Overland is coming off of a 1-0 loss to Arapahoe on Tuesday night.
Things to do:
Kits, socks, transportation, nutrition (Remember that this is a 5 o'clock game, which is around when we normally finish practice, you'll need to take care of your nutrition before the game, don't eat nothing.)
Overland Strengths:
OHS has a handful of talented players both defensively and in their attack. They are a technical team willing to take players on 1v1, but not to their own demise. The top three pass the ball well and work well with one another in an attempt to create opportunities. They will go both short and long on set pieces from the middle of the field, and they have no problem shooting from range. Their attacking three are also rather quick, and they do not shy away from the long ball toward the corner of the 18. Additionally, though they did not get many against Arapahoe, they have a good in swinging corner toward the back post. They have a little flare, and they can play.
Defensively, they have two primary strengths. One, they defend in numbers. They held Arapahoe to a single goal, and if they can get up early, we have every reason to believe that they will not refrain from packing it in. They transition from an attacking 4-3-2-1 to a defensive 5-3-2 quite well. Their other defensive strength comes in the form of their counter press. When they turn over the ball high, they are quick to trap the player with the ball against the sideline. This creates mistakes and opportunities for a quick counter.
Overland Weaknesses:
Overland portrays three main weaknesses that we can exploit. First, they lack depth and they played a long hard game on Tuesday night. The drop off from their 12th man to their 13th is significant. If we can keep the ball, and make smart decisions, they will run out of gas. However, what we can not allow is for them to capitalize on mistakes in the back and get an early lead. This will allow them to pack in and conserve energy. We need to push the ball to the corners early in order to get them on the chase. Secondly, they have a man to man recovery system that creates a number of 1v1 scenarios. For example, instead of having the CB cover a ball over the FB's head, the FB tracks directly back. This keeps them static and opens up opportunities to beat players one on one and pass into the gaps. This also leaves their defense somewhat individualized, which means runs off the back of central defenders can be very effective. Lastly, their narrow formation leaves a lot of room on the flanks of the field and allows for FB's to get heavily and dangerously involved in the attack. Arapahoe's goal came off a very nice assist by their FB to their attacking RF. If FB's get forward, they will have a lot of space, but it will also draw out midfielders leaving gaps in the middle of the field.
Additionally, their high press leaves them vulnerable to counter if we play quickly and correctly. See the three attacking diagrams below:
In this scenario, the (3) who is trapped against the line dribbles into space while the (8) checks into the space between the trap. The (3) quickly passes to the (8) who quickly moves the ball toward the (10). At this point, the (10) can continue the switch, take the space, or look for the (9) on a run behind the D.
In this scenario the (2) bypasses the (7) with a long ball toward the corner. The (9) makes a run to the corner between the center back and full back while the (11) and (10) fill the space at the far post and top of the box.
In this scenario, the (7) checks to like he will receive a pass, but then makes a long run up the line. The (2) plays the ball over the trap to the corner and the (9) and (10) fill the space in front of the goal and at the top of the box. The (8) makes a supporting run toward the (7).
In the 4-3-2-1 or the 5-3-2 Overland leaves a lot of space at the top of the box. We need to look to exploit that space quickly and find shots on goal.
Mullen Strengths against Overland:
We have excellent fitness and speed and fire power up front. We are also a technical team that can move the ball quickly and accurately. By exploiting the space, we can find gaps in the Overland formation. We simply need to play smart and not make mistakes out of the back. Overland's attackers are opportunistic and technical.
Additionally, we have a disciplined and structured defense. Overland really struggled to break down Arapahoe's defense with similar qualities. If we keep our shape, pressure and mark, we can shut them down.
Keys to success:
1. No mistakes out of the back. Smart decisions and smart passes that avoid the counter.
2. Exploit the space on the flanks and at the top of the box. Outside backs need to get involved in the attack. They should have space to move forward, and their attack will spread the midfield.
3. Capitalize on set pieces. Overland did not clear the ball well. If we can take advantage of these moments, we will have a great deal of success.
4. Discipline and structure in the back. We need to hold position and recover for one another.
5. When in possession of the ball in our defensive third, we need to play quickly, not get the ball stuck under our feet, and play into space instead of small spaces.
Good luck!
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