Match Report: Mullen vs. Creek (Sept. 30th, 2021 - JV/V@4:30 at the Mullen Soccer Complex

   Match Report: Mullen vs. Creek, JV/V@4:30 - Mullen Soccer Complex

3601 S. Lowell Blvd. Denver, CO 80236

Things to do: 

Kits (This is a home game, we are dark), socks, nutrition (Remember that this is a 4:30pm game, you need to eat food and have snacks, take care of your nutrition, don't eat nothing.)

Creek Strengths:

Prologue and probably Creek's greatest strength over the last 7 months:

Creek has won or almost won a number of games that they should not have won or even had a chance....

Fossil Ridge

Arapahoe on Tuesday night

Regis last spring

Boulder last spring

Grandview (Twice last season)

...just to name a few.

This is significant for two reasons: one, teams are either failing to address Creek appropriately (they are not recognizing them as a threat) or, two, they are failing to put away Creek when they should, and Creek is sticking around long enough to stay in the fight.

We can not make either of these mistake. One - we need to take Creek seriously (last years performance has no weight on tonight's results) and, two, we need to seize early opportunities to put Creek away or we will pay the price for it.

They have proven one thing in the last 7 months. They are not going away and they will fight until the bitter end for a result. There is no shame in their relentless attack. (A bit of a Leeds United, if you will)

Other strengths:

• Creek is incredibly opportunistic. They have scored a majority of their goals as a result of mistakes in the back, players out of position, and balls bouncing around in the box. If we isolate their primary threat and avoid these mistakes, they will struggle to score.
• Creek is incredibly fit and fast. Creeks players are constantly chasing the game and looking for any opportunity to pounce. They are present for big tackles in the middle of the field, their outside backs will go for everything. They are in a constant state of motion and some of their movement is pretty dynamic. Creek will run at us all game long.

Creek weaknesses

Creek has one primary weakness that we need to try and exploit:

They are erratic, lack patience, and get drawn out of position - in other words, they are prone to moments of disorganization.

Their outside backs have a tendency to get sucked in, and their center backs don't seem to work well together, which opens avenues in behind their defense if our movement is creative. Creek performs really well against slow methodical play, that is why they are a good match up for Grandview, but if we move the ball quickly, and directly, Creek will have to chase the play, and they are not disciplined enough to trust one another to do the right thing. They are constantly trying to attack the ball. 

Today - exploit this weakness, beat Creek with good passes.

***As an aside, their goalie has not shown particularly well from distance. For this reason, we need to take open shots. However, the Grandview goalie had the game of his life the other night, so goal tenders are not always what they seem. 

For this reason, I think that he can be beat from distance, but we can not just batter him with shots all game. We need to be dynamic, shoot from range, but also look to penetrate in behind the defense.

****Lastly, we need to have a killer instinct on set pieces. Creek has not shown as well as Grandview in defending them. Also, we are at home, so we have an advantage on set pieces. Use that advantage.

Mullen Strengths against Creek    

The most important things we can do today: 

• Hit our marking assignments with high pressure, especially on the wings. 
• Be dynamic and clinical on set pieces
• Not make any mistakes at the back - we can not be afraid to push a counter against Creek, our direct football against Grandview was very impressive. 
• Trust the game, see what it is giving to us, follow its lead, and take your chances. 

Main Focus:

Capitalize in the final third

Counter quickly

Stay organized on defense

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.

    -Outside backs need to dribble at the CHS full backs and then distribute the ball into space or feet. One/Twos around the defense will be very effective.

3. Know the set pieces. Capitalize on set pieces. 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. It is a big field, don't fear the dynamic long ball.

6. Patience. We can't chase them all game. We will have to be okay giving up moments of possession in order to strike when the timing is right. Marking assignment and a high level of confrontation will be key!

7. We need to keep the ball out of the middle of the field in the central third. Swinging the ball quickly through the 6 and the 10 will open up the attack so that outside backs and wingers can serve. (See diagram above.)

