FiftyFive.One

38 responses to “The Big Question: Who’s Part of the Loons’ Core?”

1. 

   Wes

   October 26, 2017

   It’s hard to guess who Heath’s 5-6 would be, but I’d guess Calvo, Ramirez, Molino, Finlay, Ibson, Cronin. Those last two are question marks.
   My core would probably be Calvo, Ramirez, Finlay. In an ideal world every other position would be improved upon or at least someone comparable could come in and provide competition. Jerry, for example, should start next year, but we need better depth to push him and maybe replace him.

   Reply
   1. 

      Jim Oliver

      October 26, 2017

      The only reason Cronin didn’t make my “core” is the amount of time he spent on the trainers table after the ASG. The team got better when he showed up, but if he doesn’t have 22 games in him next year then we need to move him on and find somebody that can take that turf beating.

      Reply
      1. 

         mumbleblade

         October 26, 2017

         Cronin is absolutely the kind of guy I want as a backup, spot starter, and locker room presence.

         Reply
2. 

   Brian Moen

   October 26, 2017

   How is Danladi not part of this core?

   Reply
   1. 

      Offensive Loons Fan

      October 26, 2017

      Not a surefire starter here (by this article’s definition of “core”) and he and Ramirez haven’t had a great strike partner relationship this year. I think he’s back next year though, and I hope he can keep growing and maybe find a way to make Ramirez-Danladi work.

      Reply
   2. 

      Wes

      October 26, 2017

      I think he gets more minutes next season, but we’re still a 1 forward team and Ramirez gets that spot.

      Reply
      1. 

         Brian Moen

         October 26, 2017

         Ah gotcha, makes sense. I really enjoyed watching the team when he was on the field, hoping to see more of that next year

         Reply
      2. 

         mumbleblade

         October 26, 2017

         I love Ramirez, but I think the team looked better with Danladi on the field the second half of the year. Ramirez didn’t do much after coming back from the hamstring injury, and Danladi’s speed just adds a different kind of threat. If his finishing improves next year, I honestly think he should start in a one-striker formation. Ramirez will need to take another step up to keep the young talent off the field.

         Reply
         1. 

            mumbleblade

            October 26, 2017

            Obviously the ideal is getting those two to play together. Nothing would make me happier. But I think that requires a midfield overhaul to make the 4-4-2 work.

            Reply
            1. 

               Wes

               October 27, 2017

               I agree, the center of midfield has to look very different for this to happen and we’d also need a third striker option? But to have this tactical option available would be nice

         2. 

            Wes

            October 27, 2017

            Just a note of clarification: Ramirez scored in four or five games in a row after coming back from injury.

            Reply
            1. 

               mumbleblade

               October 27, 2017

               Thanks for the clarification, Wes. Totally valid point. I love Ramirez and I love his poacher’s instinct (and his underrated passing). Just according to my ‘eyeball’ test the Loons *felt* more dangerous with Danladi leading the line toward the end of the year. I could totally be wrong, and much of it could be that his speed is dangerous as a super-sub. And maybe it’s because Ramirez relies more on good service from midfield than Danladi. But it’s a hot take and that’s what the off-season is for!

   3. 

      Steve Lilly

      October 27, 2017

      Not consistent other than his goals was often caught offside and in the same space as team mates. Game awareness really needs to increase and first touch is weak.

      Reply
3. 

   Offensive Loons Fan

   October 26, 2017

   It’s too easy to want to settle for the best we’ve seen while ignoring that even that could be not good enough. Ibson has MLS quality and should start. Ramirez should be a part of the core. Finlay should be a part of the core.

   I’d argue that Molino should be, as well – he has better quality than he showed the last half of the season – but it would all be dependent on whether a formation can be fielded that puts both Finlay and Molino on the right, like a 4-3-3 with Molino ahead of Finlay on the right. Other personnel dominos would need to fall for that to work, however.

