Wash. Post - Tino out? Courtesy of the esteemed Mr. Goff - "Quaranta, however, will likely sit out tonight with a groin injury." http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A1071-2003May16.html Sheesh, the news just gets worse.
Thanks for the link Sandon Mibut. While having Quaranta out may be a downer, it may also be a blessing in disguise. I think Quaranta has been one of DC United's best players this season so far (yes I know I am a lunatic on the delusional fringe). By having Quaranta out DC United must rely on another forward to step up. Which is good news for Eskandarian and Curtis, both of whom have been rusting on the bench. This much needed playing time may result in a sudden reward (i.e. a goal) and more importantly much needed experience.
Goff has this line up, a 442: GK Nick Rimando; Ds Galin Ivanov, Ryan Nelsen, Mike Petke, Brandon Prideaux; MFs Ben Olsen, Dema Kovalenko, Marco Etcheverry, Bobby Convey; Fs Alecko Eskandarian, Earnie Stewart
Jose, you're not alone--I too like a lot of what Santino has done this year. I think he's been inconsistent but given mediocre service, he's been our most productive forward (PKs, the assist, etc.). That said, I like our lineup. I think Eskandarian and Stewart pair up better than do Quaranta and Eskandarian or Quaranta and Stewart. I also think that we won't play 4 in the back--that Nelson may start out on the backline but will slide up into midfield (if Petke is handing things well in the middle and/or we start to own the run of play). If nothing else, I think we need to provide close attention to Preki and thus it means more bodies in midfield.
Haydon has the same thing about Tino in today's Times. (Which appears to have a new and improved Website to diseminate it's right wing prose.) http://www.washingtontimes.com/sports/20030517-122330-8194r.htm
Strong words from young Robert... United midfielder Bobby Convey was more direct. "We just need to have our forwards stay up front and score and do their job," said Convey. "In any other league in the world, the forwards are paid to score. They are the highest-paid players."
And in any other league in the world, while a forward sometimes creates a goal via individual brilliance, there are many more times where the aforementioned forward gets a pass from a midfielder. Instead of the midfielder running to the corner and giving up on the play, passing back for nothing, or stringing together 12 passes of "possession" football before giving away a throw-in. I admire Convey's guile for saying something. But it seems to me every one on the squad other than the defense has to better to "do their job." Convey's no exception and with comments like this, it is time to take him particularly to task for whatever performance he gives tonight. Leaders lead, talkers talk. I do hope Convey leads tonight. Ed