Comments for The Mane Land

Comment on Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Player Grades and Man of the Match by Hoganisme

Hoganisme — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 20:41:16 +0000

I thought Ojeda was the MOTM. He scored. He gave up a very clean shot to pass to Torres for a score. His free kicks and corners were beautiful.
I won’t argue about Enrique. He filled big shoes and has a nose for the ball.
We don’t have a big team. We won’t score with heads above the crossbar, but knock the ball to the ground inside the six-yard box and quick feet will do the rest.

Comment on Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Five Takeaways by Michael Citro

Michael Citro — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 20:13:16 +0000

In reply to Dan MacDonald. I hope Gaston can start getting minutes again soon and quickly get back to where he was. He was really starting to play well in the last couple of games before he got hurt. He has more upside at left wing than Angulo, who will probably end his loan after the season anyway, and is a terrific crosser. Ojeda has games like this every now and then and then disappears for the next 3-4, so I'm eager to see if he can build some consistency. I'm also interested in seeing if this performance by Enrique is a one-off or the start of more good things to come.

Comment on Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Five Takeaways by Wally

Wally — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 18:24:59 +0000

In reply to Hoganisme. I totally agree with you Hoganisme.

Comment on Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Five Takeaways by Hoganisme

Hoganisme — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 21:03:26 +0000

Gonzales didn’t show me anything for the few games he was able to play. He is a write-off.
I say replace Mauricio with Ojeda. Mauricio can’t keep up with the rest of the squad. I don’t think the attacking 4 need a playmaker; they make their own plays. Just because there is a position that is traditionally referred to as playmaker doesn’t mean it has to be.
I would put Torres in the middle of the attack and spin the wheel. Coach has relegated Mauricio the first 45 so…

Comment on Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Five Takeaways by Dan MacDonald

Dan MacDonald — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:56:58 +0000

I agree I think a lot of his problems are minutes related… Who are you going to displace tho?

He has a much higher potential than Pereyra these days, but is inconsistent (and for some reason they like him outside). Angulo (despite his inability to pick a final pass to save his life) is undroppable with his speed and chaos. Torres, well this game is a blowout (the wrong way) if he doesn’t come on tonight.

I thought if McGuire wasn’t ready (or just as rotation in NY) it might be interesting to stick him false-9 up top, but despite his promise he’s not consistent enough to push anyone out right now. Not really Pareja’s style tho, and even if it was Enrique kinda stuck a dagger in that.

And this is a “problem” that will get worse if Gonzalez is ready and can get firing since he also returned to the bench last night… Pareja likes his starters and pretty much rotates only when forced to. I agree that it’s a shame his skills can’t be better used, but I don’t see a path to doing it right now. (And I suspect it means Angulo’s loan is likely to be allowed to expire at the end of the year…)

Comment on Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Five Takeaways by Hoganisme

Hoganisme — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 17:35:49 +0000

My take ay from the Columbus game is that Martin Ojeda should be a starter.

Comment on Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Final Score 4-3 as Lions’ Comeback Extends Unbeaten Run to Six by Hoganisme

Hoganisme — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 13:17:47 +0000

OH, what a game!
My 80-year-old eyes do not see the game as well as I can see it on TV. I have to ask my kids, “Who scored? ” after every score. I go to the games because being there is the only way to feel the emotion of the fans and to be part of the game.
Last night the stadium was exploding with energy. I am sure our players felt it. I felt it.
As to the game, I think the Florida heat wilted the Crew after its all-out press in the first half. While the Crew was looking for its water bowl, City was on the hunt. And no, I don’t think the departure of Kara destroyed our offensive capabilities.
Finally, I think the MVP of this game is Ojeda. His accuracy on free kicks and corners was amazing.

Comment on Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Three Keys to Victory by Hoganisme

Hoganisme — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 14:59:47 +0000

In reply to Michael Citro. Apparently, Kara's parents immigrated from Turkey to Austria. Immigrants usually have good reason to migrate. Kara was born in Austria and was given a choice to play for Austria or Turkey. He chose to play for Austria internationally.

Comment on Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Three Keys to Victory by Michael Citro

Michael Citro — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 01:01:58 +0000

In reply to Hoganisme. Kara is Austrian-Turkish, so it's not much of a stretch that he'd go to Turkey.

Comment on Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Three Keys to Victory by Hoganisme

Hoganisme — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 15:34:15 +0000

I disagree that the loss of Kara is a “big blow” to City’s postseason. There was more going on with the Kara sale than meets the eye. Why would Kara give up a restful and profitable post season lounging in the sub’s pool to go to Turkey? Turkey! I suspect, without two sources, that justifiiably or not, City believed Kara was short on positive attitude since he had become a substitute in waiting.
I suggest telling the Beefy Dunc that he play the Duncan hustle without concern for going 90 minutes. Unless he is full speed ahead every minute he tends over think the game.
I would start Urso over Felipe because Urso is the better player.