(okay so this is only my version, not an official one)
FW: Espindola, Deuchar
CM: Morales, Williams, Beckerman
HM: Talley
DF: Joy, Borchers, Mantilla, Wingert
GK: Rimando
potential subs: Findley, Olave, Movsisyan, Beltran, Kovalenko
FORWARDS: This one is the most up in the air in my mind. I think there is no question that Deuchar will be a starter this season. This may not happen in the first match, since he has missed a couple of weeks of recent practice due to work permit issues, but it will happen. My opinion is that Deuchar is our odds on favorite for a 10+ goal scorer this season. However, if he doesn't integrate with our playing style or our playing style doesn't adapt to him, then he could end up being a bench-warmer. I don't think this will happen. Espindola, Findley and Movsisyan are all pretty similar - young, with great potential, need experience, and need to prove they are finishers. I have chosen Espindola because of his crossing ability, his foot skills, he can play on the left, and because he may be the most accustomed to the style of play that has been advertised for our club this season. You could easily argue Movsisyan based on his preseason, he seems very focused, has good speed and a little more strength than Espindola or Findley. You could also argue Findley as our returning Golden Boot winner. I think he may be more suited as a second half substitute.
Midfield: There seemed to be alot of options from a personnel standpoint. Unfortunately, my opinion is that two of the options have not taken the step forward that we would have liked. Cordoba does not appear to have yet lived up to the advance billing that we received. The fact that he has recently performed with the reserves (and did not appear to standout) and that he did not start against KC in the final preseason match seems to confirm this. It also does not appear that Kovalenko has yet found a great fit into our roster. We have essentially asked him to play a bit out of position, and he hasn't yet flourished in this wide midfielder role. Beckerman? Solid. Can really play all over the midfield, and the way he moves, he will. Talley may be a bit of a disappointment for some fans, but with this group I don't mind this at all. In a pure holding midfield role he is plenty capable. And his leadership ability will help us out in the defensive side of the ball. Finally Javi Morales - my pick for most surprising player this season. I believe the league will take notice as he shows his stuff.
Defense: This seems like it has evolved pretty nicely. Joy, on the left side will leave his heart on the field. May be a bit lacking in the speed department. Will support the offense with good crossing ability. We've all heard about his tough tackles. Let's see it on the field. Borchers is a no-brainer. Good size and skill, and great experience and leadership on the field. Mantilla can be a bit erratic but brings good energy and a tough attitude. Will he hold off Olave (a monster on the pitch) from cracking the lineup? Probably - especially early in the season. Wingert is being challenged by Beltran who has been impressive in the preseason, and enters the opener trying to overcome an injury. But his experience should keep in the starting lineup for the early part of the season.
Goalkeeper: Nick Rimando. 'Nuff said.
Style: Tough hard-nosed physical play in our 1/3rd of the field. Short, tight passing with the ball flowing out of the back through the midfield into the offensive third. Mix in some balls over the top to Deuchar. Can this all fit together? And quickly? Let's all hope.
Go Real!
