Dave, I agree you are essentially correct as Luck is what you make of it. The blessing of talent across the board seems almost overwhelming to Backe as he’s now almost prone to tinkering in fashions that leave his best talent on the bench (read: Cooper).

I must, however, beg to differ on a few points.

You note there have been contributions across the various role players throughout the season and for the most part that’s correct. I would add that, despite some early struggles, Lindpere has made himself relevant again at the most important time of the season, right now.

And, I further suggest Le Toux deserves to be only listed in the Complete Bust category. Short of his debut game/goal, he’s had no impact whatsoever, but for permitting Backe a poor excuse of a player to replace Cooper in the starting XI. Le Toux’s supposed “high work rate” has produced little more than the useless chasing of balls passed back to the opposing Keeper. He is soft on the ball and losses possession easily, doesn’t win 50/50 battles and rarely provides any cover for overlapping defenders on his side of the field.

Despite a few Assists, Roy Miller is finally in the right position for RBNY- firmly planted on the bench. He’s single-handedly (and lazily) cost the team goals and games with his unyielding desire to push forward and abandon his primary duties as a defender, however poorly he plays the role. He’s beaten regularly on his wing and not merely by the best the MLS has to offer. His last game in the XI was nothing short of horrific and not even “Miller-loving Backe” could afford to keep that sort of player on the pitch any longer. It’s about time. His descent gives us hope to find a backline that might yet prove effective.