The Pre-Game: Eastern Conf. Semis - The Sequel
By: Max J. | October 31st, 2007As we have covered elsewhere, Jaime is pissed and Emilio is (likely) back. Other than that, the situation is basically unchanged, so there’s no great in-depth analysis to really be done here. The one major question is at center half, and I think that’ll shake out to be Vanney and Boz in the end. After a dismal defensive showing in Chicago and United’s Egyptian-air-force-in-the-Six-Day-War level of aerial skill, McTavish seems likely to sit this one. But beyond that there seem to be no lineup questions.
As for tactics, the situation is equally obvious: attack or die. United wants no part of a come-from-behind game, let alone aggregate series, and not scoring the first goal could be suicidal given our problems breaking down tight defense. Push up early, hammer the goal, disrupt Chicago’s defense. Nothing else will do.
Max’s Prediction: Since I’ve said basically nothing in two paragraphs, I’ll split the prediction into two scenarios. If Chicago scores the first goal, it’s over. Series ends 2-0 to Chicago and Goff starts calling Dan Shaughnessy for tips on sports-curse book writing. If United scores the first goal, we’ll look good and crack their defense. But since I’m still not sold and believe heavily in sports karma, it won’t be enough. Goals by Emilio and Benny, but Chicago gets a late one and forces extra time, where they get one more. They walk out 3-2 winners and get slaughtered in Massachusetts next week.
DC 2-2 Chicago (2:3) - Chicago advances
Jon’s Prediction: Emilio and Moreno show how bad this team needs them, with Emilio getting a poke in around the 12th minute on a defensive miscue, and Moreno scoring a penalty in the second half. Boswell is reinserted, and Vanney is banished to Siberia, which spells defensive stoutness. If I were the coach, I’d start someone worthless, like Addlery, and have him take out Blanco’s diving ass, and we could play 10 men free flow attacking soccer. But that kind of strategy is why Dave Kasper won’t return my calls. GET SOME BALLS, MAN!!
Anyway, 2-0 DC, United advance
Category: Game Previews
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Comments
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Do you knew where the eastern conf. final will be held, or how they decide where it will be?
Posted from
United States
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DC was the top team in the conference, so we’re guaranteed to host the next round if we advance, regardless of who wins the Revs-RBNY series.
Posted from
United States -
good prediction Max (the final score anyway)
Posted from
United Kingdom -
Unfortunately.
I was at basic training for last year’s playoff crash out and I just wasn’t prepared for this. I’ve never been lower as a sports fan, ever.
Posted from
United States
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