So who starts at GK in the playoffs?
- Thread starter FredMertz
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You cannot watch those two keepers and play Josh ever again. Eirik looked great, and did not trail Saunders in any aspect of the game.
Set pieces, better
Ball work, better
Shot stopping, as good as
Goal kicks, better
The only thing he didn't do better was leave rebounds right in the middle of the box.
Set pieces, better
Ball work, better
Shot stopping, as good as
Goal kicks, better
The only thing he didn't do better was leave rebounds right in the middle of the box.
That dragging leg kick save would have been in the back of the net if Saunders was playing. A few others too. Lurch's kicks also all went to dark-shirted players - I've never seen that before by our team.
The one goal given up wasn't savable. Anybody gives that one up.
The one goal given up wasn't savable. Anybody gives that one up.
I think this is a one sided review, and maybe some of this has already been said in the post match thread. But there were some kinks in the armor.
The Crew goal he badly misjudged the cross and left the net wide open. If we were discussing a 1-1 tie right now, Eirik would have to own some part of that.
The most notable flip side to that is that our D gave up a 2 on GK about 10 or 20 minutes into the game and Lurch game out big, forced a shot close enough to him that he could sweep it wide. That was huge.
Beyond that, a ball or two that he could have caught instead of punched. A punch he came out for and didn't get anywhere near before an NYCFC defender headed it out. And (mentioned above) a couple of spills of rebounds in the box.
Still, it's his first MLS match. I'd give Lurch the nod.
The Crew goal he badly misjudged the cross and left the net wide open. If we were discussing a 1-1 tie right now, Eirik would have to own some part of that.
The most notable flip side to that is that our D gave up a 2 on GK about 10 or 20 minutes into the game and Lurch game out big, forced a shot close enough to him that he could sweep it wide. That was huge.
Beyond that, a ball or two that he could have caught instead of punched. A punch he came out for and didn't get anywhere near before an NYCFC defender headed it out. And (mentioned above) a couple of spills of rebounds in the box.
Still, it's his first MLS match. I'd give Lurch the nod.
Very few keepers stop that goal. It was a glancing header in no-mans land. He'd be damned if he came out to challenge and damned if he didn't.
Not sure how much reality is in this but according to the NYCFC web site Vieira said before the match that he was always going to play him one match this season so he figured this would be the one. That doesn't answer the question of this thread of course but I figured I'd toss this in here just for fun.
ETA the link: http://www.nycfc.com/post/2016/10/23/xi-mls-debut-johansen-goal
ETA the link: http://www.nycfc.com/post/2016/10/23/xi-mls-debut-johansen-goal
I first thought that Vieira would start Saunders for the playoffs because that's the safe option as a coach, go with your established number one guy who played all season.
But Vieira doesn't need to be safe, he's not being fired after the end of the season regardless of the result in the playoffs. So, why not start the guy that looked calm and confident out there today? Why start the keeper that has caused panic attacks, heart attacks, and multiple slip ups during the season?
Honestly, in terms of what Vieira is doing, I'm leaning to Saunders, just because that's been the norm. But it could be a coin flip depending on practice this week.
#StartEirik
But Vieira doesn't need to be safe, he's not being fired after the end of the season regardless of the result in the playoffs. So, why not start the guy that looked calm and confident out there today? Why start the keeper that has caused panic attacks, heart attacks, and multiple slip ups during the season?
Honestly, in terms of what Vieira is doing, I'm leaning to Saunders, just because that's been the norm. But it could be a coin flip depending on practice this week.
#StartEirik
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PV was questioned about this in the post-match presser, but unfortunately gave the necessarily vague answer that Eirik and Josh are competing for the spot and he'll pick whichever of them seems best at the time.
I agree if logic rules. The rod for his own back and all.
So either you're right and it makes sense. Or the universe is cruel place where we lose loved ones to people like Negan. Let's hope Lurch isn't destined for the bat
Based on quality demonstrated, it's a nobrainer. That leaves me little confidence.
I can honestly say, as I said elsewhere, I don't care who or if someone shits the bed at keeper to knock us out. It just shouldn't be Saunders based on the fact we all expect him to lose games for us - deservedly.
But his punches were punches. Not taps to dangerous places. You have the right answer, so good.
But to me, it's not even close.
Regardless of what PV said at the presser, I don't discount the idea that Lurch has been improving, grasping tactics etc at training as the season has progressed putting him in a position to challenge for the position very late in the season. He's young, so the idea of improvement makes more sense than if you were talking about Saunders.
Looking back with hindsight, the Mexico praise story on Lurch just seemed peculiar, and I watched over the weekend the post game presser for DC and PV looked like he was pissed at Saunders when asked about him. So the trajectory of the recent sound bytes may have given some insight into a crazy end of the season transition.
I missed it and to me it was unexpected. But I have always trusted PV and I fully support it (now with some first hand observation as well.)
Interesting stuff.
Looking back with hindsight, the Mexico praise story on Lurch just seemed peculiar, and I watched over the weekend the post game presser for DC and PV looked like he was pissed at Saunders when asked about him. So the trajectory of the recent sound bytes may have given some insight into a crazy end of the season transition.
I missed it and to me it was unexpected. But I have always trusted PV and I fully support it (now with some first hand observation as well.)
Interesting stuff.
Can confirm, I questioned him about it. FWIW I think Saunders starts but Johansen may have just saved his roster spot this offseason.
Oh, that was you! I was in the back row as an auction winner spectator.
Yeah, from the distance of television or a stadium seat it's much nicer to have a keeper who doesn't constantly seem to be on the verge of a stress-based aneurysm so I can only imagine what it's like down on the field.
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