Hours now until those famous New York Red Bulls set foot on the Rio Tinto pitch, and they’ll be geared up and ready to face our battle-wounded Claret and Cobalt. Losing two on the trot has been enough of a painful experience for fans and the players, but losing three would be inconceivable — even to a side with the stars of New York.
We’ll be facing an essentially full-strength New York side — they didn’t play in mid-week, and they’ll have had plenty of time to recover from their Emirates Cup experience — but they won’t much be out for blood like we should be.
Expect a relatively stable backline with Beltran and Wingert taking the fullback spots, supposing both are free of injury, and the growing combination of Borchers and Schuler at the center. The midfield could be shaken up a bit, but Kyle Beckerman and Will Johnson are sure-starters. Though I fancy Andy Williams more as an impact sub, I do think he’ll start alongside Will, and Luis Gil should serve in the tip of the diamond.
Up front, Espindola and Saborio will likely start together, but there are growing concerns about the mental strength and quality of Espindola’s game — perhaps a game on the bench would be a positive thing for his attitude. Jason Kreis will be looking for a side that’s not going to charge the ball and make rash decisions like we so often see Fabian do, and he’ll have seen everything fans saw — and more.
That front pairing is a bit of an odd one, right? In terms of personalities, Saborio and Espindola are as different as two strikers can be — save, of course, the fact that they’re both incredibly moody. It’s the expression of that moodiness that gives our side personality, though, of course, that’s not necessarily the best way for that to play out.
Right, any more and I’ll be rambling about things that may or may not matter. The boys know this is a must-win match, and for that reason, I’m not too terrified about everything. If we can avoid giving up another early goal, we stand a fighting chance.
Well, I hope everyone gets out tonight in the colors and pushes us to a win. If ever three points was necessary, it’s necessary tonight.
Predicted Lineup:
Rimando
Beltran - Borchers - Schuler - Wingert
Beckerman - Johnson - Williams - Gil
Saborio - Espindola
Come on you Claret and Cobalt!
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