Good luck!

Match Report: Mullen vs. Grandview (Sept. 28th, 2021 @Legacy Stadium - 6pm)

   Match Report: Mullen vs. Grandview (JV@4:30 at Grandview High School, V@6pm @ Legacy Stadium)

Grandview High School: 20500 E Arapahoe Rd, Aurora, CO 80016

Legacy Stadium: 25901 E Arapahoe Rd, Aurora, CO 80016

Things to do: 

Kits (This is an away game, we are white), socks, nutrition (Remember that this is a 6pm game, you need to eat food and have snacks, take care of your nutrition, don't eat nothing.)

Grandview Strengths:

1. Grandview has our number. Psychologically, they come into this game the historically dominant team. Even at the top of our game last year they gave us a lot of trouble. On Tuesday night, they will be confident and they will believe that they can win. That will matter. They will approach the game disciplined and patient, and they will wait for us to make mistakes that they can then capitalize on. They will play the way they have always played against us. The pressure is on us to change the fates, not them to repeat what they have always done. We will have to win the psychological battle on Tuesday. We have to convince them and us that we are the better team. 

2. Grandview is incredibly disciplined and patient. They play a territorial game of football designed to minimize the threat in front of their own goal. They will block for entire games and just wait for counter attacks. And their block is good and difficult to break down. They do not shy away from having 9 or 10 men behind the ball. This can be frustrating to play against. Furthermore, this type of football demands so much discipline from the attacking team. Bad passes turn into counters. Mistakes turn into goals. Defenders can't drift into the play, they always have to hold position for when the ball is given away. Defenders must live by the mantra "Where am I when we turn the ball over?"

3. Number 9 and Number 10 can play. Their outside back is a creative player who does well to get forward, and he is opportunistic on set pieces. He is a big body that fights for space really well. Number 10 does well to clear to the ball out of the back, but he will also carry the ball through the midfield when given the opportunity. He scored a nice goal from long to win the trail game, and he is dangerous going forward if he is left unaccounted for. Additionally, 10 sends in a really nice set piece so we will have to have a floater to attack and clear the ball. 

4. Their corners are dangerous. They send a lot of numbers in and they can hit good inswing and outswing corners from both sides. Additionally, they play a lot of their games at legacy stadium so they are used to the width.

Salida weaknesses

1. Grandview struggles to control the pace of the game and they suffer a lot for it. The lack of identity in their football often means that they simply have to give way to the style of the other team. They sit back and then counter. This results in them taking on a lot of pressure, giving up set pieces, and struggling to work the ball out of the back. For this reason, if we play fast defensively, and we win the midfield, we should be able to keep up a constant pressure on Grandview.

2. They have given up a number of set piece goals. They have shown weaker on corners and set pieces (especially free kicks from outside the box), and their goalie doesn't read them well. If we can play with high pressure and force set pieces (throw ins included, which they didn't handle well against trail) in the final third, we should be able to find a way to score.

3. Their goalie has proven erratic. Their goalie has made some nice saves this season, but he is jumpy and his decision making is questionable. He hasn't shown well with his feet, so pressuring him and covering his outlets is going to be important. He also hasn't shown well when screened or when shots come from outside the box. We need to look for opportunities to shoot through the war room to exploit this weakness.

Mullen Strengths against Grandview

We have proven really deadly on set pieces this season so far. We need to take advantage of this fact and find a way to convert on 1 or more on Tuesday night.

Out link up play through the middle of the field is really strong, as is out 1v1 on the flanks. On Tuesday night we need to switch the ball at speed, play direct, and try to create 1 on 1 scenarios going into the box. Our counter game is getting better, and that is Grandview's biggest weakness. If we can switch the ball fast and send numbers, we will have a huge advantage. 

Our recovery defense is strong and we have been smart up to this point. We need to limit mistakes and work for one another in recovery. Furthermore, our 10 and 9 need to account for their center back coming up the middle. He needs to be covered and followed until he is contained, which means, as always, everyone defends!!!

