It's been a long, arduous road getting here. Since those heartbreaking moments that kept us from going on to win the league, we've been sitting anxiously on our hands. We've had ten departures from the squad, eight arrivals, a third-place result in a four-match pre-season tournament, and a sense of unity — and dare I say belief — among the fans that's been encouraging.
But let's not go over the wait again. We've just lived it and we're ready to get on with things. Here, then, is my first match preview of the season.
At goalkeeper, the man who has answered every question asked of him and more: Nick Rimando. If he's this good at answering questions on the pitch — like "Are you really the best goalkeeper in the league?" (the answer is a hearty yes), "Will you make yet another heart-stopping save?" (another yes) — perhaps he should enroll in one of those quiz shows. You know, once the season's over. It stands to reason that he may very well be the first name on the squad sheet — unless Jason likes to work from the front to the back, in which case, he'd be the last name. That hardly works so well metaphorically, though.
In defense, we have our first big question. The inimitable Nat Borchers is, it would seem, not ready for match action yet. This will hand a start to Chris Schuler, who will partner the Extremely Loud and Incredibly Quick Jamison Olave in the center. On either side, we'll have our full backs: Tony Beltran is in without a doubt, but whether he plays on the left or on the right will depend on the readiness of Chris Wingert.
A facial laceration, caused by the boot of New York's Juan Agudelo, might keep Mr. Wingert from starting — just as a safety precaution, as I understand it's not yet fully healed — which could hand a chance to newcomer right back Terukazu Tanaka. The consideration comes after several statements from Garth Lagerwey that would seem to indicate a certain faith in his ability to drop into the side with ease. We shall, I suppose, see.
In the middle, we've got further questions. Kyle Beckerman undoubtedly starts, as does Ned Grabavoy, but the other two midfield spots are perhaps in question a bit. Is Javier Morales fit and ready to go? Who will be picked to fill the left spot in the diamond? Might we see our first competitive view of Sebastian Velasquez? Briefly, if Javi isn't ready, I'd expect Luis Gil will pick up the top spot, leaving Sebastian Velasquez to fill the left-sided spot, but we could also see Yordany Alvarez play there. If Javi is ready, I'd expect Luis Gil will take it.
It is also worth noting that Javier is inevitably on the bench, so whether or not he gets a start, he's likely to see some on-pitch action. I'd love to see Sebastian play his first professional minutes, but perhaps we can save that for the first home match or, you know, something.
Up front, Fabian Espindola has to be a sure-start, but whether he's partnered by Alvaro Saborio or Paulo Junior will depend largely on the fitness of the former. He's listed as "probable" for the match, but I doubt too many risks will be taken with him, should there be any big risks. If it is only a match-fitness issue, we might see him start, but I'm going to err on the side of caution and pick Paulo.
I'll be looking specifically at a few things tonight:
- Will the midfield rotation continue, where one or two go forward and two or one, respectively, stay back?
- Which new boys will start? We could see one or two — Tanaka and Velasquez are my two picks.
- Is Javier Morales ready for starts already? Will we err on the side of caution, given his post-injury ordeal?
- Is Paulo Junior ready to make a tangible impact for Real Salt Lake? He's been signed full-time with the club: Can he make it count?
- Who will the Galaxy play? The CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final is a big deal for them, and the two legs of that match surround this one. Will they give it their all tonight? Can they afford to?
- Will Ned Grabavoy put up with any flak from David Beckham?
- Will we see a hundred cards? Two reds? None?
And, of course, plenty of other things will be on my mind. Inevitably.
Right, the lineup prediction, then we best get on with things.
Rimando
Tanaka - Olave - Schuler - Beltran
Beckerman
Grabavoy - Gil - Velasquez
Espindola - Paulo Jr.
I've taken a bit of a risk, picking newer, younger guys (you know, the ones italicized above) over the veterans, but I really do think Javier and Alvaro will be held back for home match starts, giving them another week to come to full fitness. I'd not be surprised to see them pick up 30 minutes off the bench. I also suspect Chris Wingert will be held back unless it is deemed necessary, as if the stitches were to burst open on that laceration — on a strong header, perhaps — he'd bleed profusely and have to come off.
OK, then. Let's get on with the match.
Come on you Claret and Cobalt!
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