Why, it wouldn’t be much of a Friday if I didn’t address the impending match, so I think I’ll do just that. I’ve been holding off — my itchy trigger finger, again — until time inched closer to the match, and I do think the day before is as good a time as any to start. I’ll try not to repeat myself too terribly much tomorrow, so today, I’ll focus on the lineup. Tomorrow? Who knows.
In Goal
Right, at the very, very back of things (and sometimes much further forward, but certainly not past the halfway line unless things go horribly wrong) expect the one and only Nick Rimando to save our hindquarters on more than one occasion. It just wouldn’t be a match without that, and having a top-level goalkeeper makes all the difference in the world sometimes. Is Nick a top-level goalkeeper? Certainly at this level, though I’m constantly curious if he’d cut it in a top European league. I mean, he’s a bit short (this will be the primary complaint leveled against him) but he’s quite quick and marshals his defense well. If there’s one thing the English game has taught me in the last week, it’s that tall, upper-body-capable goalkeepers (see one David de Gea) can be quite disastrous with their feet, and Nick’s certainly not disastrous with his feet. At any rate, it’s a question for another day, though I certainly have just asked it. Oh, bother.
At the Back
Moving forward (but still at the back, mind), we’ve got our four-man rearguard, and we may there see our first surprise of the night in a young lad (but somehow dubbed a veteran already) from a little-known town of Atlanta, Georgia (What’s that? Oh.) named (can I fit another parenthetical phrase in, do you think?) Blake Wagner, who would certainly be plying his trade as a left back. I confess, I don’t know too much about the 23-year-old, but if the manager’s decided he’s good enough, well, by god, I will trust him. I do suspect I’ll give one of his matches with the Whitecaps a watch on MDL at some point today, and perhaps then I will have a feel for his style.
On his opposite, I’d expect to see fellow 23-year-old Tony Beltran, who I do think will be starting ahead of Robbie Russell on the night. Still, I could be wrong on that one. Tony’s quickly grown, in my estimation, into our most capable full back, which is a bit striking for his young age and short stature. The lad can jump, though, my my! I’m rather a fan of his play, and we cannot discount his short passing ability on the flank when he’s not flinging in crosses.
In the middle, Jamison Olave is still a bit of a doubt following his injury, but the indomitable Nat Borchers isn’t. I’d expect he’ll be paired with Olave, should he be fit. If not, the growing-in-confidence (and thankfully not height, as he’s quite tall already, and if he grew more, he’d likely be falling down on the pitch with startling regularity) Chris Schuler will be selected, I’m sure of it. It’s finally, I think, to the point that we have two very capable pairings: Borlave (#64, the pairing I have on my kit), is like an oaky Cabernet Sauvignon paired with a heavy slab of steak, while Schorchers (#286 doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, does it?) is more like a nice Gewurztraminer with a spicy tandoori dish. Right, enough of that.
In the Middle
Deep in the heart of the middle, the one man who can serve in that spot and who makes our system complete, Kyle Beckerman, will slot in. Thankfully, he’s not injured (touch wood, please) and should he stay that way, we’ll have quite a chance. Following alongside him in the middle are three smashing question marks, so let’s address them one at a time.
On the left side, we’re without Will Johnson and Ned Grabavoy — this will be the safer spot, I think, so perhaps we shall see a bit of Collen Warner there, never mind a whole Collen Warner. On the right side, I’d fancy Andy Williams to play in a more attacking role and linking up with Tony Beltran. Still, I quite like Andy coming off the bench, as he adds a creative spark late on. Alas, we also need that during the match, so I do think he’ll start. In the front of the midfield, expect Luis Gil to continue his run at things: He’s showing he’s capable of performing at least somewhat consistently, and that’s essential at such a young age. Any of the three could be replaced by Arturo Alvarez, so keep an eye on him on the sidelines (or, if you will, don’t be surprised if he is handed a start.)
There’s not so much to be said about this midfield that hasn’t already been said, so let’s move onward.
Up Front
If we had much option, I’d suggest something different than the usual suspects of Espindola and Saborio. But with Paulo Jr. only just coming back from fitness and both Cody Arnoux and Chris Agorsor not having been handed starts yet (nor having played much from the bench), I’d expect the trend to continue. If things get weird in the second half, we’ll probably see a change, but that’s by no means a guarantee.
While I could ramble on and on about Espindola and Saborio, it’s all been said a million times before. Rather than do that, then, I’ll seek your opinion after the match.
‘Til tomorrow!
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