Subject: »[NT] Update

Too bad, they were one of the best teams and always made deep cup runs.

Must have been fairly recent. He sent me a note not that long ago.

Since they are CPL I would guess it would be a little while before they are replaced. I'll be sure to keep Mansor Hitschfeld on the NT roster. Not aware of any other NT potential players on that team.

Adamopolous and Palacios look worth saving. Especially Palacios since he's only 22.

River City was training striking. So anyone not currently playing Attacker probably won't get any training for a couple of seasons (unless Canada gets a huge influx of new managers).

I wondered about Palacios. He appears to be a better middie then forward. But he will likely be 24 and at the same skill set before this team is replaced.

Given Adamopolous' value and wage, I put him around formid striking (if he has any kind of secondaries). Given his age, I am fairly certain he will never be NT quality.

I forget, in Sokker are teams replaced Top-down or Bottom-up?

Bottom-up.

Btw - have arranged a friendly with the Swiss for August 5.

Australia is our friendly opponent this week.

Expect the game to be more competitive then the rankings indicate. Although 12 spots below us, Australia pulls ratings very similar to ours.

Garvey and Musa are SI and will not be called upon.

The starting 11 include Parker, Fischaud, Wagenaar, Omar, (LaLaLa) Lamo, Laforest, Lamontagne, Klukowski, Iginla, Barry and Moreau.

Giacomi and Amado are the planned subs, with Gusberti, Mayard and Clemens also available if needed.

Thanks Seca, I appreciate you not play Musa. Not sure if you want to play lalalaLamo or Vezina. The later has recently popped in defending. I guess i depends on if you want speed (Lamo) or more solid defending. Msg me if you'd like an update on stats. It'd be happy to provide.

Heehee. The LaLaLa was because we have 3 of them in the line-up this game. :) I visualise the commentator having a hayday.

Lamo passes to Laforest. Laforest back to Lamo. Lamo to Lamontagne. Lamontagne ... Lamontagne ... LaShot ... LaGoal!!!!

Even if Vezina is a little ahead in defending, given comparable form I still prefer Lamo.

I know in the oHTer game, an SI guy that gets re-injured risks a huge injury. I'm not sure that's true here. It's not in the rules (that I can see). I've observed different conversations about the topic without gathering a consensus. If it is true, its not worth the risk for a friendly.

What I am more certain of is that they do not perform as well - kinda like their form was lower. Even more reason to let a back-up (who probably isn't too far behind in skill) play. I play SI guys on my club team because the back-ups tend to have a significant skill deficit.

Was a new tactic for the Aussie game. It was meant to promote more build-up play (as opposed to our usual dump&chase CA style). Was fairly happy with it.

I enjoyed the Iginla / Klukowski combinations. Usually when those two are both in the game they are split so wide they can't really interact with each other.

Some very nice ratings - tho I didn't see what Parker did to earn his 81. :)

USA next week.

As planned, US this week. US Coach asked for cup rules, so there will be a winner.

Probable starters:
Parker, Fichaud, Wagenaar, Lamo, Laforest, Musa, Omar, Klukowski, Iginla, Barry, Garvey.

Giacomi, Moreau (form), Gusberti, McGhee and Clemens will be available from the bench.

Norge this weekend. Currently ranked #14, so they will be a good challenge.

I was of two minds about the tactics for this game. In the end, I am not sure I've made the correct decision. Guess we'll see. :)

Probable starters:
Same as last week.

Subs: Moreau, Giacomi, Gusberti, Vezina, Clemens.

Kind of a bland game.

Pushed the wide midfielders out and up the field, hoping to attack the flanks. Didn't work out very well - the 6 guys behind the ball seemed to have trouble hitting them with the outlet, often turning the ball over.

The (1st) red card didn't help much, since we insisted on attacking the right side of the field in the second half. :S

Ireland next week.

may not have been spectacular, but we still gain ranking points and don't lose them!

Brazil and Romania lost, I think that we will pass them and possibly be in the teens, for the first time I think!

Looks like the Ireland Manager has screwed us on this weekend's friendly.

First time this season that's happened, which is probably not bad. Will be looking for an emergency replacement.

Booked with Belarus. Agreed to play U21 to even the sides a little. Would think that would mean 21 year olds are available, but I'm waiting to see what the Belarussian manager's interpretation is.