Actually the final game will be played on Wednesday, October 3rd. That helps because we have Houston the Sunday prior.

Buzz, can you give us an update on Goodson’s injury?

That was the worse one sided commentary I have ever heard. I’m looking forward to when Denilson starts to click with the team.

Gutsy win. Agreed on commentary, but good quality webcast. Sala had some shaky moments, and you never want to lose two starting defenders. And how ugly was that field?! Brought back memories of the Southlake Debacle!
Fake turf should be banned.

Denilson did show some stuff last night that got me a little excited. It was nice to see some “pretty soccer” out of our boys, even if it was just one of them!!

Well after all those people saying it was the 2nd for the last 3 months, including FCD, they have changed their minds and now say it’s the 3rd. damnit. I even had the 3rd originally and changed it because FCD’s website said the second. That’s freaking annoying.

JuanIg, I will see what I can find out.

Buzz; the front page of usopencup.com says October 3, the article on the FCD site says October 3, and my ticket rep just told me October 3.

Yes Parrish I know that. I trusted FCD. My mistake.

Every single piece of information on the final said the 2nd up until last night. USopencup.com is not official but 90% of the info on there said 2nd expect the game story, FCD’s site headline says the 2nd, the USOC bracket said 2nd, the previous press release said 2nd, the schedule they released months and months ago said 2nd, and every other game was on a Tuesday.

There were two dates, I believe, when I looked at the ULS website last week: Oct. 2nd, if Seattle had won, and Oct. 3rd for FCD (don’t know why the different dates).

Go Hoops!!!

Couple of thoughts on the match: Happy our boys have made it back to a final, sad that there’s no chance of me flying down to be there for it. Happy to hear how well Denilson integrated himself into the team, sad to hear we may have lost Goodson and Yi (again?) to injury. Looking forward to the inevitable injury news from Buzz.

Couple of thoughts on the above photo: Way too long since a trophy has been raised – here’s looking forward to Oct. 3. Alain Sutter: oh, what could have been. Forgot DCU had jerseys with red/white hooped sleeves. Ted Eck! Damn, that was a fun team. And, finally, hooped socks – could we please get them back? PLEASE?

Alain was the man

i hope my favorite curse comes to haunt new england

Loved seeing creativity with purpose last night. Once Denilson gets match fit and is in tune with these guys, watch out on offense.

Defense, on the other hand, I still worry about even though Se-ru had one of his best games of the season. I’m worried about Goodson – that would be a huge loss.

Buzz, as usual great stuff. What about a column or a couple words on the difference between this year’s club and last year’s team? I would specifically like to hear your views on the chemistry/mental side of the game, and any changes/comparisons you see in this year’s team. Thanks.

I’ll be interested to see a possible line up for TFC given the injuries and good play by Wag’s, Serioux, Abe & Pitch. Difficult but nice choices for a coach to have.

I say:

———-Abe—–Fish

————Denilson

Alvarez————–Toja

———–Richetti

Wag’s–Goodson/Pitch–Serioux—Moor

———–Sala

That’s a 4-4-2 with a diamond in the middle of midfield. Denilson showed he’s much more effective in the middle of the field where he can play 360 drgrees instead of relying on speed on the flank. He gets more touches in the middle too and that’s a good thing, we may have our true #10.

Obviuosly Goodson plays if he is 50% as long as it doesn’t endanger his health.

I agree with Tex on the formation. I think a diamond is the way to go. I would rather see Arturo on the right so he can continue his cut and crank with his left. But, “Good play by Wags”, really?
I was not impressed with his game at all.
I know Gbandi had a poor game against DC, but he is still our best option at LB.

I agree with Skeeter. Wags was the weakest link in the second half and completed maybe one short pass. Was he rusty or Wagner looking on gleefully?

Oh BTW, anyone have a picture of Kevin L. jumping into Zarco’s arms?

While I would be interested to see how that diamond midfield would work now, I worry about changing the system that has gotten the team where it is. I think you try to integrate Denilson into the system, not the other way around.

Save the big project for next year when they’re starting fresh.

Didn’t the team go with a 4-4-2 formation for the Seattle game??

Alejo
We did, only we started Denilson outside and he finally wondered into the middle 9switched with Toja) and changed the game. I like Hank’s thoughts and formation except Gbandi has to come back in a game or two at LB. It’s really getting to the time that we need to settle into a lineup, formation and rotation of subs. We have 8 games left to start playing consistent winning soccer because this team and staff will be judged on the Open Cup Final and their performance in the playoff’s.

It’s not really a 4-4-2, if you ask Morrow he’ll tell you the team is playing the same system, it’s just tweaked a bit. that means in this case it’s 4-2-2-2 or a strangely lopsided 4-2-3-1. The important part is the no wide midfielders, the width in theory still comes from the outside backs.

Basically it’s the same system they have used all along, but when Abe plays he moves up to the front line and plays like a pure forward.

Buzz, have you asked SM what he’s trying to play recently?

Yes.