In that same vain, our 7 and 11 need to be aware of attacking outside backs. Teams have been relatively conservative against us so far this season, but we are entering the big leagues and everyone is going to bring it. 7 and 11 must pick up their marking assignments, convert on turn overs and push the ball quickly into open space behind the GV defense. When marking number 9, keep him left. It is his dominant foot, and he will dribble right over the end line to keep the ball on his left. Don't bite at attempts to go right, he doesn't want to do that anyway. Stay composed and keep him outside.

Everything we have done has prepared us to win this game. We just need to play our soccer and do the right things. 

Main Focus:

Score 1 or more goals

Clean sheet

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.

    -Outside backs need to dribble at the DHS full backs and then distribute the ball into space or feet. One/Twos around the defense will be very effective.

3. Know the set pieces. Capitalize on set pieces. 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. It is a big field, don't fear the dynamic long ball.

6. Patience. We can't chase them all game. We will have to be okay giving up moments of possession in order to strike when the timing is right. Marking assignment and a high level of confrontation will be key!

7. We need to keep the ball out of the middle of the field in the central third. Swinging the ball quickly through the 6 and the 10 will open up the attack so that outside backs and wingers can serve. (See diagram above.)

Good luck!

Theological Dialogue 21: The Value of Freedom

 In morality class we have been discussing the unfolding of Adam and Eve as well as the notion of freedom. 

Your human nature is comprised of two elements: your intellect and your freedom. Together, these elements make up your rational soul. They make you different from any other species on the planet, they make you the human that recognizes that they are human. 

Your intellect is thereby defined as the ability to recognize good vs. bad, and your freedom is the ability to choose. It is the power rooted in reason to make a choice. However, there is an unintended consequence of this freedom: evil. In other words, because you are free, you can choose to do the good, but you can also choose to do the bad. You can choose not to harm, or to harm, you are free after all...

For this reason, we more accurately understand the good to be that which leaves your intellect and freedom intact. Ultimately, it is in your nature to do good because it is in your nature to be free in both body and mind. If that is in fact the case then evil is anything that jeopardizes our freedom and intellect. It is the absence of the good that should be there by nature. In other words, the good upholds our nature and the evil is anything that jeopardizes it. We do evil when we choose to act against our freedom or impair our intellect. It is when we put ourselves in a situation in which we do something that we would have not otherwise done when our freedom and intellect were intact.

So your freedom exists in two fashions, both internally, and externally. Inner freedom is the ability to make decisions, external freedom is the ability to act on them. One can jeopardize their inner freedom with ignorance (a failure to recognize or find the truth) and duress (anything that impairs your intellect - stress, substances, etc...). When one's inner freedom is impaired they are unable to make decisions that align with their nature, with the good. External freedom is impaired when one lacks the ability to act. This could happen for an assortment of reasons: injuries, incarceration, etc...

The ultimate goal becomes the retention of one's freedom and intellect; however, we often lose sight of this fact. We lose sight of it because we take our freedom for granted, we do not recognize its importance until it is gone, and sometimes that moment happens too late. 

When we examine this struggle through the lens of Genesis, it becomes quite clear. Adam and Eve failed to recognize the beauty of the garden until it was gone. But it makes sense: when your reward for the good is that you simply get to keep doing the good, we don't see it as much of a reward at all. When the reward for their obedience was simply that they got to remain in the garden, that also did not seem like much of a reward. We are not particularly impressed when we are told that good decisions will keep everything the same, and this is why Adam and Eve were tempted by the character in the tree, he offered something that appeared to be an actual reward: immediate gratification - the opportunity to be like God. 

And for this reason, Adam and Eve gave up their freedom to this influence, and they lost the ability to continue life in the garden. I imagine the garden looked quite impressive from the outside.

