Will it be: ..................................Mathis.............Moreno................................................. ............................................Guevara.............................................................. DiGiamarino .........Williams.............Clark........Forchetti or Ziadie or Leitch …………….Regan………….Pope………….Jolley……………………….. …………………………..Howard………………………………………….
Forchetti has been described as a central back and hasn't signed yet. Leitch is also a defender and probably doesn't belong in midfield. I would guess it's either Ziadie or Clark as right wingback at this point. And if we sign Molina, Digi might not get the start. Regan is also being considered for midfield. Still plenty of questions. It will be interesting to see how the team shapes up. The first few games might not even give us the true indication of how strong a team we are as we will probably be awaiting papers for Guevara and the any Argentine players that sign. We may start a little slow this year but I think we'll gain momentum as the season progresses.
about Leitch Chris is a midfielder who's only shot at pt last season was our hole at right back for c-bus. in high school, i remember him as a center mid and know he played there mostly during his career at Chapel Hill. So, in effect, last season he learned a new position and what professional soccer is all about all at the same time. all things considered, he did a commendable job and i would expect that he's been brought in as direct competition for Ziadie.
Re: about Leitch Are you sure? I remember him being a defender in the Final Four in 2001. His college Bio mentions that he moved to defense his sophomore year and has been there ever since. http://tarheelblue.ocsn.com/sports/m-soccer/mtt/leitch_chris00.html General Info - Among the best defenders in the nation. Teams with Jackson, David Stokes and goalkeeper Michael Ueltschey as one of the most experienced and talented defensive units in the nation Junior (2000) - A leader of a Carolina defense that led the ACC with 0.75 goals allowed per game Sophomore (1999) - Scored only one goal but was one of Carolina's most valuable players as he often marked the opposing team's best offensive player ... Part of a UNC defense that allowed one goal or less in 13 of 20 games in 1999 They also mention he improved the most when he was moved out of midfield and into defense.
Considering you guys have about a relatively small chance of winning the lottery for Digi, who do you plan to trade to bring him in? One of your projected starters no doubt? God I wish we were playing you guys opening day. Who's the lucky team?
My starters assuming they are fit and ready : 18 Tim Howard GK 5 Steve Jolley D 23 Eddie Pope D 20 Craig Ziadie D 16 Richie Williams M 8 Mark Lisi M 13 Clint Mathis M/F 14 DiGi M 10 Gueverra M 9 Jaime Moreno F 7 Mike Magee F
GW Bush is the only proof you needed, really. Magee will not start once (if?) Guevara, Mathis, and Moreno are in the fold and healthy. Despite bob's comments about Clint coming out of d-mid, I think they'll end up being our front 3. DiGi fills a very important need for us, namely depth on the left side. Whether he starts or not that's where he will help out. Bob's smart enough to know that in MLS (with call-ups, injuries, and a miniscule salary cap), any particular starting XI is not as important as the depth and interchangability of the entire roster, and DiGi fills a gaping hole in that sense. This team is still very much a work in progress but some things appear to be crystallizing. Howard in goal, Pope and Jolley anchoring the defense, Richie Williams as one d-mid, Guevara, Moreno, and Mathis up front, a lot of quality role players (Digi, Clark, Ziadie, Lisi) and a lot of youth. Underestimate this team at your own peril.
In a recent interview Pope said, Bradley plans to play 3-5-2 . I can see Mathis and Gueverra next to each other in central mid. besides I honestly think Mathis is better in that position. We will see.
in my opinion, opening day XI should be: Magee Moreno (with LeBlanc off the bench) DiGi Mathis Ziadie Williams Clark Regan Pope Jolley Howard dre
I know we're playing a 3-5-2, my point was that they would be the 3 offensive threats on the field once they're all healthy and signed. Are you saying you could see Mathis-Guevara in midfield and Magee-Moreno up front? My understanding of Bob's midfield scheme is 2 d-mids, 2 wingers, and a central distributor. If Guevara is in central mid, then where does Mathis fit? He has said d-mid is a possibility for mathis, and that would be the only possibility as far as i can see if you want Mathis and Guevara in the midfield together. Magee will get plenty of minutes regardless... he will be a big part of the team this year.
See: '98-'99 Fire. Nowak and Podbrozny. See: '00-'02 Fire. Nowak and Kovalenko. See: Two central attacking midfielders. Next question.