US OPEN CUP TICKETS VS. CHICAGO FIRE | AUGUST 8
Ahead of Wednesday’s US Open Cup semifinal showdown with Chicago, Jim Curtin discussed what he saw from his players last weekend and all the strange elements that can affect a win-or-go-home match.
Personnel news
Curtin announced that Ilsinho will not be available for Wednesday’s match, but Mark McKenzie, who picked up a knee contusion prior to the loss in Portland, will be a gameday decision. “It'll be close for tomorrow, but in the event that Jack Elliott has to start, we're fully confident in that as well,” the coach said.
Curtin also discussed Derrick Jones’ play on Saturday, suggesting the big midfielder earned himself a shot at more minutes in the future. “He stepped up in a hard place to play, on turf, against a really good midfield that Portland has,” Curtin told the media. “A team that was confident, and Derrick more than held his own in the middle of the field. Overall I was happy with his performance. Broke up plays, was calm on the ball, started our attack well, and did everything we asked him.
“Again, if that's the Derrick Jones we see in a daily basis in training then he'll be a guy that will find himself getting a lot more minutes.”
Practicing the penalties
“They're a big part of this competition,” Curtin admitted. “You want to avoid them at all costs. I’d prefer not to go into penalty kicks and take care of business in the 90 minutes knowing that we have New England on the weekend. But it is a reality of this competition.”
Curtin went on to talk about the likely penalty takers, should this semifinal need to be decided at the spot. “The final five, we've already been in discussions with who it's going to be if it does go to penalty kicks,” he said, “So we have that situated. Hopefully we can take care of business, but there is a set order. If a guy picks up an injury during the game, that can change. We're confident in the group that we have and we have one of the best goalkeepers in the league that can make saves as well.”
Ballin’ out
Penalties can always come up in a cup match. Something that you might not expect to come up? A new game ball.
“With the new Nike ball that comes into the semifinal and final — at a strange time, if I'm voicing my overall opinion,” Curtin said, his opinion clear. “A little bit lighter, a little different and harder on the goalkeepers. Has a little bit more movement to it. Small thing but it can be a big thing in these one-off competitions.”
End of the transfer window
“Everybody's looking to improve their roster at this point, so we're one of those teams that are in the mix in decisions,” Curtin stated. “Whether it's adding an attacking piece or defensive piece that can help you now in this final stretch of 12 games that are left... Again, you want to finish on a strong note, and if you can add a piece to your roster to help you do that, whether that's in league or outside, we're still exploring all those options. And we're still fully confident in the group that we have.”
