Last night the Hounds unveiled their new kits for 2013 and also introduced the squad who’ll be pushing for a title.  As the player’s names were called out one by one those of us who follow the club were a bit surprised.

Aside from striker José Angulo, one name that caught my attention was Matthew Dallman. Matt played 4 games with the club at the tail end of the 2012 season displaying flashes of creativity and attacking ability from the wing.  After having a chance to really take a look at the squad today I am just beside myself with the possibilities.  In years past, the starting XI almost picked itself.  Going into this season we’ve got so many options, especially in the midfield, that I almost feel bad for coach Evans.  Here are the candidates and how things may shape up:

Motagalvan – Alfonso will probably play deep in a holding role.  He’s almost certain to be included in the starting XI.

Costanzo – Richie has been playing left back so far this preseason and looks to have won a starting spot.  He can always move back into the middle in a holding or attacking role but for now he’s not a part of the midfield rotation.

Lundberg – possibly the fastest of our attacking players, Stefan has been moved to the opposite wing hoping to utilize his speed to not only stretch the field vertically, but horizontally as well.  We could end up starting on the left side.

Kinne – another speedy, gifted winger who has looked great in camp.  He’ll also be asked to stretch the field and could land a spot on either wing.  My bet would be on the right side.

Kerr – technically gifted and a good tackler, I am looking at Kerr to win the starting midfield spot aside Motaglavan.  We don’t know much about Kevin but we do know that the Hounds  have been very impressed with what he’s done in camp.

Seamon – he’s been battling an injury so he hasn’t quite been able to make much of an impression so far.  He’s got possibly the best track record though and seems capable of playing anywhere across the midfield.  I see him as more of holding mid but not sure he’s going to beat out Kerr.

Dallman – I see Matthew starting games at left wing.  He’s got a ton of attacking ability and could also play in the middle as an attacking mid behind the front line.  He’s got a good shot to start on the left side if he can beat out Lundberg.

I did speak with coach Evans about the style of play that we can expect and what formations they’ve been working on in camp but let’s keep that under wraps for now.  I cannot wait to see who takes the field next weekend in Richmond.

#Unleash