   If Cronin is healthy, he should be part of the core, but there are players out there who could certainly supplant him if signed. We don’t have a LB or LW who should certainly be part of the core. Calvo is right on the fence for me, and I think he’d look better with a better squad around him. Thiesson is part of the core but could be replaced by the right person.

   I’ve jumped all over the place here, but I think I’ve settled on three slam dunks, three that are core but replacable, and Calvo on the fence.
   Offseason areas of focus need to be at center back, center attacking midfield, left wing, and left back. That’s a lot of areas I guess. Given the players that we do have and not knowing the one’s we don’t yet have, I’d love to try a 4-1-4-1 with Ibson pushed higher as more of a playmaker, Finlay on the inside right, Molino as a true winger, then the LW du jour out there. The four midfielders would play narrowly, with the RW and LW given freedom to roam, and the fullbacks would come forward to provide width.

   Come at me.

   Reply
   1. 

      Wes

      October 26, 2017

      How do you solve a problem like Ibson. I love him. He’s genius and a monster, but as with his NASL days, he has a lot of downside to what he does to a formation. If we can get a sonovabitch pitbull next to him, I would say he’s core. But at his age, having only one midfield distributor is dangerous.

      Reply
      1. 

         Offensive Loons Fan

         October 26, 2017

         Obviously my formation pitch only supposes the players we have. What I’d rather see is that inside midfielder have more distribution ability than Finlay has, then of course Finlay and Molino are fighting on the right. If we do find such a person, that person probably plays slightly more advanced than Ibson, and Ibson can play both ways. Don’t call it a 4-2-3-1, though, I want Ibson more advanced than that.

         Reply
      2. 

         chadchadchad

         October 26, 2017

         Is a returning Schuller the second midfield distributor? Haven’t seen enough of him (healthy) to figure out if he can play to an MLS standard. I am cautiously optimistic that he can understudy Ibson for another year while transitioning into a bigger role.

         A midfield pitbull, hmm like an aged Flamini…but we want players with character and leadership…(chin rub emoji).

         My core carrying over to next year – Ramirez, Finlay, Ibson, and Calvo at LB (lacks positional awareness, communication, decision making at CB). Key players that’ll start but could be upgraded Cronin, Bobby, Molino.

         Reply
         1. 

            Wes

            October 26, 2017

            Schuller will be back, but this year didn’t give me a lot of hope on that end.

            Reply
      3. 

         RyGuy

         October 27, 2017

         Ibson’s tackling has been immense this year…The problem is getting smart players around him. Too many times he is looking to play a ball into space but nobody moves or they make the wrong run. Cronin is barely capable of weighting a decent 10 yard pass.

         Reply
4. 

   Steve Lindley

   October 26, 2017

   Calvo, Ramirez, Molino, Finlay, Thiesson, and Bernardo Anor.

   I don’t know how Anor will make it to a third year with MNUFC, but I know it’s going to happen.

   Reply
   1. 

      Wes

      October 26, 2017

      LEGEND.

      Reply
   2. 

      Marcia Seelhoff

      October 26, 2017

      Anor is…THE PLAYER THAT WOULDN’T LEAVE.

      Reply
5. 

   Scherbs

   October 26, 2017

   Core: Calvo, Ramirez, Finlay, Cronin, Ibson*, Bobby. *(i want either an understudy or a true competitor for Ibson’s spot. He’s not getting any younger)
   Out the door: Anor, Venegas(both of them please), Davis, Allen, Taylor, and of course Demidov.
   Send out on Loan: Jome, Greenspan, de Villardi

   Reply
6. 

   Gitchee Gomie

   October 26, 2017

   Where does Kallman fit in all of this? He put in a lot of minutes for a first year, expected bench-warmer MLS player, made A LOT of clearances, and became a go-to for Heath as the season wore on. Perhaps I’m misremembering but when ticking our goal-conceding defensive lapses in the back, Kallmans’ (especially in the second half of the season) were far fewer than Calvo, Thiesson, Boxhall, and whoever happened to be at LB.

