Two distinct things for you today: a match preview (that went quickly, didn’t it?) and a bit of a belated analysis of some trends I noticed during the Sporting KC match. Of course, you would be right to assume that I’ll veer around and make some strange comments in between, hence the two “distinct” things. There will be plenty of indistinct things, too, don’t you worry.
With our games now coming fast and furious, it’ll be interesting to see how the players deal with a cross-country jaunt over to New York. Or, you know, New Jersey. Something like that. They’re the same place, right? (I kid, I kid.) Our returning squad will be useful on this trip, I’m sure: Ned Grabavoy can come in for Andy Williams tomorrow, such that Andy has enough in his tank for the match against D.C. United. Up front, we can expect to see Paulo Jr. at some point, as Fabian Espindola will need some sort of rest (if just mentally) and we may get a chance to see Cody Arnoux if there are any question marks over Alvaro Saborio. It seems that Agorsor has come back into fitness as well, and while I’m not certain if he’ll see any time, it’s good to see that he’s available for selection, even if just for the reserves.
At the back, don’t expect much to change, but I’m sure Blake Wagner will be biding his time on the bench. I know he’s a long-term signing, but he must be a bit disappointed to not have seen any time on the pitch for the first-team. Perhaps a longer bedding-in time will be necessary for him, but with Tony Beltran now out for a few weeks, it might be good to get him a few minutes in a modified 5-man defense late on in a match we’re winning. Just a thought.
RSL v SKC tactical notes
With Chris Schuler wide, we often dropped into a rather strange 3-1-4-2 formation, with Robbie Russell higher than the three center backs (one of whom was playing on the left). For the most part, the diamond remained unchanged, which meant Kamara was given plenty of time on our left to make bursting runs. It also meant that Chris Schuler was generally able to stop his runs, but not before we were put into a more dangerous position. But let’s not forget: Chris Schuler has some real pace on him, he’s good with his head, and he’s generally a smart player. Still, he’s missing the intuition a quality full back absolutely needs.
But late on, we saw Will Johnson move into a left wing back position, and Chris Schuler moved more centrally, leaving us with something resembling a 3-5-2 — or maybe a 3-4-3 with Luis Gil in the hole — with Johnson and Russell wide. Both changes meant that Will Johnson had to utilize his incredible workrate, and Andy Williams covered alongside Kyle Beckerman in front of the defense. It was a vintage performance from Andy — a continuation of the excellent form he’s shown — and the shielding gave Luis Gil more opportunity to try more adventuresome passes for Saborio and Espindola, evidenced by the many chances they had to put the game beyond reach.
I hesitate to implore Jason Kreis to drop Chris Schuler, because he’s been very useful, and I think he’s been utilized reasonably well on the left. He’s been allowed to play to his strengths in a tactically smart way, but our play overall does somewhat suffer as a result. When we see Chris Wingert and Tony Beltran on the wings, they are constantly making short, efficient passes. We miss that when we’ve got Chris Schuler on those wings. That said, when it’s our best option, I’m glad Jason’s not been afraid to use it. After all, we could be seeing Will Johnson at the back, and that cuts out a great player in our midfield — untenable, I would think.
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