If moral victories counted, the Roots would be piling up points after the last two weeks. Instead, they settled for a gritty point on Saturday against FC Tulsa. Here’s what I loved, remain unsure about, and hated from the match:
Loved: Raphael Spiegel
More than any player on Saturday, Raphael Spiegel earned Roots a point.
Spiegel earned Fotmob’s Man of the Match with an 8.2 rating after seven saves, three clearances, and two high claims. The USL’s league site credited Spiegel with a 0.65 goals prevented mark.
Beyond the numbers,Spiegel’s bravery and confidence stood out. His decisions, whether acting as a sweeper or coming in for high claims, were quick and decisive. His reactions to several saves were outstanding.
It was a strong return for Spiegel. Martin noted it afterwards: “I thought he was very good. The goalkeeping position is difficult in general; you get punished for one bad moment, and everyone talks about it. He owned up to the Orange County game and took responsibility.”
Kendall McIntosh had a chance to open the door on the goalkeeper position against Tampa Bay, but Spiegel slammed it shut on Saturday. Still, the next knock might not come from within the squad.
However, if and when the knocks come, Spiegel will need to continue to perform like this. With the injuries along the backline, any semblance of stability will benefit the team. Spiegel and center back Michael Edwards, should he play, will need to continue to serve as a strong foundation against Las Vegas on Wednesday.
Unsure of: What to do with Peter Wilson
Strikers score. That’s the job.
So, what does a team do with a striker who’s been doing everything except finishing?
That’s the conundrum facing the Roots with Peter Wilson.
Saturday represented another mixed bag. In the 21st minute, he missed a big chance by pushing a shot wide in a 1-on-1 with Tulsa’s goalkeeper. Martin attributed the miss to “a lack of composure. I thought he could’ve dribbled the goalkeeper and tap that one in.” The miss tied him for the league lead in big chances missed with five, despite playing one less match than Pittsburgh’s Albert Dikwa and Indy Eleven’s Charles Sharp.
He had another look in the 69th minute, but it was saved. If Wilson converts one of those chances, Tulsa’s task, even with the man advantage, might have been too much to overcome.
Still, Wilson does so much more for the team. His hold-up play on Saturday was critical to the Roots’ ability to transition from defense to offense. Playing a man down, Wilson contributed defensively more than usual, even by his already high standards for a forward. He logged two defensive recoveries and two clearances. A Golden Boot winner putting that level of effort on the defensive side sets an example.
Defenses often don’t know what to do with him and resort to fouling him. His 17 fouls won rank in the top 7% of the league for his position. He makes life easier for other players. The goals aren’t there, but Martin understands Wilson’s impact on the game with the, “The runs he makes in behind, the amount of contact he’s taking, the work he does pressing, and the effort he shows in the air.”
But, at some point, strikers need to score. The regular season is nearly a quarter complete, and Wilson remains goalless.
Martin remains confident. After the match, he stated, “It will come.”
Hated: Continued Injuries
Roots are running out of bodies on defense.
Saturday saw two key defenders exit: Julian Bravo and David Garcia.
Bravo has logged heavy minutes this season due to the barrage of injuries along the back line. He had been nursing an injury since the Orange County match. A lack of alternatives kept him on the field.
If he misses time, the team will feel it. Through six games, he had taken a leap. He led the team in tackles per 90 and ranked second in defensive contributions per 90 – both in the top 7% for his position league-wide. He dominated aerially, winning 15 aerial duels (top 6% in the league). His physicality paired well with Garcia and Michael Edwards, creating an imposing back line.
He’s also added more going forward, looking far more comfortable on the ball than last season. He demonstrated more going forward this year than last. Bravo’s 11 touches in the box rank in the top 13% of the league for left backs.
If Bravo is out, reinforcements may be coming. Martin stated that Keegan Tingey is, “close to coming back” and considered Tyler Gibson, “day-to-day … I don’t think he’ll be far out.”
Garcia’s situation is more concerning. Before Saturday, Garcia and Edwards had played every minute this season. Garcia went down in the 38th minute after hitting his knee on the sideline boards and underwent an MRI on Monday.
Center back may be thinner than outside back. With a short turnaround before Wednesday’s match against Las Vegas, the Roots may play it safe and rest him. Neveal Hackshaw should slide into the starting role. Even Bravo, who can slot inside, may not be available.
Either way, the Roots cannot afford many more injuries along the backline.
For all the grit the team has shown, there’s only so much a group can absorb before something gives.