For us, all too often, it is the same. We don't appreciate the reward of remaining free until our freedoms are taken away from us. But in reality, most good things work this way. What is the reward for working hard at your job? The fact that you get to come back the next day and do it again. What is the reward for winning? That you get to keep playing. What is the reward for staying faithful in your relationship? That you get to stay in it. More often than not, we fail to recognize that the biggest rewards in life are the continued ability to simply keep living it. 

We do not see all the freedoms we possess. We don't wake up and say things like: today I am free to not do meth, though you are because you don't suffer from an addiction to it. We don't wake up and say today I am free to go to school, though you are because you are not incarcerated or living in a place that prevents you from receiving an education. These freedoms are products of good decisions, and once we recognize that, we have a better understanding of how important they are. 

You see, the reward for doing the good is that you get to keep doing it. (And if we understand Aristotle correctly, the good allows us to be free and intellectual, and when we are free and intellectual we are happy, so in a lot of ways, the reward for doing good is that we get to continue to pursue happiness.) Unfortunately, the consequence of doing the bad is that we forgo our freedoms and our intellect. And sometimes, we get so deep in the bad that we can not longer choose not to do it. We give up our freedom in its totality. 

So if the reward for using our freedom well is that we remain free, shouldn't we do everything in our power to use our freedom well?

Because at the end of the day, is there really anything more valuable than freedom? I guarantee that anyone who has ever lost it would say, no.

Match Report: Mullen vs. Salida (Sept. 17th, 2021 @430 - Mullen Soccer Complex - No JV game)

  Match Report: Mullen vs. Salida, V@4:30 - Mullen Soccer Complex

3601 S. Lowell Blvd. Denver, CO 80236

Things to do: 

Kits (This is a home game, we are dark), socks, nutrition (Remember that this is a 4:30pm game, you need to eat food and have snacks, take care of your nutrition, don't eat nothing.)

Salida Strengths:

Salida has a forward this season whose movement is good, and he is pretty quick. They also have one central defender who can really play some football.

Additionally, Salida employs a nice low block that makes the counter difficult. A lot of the goals they have given up this season have been on shots from range.

Lastly, Salida has a history of success. They are hard working and are not going to step aside and just give in today. They are struggling, but they are a prideful program. They are going to be looking to get something out of this trip - an away goal, a low score - we will have to be sharp and play our game.

Salida weaknesses

Salida is down this year, and they are plagued by some injuries as well. The team coming up tonight is a combination of skill levels. They may not be able to field their best side, and that is going to have a psychological impact.

Additionally, Salida can not match us for size and strength. We are bigger, faster, and stronger than them, and we have to use that to our advantage. 

Additionally, on the tactical side of things, Salida's outside backs are prone to getting pulled inside and out of position. If the 7/11 are creative with their interior runs, there should be an inordinate amount of space on the flanks of the field to exploit. 

Mullen Strengths against Salida

Today we are going to start in the 3-4-3. This should be incredibly effective against the low block, and it will be good practice for our aerial threat. I want the ball pushed to the wings, and I want early service. 

Key points to remember while playing the 3-4-3:

1. The weakside is a wing to wing match up, and either the 7 or 11 must account for the weakside outside back if he is involved in the attack. 

2. The formation is designed to be played through the 6s, and for the ball to be switched often.

• Either the 6s can transition through the mid-field, or the 2 and send a big ball to either the 3 or the 11, and vice versa. 

3. The wings must support one another in the attack.

• Each wing back should provide a back post outlet for the opposite winger. We are looking to score wing back to wing back goals!

4. The 3-4-3 is a counter pressing formation, so we can not give away easy passes. Today we have to be clinical. 

• Attacking players are encouraged to try and penetrate the box - defensive players need to always be prepared for turn overs. 

5. We are trying to score out of the air. Send the ball in and fight to win it - we will need to be able to be effective in this attack as we enter league. 

Main Focus:

Capitalize in the final third

Counter quickly

Stay organized on defense

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.

    -Outside backs need to dribble at the DHS full backs and then distribute the ball into space or feet. One/Twos around the defense will be very effective.

