Most weeks, today would be match day eve. It's something I've grown rather a bit comfortable with, and when that routine is disrupted, things get a little strange. No matter, though, it's match day, and that's all there is to it. Vancouver looms (does anything from Canada ever really loom in any ominous way?) and we're likely to see a few changes rung in as a result of a bit of fixture congestion.
After all, Tuesday is a day match for us, what with the CONCACAF Champions League group stage opener for us to play and, with any luck, win. Right, then — let's take a look at our squad before we drudge on with our day until we reach the magical time that is 7 p.m. (Mountain Daylight Time).
In goal, I'd expect Nick Rimando still starts despite the proximity of our matches to each other. It's not particularly because Kyle Reynish didn't impress last time around — I really suspect Jason and Garth are keeping the faith — but because, well, Nick's one of our most important players, full stop. (Is it weird to write full stop then follow it with a period? I suspect there's something odd about it, but that's never really stopped me, now has it?)
Our defense? Oh, our defense. I suspect Nat Borchers will be good to go, but Jamison Olave still has some doubts hanging over his fitness. If Jason were forced to choose between playing him in one of our two matches, I can almost guarantee he'll save him for the Champions League. As such, I'd imagine Kwame Watson-Siriboe will be given another start. He's impressed in his few appearances so far, and to come straight from Chicago Fire — where he wasn't getting any minutes of substance — to starting for one of the potentially best defensive sides in the league speaks very highly of his character, mentality and ability.
Who starts at full back, too, will be another decision to be made. We started our two strongest last match — Wingert and Beltran showed why they're the strongest, remaining defensively solid while providing bite in the attack — but today might be a little different. Vancouver has an attacking mentality and some good ability, but I wouldn't be surprised if we started our two most attacking full backs: Mansally and Tanaka. Again, prioritization. If I'm to be realistic, one of those two will start. Let's say Tanaka.
Our midfield is looking fit and healthy (thankfully, right?), and again, I don't suspect our top four will play, given the crunch. How many times must I say that? (It's not as if I must say it, and I'm sure you get it by now — I'm just repetitive, if you've never noticed. I'm sure you have.) I'd peg Kyle Beckerman to get a rest after his All-Star performance (more the proximity of that match to this one and this one to the next) and Javier Morales, just as a precautionary measure. I know he's gone 90 minutes in midweek and weekend matches recently, but this one's a bit of a special case.
As such, I'd imagine we'll see Yordany Alvarez and Luis Gil stepping in again; Yordany, coming off that inspiring performance against the Rapids, particularly deserves another match. It has to be tough being the backup to Kyle Beckerman — it's a unique spot in our system that involves a good deal of stepping up to make interceptions, stepping back to receive the ball, and takes more creativity than most give credit. It seems a bit akin to being a backup goalkeeper — you know you're not likely to displace the man in front of you on a regular, so you must do whatever you can to show you're ready when the opportunities are handed your way.
On either side of those two, I expect we'll see Will Johnson and another midfielder. Here's the thing — we've got to be considering Ned Grabavoy's fitness, as he's only just come back from injury, and I don't know that he could reliably go 60 to 90 minutes twice in four days at this point. And with Jonny Steele missing out with yellow card accumulation suspension (that guy!), I'd reckon we'll see Sebastian Velasquez. Already, this midfield looks and feels very young and raw. In a way, I like that, but it's a terrifying prospect in a number of ways. It is what it is, though.
And up front, I can't help but think that the top goalscorer race will be called off for a match, with Saborio and Espindola in need of rest. Saborio particularly I think we will see rested, as he of all people understands the Costa Rican mentality on the pitch. Or, you know, something like that. He's got to be a little more motivated for that one than this one, which isn't to say he's unmotivated for this one. Perhaps we will see Justin Braun and Fabian Espindola? I'm going to guess so.
Let's sum it all up: Rimando; Tanaka, Watson-Siriboe, Borchers, Wingert; Alvarez, Johnson, Velasquez, Gil; Espindola, Braun.
But who knows, really? I mean, besides those in the know, but, well, that's obvious, isn't it?
Right. Happy game day, everyone.
Come on you Claret and Cobalt!
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