We’re sitting on five consecutive wins and threatening to make it six: While I haven’t been surprised to see that we’re good enough — we all knew that was the case — to near the top of the league, I’d imagine the rest of the league is starting to look around a bit and wonder one of two things: “Where were we?” or, “Were they always this good?” The answer to the first? “Around.” The second? “Yes.” We’re finally starting to prove that.
Right, on with some notes and the lineup prediction. Check back tonight (perhaps late, so maybe check back tomorrow) for a report. I’m sure it will be a positive one.
With the return of Chris Wingert, we should see our side looking more possession-oriented — a good change, I think, but it shouldn’t say too much about Chris Schuler’s performances to see him dropped. As often discussed, he lacks the possession play that makes our side tick, so if we can get that on both flanks again, I think we’ll be well served. At the back, then, expect pretty close to first-choice: Rimando, Russell, BORLAVE!, Wingert. It should serve us well against D.C. United.
In the middle, we have a few question marks. Kyle Beckerman’s a shoo-in, and with any luck, our captain will be benefited by the mandatory “rest” he gathered with yellow card accumulation. It’s a bit of a shame we likely won’t see our new Alvarez starting, as I thought he did incredibly well on his debut, but there’s no question that Kyle is going to be our best option. Alongside him, I’ve plumped for Williams, Johnson and Gil, with Andy dropping into the right-sided central midfield position, Will on the left, and Little Luis in that playmaker spot.
Up front, we should see Espindola and Saborio continue their fabulous run together, as neither have been reported to have sustained significant wear and tear against Sporting KC. Both could probably use a rest, but I wouldn’t expect that to come on the road.
And on the bench, we’ll see that man we’ve missed so much, Javier Morales. Even the sight of him anywhere near the pitch is brilliant, so that he’ll be on the bench is doubly exciting. If we’re doing particularly well, we may see him for ten or so minutes, but don’t expect anything more than that. If we’re not doing well, or if D.C. are showing signs of frustration and are being a bit naughty in the tackle, or, well, any number of other circumstances, Jason Kreis won’t risk him. Somehow, I don’t think that’ll be a problem, and we should get our first sight of him since that fateful day in May.
Predicted Lineup
Rimando
Russell - Borchers - Olave - Wingert
Beckerman - Williams - Johnson - Gil
Espindola - Saborio
Subs: Melia - McKenzie - Schuler - Y. Alvarez - Williams - Morales - Paulo Jr.
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