- The Scott Parkinson era begins. Parkinson had been announced prior to the last game but a family emergency kept the new coach from the sidelines. Parkinson has had nearly two full weeks to prepare for his first game in charge and get his new squad up to speed on what he expects from them. How this team lines up and what we can expect tactically is still an unknown. This is his first head coaching experience at this level. Gotham has typically lined up in a 4-1-4-1 (weird 5 in the back experiments aside) where as the red stars generally lineup in a 4-2-3-1. Gotham has the personnel for either. In a 2 defensive midfielder set up it would be Long and Zerboni with a creative midfielder like Lee, Pinto or Thiney in the 10. Question remains on how to get Lloyd and Onumonu on the field at the same time and producing.
- Reinforcements inbound. Purce, Monaghan and Freeman were all getting closer to returning last game. The extra two weeks of recovery should put at least two of them back in the 18. Just in time for a large slate of games across October as this team makes a push towards the playoffs. In order to navigate this many games in a short time Gotham needs all hands on deck. All three of them were starters at the beginning of the season before injury.
- Can this team keep North Carolina off the scoreboard? Gotham has been remarkably stout defensively this season and they held the Courage to 1 goal against in their last outing. Gotham was under continuous pressure but the defense held strong. Lewandoski, Johnson, and Dydasco were the highest rated Gotham players on the night. With Dorsey back in the lineup this time Gotham should be able put up a stronger performance. There's no questioning that every game from here on out are not as much "must wins" but more "mustn't lose". Gotham needs at least a point from this game. The stakes get higher with every passing game.
Next to: Who to root for this weekend.
Thorns vs Chicago: Thorns
Gotham will not catch the thorns however we need the Thorns to beat Chicago who we are chasing in the standings.
Houston vs Louisville: Louisville
Louisville will most likely miss the playoffs but Gotham is chasing Houston for that last playoff spot.
Washington vs KC: KC
Even if KC wins every game from here on out they will likely miss the playoffs. Rooting for KC from here on out as the spoiler.
Seattle vs Orlando: Seattle
Orlando is 6 points ahead of Gotham in 4th place with 2 more games played. An Orlando loss puts Gotham in great position to move up the table should they take care of business against the Courage.
We'll be back with another podcast next week.
Until then,
See you Saturday!!
Gary Gibson