So, a bit of a late post today, but perhaps you will forgive me. (I don’t much mind if you don’t.) How about the Women’s World Cup, eh? I’m sure that’s the first thing on people’s minds right now, and it certainly was an exciting one. Let’s hope they can push forward to the final by passing up an interesting French side.
I’m still feeling the effects a bit of that 2-0 win over FC Dallas, but our time with them is hardly up yet. Tuesday — tomorrow! — approaches, and a US Open Cup draw should hopefully see us picking up a nice win and a move forward in the competition.
Expect us to play a squad that’s not entirely first choice, given that we’ve played only three days ago. That said, Jason Kreis clearly wants to win it, and I know everybody keeps talking about it being the fastest way back to the CONCACAF Champion’s League, but it’s a trophy nonetheless, and it’s always nice to win a trophy. That, I think, would instill a lot of belief in our lads.
After Saturday’s Sabo histrionics (I don’t think they were nearly that bad, but...) expect that maybe he’ll be rested a bit on Tuesday. (Update: The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Saborio has been left home from the trip.) Kreis mentioned that he wanted to rest Saborio earlier, but given that didn’t happen, and given his reaction, perhaps we’ll see some sort of a statement. I’m not entirely sure, though.
Perhaps Fabian Espindola will make a start after his brilliance against FC Dallas at home, but I do think there’s an effort ongoing to ensure that he doesn’t succumb to further injury troubles, so don’t be surprised to see him come off or on in the second half. Either way, don’t expect a full 90.
Ned Grabavoy was given a bit of a rest late in the second half as well, and I’m not sure whether that was from taking some sort of knock in the match or as an intention to retain some energy for Tuesday. Let’s hope for the latter. We may see his partner in crime, Will Johnson, left on the bench, as he’s been quite busy following the Gold Cup. Andy Williams may come in as a substitution as well, given that his aging legs are not typically given two consecutive starts. I’d be surprised if he didn’t play a role, though. And Luis Gil may be rested, but any playing time at his age will be extremely valuable in his development. Given that he was taken off in the second half for Fabian Espindola, perhaps he may be eligible for a start.
So, how about a shoddy lineup prediction?
Reynish
Beltran - Olave - Borchers - Wingert
Beckerman - Alexandre - Grabavoy - Gonzalez
Espindola - Gil
I’ll give that another go tomorrow, when things are a little more set in stone. On the bench, we may see Arturo Alvarez (hooray!) returning from injury, and hopefully Paulo Jr. is coming close to fitness. Cody Arnoux as well has been in full training and may be given a chance.
Oh, and before I forget — FCDallas.com is apparently streaming the match tomorrow night, so video will be had. Excellent!
‘Till tomorrow.
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