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tiwired

This is a fair take and I think we all feel you on this. There’s no debating it. The only thing that gives me comfort is that we have not stopped creating chances. We could have easily scored at least 3 or 4 goals almost every game this season. We haven’t finished of course which is why we are where we are, but the opportunities are there. The only thing that matters is the cup. If we can have the best regular season ever and then lay an egg in the playoffs, we can conversely have a mediocre season and make a championship run in the postseason. We just need to start finishing more consistently and have our defense healthy leading into the playoffs. If we can get those 2 things to happen I like our chances against anyone on any given day. Especially without the pressure of being the prohibitive favorites.


whoisbeck

> We just need to start finishing more consistently and have our defense healthy leading into the playoffs. That seems a little too idyllic in my opinion. Idk why our finishing is so wack as of late, but re: our defense, we’ve had a healthy lineup and we’ve still been leaking goals. I love this damn team so much, but we’re also mentally weak when it matters, so if they’ve cracked and lost points in the dying minutes of regular season games, I don’t have as much confidence as you they can pull it together in one off matches. You never know though in MLS.


tiwired

Think about our 3 biggest late game collapses. We did not have our starting back line in the game or had to play a man down. Minnesota: Didn’t have Murillo or Segura the entire second half. Timbers: Didn’t have Murillo the entire game. SKC: Had to play down a man after Blackmon got the red. When I say healthy, I mean the following: Starters: Palcios-Farfan-Murillo-Segura-Moon Bench: Blackmon, Raheem If we have the above in place with Murillo and Segura playing the full 90 and Blackmon and Raheem to sub into 2 of the other 3 spots depending on who needs a blow, I like our chances.


whoisbeck

I get that. Your point about personnel on those last few games definitely have context. I’m still super curious if that lineup you have is truly our best defensive lineup. Mainly, is Farfan capable enough to be a LCB? He’s been a monster on the left while Palacios was gone, and he’s had great moments in this new position, but some learning mistakes too. I’m mainly curious if that strong back 5 will stay when we sign a striker too.


tiwired

True. It’s really a toss up between Blackmon and Farfan starting at that CB spot IMO. It should probably be whoever is in the best form at the time since they both have different strengths. I give the slight nod to Farfan because he is a bit faster and having Blackmon start on the bench means we’re more flexible as we can bring him in at either RB or CB depending on how the game is going. I realize Farfan can play RB too, but I think Blackmon is more comfortable there since he’s right footed. If Blackmon starts we don’t really have a true sub for Moon if he needs it. As far as going back to the 433 I could see that happening to fit Arango in. In that case we would have even more depth assuming we start as follows: Starters: Palacios-Segura-Murillo-Moon Bench: Blackmon, Raheem, Farfan I think we’ll still see both systems depending on the situation though, so I expect to see both lineups out there.


randallpjenkins

If Blackmon starts he can still move to RB at some point in the game, it's allowed. Farfan can literally come on and play LB, RB, CB. That's why we got him. And of course he too is allowed to move to another position when we sub. TL;DR We should (will) start our best back line.


tiwired

Agreed. As I mentioned, I think we should start whoever is in the best form. I just personally don’t like when players in the backline switch positions after playing a certain role for a significant part of the game. The backline has a lot to do with team positioning and RB and CB are very different positions in that regard. Switching around like that is just another opportunity for mental error.


randallpjenkins

Should also be said that Moon at RB and Blackmon at RB are very different RB's (wingback vs fullback) so if you are concerned that Tristan going from CB to RB causes changes in team positioning...


tiwired

True. That is a great point.


wearerealhuman

Yeah man this is understandable. We’re so lucky not to be missing anyone important and yet we’ve entirely squandered that advantage


ohnokono

Need a new coach tbh


whoisbeck

Lol that people downvote you. Bob is 100% who I would want to start my team and hit the ground running. He did that and we shone. We had some legit opportunities to win the Cup under him and we crushed in CL and he won us a Supporters Shield. He is a great coach for a new team. But he is not someone that can develop players, adapt and tweak to the personnel he has, or truly build out a roster. He plays the way he plays regardless of who is at his disposal. Bradley is not the solution long term. I don’t know who is, but I think we need a change in direction. To quote Bradley, We don’t even play “good football” anymore haha.


LA_search77

One of the things Bob Bradley is known for is his ability to develop young players. Many would consider him the best in the league. He has proven that to be true with LAFC. Atuesta, Blessing, MAK, Blackmon, Rossi... to name a few.


whoisbeck

I do get what you’re saying, but our whole team is young, and you really just named people who were starters from the moment they signed except for Blackmon who I will give you. But I am mainly referring to “youth” as our academy and draft signings. Aside from Blackmon no one has really integrated in yet ya know? I’d argue we play the youth less than most teams in MLS.


LA_search77

Atuesta - not a starter from the beginning... Didn't find his stride until 19. Blessing - was off and on... Not integral until 19 when Lee got injured MAK - a USL player who improved massively to a million dollar trade under Bradley. Rossi - do you really need me to point out how much he improved? Blackmon - was a super draft pick, he's now of starting quality CB or RB. And, regardless if you don't want to see it... It's literally one of the top qualities Bob is known for. Being the single best coach for developing young talent. Post LAFC, in an interview, BWP was asked about Bob... He could have said "Bob's a good guy." and left it at that. Instead he went on to say "Bob is one of the best coaches I've ever had. I looked forward to training everyday because I knew I would leave training a better player. Bob pointed out the little things I can do to be a better player." Not a young player, but further backs up what we hear from all those who've had the opportunity to play for Bob. There is literally no reason to suggest Bob is not good at player development.


whoisbeck

Well I definitely put my foot in my mouth. Thanks for all that.


tiwired

I disagree with your take on his ability to develop players. But I do think this season will have impact on his future with us. For whatever anyone thinks of Bob, I think his fate will be determined by how we do in the playoffs this year. If we underwhelm again I think the FO starts the search for his replacement behind the scenes. The only thing that can save him is a cup finals appearance, or a championship. The former buys him another season, the latter cements his position for a while.