It now looks like the Burn will not get a couple of new allocated players. So with that in mind, we have revised our thought about next year.
First and foremost we think the Burn should return to a 4-4-2 lineup and dump the 3-5-2 (or 3-6-1 whatever you want to call it). But since Dir is still the coach we’ll assume the 3-5-2 will return.
Now here is a quick list of players on this year’s team who should return and start with Dir’s stated plan of moving Santel to Sweeper.
| Washington | ? | ||
| Kreis | |||
| ? | Deering | Alvarez | Pareja |
| Zarco | ? | ||
| Santel | |||
| Dodd | |||
We like Kreis in a withdrawn forward role but he could easily swap with Pareja.
From the draft the Burn acquired several players who could have an immediate impact: Midfielders Lazo Alavanja, Paul Broome, and Kirk Wilson; plus forward Bobby Rhine and defenders Andrew Parrish and Darren Warham.
One of last year’s midfielders or a draftee must step up for Santel to return to sweeper. So with our automatic returning starters and a draft pick or two fighting for time, we might see something like this.
| Washington | Rhine / Trottman | ||
| Kreis | |||
| Alavanja/Broome/ Wilson | Deering | Alvarez | Pareja |
| Zarco | Dade/Pollard/Parrish | ||
| Santel | |||
| Dodd | |||
Or if you want a more defensive lineup (5-3-2) sub in Farrer for the rookie left-mid. Something like this:
| Washington | Rhine/Trottman | ||
| Kreis | |||
| Deering | Pareja | ||
| Pollard/Parrish | Zarco | Alvarez | Farrer |
| Santel | |||
| Dodd | |||
Now that’s kind of interesting…
Ok, since we advocate a 4-4-2, here’s our hypothetical 4-4-2 lineup for next season. Too bad Dir won’t make the switch.
| Washington | Rhine/Trottman | ||
| Kreis | |||
| Alavanja/Broome/Wilson | Pareja | ||
| Deering | |||
| Santel | Zarco | Alvarez | Farrer/Parrish |
| Dodd | |||