3. Know the set pieces. Capitalize on set pieces. 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. It is a big field, don't fear the dynamic long ball.

6. Patience. We can't chase them all game. We will have to be okay giving up moments of possession in order to strike when the timing is right. Marking assignment and a high level of confrontation will be key!

7. We need to keep the ball out of the middle of the field in the central third. Swinging the ball quickly through the 6 and the 10 will open up the attack so that outside backs and wingers can serve. (See diagram above.)

Good luck!

Match Report: Mullen vs. Mesa Ridge (JV@4 at Mesa Ridge High School, Varsity@7 at EL POMAR YOUTH SPORTS CENTER)

 Match Report: Mullen vs. Mesa JV@4, V@7

(JV) Mesa Ridge High School: 6070 Mesa Ridge Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80911

(V) EL POMAR YOUTH SPORTS CENTER:

2212 EXECUTIVE CIRCLE, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO)

***Transportation Note: There will be two white buses going to the games. The JV bus will leave at 1:30 from Mullen for a 3 o'clock arrival. That bus will return after the JV game. The Varsity bus will leave at 4 o'clock and go straight to El Pomar. It will return to Mullen after the varsity game.

If you would like to drive your child, we would prefer you check in with their assigned coach before doing so. This way everyone is accounted for. Please check out all athletes that you will be taking home from games. 

Things to do: 

Kits (This is an away game, we are white), socks, transportation, nutrition (Remember that this is a 7pm game, you need to eat dinner and have snacks, take care of your nutrition, don't eat nothing.)

*Disclaimer: There is next to no data on this team. What you see below is a compellation of insights based on poor film and background knowledge on this team, and their opponents. 

Mesa Strengths:

Mesa Ridge is usually near the top of this southern league, and last spring they did manage to grab an automatic qualifying spot for the 16 team play off. 

Their primary strengths appear to lie in their technical ability, as well as their 1v1 quality. They are good tacklers, and they have good foot work. They will also be on their own turf. 

Additionally, they have proven that they have the ability to score goals; however, they have conceded a number of goals as well. Their primary contributor is number 10 who has 5 goals and 5 assists (good numbers) he is a junior. 16 is also influential. 4 goals and 2 assists. He is a sophomore. 

They are young and fit, so they'll be hungry. However, their youth will most likely lend to them allowing us control of the tempo of the game.

Mesa weaknesses

Mesa has two primary weaknesses.

1. They play a very flat defensive line. This makes recovery almost impossible. All they can do is chase. Against Pueblo, they found themselves caught in a footrace most of the game, one that they lost over and over again. As long as we can play the line well and remain on sides, dropping strikers and sending third runs, I think they are going to have a terrible time with our attack. 

However, with that said, they only conceded one goal to Erie (a very direct team) so they may have made some defensive adjustments or at least dropped their line deeper into the back field, both of which would have been used to combat direct football. With that said, we know that Erie prefers to go over the top in the middle, whereas Pueblo banged the corners, and creating width was a lot more successful. So when we attack, we need to go from the middle to the corners and back in.

2. The right side has been historically weak. Allow me a quick digression: when you watch the film against Pueblo, the camera has a hard time tracking the counter down the right flank; however, almost every time that Pueblo attacked from that side, the fans stood up and cheered for a goal that we never see. What does this tell us??? Possibly that the right side is a weak match up or that we can use our speed to exploit their defensive weaknesses. The only thing that is certain is that Mesa has a hard time tracking a ball back across the middle because their defense isn't build to follow runs. So attacking from either side should cause huge problems.

Lastly, as an aside, the keeper showed decently, but rebound a lot out in front of goal so our 6s need to remain positioned to pick up the garbage. 