   So my untouchable core for next season are: Ramirez, Finlay, Kallman, Calvo, Ibson, though I believe Heath will find a way to square peg-round hole Molino into whatever formation he goes with.

   Reply
   1. 

      Wes

      October 26, 2017

      I think Kallman is still our 3rd CB and I think has a long future here. I personally don’t see Boxall as the #2 and would like to see us sign a veteran.

      Reply
      1. 

         Jim Oliver

         October 26, 2017

         I agree with everything you’ve written here.

         Reply
7. 

   Jim Oliver

   October 26, 2017

   XI: Calvo, Molino, Ramirez, Finlay, Danladi
   Squad: Kallman, Thiesson, Burch, Cronin, Boxall, Shuttleworth, Nicholson
   Out: Everybody else, with a note that Ibarra needs to leave because he’d be crazy to stay, not because he’s not good enough.
   In (in order of preference): $ CB, $#6, #10, $ GK,

   Reply
   1. 

      RyGuy

      October 27, 2017

      Ibarra definitely hasn’t been good enough. He’s scared of the ball. Only back and sideways passes. Need more confidence and attack from a winger.

      Reply
      1. 

         Jim Oliver

         October 27, 2017

         I think misuse has led to his underperformance as much as anything, but I’ve thought that for a long time.

         Reply
         1. 

            RyGuy

            October 27, 2017

            Misuse in a positional sense? Idk where else you put Ibarra other than wing. When he gets the ball it’s like hot potato. No confidence to take any risks are run at players. Nothing can be done tactically to correct that. I think he’s had plenty of playing time but he is scared of his own shadow, really sad and he has to go.

            Reply
   2. 

      Chris RB

      October 27, 2017

      Can we sign a 10 so Molino can play on the wing? I don’t think we need a 10, but if we’re going to play one, let’s get someone who ACTUALLY plays well there!

      Reply
8. 

   Mark Lehman

   October 26, 2017

   Funny, I was just thinking about this last night.

   Up top, Core: Ramirez although I would love to see someone who can create and finish. Danladi is getting there, he will replace Christian eventually.

   The Middle is white open. On the left, I really like Nicholson, but I think he proved against San Jose he is better off the bench (he is still young), Center we have guys that can get things done, but not consistently. Cronin the best if he can stay healthy, Ibson is too 50/50 for my liking, his good days are great and his bad days are awful. I think there is promise with Martin (again, young) If they can pull a Veteran CB I think Cronin would stay with Ibson off the bench. On the Right is Core: Finlay competing with Molino. For me Molino was too much like Ibson when it came to 50/50 play.

   On the back line, like Burch off the bench if they can find better quality. Center Core: Calvo, I liked Boxhall and Kallman is a great story, Find a Veteran CB to go with Calvo and they would have some nice depth on the bench. Thiesson, I think he will be the starting RB next year despite Adrian being “fed up” with him after the San Jose game. Quality enough to hold his spot so they can focus on other positions.

   Goalie: Core: Shuttleworth. Surprised no one else put Bobby. I thought Bobby was the MVP of the team this year and good goalies do not grow on trees.

   Based on Wes’ definition, my Core are: Ramirez, Finlay, Calvo and Shuttleworth. If I have to pick a 5th I would say Cronin or Thiesson. If they do bring in the 6 or so players in next season, the loons depth will be much better.

   Gone: Sadly Davis and K. Venegas, really like these guys and thought their game would translate better, best wishes, J. Vanegas (please, please, please), Demidov and Anor? (I have no idea on him). Depending on what they bring in, Warner and/or Taylor as well.

   Loan: Greenspan, Jome, Martin and Leiton if the keep him but he is showing sings of J. Venegas.

   Reply
   1. 

