Will Behncke start vs. cRapids?

Rover · 04-11-2005, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bordelais7

We have problems all over the field. There are more players playing out of position than not, it seems. I say that we give them all at least one more game, though, before begging for line-up changes. I think that this weekend, at home, in a much more friendly atmosphere than they have to this date seen, will be more telling.

Maybe it's the old soccer coach in me, but I always like to see a team built from the back, and I didn't think Akwari and Behncke have done that for us. I noticed it in Game 1, and again against the Galaxy.

From my 6th row seat on the HDC 18, I got a real good look at our defense and (unfortunately) both first half Galaxy goals. Way too often I saw Akwari in the wrong position, or simply not paying attention to the proper mark or the obvious passing lane. He's clearly a talented player, but he's not ready for the responsibility of playing in the back four. Or maybe he just had a bad game--always a possibility.

Pierce and Pope played like the vets they are. Pope was very solid, and did a great job on high balls, crosses, and controlling the center. Pierce was overmatched on speed, but maintained outstanding position or, when all else failed, committed the proverbial professional foul.

Behncke showed promise but like Akwari was caught ball-watching at the worst times. Jones and Albright had their way with him on our left, and it's not like we didn't know what both those players always do.

This is certainly not panic time, and I won't have a problem if the coaches go with the same lineup. They know these players better than I do, and they're the ones with the experience in putting high caliber teams together. However, I will be watching to see if adjustments have been made so that the players who are not performing can correct their deficiencies.

All you lucky Utah-based folks will get to see how it works out first-hand in a few days. Hopefully, this analysis will be a forgotten memory by Saturday night . . .

SoccerPrime · 04-12-2005, 05:23 AM

Not to pour kerosene on the fire, but wasn't Behncke part of that stellar 2003 Dallas Burn back line?

clarette · 04-12-2005, 08:39 AM

I haven't read it yet, but my dad was reading the Trib this morning and mentioned that Behncke was going to be benched and that Super Cleeeeetus was moving back into the midfield...

SoccerPrime · 04-12-2005, 08:49 AM

RSL: Lineup shuffles without Williams
Home opener: The injured midfielder forces coach Ellinger to move Mathis back to setup

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_2651837

Aero · 04-12-2005, 08:53 AM

There's your answer in the article.

"Veteran Chris Brown probably will enter the lineup in the right midfield spot that Selolwane has occupied, while rookie Luke Kreamalmeyer is expected to start on the left side, with Marlon Rojas moving from there to the back line to replace Matt Behnke.
Behnke was benched after the Galaxy's Landon Donovan sneaked past him to head in a decisive goal just before halftime." - http://www.sltrib.com/ci_2651837

So I guess that no Behnke will not be starting.

SoccerPrime · 04-12-2005, 08:55 AM

topic continued at:
http://realsaltlake.org/forums/showthread.php?t=767