Matchday Preview 6: Concentration & Luck

Eddies look to maintain physical and mental effort against tough Indy challenge

Building on Recent Success

The Eddies have strung together two wins in a row, and they have done it in a fashion that is a combination of hard work and sheer luck.

Both wins have seen FCE’s opponents frustrated by a stalwart defensive effort, led by Papé Diákité and his league-leading 44 clearances (Alves of the Fury has 28 in second behind him). The defense not only comes form the towering Senegalese centre-half, but also from the unit as a whole with Watson and Edward being standouts, helped in part by Ledgerwood shoring up the middle.

In the previous match against Jacksonville, the second half in particular, contained some of the Eddies better offensive showings so far this season. Not only was space found on the wings, but passes were finding their targets there too. To add to that, the attacking unit enjoyed spells of possession on the wings that at times utilized the central midfielders and strikers to good effect. This resulted in either shots on goal or set pieces. It was by no means a sudden change, but it was encouraging to see this team string together positive and effective possessions in attack.

Projected Lineup

Dustin Corea was curiously absent from the roster on Wednesday night, but Steven Sandor reports that he is expected to be in the squad tomorrow. Nyassi should return after missing out due to an appointment with INS (US Immigration) to take care of his green card. Plumhoff, Nyassi & Gustavo would represent offence-only options off the bench for Miller.

Raudales has been sent home after injuring his calf on Wednesday. Fordyce will likely come in—as he did on Wednesday—for Raudales. Shome played well in his 2nd start, nearly scoring, and may have done enough to keep his spot alongside Ledgerwood.

Eckersley and Ameobi, among others, did not make the trip. ‘Minimal’ is a good word to describe FCE’s bench last time out, listing only 4 subs, one of whom was an injured Mallan Roberts.