Once again, the Champions League is upon us; once again, we're set to take on a Costa Rican club in our search for glory. (But don't call us glory-hunters, eh?) It's that to which our club aspires, and if we achieve it, we will be seen on a global stage. Brand: That's one thing I'm not too concerned about. Prestige, though? Why, we'll take that.
But before we start worrying about prestige or just how good we would look hoisting the Club World Cup (cart before the horse and what not), we've got a match against Costa Rica's Herediano tonight. Now, they're a bit of an unknown element. Richard Farley of ProSoccer Talk broke Herediano down ever so slightly, and that's been more than I've really seen. [http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/29/concacaf-champions-league-preview/]
If I could only speak Spanish, perhaps it would be easier to glean more information. It is certainly the case that news about some leagues and clubs travels far and wide through the Western world (for better or worse — I tend to think for worse, but I'd like to know everything) but some clearly does not. For example, we may know everything that's going on in the Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, or the Brasileirao, but we might not know the latest from El Salvador, Honduras, or Panama. Or, you know, anywhere further than that.
But things are what they are. Would that we could know everything about everyone at all times, but that's outside of the realm of even remote possibility, I suspect.
Anyhow, we've got a match, and as always, I maintain that what's important is how we approach things. We're one of those sides that — rightly so — tries to control the pace and style of the match. When we do that successfully, things almost always go our way. So let's get on with that, shall we?
Nick Rimando in goal. Surprise surprise. He'll be looking to bounce back from a lackluster performance (despite a couple very good stops) and this is the sort of environment he thrives in: the big time.
In front of him, our first choice back four: Tony Beltran, Nat Borchers, Jamison Olave, Chris Wingert. Is there any question about this? I know some would rather see more attacking impetus from the back, but I honestly believe they provide the proper amount of attacking support when we need it. Wingert and Beltran should push up, acting at times as two wide midfielders, keeping play moving.
Though there's much to be said for the Borlave Connection, much of it has been said, and if they're at anywhere close to their best, we'll be in a good spot. It does appear that Jamison is approaching fitness, and that's encouraging. If he remains the first line of our defense (well, I mean, as far as he and Nat go, really) and Nat sticks back just slightly, we'll be in a good spot.
The midfield, too, should be first choice. Yesterday I wrote about how I think the midfield has shifted in approach, and with a first-choice midfield, we might see how accurate that is or isn't. Go on, get back there and read it, then come back.
Done? OK. With Kyle and Will forming a defensive partnership in midfield, connecting play via Ned Grabavoy should be simple enough. Ned presents a safe option, and while we know he's good on the ball and can score the odd goal, his value is more in his link-up play. He doesn't make nearly the number of passes as somebody like Kyle Beckerman, who connects the defense to the midfield and, at times, the midfield to the front lines, but it's not surprising that he's sitting at 84 percent passing. (Who leads the team, you ask? None other than Kwame Watson-Siriboe at 92 percent.)
With those three, we're in a good spot. With Javier Morales topping it all off, we're even better. Who best to exploit gaps in defenses than Javier Morales? When we can't properly scout a side as we'd like to, a player with a touch of magic about him goes a long way. He's been vital in the Champions League before, and I suspect strongly he'll be vital again.
Up front, I don't doubt that we'll see Fabian Espindola and Alvaro Saborio. Espindola's darting runs and complete lack of reticence in attack will be valuable; Saborio's tactical understanding and hold-up play even more so. This is the big stage we brought Saborio in to play on. I'd imagine he'll relish it. Maybe he can get us out of a pickle. Oh, I'll stop now before I make too many pickle puns.
Come on you Claret and Cobalt!
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