7/21 Practice report

utah_heretic · 07-21-2005, 11:57 AM

Well, big doings at the stadium today...
Adolpho Gregorio has arrived!

Unfortunately, if the initial ruling from FIFA stands, he won't be able to play until the Aug. 15th transfer window...though that ruling is being appealed.

He looks like he's going to be a very solid player. He's got some pace and good poise on the ball. His touch is a little off, but for a guy who hasn't played in months, I was more than pleasantly surprised. He has good balance, his conditioning is surprisingly good, and dribbles well.

Speaking of surprises, a surprise visit from Nik...who was at practice today and frankly looks better every time I see him play. He plays with much more confidence and vision than the last time I saw him practice.
I wouldn't be shocked to see him sub on during the Dallas game.

They spread their scrimmages out a bit today, essentially playing a little over half-field. Broome continues to impress. He seems to read the attack pretty well, rarely having to sprint to recover position. Didn't see him go one-on-one with anybody yet down the line, but passes with poise and confidence out of the back.

Kamler again had a good day...showing great hustle and good posession.

Cleetus showed some good hustle today as well, looking surprisingly dangerous, and moving well of and on the ball. (for all the Mathis fans, I'd be surprised not to see him start, or at least sub in early...oh wait, I might be the only one left*sigh*)

Kenny continues to look solid. I don't expect him to lose his starting D-mid spot for this weekend.

On a sour note, DJ left a shooting drill at the end of practice nursing his left shoulder after making a diving save to his left. Nolly looks good...Still having problems getting down quickly to save low shots, but an absolute monster in the air around the goal. Notably, Nolly gives up far fewer rebounds back into the box than does DJ.

Cabrera was again at the field working on conditioning. For all of you Spanish speakers, Come down and talk with him. He seemed appreciative that I spoke Spanish when I talked to him. Fortunately, he was winded and didn't expose how little Spanish I actually speak *whew*.

On the whole, today's practice was much more together than yesterdays. The difference in focus was evident. The only player who looked a bit off was Jamie. I'm beginning to feel some energy going into Saturday's game.

HibaIssa · 07-21-2005, 12:15 PM

We aren't sure, but this looks like the lineup for Saturday.

Countess
Dunseth
Knowles
Broome
Brown
Cutler
Cila
Mathis
Trembly
Williams
Kreis

SoccerPrime · 07-21-2005, 12:20 PM

No Kamler?
Is that a 3 man back or is Brown a defender again (oh no)?
Are you expecting Mathis and Williams to be a duo-attacking-mid with Kreis up top?
WHERE IS WATSON?
😉

HibaIssa · 07-21-2005, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

No Kamler?
Is that a 3 man back or is Brown a defender again (oh no)?
Are you expecting Mathis and Williams to be a duo-attacking-mid with Kreis up top?
WHERE IS WATSON?
😉

It didn't look like Watson or Kamler were starting. But then again this could not be the final lineup because Rusty said that they are going to decide tomorrow if he'll start or not.

bordelais7 · 07-21-2005, 12:29 PM

Another great report. Looks like no Rusty, then, eh? I still like Watson better as a sub.

Lucky13 · 07-21-2005, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by utah_heretic

(for all the Mathis fans, I'd be surprised not to see him start, or at least sub in early...oh wait, I might be the only one left*sigh*)

You are not alone. I'm definitly still very positive about Cleetus. He seems discouraged, frustrated, and maybe isn't dealing well with the course this season has taken, but I see it in him. Unfortunately, it isn't showing consistently on the field, but it does show at times. Also, I agree that it would be a benefit to Clint and the team as a whole if we were to snag a solid holding mid and be able to play the ball to Clint and let him focus on doing his thing rather than playing him out of position.

Quote:

Originally Posted by utah_heretic

I'm beginning to feel some energy going into Saturday's game.

I'm glad to hear your encouragement. Thanks for the report again. I was anxious to make it to practice today but wasn't able to.

clarette · 07-21-2005, 12:44 PM

What's going on with Tiger?

Anyone? Bueller?

Aerick · 07-21-2005, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

No Kamler?
Is that a 3 man back or is Brown a defender again (oh no)?
Are you expecting Mathis and Williams to be a duo-attacking-mid with Kreis up top?
WHERE IS WATSON?
😉

Yeah, inquiring minds want to know!

huntingfool12 · 07-21-2005, 01:53 PM

I like Watson starting because it actually brings some energy at the start of the game.

SokkerNut · 07-21-2005, 02:28 PM

Great report 🕺 Thanks for taking the time in putting this together. Those of us who aren't in the area truly appreciate it.

I hope this is a good weekend for RSL!!!