D.C. (U.S. Open Cup) - Postmatch

What did y'all think of Maxi in the double-pivot?

I'd like to see him next to somebody a little more tenacious to be honest. I think if we're gonna play either Maxi or Keaton in the double-pivot in the 3-4-3, they need to be next to somebody like Ring.
 
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What did y'all think of Maxi in the double-pivot?
I keep trying to make up my mind about this. I think I'm settling on us needing his "home base" to be in midfield because he's effectively playing in a free role and it's easier (I guess?) to compensate for the hole he leaves when he goes wandering when that hole is in midfield rather than from a winger position.

Honestly, I think this 4-3-3 / 3-4-3 thing we're doing seems to be maximizing our flexibility. Since Maxi is a "free 8", we ideally need his partner to be a kind of weird 6/10 hybrid and honestly that's exactly what Parks did in this match.

Maybe we need to have some kind of 3-1-4-2 thing so we can get Maxi, Parks and Ring all into the center and still have something like winger/wingbacks?
 
I keep trying to make up my mind about this. I think I'm settling on us needing his "home base" to be in midfield because he's effectively playing in a free role and it's easier (I guess?) to compensate for the hole he leaves when he goes wandering when that hole is in midfield rather than from a winger position.

Honestly, I think this 4-3-3 / 3-4-3 thing we're doing seems to be maximizing our flexibility. Since Maxi is a "free 8", we ideally need his partner to be a kind of weird 6/10 hybrid and honestly that's exactly what Parks did in this match.

Maybe we need to have some kind of 3-1-4-2 thing so we can get Maxi, Parks and Ring all into the center and still have something like winger/wingbacks?
4-4-2 diamond

Johnson
Tinny Chanot Callens Mata
Ring
Shradi Parks
Maxi
Mitri Héber

Maybe we see something of that nature against Philly on 6/29. I'm licking my lips for that tactical match-up.
 
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Nice little burn on NJRB

What I love is we’re no longer the evil empire of MLS. I’m sure whomever is paying attention to the USOC would much rather have us win over Atlanta or LAFC. Hence, the social media team even has some bants on our behalf.
 
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This is a concern, but our performances over the last couple of games suggests we may have the depth to pull it off.

EDITED bc I screwed up Callen's nation.

We need some players to return for that:

Callens, Peru Venuzeula has Copa America 6/15, 6/18, & 6/22. They are 2nd in the 3rd in group behind Brazil and Peru. He could be back for 6/29 vs Philly, if they don't advance. If they do, we may have to wait till early July. 6/25-6/30 quarters, 7/1-3 Semis, 7/4-8 Final/3rd place.

Johnson, Gold Cup matches 6/18, 6/22, & 6/26. USA should make the final, which is July 5. If he’s not playing should be good to go for Portland.

Ofori, ACON matches 6/25, 6/29, & 7/2, at the least. He's across the world. Quarters are 7/10 and semis 7/14, final 7/19. Let’s pray for Ghana to have a quick exit in the group stage. Cameroon is in their group. But we’d need upsets from Guinea or Benin.

Mata, Gold Cup matches 6/16, 6/20, 6/24. Will probably make at least 3rd place match 7/4. If he’s playing may not be available till USOC match 7/10 vs Orlando.
 
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