The lights go up on the big stage tonight.
The CONCACAF Champions League. The reason, ostensibly, we kept our group together. The reason we haven't restructured our squad. The prize for which we fight. It all comes to a head tonight.
The talk about tonight being do-or-die? It's not an exaggeration. Not much, at least. If we fail, expect a slow deconstruction of the squad in the post-season. We're an aging group, and as much as we'd like to see them stay together for years to come — well, it's just not a practicable idea, is it? Few squads — anywhere in the world, to be honest — stay together for eons. We've reached five years with a big chunk of our core group, and at some point, we'll have to set some loose. It'll happen at some point, but tonight's result may determine the speed with which that happens. But we'll be kidding ourselves if we think the majority of this group can stay together for more than two years from now, I suspect.
"It's a real challenge. There are no more second chances. This is it." — Will Johnson
But before we worry about when or how the squad will be blown apart, we should worry about the match. That's tonight, after all — if you couldn't tell from above, or from all the talk about it, or, you know, everything else. I'm quite excited, so let's get on to it all.
First, we must wonder how much we know about Tauro FC. The answer? Well -- nothing. Or at least almost nothing. (On that note, can you have almost nothing? I suspect you always have something unless you have nothing. If one can "have" nothing. I don't think you can. I told myself I wouldn't make this about metaphysics, though, so on we go.) This makes my writing with any semblance of tactical foresight rather a damp squib (or, if you're a fan of malapropisms or perhaps The IT Crowd, a damp squid, although that may be a different story.) As always, I trample forward with utter disdain for anything bearing a resemblance to reality.
So this one, quite obviously, is about us. Jason Kreis, as ever, put forth the notion that it's almost always about us, but I'd venture that he's actually played a slightly more reactive role tactically (or somebody in the coaching staff, at least), shifting to match what other sides are doing — or at least how they're defending. Does it represent a shift in our approach? I don't know. But it speaks to the state of the league a bit, I'd reckon.
Right, let's run through the lineup before I get too distracted.
In goal: Was there ever any doubt? Nick Rimando will be there, and while I hope he's bored throughout, I don't know that'll be the case. In fact, I have no clue, really. Oh, these blind ties.
At the back: Kwame Watson-Siriboe — our only available center back — will be partnered by Chris Wingert — our only available sort-of-center-back. It's not a proven combination, it's not our best combination, but it's the only combination we have right now, and we'll make the most of it. On either side should be Tony Beltran, who will want to make a strong argument for his abilities after a moment of indecision cost us dearly, and Kenny Mansally, whose attacking abilities might be just what the doctor ordered. Which doctor? I don't know that.
In the middle: Captain Beckerman, a man with the ability to navigate us through these choppy waters, will be back in his spot at the deepest midfield spot. His ability to dictate play will be called upon in no small way. Alongside him, Will Johnson, Javier Morales (we can hope) and Ned Grabavoy. Strength in depth can come on Friday. Today, we need to put out the best side possible, and they'll undoubtedly be tired after this one.
Up front: Espindola. Saborio. Need I say more?
It's as strong as we can go. Let's have at it.
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