Week 3 Game Preview: Greek Formula

For the first time in the 2010 BSL season, the depth of the St. Louis Cure will be tested. When the Cure battles the New York Greeks, midfielder Rob Rogers will not be available (it is an off week for the Crew; in addition Rogers has an injury that would probably keep him on the sidelines anyway). Manager Kirk Lodes always faces a mini injury crisis; both Patrick Nyarko and Javier Morales are listed as questionable for the contest. The potential loss of three key players means others will have to step up. Roger Torres, Fred and Jimmy Nielsen looked good in their season debuts last week and will be counted on to keep producing. The injuries could give Bobby Convey a shot to return the starting lineup (Convey has looked impressive in training) while newcomer Neslon Gonzalez may be inserted into the lineup as well. In addition, the Cure will rely even more heavily on mainstays Edson Buddle and Robbie Findley. As for the winless Greeks, Coach Lodes emphasized they must not be taken lightly. "With a little luck, the Greeks could be sitting at 2-0 just like us. Don't let their record fool you." While the Cure's depth will be tested, the Greeks big strength is their depth. Finding the right starting formula is what they must work on (last week, leaving Alejandro Moreno on the bench cost them dearly). The Greeks have been active in the transfer market, landing some good free agent signings and building a deep squad. Now they must assemble the best 9 to put on the field. Perhaps that is the problem. The team has no automatic starters (nor do they really have any true benchwarmers). The two Moreno's (Alejandro and Jaime), Josh Wolff, Dane Richards, Joel Lindpere and Nick Rimando will probably be in the starting lineup. Choosing the last three will be tricky. Recent signings Christian Castillo, Claudio Lopez and Khano Smith haven't produced...yet. Chad Barrett is returning from injury while Andy Williams and Alan Gordon are not starting with their respective teams. In other news, St. Louis Cure manager Lodes revealed he has been actively pursuing last minute signings before the transfer window closes, but has not made been able to finalize any deals as of right now.