yeah, no.
Besides no oth Many folks earlier on the thread seem to doubt there is enough speed to play 4 in the back
I think we'll end up with a 451, looking like this -------------EJ--------------- --------Espy/Silva---------- Pontius-------------DeLeon ------Kitchen---Arnaud---- LB--Boz---Parke---Franklin I think that plan requires Pontius to be an All Star again. Who's a bettin man? I'd rather see someone else in place of Espindola/Silva. I'd like this even more --------------EJ--------------- Pontius---------------DeLeon ----------New CM------------- -------Kitchen-Arnaud----- LB--Boz--Parke---Franklin Even if we got Mr. CM, I think we'd end up with -----------EJ----Espy------ Pontius--Kitchen--CM---DeLeon etc etc
433? Pontius-----------EJ---------Espindola -------Arnaud-----------DeLeon ----------------Kitchen-------- Korb/LB ---Parke-----Boswell-----Franklin