      RyGuy

      October 27, 2017

      Ibson is 10x better than Cronin. The guy is a virtuoso and his tackling has actually been at or better than Cronin this year. Cronin is the old school American soccer guy running around like a chicken with his head cut off. We need someone with competent technique to pair with Ibson.

      Reply
      1. 

         Mark Lehman

         October 27, 2017

         Agree to disagree. Goals against were lower when Cronin was playing, much more consistent. Ibson is flashy and creative but also distracting and detrimental to the team when he was no on his game. It was Ibson we saw up in Blaine playing in the NASL not Cronin. Even 2x would be considered a stretch.

         Reply
9. 

   mumbleblade

   October 26, 2017

   Using Heath’s number of 5-6 core players, but giving my preference:

   1. Bobby – this team has many needs so GK will be stable for now
   2. Calvo – I want to sign a CB and play calvo as LB
   3. Ibson – Need to sign a partner and a backup for him, but he was our best player in most of our best performances.
   4. Danladi – Too much upside and too many game winners to keep him on the bench. He’s tougher to defend than Ramirez is, and with better finishing he’ll be a better MLS striker.
   5. Ramirez – I still love Superman. I hope he can partner well with Danladi.
   6. Finlay – His finishing has been basically non-existent. But with a full off-season I think his speed and passing will pay off more often with both goals and assists.

   Reply
   1. 

      mumbleblade

      October 26, 2017

      4 of these 6 are ‘front 6’ players. But of course, in a recent interview Manny Lagos listed only front 6 positions as targeted for new signings…

      Reply
10. 

    Troy Kadlec

    October 27, 2017

    Ramirez, Molino, Finlay, Calvo, Danladi, Theisson. Maybe Cronin if he recovers, and Ibson if he’s got another year in the tank. Bobby should be back – I hate to think what the goal total would have been without him.

    Guys on the fence or bench – Schuller seems to have cracked the starting lineup at HJK, so I think he may be back. The team seemed high on him despite the rough start and injuries and he’s young with some talent.

    Ibarra – I think he gets traded. He has moments and he’s a fan fave, but he never seemed to take control of his wing and his touch is atrocious. His speed is decent and he has a pretty good knack for getting on the end of things in the box, but its sporadic. Get some $$ and bring in someone stronger.

    Nicholson – I like the guy, I think he’s talented and he’s one of the few that seems to be able to dribble and make chances. That said, he struggled to go 90 min and he seemed to lack chemistry at times with the team. Both of those are things he can improve on with training, so I think he’s back next year, but maybe not as a starter.

    Kallman – He’s good quality depth and can start at times. He’ll be back

    Greenspan – He had moments, I think he’s back as depth.

    Martin – He’ll be back – he showed some quality moments and he struggled at times, but he looks like he can play. He’s not a starter yet, but he is good backup.

    We need a #10, a solid D-mid, and a rock solid CB. That’s where we should spend our DP dollars. After that, find the defensive wingers and bolster the attacking wingers. It’s going to be an interesting offseason.

    Reply
11. 

    Steve Lilly

    October 27, 2017

    Tough call based on Heath’s insistence that those wearing targets on the pitch have that logo purely for him to aim for in matchday interviews. My pick 6 is a lottery but here goes. Shuttleworth because we can’t afford anyone any better, Kallman because he is our only solid CB, Ibson because its an anagram of Bison, Finlay made a difference, Christian because if given enough opportunity he will get goals on any team. Number 6 is tough because in my mind Ibarra makes the most sense, generally other players look better when he is on the pitch and when he roams free it opens up space for those around him. Cronin if he is fit would be another opportunity, and I have been impressed with Martin over the latter stages.
    Picking the 6 to leave I have to go; Molino has not done enough considering we “built the team around him” sic. Danaladi can’t stay onside and disrupts Christian, Calvo unless we move him to midfield, Jome just didn’t quite work, Venegas needs to go back to the Zootopia DMV, and Burch who unfortunately seems to lack the necessary speed.

    Reply