Mullen Strengths against TVHS

Lately our counter attack and outside back play has been incredibly strong. These are things that we will need to continue to implement to be successful against Mesa. They also have not proven particularly organized, which should allow us to be effective on set pieces. Please don't forget about our counter throw, shown here (we have yet to use this effectively - please be heads up when their opportunity presents): 

Normal set pieces in effect (throws too), but see the diagram below for the movement on a counter throw form Jack: 

 When Jack picks up the ball at half, the 7 should make an inside run to goal, and the 10 should make a back post run (they should cross). Jack can look for either option. He can send the 7 in on goal (take it yourself or dish last minute) or look for the ten to penetrate and then bring the ball across the middle. This needs to be done quickly.

Furthermore, I would like to see us continue to try this overlap. It will added variety to our attack. We are switching the ball well, but we aren't exploiting this flank on the strong side as well as we can. Eli's observation was that the 2/3 needs to widen the run, chalk the boots, so their is more room for service. Simultaneously, the 7/11 needs to have this on their radar. Be anticipating the overlap. See diagram below:

In this example, when the six has the ball, the 7 makes an internal checking run that pulls the three out of position and inside. The two overlaps the 7, who turns and plays him the ball into the corner. If done effectively, the outside back should be able to penetrate unmarked. Further evolutions of this play also have the 7 play the ball back to the 6 who plays it through to the 2 on a third run, or the 7 plays the ball to the 10 who then plays the 2 through on a 3rd run. 

Lastly, Mesa has not shown to be particularly dangerous against good organization. If we are organized and avoid mistakes in the back, we should have a lot of success in Loveland tomorrow.

Main Focus:

Capitalize in the final third

Counter quickly

Stay organized on defense

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.

    -Outside backs need to dribble at the DHS full backs and then distribute the ball into space or feet. One/Twos around the defense will be very effective.

3. Know the set pieces. Capitalize on set pieces. 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. It is a big field, don't fear the dynamic long ball.

6. Patience. We can't chase them all game. We will have to be okay giving up moments of possession in order to strike when the timing is right. Marking assignment and a high level of confrontation will be key!

7. We need to keep the ball out of the middle of the field in the central third. Swinging the ball quickly through the 6 and the 10 will open up the attack so that outside backs and wingers can serve. (See diagram above.)

Good luck!

Match Report: Mullen vs. TVHS (Sept. 11@11)

 Match Report: Mullen vs. TVHS (Sept. 11, 2021 - V@11, JV@12:45) - Ray Patterson Stadium

• 1669 Eagle Dr, Loveland, CO 80537

Things to do: 

Kits (This is an away game, we are white), socks, transportation, nutrition (Remember that this is an 11 11 am game, you need to eat breakfast and snacks before the game, take care of your nutrition, don't eat nothing.)

TVHS Strengths:

Thompson Valley has some interesting results this season, and from the looks of it, they can play some football. They have a couple of players with nice footwork, and they move the ball well through the midfield.

TVHS' major strength seems to be their counter attack. They have players who can carry the ball at speed across the pitch, and they get into good positions to bring the ball across the middle and finish in front of goal.

Additionally, their 1v1 play in the corners has proven quite effective for them. They move around isolated players and do the right thing by bringing the ball low across the middle. Furthermore, the off ball runs have proven effective for them in that they are dynamic and differ from one player to the next. On the counter, TVHS can formulate multiple points of attack, which makes them dangerous.

Lastly, their front 3 have a tendency to linger, which is bad defensively, but allows them to spring an attack with numbers. (We simply need to exploit the space behind the wingers with our outside backs, and either force them to defend or score lot of goals...)

TVHS weaknesses

TVHS appears to have four primary weaknesses:

1. Their keeper is athletic but erratic. He is quick to come off his line, but not always in the appropriate circumstances. In other words, he has proven to be a questionable decision maker. These erratic movements have resulted in a number of mistakes where he is caught off his line or out of position for a ball coming across the middle or to the back post. For this reason, we need to bang the end lines and send in early service. If he comes out for the ball, there is a possibility that he will make a couple mistakes that we can consequently capitalize on.

2. TVHS appears to play a relatively narrow defensive game. Their outside backs and center backs are constantly getting sucked out of position and playing in one another's zones. Against Ponderosa, this proved especially problematic because there was so much space on the width of the field. Ponderosa had an inordinate amount of time to bring the ball down the line and serve it across the face of goal.

