With but two days before the Sporting KC match at the Rio Tinto, I thought it may be prudent to discuss some of the tactical approach I expect from our side, and I’ll likely ramble about some other things which are of more or less consequence. I mean, what else do you expect? Right, on with it.
On the injury front, things are starting to look a whole lot less not-so-rosy. I mean, we’re closing to having Javi back, but there’s more than just that. Our list of “probables” on the MLS injury report is clearing out — only Robbie Russell and Alvaro Saborio remain on that list. In fact, the only “questionable” we’ve got right now is new boy Chris Agorsor, who we’ve still yet to see play in a first-team match. I don’t much think he was signed with this season in mind too much (though inevitably there would be hopes, both on his end and on the club’s end,) but his early days with the club have been hampered by an injury to his hand sustained in a reserves match.
Definitely out for Saturday, we still have Javi, Nelson, Kyle Reynish, and Mr. Wingert (I don’t mean to be particularly impersonal, but doesn’t “Mr. Wingert” sound rather nice? Like maybe a high-profile spy’s name, maybe. Yeah, that.). Of those, two are likely to be chosen on any given matchday (Javi’s a no-brainer and Chris is our first-choice left back when fit, though one Mr. Wagner may have something to say about that.)
The freedom this allows Jason Kreis (and the subsequent wringing of hands he’ll be doing when he’s trying to make some difficult decisions about who to play) is refreshing. It’s too often that he’s been stuck this season with a half-squad, but we’re finally looking, well, healthy. Weird, isn’t it?
So, you may be wondering (but probably aren’t) who I expect might start on Saturday, as there is one sizable question mark with the absence of Tony Beltran, who is suspended. Our goalkeeper is obvious, so I won’t bother to tell you that it’s Nick Rimando whom I expect. Oh, wait, I’ve just done that. As our centerback pair, it’s the indomitable, enviable, unstoppable BORLAVE, and on the right I expect Robbie Russell will be fit to start. On the left? Oh, boy. Well, with Chris and Tony out, our first two choices are out of the picture, so we’re left with new boy Blake Wagner in a more natural position on the outside, and Chris Schuler out of position.
Now, Schuler did well against Seattle, don’t get me wrong. He’s growing into a very efficient player, but he’s not a full back. He lacks the pace and perhaps a bit of the stamina to get up and down the flanks for 90 minutes, and the passing options he offers are not going to be nearly as safe as what a more natural left back should be offering. That’s part of Tony’s role on the flanks, and I think it’s something he can accomplish given his speed and ability to track back at the right times. If Blake has that ability (and we don’t know fully yet whether he’ll be that man for us), he’ll get the start, no questions asked. Chris could come on later to keep things solid at the back, but keep in mind, on the flank, he doesn’t help out in the possession game. With a natural left back on against Seattle, we could have kept a bit more possession, although Chris did quite well playing as essentially a defending full back. Let’s see who Jason picks.
The middle almost picks itself now: Kyle, Ned, Will and Luis, supposing they are all match-fit. I’m excited to see Ned and Will together again, as we haven’t seen them alongside each other for some time now. (Thanks, injuries and international duty. Grumble.) Luis will probably continue up front, and I reckon he’ll be ready to do that again, as last week he was sacrificed at the half. (Thanks, referee.) Andy Williams should be available to come off the bench and either help push forward for another goal or defend a little deeper, depending on the role he’s given and who he comes on for. He had an absolute screamer against Seattle, and was one of the best players on the pitch for either side.
Up front, I’d hate to bet against more Espindola and Saborio. The two are finally looking like they’ve gelled as a unit, and that’s going to be essential as we move forward. Paulo Jr. and perhaps Cody Arnoux should be on the bench awaiting their chance — and putting a bit of pressure on Fabian and Alvaro. Ah, the options!
Oh, and the roster submission deadline is today, so if we’re going to add anyone to our squad for the short remainder of the season, it’ll be before 5 p.m. I sincerely doubt we’ll add anyone, but we’ve constantly got young’ns (and some old’ns) on trial, including, right now, several from Orlando City, and I could be surprised. I don’t think I will be, though.
Right, more tomorrow, but that’s something to stew over today. Who would you pick to start if you were manager?
Come on you Claret and Cobalt!
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