Some teams will need more to go their way than others if they want to force a Game 3 in their Round One Best-of-3 Series. Here’s what has to go right for each team on the brink.
CHARLOTTE FORCE GAME 3 AGAINST ORLANDO…
If losing Pep Biel actually works out for the best (or at least doesn’t matter)
Charlotte DP attacker Pep Biel was red-carded in stoppage time of their 2-0 loss at Orlando in Game 1. The Crown were outclassed, and losing a DP heading into Game 2 isn’t typically a formula for turning things around. But what if it works out for the best? Someone has to step into Charlotte’s front four in place of Biel.
That’s either Kerwin Vargas (6g/1a in 34 matches) or Patrick Agyemang (10g/5a in 32 matches). It’s most likely Vargas, but it doesn’t seem like a huge leap to think Agyemang and Karol Swiderksi could find a way to cohabitate for 60 minutes or so in a must-win game. It would at least be something different for Orlando to try and handle. We’re at the point where it feels like Charlotte need to throw a changeup of some kind.
Either way, Vargas or Agyemang will provide something different from what Biel had in Game 1. Maybe Orlando will have trouble adjusting. Charlotte better hope they do anyway.
If not, everything lies on Swiderski’s ability to change the game regardless of personnel. He’s been great since returning – 6g/2a in 11 matches – and Charlotte will lean on him to save the season.
COLORADO FORCE GAME 3 AGAINST LA…
If… uh… everything has to go right at this point, but we’ll say “If they find a second wind”
The Rapids got absolutely waxed in Game 1. Their 5-0 loss at LA put them on the edge of elimination and has pretty much everyone thinking it’s inevitable. It honestly seems like the only way they have a chance at winning this series is by going back in time and somehow stopping their third-place run in Leagues Cup. They’ve looked totally gassed ever since, especially defensively.
Colorado need a sudden boost of energy to go blow for blow with the Galaxy. I’m not sure how or why that comes. MLS happens, though.
NEW YORK CITY FORCE GAME 3 AGAINST CINCINNATI…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at News | MLSsoccer.com…