It's approaching more quickly than we thought it would: The final match of the season — less, of course, the uncertainty of the post-season — and our chance to put this hellish campaign to bed before we set off in search of more silverware. It's been a rough-and-tumble eight months, and I think we're all going to be glad to see the back of it and get on with things.
That, of course, shouldn't excuse the boys from putting in a hell of a shift against Portland tomorrow. Sure, Portland will be fighting for, well, pride (sound familiar?), but they've been wholly eliminated from the playoffs by New York's win last night. (On a side note, it was really strange to hear commentators talking about how a player should be literally credited for a goal which bounced off the post, hit the back of keeper, and went into the net. EDIT: OK, apparently they were right, and FIFA agrees with them. I'm allowed to disagree with FIFA, right? Heh.)
So, what can we expect from Portland? They're still a newish side and they'll be disappointed to not have made the playoffs, so maybe they'll come out swinging. There's no real certainty there, but our boys in Claret and Cobalt simply must be strong, efficient and ruthless. We've got to show the world that we're better than our season; those believers at the start — you know, when we put the Galaxy to shame — will see our points, see our position, and chuckle a little bit as they again temper their expectations.
As today's injury report hasn't been released yet (as of 'press time,' heh), I'll assume that Tony Beltran won't be ready, Will Johnson might be ready, and Ned Grabavoy should be good to go. With that in mind, I'll make my usual prediction (perhaps a day early, but no matter) and discuss some of the tactical parts of our side.
At the back, our homeboy Nick, with likely Borchers and Olave in front of him. Others may have mooted changes for rest for perhaps Olave, but they will get plenty of rest if we actually stay in third place instead of slinking into fourth — and besides that, this is a must-win game for our aspirations as a club. On either side of the two beasts, I'd expect Wingert and Russell, unless Russell is still struggling for fitness — then I'd expect Schuler and Wingert. A bit surprising that Schuler won the left back spot over new boy Blake Wagner, isn't it?
In the middle, expect Yordany Alvarez to continue in Beckerman's red haze, with perhaps the aforementioned Grabavoy and Andy Williams on either side of him. In the tip of the midfield, I wouldn't be surprised to see Javier Morales given a 45 minute rest, just to ensure his fitness for the playoffs — but I'm probably wrong there, so I bet he starts.
Up front, I'd imagine we'll see Saborio and Espindola again, but either could see time on the bench to ensure his fitness as well. I doubt we'd see Paulo Jr. and Espindola together, so I'd bet on a pairing of either Espindola and Agorsor or Arnoux, or Saborio and Agorsor or Paulo Jr. (Convoluted enough?) As you can tell, I'm really excited about Agorsor right now, and I have been since we signed him. Anyhow.
And as a final note, remember to black out the RioT tomorrow alongside our friends at Salt City United, put the season to rest, and have a rip-roaring good time to put the season to bed! And if that wasn't entirely obvious, just wear black. Trust me on this one.
Three points is going to be absolutely essential, and if we don't win, expect some expletives to come from my mouth. As usual. Come on you Claret and Cobalt!
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