News Flash: RSL concerned with defensive lapses

knowwonnose · 05-02-2006, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burninator

Lose by 1, lose by 5, if that's all we're going to do all season, why not get some new guys some experience? Who knows? Maybe one of these guys will step up and get the job done. Goal differentials only matter if you're actually going to compete for the playoffs.

⚽ Geoff
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REGULATORS! Mount up!
Cabrera has to be better than Brown...if not, well, I guess we're screwed.

That's not a bad idea, but you don't want to field a team of all rookies. You have to have a ballance between the rookies and the vets who can help the rookies understand the game.

I_Believe_In_Kreis · 05-02-2006, 01:43 PM

I really believe forwards are the key to a good defense. When forwards really get after the man with the ball when it's in the other end, the opponent is forced to make hasty decisions and bad passes. That leads to turnovers in the middle third or even the attacking third. Worst case, the defender actually finds a teammate with the long ball, but that ball is usually elevated and takes time to settle. I hope whoever's playing forward really gets after the ball when it's being knocked around the defense.
As for Ballouchy and Williams, I'd like to see both of them start this week. But I'd like to see Ballouchy in the middle where he's obviously more comfortable, and Williams on the wing where he can use his speed and footwork and his size isn't as much of a disadvantage.

bordelais7 · 05-02-2006, 01:53 PM

Has Williams ever played on the left?

knowwonnose · 05-02-2006, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I_Believe_In_Kreis

As for Ballouchy and Williams, I'd like to see both of them start this week. But I'd like to see Ballouchy in the middle where he's obviously more comfortable, and Williams on the wing where he can use his speed and footwork and his size isn't as much of a disadvantage.

I don't have a problem with that as long as:

A) We don't hear whining about playing people out of position.

B) We see 4 backs. I don't think 3 backs will work on turf, especially with Williams helping in Defense.

What do you think about Johnson? It seems he's the odd man out. Does his play last week demand that?

knowwonnose · 05-02-2006, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bordelais7

Has Williams ever played on the left?

Houston, second half. I thought he did OK but others thought he stunk it up.

Aerick · 05-02-2006, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burninator

Lose by 1, lose by 5, if that's all we're going to do all season, why not get some new guys some experience? Who knows? Maybe one of these guys will step up and get the job done. Goal differentials only matter if you're actually going to compete for the playoffs.

⚽ Geoff
-----------------------
REGULATORS! Mount up!
Cabrera has to be better than Brown...if not, well, I guess we're screwed.

Or trying to muster public support for a new team. Or keep from getting fired because fan sentiment is turning against you.

I_Believe_In_Kreis · 05-02-2006, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knowwonnose

What do you think about Johnson? It seems he's the odd man out. Does his play last week demand that?

I think Johnson is raw but unpolished - he deserves PT. But I agree, he's the odd man out. He seems like a logical second half sub - he would bring tons of energy which would be amplified against a background of tired legs and burning lungs.

prk166 · 05-02-2006, 03:42 PM

RSL's defense

Rover · 05-02-2006, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prk166

RSL's defense

What's that, a 9-1-0?

Or is the big guy the keeper?

noxum · 05-03-2006, 09:10 AM

Since my original post got buried: (a couple guys in the wrong position isn't the main issue, doesn't matter what position you play, you should know how to play defense as a unit from top to bottom)

Not sure if that has been mentioned, but it seems pretty obvious. You talk about the defensive backs, but how exactly does the ball get in a dangerous spot where they have to make or not make a play?

My point, defense isn't limited to the back 3 or 4. If you play defense as a unit from top to bottom, side to side, the only time the back line should see the ball are on free kicks or possibly throw-ins.

I realize that is in theory, but the bottom line is defense starts as soon as the ball is lost and that includes when it's lost on our attacking 3rd.

So, Cunningham, Watson, Kries, Williams, whoever (not saying these guys are or aren't doing it) need to apply the immediate pressure, then the next line of defense comes in, midfield, then the next, defensive backs.

Just like we expect Eddie to score when he goes up on free kicks or corner kicks.