Likely Starting Lineup for Opening Day

qman · 03-07-2006, 08:13 AM

Even though there's still four more weeks of training camp remaining, Ellinger acknowledged Monday that his ideal back four at this point are Daniel Torres, Eddie Pope, Carey Talley and Chris Brown.
In the middle, he's leaning toward Douglas Sequeira at holding mid, Andy Williams at attacking mid, Chris Klein wide right and rookie Mehdi Ballouchy wide left.
Even though Ballouchy, the No. 2 overall pick in the January draft, never played left midfield in college, Ellinger said, "Mehdi's all over the place anyway. The only thing about playing wide is you have to be a little more disciplined."
Seth Trembly would've been the likely starter, but he'll be out at least six months after tearing his ACL in an exhibition game against Danish club Viborg two weeks ago.
If Kreis is fit enough to play on opening day, he'll be the likely starter along with Jeff Cunningham.
At this point, Ellinger is pretty committed to the 4-4-2 formation.

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635189881,00.html

prk166 · 03-07-2006, 08:22 AM

* makes some popcorn *

* waits for entertaining Chris Brown comments to start *

qman · 03-07-2006, 08:59 AM

Chris Brown argh!

I don't know anything about this.

Anyway is anyone surprised that Ballouchy is starting and Besgano hasn't really played a lot?

AreliusIII · 03-07-2006, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qman

Chris Brown argh!

I don't know anything about this.

Anyway is anyone surprised that Ballouchy is starting and Besgano hasn't really played a lot?

.... No.

Dadof3 · 03-07-2006, 09:30 AM

Not to be a sourpuss...BUT

Remember last year Krispy Kreamelmeier had a great preseason and started on the left. He lasted what, 2 games?

Hopefully Ballouchi is the real deal.

Dadof3 · 03-07-2006, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prk166

* makes some popcorn *

* waits for entertaining Chris Brown comments to start *

With the experience he got last year a an unfamilier position...
with a full preseason learning the position...
with his skill set (fairly strong, good in the air, decent passer of the ball, decent dribbler of the ball)...
this year I think Brown can be an average MLS outside right back.

After this year, I think he could become better than average.

bordelais7 · 03-07-2006, 09:44 AM

Cabrera has really fallen off the map then, huh? I thought he was pretty good.

I_Believe_In_Kreis · 03-07-2006, 10:02 AM

From what I hear 3rd hand, Ballouchy is doing an admirable job making the change to MLS. He's putting up good numbers in the preseason. My only question is about sticking him out on the wing. Does he have the discipline to get back on D? Too many years at attacking mid can make you a bit lazy defensively. And perhaps most importantly, can he cross the ball? One of our biggest problems on offense last year was a lack of good service. We all know Klein can serve the ball; how about Ballouchy?
I'm no expert but I would put Williams on the left and let Ballouchy play attacking mid - if he can handle the pressure and responsibility, of course.

SoccerPrime · 03-07-2006, 10:41 AM

Yeah I am surprised to see Ballouchy on the wing too. I thought that was Jimenez or Worthen's spot now that every other left footed winger was out.

However I do like Williams as a-mid with Kreis and Cunningham up top. Thats going to be nice to see.
..............Garlick
Torres..Pope...Talley..Brown
............Sequira
Klein................Ballouchy
..........Williams
..Kreis...........Cunningham

beaveman · 03-07-2006, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dadof3

Not to be a sourpuss...BUT

Remember last year Krispy Kreamelmeier had a great preseason and started on the left. He lasted what, 2 games?

Hopefully Ballouchi is the real deal.

Didn't we also try Dipsy out there because he had so much skill and couldn't be left on the bench? I'm crossing my fingers and hoping they can make it work this year.