3. TVHS historically hasn't followed their marking assignments. They may play more defensively against us on Saturday on account of our differential, but for the most part their wingers just want to attack. They aren't defensive minded. This means that big switches of the ball and active outside backs will have a huge impact on the game. 

4. TVHS did not show to be particularly strong 1v1 in the back. Pondo was able to get around their outside backs and bring the ball across the face of the goal effectively

Mullen Strengths against TVHS

Lately our counter attack and outside back play has been incredibly strong. These are things that we will need to continue to implement to be successful against TVHS. They also have not proven particularly organized, which should allow us to be effective on set pieces. Please don't forget about our counter throw, shown here: 

Normal set pieces in effect (throws too), but see the diagram below for the movement on a counter throw form Jack: 

 When Jack picks up the ball at half, the 7 should make an inside run to goal, and the 10 should make a back post run (they should cross). Jack can look for either option. He can send the 7 in on goal (take it yourself or dish last minute) or look for the ten to penetrate and then bring the ball across the middle. This needs to be done quickly.

Additionally, while I feel like we have been switching the ball well, I would also like to see us use overlapping runs on the outside, especially if TVHS give us the same width that they have afforded others. See diagram below:

In this example, when the six has the ball, the 7 makes an internal checking run that pulls the three out of position and inside. The two overlaps the 7, who turns and plays him the ball into the corner. If done effectively, the outside back should be able to penetrate unmarked. Further evolutions of this play also have the 7 play the ball back to the 6 who plays it through to the 2 on a third run, or the 7 plays the ball to the 10 who then plays the 2 through on a 3rd run. 

Lastly, TVHS has not shown to be particularly dangerous against good organization. If we are organized and avoid mistakes in the back, we should have a lot of success in Loveland tomorrow.

Main Focus:

Capitalize in the final third

Counter quickly

Stay organized on defense

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.

    -Outside backs need to dribble at the DHS full backs and then distribute the ball into space or feet. One/Twos around the defense will be very effective.

3. Know the set pieces. Capitalize on set pieces. 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. It is a big field, don't fear the dynamic long ball.

6. Patience. We can't chase them all game. We will have to be okay giving up moments of possession in order to strike when the timing is right. Marking assignment and a high level of confrontation will be key!

7. We need to keep the ball out of the middle of the field in the central third. Swinging the ball quickly through the 6 and the 10 will open up the attack so that outside backs and wingers can serve. (See diagram above.)

Good luck!

Match Report: Mullen vs. D'evelyn (Sept. 8, 2021) JV@4pm - DHS, Varsity@7pm - NAAC

Match Report: Mullen vs. D'Evelyn (Sept. 8 JV@DHS - 4pm, V@NAAC -7pm) JV players arrive at the fields by 3:15, Varsity in C5 by 3:15, NAAC by 6pm.

• 19500 West 64th Parkway
• Arvada, CO 80403

Things to do: 

Kits (This is an away game, we are white), socks, transportation, nutrition (Remember that this is a 7pm game, you need to eat all day during school, snacks will be provided before the game, take care of your nutrition, don't eat nothing.)

Prologue:

Last week D'Evelyn played a marvelous game against Ponderosa. Personally, I thought that Pondo was the better of the two teams, but D'Evelyn executed a marvelous game plan. They remained in a low block, countered, kept possession and scored three relatively decent goals. I realize that predictions are presumptuous; however, if I were D'Evelyn's coach, and I had the track record that I did against Mullen over the last two months, then I would have used the Pondo game to see if the low block worked, and when it did (really well), I would have every reason to believe that it should be used again against us. So this is actually two match reports - one that prepares for the low block, and one that prepares for an open game. Thank you for your time.

