Game 3 Re-Cap

As was evident by their win/loss record, the FC Madrid team we played on Sat night was a well oiled machine of power, skill and determination. To their surprise, our team, in it's raw form, is just as capable, strong and skillful. So where did we go wrong in our 0-3 loss? Let me break it down a bit.

Defense: As fast as our defenders are, their attackers (which could have been their front line or defenders depending upon the overlap), were just as fast, quick footed and quicker to strike. IMHO, there was only one goal for which they truly earned and that was from their defender in the yellow shoes (thing of beauty). The rest of the goals we allowed through sloppy play (ahem, handling the ball in the penalty area). Regardless, our keeper was poised, confident and determined to minimize their threat and our fullbacks did a great job containing most of the strikes.

Midfield: We lost a bit in our center mid this game as our transitions were either late, non-existent or in the wrong zone. We either pushed too far forward hoping to strike or were sucked back too far into defense with no middle to transition into. Our wings however did a good job of transitioning forward and sending critical services into our strikers or crossing from the corners. Effective but a little predictable. We need to change it up a little more, utilizing our center mids for the drop and allow our strikers a little more time in transition to goal.

Attack: Where we failed to capitalize this game was obviously on attack, through no fault of our own. The opposition's defense was incredibly strong, fast and persistent, disallowing our strikers and wings to penetrate deep enough for effect shots on goal. Their defense pushed our attack out so far that our shots were a long ways off, never allowing us to fully realize a strong strike or well placed shot on goal.

While my analysis may seem a bit harsh, it is not meant to unsympathetically criticize. It's more of a realization that the opposition was a bit better and we have some weaknesses to overcome.

I want to commend our players for the heart, the integrity and the determination they display each game. We knew this season would not be easy and sitting towards the bottom of the league in standings is not easy.

I also want to comment on the moral integrity I've witnessed this season. Every team we've competed against has had foul mouthed players that should be ashamed to use that same mouth to kiss their mothers. I don't believe they think much of it. Our players however take notice, are offended by such unclean speech and openly speak out against it to me and the referees. For such high standards I thank you parents.

Thursday we'll be working a bit more on overlapping defense, overlapping runs on offense, using our drop rather than a crossing pattern, transitions in our center mid and a bit of running. Hope to see you there!