DISCLAIMER: The Unused Substitutes are in no way responsible for any conclusions or possible overreactions you may have after reading this article. We’re only talking about the preseason here. Cool? Cool.

The Basics

11 games played. 7 wins. 2 draws. 2 loses. 21 goals scored. 13 goals allowed. Not bad, right?

The Goalkeeping Situation

Of the 13 goals that the Rowdies conceded in the preseason 7 were scored while Chris Glodack was in net, and 4 of those were in one game against the best competition that the Rowdies faced, Malmo FF. Glodack is a first time professional and likely the third string keeper this year. He had an impressive run at Clemson and has plenty of time to continue his development as a professional under new Goalkeeper Coach Stuart Dobson. No rush.

Last year’s starter Matt Pickens allowed 2 goals in the two matches where he saw playing time. Don’t read too much into his playing time, an injury kept him off the field for a significant chunk of the preseason. When Pickens did play he was vocal and took leadership of the defense the way that some fans wish he had done in 2014.

Interestingly, all 3 of the goals scored on Kamil Contofalsky were penalty kicks. So he has yet to concede an open play goal in a Rowdies uniform. So who will start between Pickens & Contofalsky? Both have impressive resumes, but Contofalsky has had more time to gel with the new defenders in competitive situations and his comfort with the ball at his feet is a definite plus in Thomas Rongen’s system. No matter who starts week one the keeper situation is already markedly better compared to last year. Two skilled veteran keepers pushing each other every week is not something many NASL teams have.

The Resurgent Returnees

Most of the focus this offseason has understandably been on the new players. Only 6 of the 25 players on the roster were with the team last year. Technically Corey Hertzog is one of those 6 but he joined so late into 2014 (September) that he’s really more of new player. Matt Pickens didn’t play much but Tamika Mkandawire, Georgi Hristov, Brian Shriver and Keith Savage all showed well in preseason action.

Mkanadawire was a lone bright spot for the club in 2014 and it looks like he may have quickly earned Rongen’s approval. He has gotten many starts and even played close to a full 90 in the preseason finale at Jacksonville. At 31 he is easily the most experienced defender that the Rowdies have, a fact that is likely not lost on Rongen. At this point Mkandawire anchoring the back line on opening day is looking like a safe bet.

Some fans were a little surprised to see Rongen shift Georgi Hristov to a midfield position. That of course doesn’t include Unused Substitutes co-host Dan, who called for the move during last season’s struggles. To his credit Hristov seems to be taking the shift in stride. He’s only credited with one assist but has been a constant creator for others in the final third. Switching to a playmaking role could be the catalyst of a return to his MVP form.

The biggest signing in 2014 was without question Brian Shriver. Unfortunately the season didn’t go the way that Shriver or anyone else expected. However, it looks like he may have recaptured his nose for goal, scoring 2 goals and notching 1 assist. Shriver’s best performances in Carolina always came when he had multiple partners to interchange with. He’ll have plenty of those in Rongen’s new 3 forward system.

Keith Savage may be the most surprising top performer of the preseason. Initially released by the club at the end of last season he was eventually brought back in by Farruk Quraishi and Rongen. With so many new midfielders brought in Savage’s prospects at playing time seemed slim. Fortunately he has found his niche back in central midfield. Rongen’s commitment to playing the ball on the ground benefits Savage’s style well. He’s aggressive enough to disrupt opponent’s attacks but he also has the vision to find the smart outlet up the field on counter attacks.

The Penalty Problem?

Obviously giving up 4 penalty kicks in 11 matches doesn’t look great on paper. But is it a trend to be worried about? The short answer is no. If the team appeared to be lacking in discipline then the answer might be yes, but that just isn’t the case. In fact team discipline already looks much improved over last year. Not much else to say here except that we should expect horrible penalty call (or non calls) from NASL again this year regardless. So there’s probably no need to get worked up about penalties in the preseason. Plenty of time for that in the regular season.

Goals: Who Scored Them & How They Did It

21 goals in 11 games is definitely an encouraging statistic. Only 4 of those goals were from penalties, and another 4 came from set pieces (We’re going to count the first goal against Jacksonville off the long throw in as a set piece). That leaves 13 goals scored from open play. A pretty darn reassuring statistic considering how mightily the Rowdies struggled to score from open play in 2014.

Maicon Santos is the clear the all-star in the attack with 5 goals. Santos is shaping up to be the fulcrum of the Rowdies attack. He possesses both physicality and a strong base of technical ability. Expect much of the attack to flow through him. Hopefully the ankle injury he suffered in the preseason finale isn’t too serious and he’s good to go against San Antonio. The team has a solid group of forwards but none of them are a like for like replacement of Santos.

The closest to matching Santos is Corey Hertzog with 3 goals (2 from penalties). Darwin Espinal, Brian Shriver, Keith Savage, and Georgi Hristov ( 2 penalties) all scored 2 of their own. Altogether 10 different players netted at least one goal in the preseason. A terrific number considering how few players produced in 2014. It’s also worth noting that 10 of the goals scored were assisted, and Martin Nunez is the only player with more than 1 assist.

The Youth Movement

Rongen’s commitment to bringing in youth to develop was evident pretty much from day one. That investment seems like it might pay off sooner than expected. Of all the rookies on the squad forward Darwin Espinal and left back Zac Portillos have shined the brightest.

Espinal saw his first action on the Portugal trip and made the most of the opportunity with two brilliant goals. Beyond the goals though, his tenacity is proving to be a huge asset for the team. On numerous occasions he has pressured defenders into making mistakes and put his teammates into advantageous positions. He may not have earned a starting spot but that could certainly change relatively soon. And fans should always be happy to have a hungry player like him coming off the bench.

Similarly, Portillos may not be the starting left back on opening day but his performance has given confidence to those who worried about depth at the position. Ben Sweat may have Portillos beat in terms of physicality but Portillos’ technical ability and willingness to get involved in the attack could be difference makers off the bench the team is in need of a spark.

Conclusion

Who cares about the dumb old preseason when the season officially kicks off this weekend?! Seriously, the Rowdies gave us plenty to get excited about in the offseason but actual games, the kind that they give you points for, are what it’s all about. Come on you Rowdies.

IMAGE, TAMPA BAY ROWDIES