We'll be ringing in the changes tonight when we go hunting for a win in Texas — not too many, mind, but we know we'll see at least two changes following the standard post-red-card single-game suspensions handed to Fabian Espindola and Jamison Olave.
And while it certainly isn't the happiest thing in the world, allowing these suspensions to play out will benefit the players in the long run. Hear me out: I'm not saying they should, by any means, be suspended; nor am I saying that they should sit out a match for their own good — I'm just saying that the rest will serve them well. Jamison has played every match this season, while Fabian's work rate is unrivaled and without rest, he'd fall apart. Probably not literally, but you never know. Anyway, that's just to say that there are bright spots in those looming clouds over there.
We're facing an FC Dallas side whose form has been spotty at best (sound familiar?), who has lost as many matches as they've won, and who will be looking to capitalize on our own form. It's a tough spot to be in, but then again, isn't every spot pitted with dangers?
Right, well, let's get on to the lineup, as per the usual routine. What would we be without routine?
In goal, Mr. Nick Rimando continues his ongoing quest for 300 MLS regular season games. What a man! We're lucky we've got him.
In defense, I'm not expecting more than a substitution of Chris Schuler for Jamison Olave, leaving Tony Beltran, Chris Wingert, and Nat Borchers in position for the match. The only change I might consider at this point would be Terukazu Tanaka for one of Beltran or Wingert — somebody to terrorize the flanks a bit in the absence of Espindola, though in a markedly different way. I'm relatively certain Tanaka won't be brought in, though, as we'll need to be aware of Castillo and Shea on the flanks. We'll be left, also, with a slightly easier job without marquee player Blas Perez in the side for FC Dallas, but that doesn't mean we'll be able to rest on our laurels.
In the midfield, our newly-turned-30 captain Kyle Beckerman will continue his run — his tactical approach will, to my mind, be particularly interesting to watch. He's taken on a bit more of a hassle-and-harry role than last season's slightly more reserved role, which is fascinating. He's been a touch faster, and we all know this guy's dedicated to being as fit as possible — we're seeing that pay off. Watching his game evolve while at Real Salt Lake has been nothing short of inspiring. Alongside him, I'd imagine we'll see Sebastian Velasquez rotated in for Jonny Steele, Will Johnson and Luis Gil. It is perhaps a bit too soon to expect Javier Morales to start again so soon, and I suspect he'll be reserved a bit for Saturday's home match. Further, it seems rotation among our two non-Will-Johnson left-sided midfielders (er, Jonny and Sebas), so I've gone for that a bit.
Up front, I'd imagine Saborio stays in, and he'll have a chance to move toward Fabian's goalscoring record — four more and he reaches him, five more and he passes him — and the race for the Claret and Cobalt Boot can begin in earnest! Alongside Saborio, I'd expect to see Paulo Jr., who, I'd reckon, will be looking to snag a goal or two to match his improvement in other respects.
Not much else to talk about right now, so I'll leave you 'til tomorrow (unless there is news, which I doubt there will be) when we can talk about how we snagged our first win in Texas with four Saborio goals, a Paulo Jr. hat trick, and seven assists from Captain Kyle. A boy can dream, can't he?
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