Shoring up the center
By: Chris | April 7th, 2007With the countdown approaching for Saturday’s opener against the crew, certain questions remain about tonight’s starting lineup. While the focus may be on who will start at forward the onus for protecting any scoreline (as well as captain America) will rest in the hands of who starts alongside Claudio Reyna. Depending on who you ask, and our formation, this will come down to either Steve Stammler or Deva Kovalenko.
On the one hand, we have Dema “the Bear” Kovalenko, a 11 year MLS vet, whose physically committed style has won both praise and jeers for home and opposing fans alike. Dema ably manned the CM for DC for a number of seasons and has proven himself a capable performer with a penchant for scoring goals. On the other hand, this guy is a head case and could just as easily be sent off as he may be expected to score a game winner.
Possessing decent recovery speed and a good range of passing, the X factor to his play seems to be his passion. As opposed to Bruce’s modest goals (“win more than last year”), he seems willing to accept nothing less than an MLS cup. Word out of camp is his training habits are as ferocious as his tackle and is an excellent example for teammates.
Another upside for Dema is his durability. He is rarely injured and is fairly consistent over 90 minutes. If we do see him start this evening, Crew defenders can expect an additional offensive threat in the box, as well as a menace on the flanks.
Vying for this position alongside Dema is Steve Stammler, a quietly efficient defender/mifielder who became one of the break out stars of a disappointing 2006 season. As opposed to Dema’s committed play, you would barley know Stammler was on the field—until he rips a shot, makes a defensive splitting pass or breaks up an opposing attack.
The thing about Stammler is that at 24, he continues to grow as a player and has come light years since last season. Recent likened to Chris Armas by Claudio Reyna, his upside as a holding midfielder is boosted by an excellent shot and good positional awareness. This is one of the few guys that can score from 30-35 yards on the field and this in itself could merit his inclusion.
But what about the Crew? Utilizing a 4-3-3 in preseason matches, this team will likely look to flanks to test our backline—requiring whoever plays in center to put in plenty of hard running. This could favor Stammler in a head to head matchup of speed. But whoever suits up alongside Claudio, a 4-5-1 will undoubtedly allow for opportunities going forward. So who will be there to bury our chances?
My prediction is none other than John Wolynick. This guy is so ugly, awkward and unpredictable he will scare the daylights out of crew defenders and head, nose or toe home the winning goal regardless of life or limb. Given Clint’s lack of match fitness, expect Alti to suit up next to Woly in a 4-4-2. But regardless of whether we play 1 forward or two, I expect Clint to come on after 60-75 minutes to make some noise—whether this means being sent off or scoring the game winner.
But like the Arsenal teams of old, I also expect strong defending coupled with ugly, but effective offensive play will win the match on a cold night at crew stadium. 1-0 Red Bulls.
Category: CURRENT ROSTER
Subscribe
|
Print
|
Share
      |
Comments are closed
Home 
