It's here! The Open Cup is here! Thankfully, we're not being subjected to repeated story lines about "David and Goliath" and whatnot (old hat, I say) although we're certainly the bigger side in this thing. Minnesota represents a bit of an unknown, and while I'd love to talk about what they bring to the table, I'm afraid I really can't.
But what I can talk about is our side. Kreis has been a little cautious about telling everyone the side he'll put out (wait, really? Huge surprise, innit?), saying that he'll put out his "best possible eleven… almost." I don't really know what that means, honestly, but let's speculate.
We already know we'll be missing a few players. I talked about that yesterday, but let's touch on it again. Through international duty, we are going to be missing Will Johnson, Alvaro Saborio, Kyle Beckerman, and Nick Rimando. Through injury, we're missing Leone Cruz, Chris Schuler, and Javier Morales, and potentially Chris Wingert. So, that's what, five, maybe six starters? Ouch. We'll be fine, though — I'm not worried.
It does make me wonder: What is our "best possible eleven — almost"? It's indelibly vague, isn't it? I suppose we'll find out in a few short hours.
Let's run through a prediction, as usual, shall we?
Kyle Reynish should be in goal, and while I don't suspect he'll be forced into making too many saves, it'll be interesting to see how he reacts to the match. He didn't have the best go of it last time, but he wasn't bad. Perhaps I'm more of an apologist than most people, but it's important to remember that a second-choice keeper behind one of the best in the league will always look a little average in comparison. But at the same time, a lack of minutes means a lack of real match-readiness — it's a tough job, being a backup keeper. I suspect he'll do just fine tonight, mark my words.
The back line should look fairly first-choice, though part of that depends on whether Chris Wingert is fit to play. I suspect he won't start as a precaution, but I quite fancy those that remain to do well: Tony Beltran on the left, Terukazu Tanaka on the right — we'll look brilliant in the attack, that's for sure — and the best defensive pairing in the league with Jamison Olave and Nat Borchers. I'm a bit excited about that. Aren't you?
In the middle of the park, we should see Yordany Alvarez, Jonny Steele, Ned Grabavoy, and Luis Gil, although I wouldn't be surprised to see someone like Mr. Velasquez given a bit of a run out. It's a strong midfield four, I think, and one we might see in league play on occasions when players are injured or in need of a rest. Little Luis will be looking to make a big impact, I think, given his tender age and what not. Against "lesser" opponents, he should be given a chance to really find some beautiful space. Perhaps this will afford him a goal or a few assists or something. Let's hope.
Up front, I'd reckon we'll see Espindola and Paulo Jr., whose speed will probably come in handy. It usually does. Expect to see some trickery and guile in their runs — we often do when they play together — and some nice little bits of skill on the ball.
Still, that doesn't allow for the "almost" that Jason used. I'm really not sure what to make of that.
Right, let's get on with this thing. Come on you Claret and Cobalt!
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