Match Report 1 - Scenario: D'Evelyn tries to play a low block and counter 

D'Evelyn Strengths:

Against Ponderosa, D'Evelyn showed a great deal of discipline in this formation. They defended well, didn't make a lot of mistakes, and then countered off long balls out of the back and long punts from their keeper. When they gained possession in the final third, they were lucky, they moved the ball well, their footwork looked exceptional, and they were deadly in front of goal. Final score 3-0 at the NAAC.

D'Evelyn has a couple of players that can really play some nice football. They are fast, and good when isolated 1v1. They are also competitive. They stick to the formation and they do the right thing. That goes a long way. 

Lastly, D'Evelyn has nothing to lose. We've have scored something like 11 goals on them in two scrimmages, so there is next to no pressure on them. They will be seeking a reversal of fortune tonight, and they will probably do a lot to secure it. If we don't take this game very seriously, they will sneak up on us and find a way to be dangerous. The coaching is good, the players are good, and they know the territory well.

D'Evelyn Weaknesses: 

D'Evelyn has given up a fair share of goals already this season. Two games where they conceded three goals and lost each. They have vulnerabilities. From the early season and their results against 5A teams, they have shown to be particularly weak against speed, size and aggression. They want a softer game of football, and they are not going to get that from us.

Furthermore, their plan is built on a house of sand. Yes, they have the advantage of coming in with nothing to lose against us who has to prove our worth when it counts; however, if they concede one or two goals, they are going to slip right back into the previous narrative and the cracks in the armor are really going to show. Conceding early will be the worst thing for them, which means we have to be precise and deadly from the start.

Furthermore, the low block depends a lot on discipline, a lead, or an even score. They were able to remain in it against Pondo because they executed on the counter. You can't stay in a low block while you are losing so the plan only works if they can contain us. It depends on a lot of things going right for them. 

We know that they will get frustrated with one another (Especially their player Jack) and if they concede, they will have players that just want to go it alone and try to save the team. This will be a downfall.

In the end, the biggest weakness is that the assumed plan is fragile. It is our job to shatter it into lots of little pieces. 

Mullen Strengths against D'Evelyn   

We are the stronger, faster, fitter, and better team. However, that may have also been true against Ponderosa for them as well.

The biggest thing we will need to rely on tonight is organized defending, execution of set pieces, and precision finishing.

Defending

One of Pondo's downfalls was that they were lazy in the back each time D'Evelyn countered. They had the lion's share of the possession, but each time D'Evelyn came down, they were out of position (no one in cover) and their clearances were weak. D'Evelyn had some nice finishes, but on each goal, Pondo had opportunities to stop the attack long before it came to fruition. 

We will need to stay laser focused even if we are in strong possession of the ball. Remember the defensive mantra "Where am I and how can I prevent the counter when we turn over the ball?"

For that reason, if D'Evelyn gains possession in their attacking third, we will have numbers back to defend, and be in tight cover to prevent penetration via the 1v1. See the diagram below.

What you'll notice is that the defense is tightly bound on the ball (strong) side. If our outside back gets beat 1v1 then the CB is quick to cover and the other CB slides out of balance to provide new cover. When that occurs, one 6 needs to drop and become the new balance. You will also see that the weakside 11 is dropped to cover the switch since our 4 defenders will be playing a little closer together. D'Evelyn is strongest against a defense that is spread out and easy to penetrate.

Attacking

Attacking against a low block can be tricky (...first half of the Erie game) but when done right, good teams can be effective. For movement, see the diagram below:

I know this looks complicated, but just pay attention to the passes and the movement. Against the low block (when in possession) both the 9 and 10 act like strikers. They need to focus on two moves: one, recycling a run back to the top of the 18 to provide an aerial threat, and two, moving to the corners to slip in behind the outside backs. The seven and 11 post up on the corners of the 18, turn, try to penetrate and shoot. We are looking for well placed shots, deflections and quick passes into the strikers. Lastly, you can see that the outside back and the six play a key role in the movement, so they must be elevated. The 6 needs to swing the ball quick from flank to flank or look to fire. The outside backs need to send balls in, look for the 7/11 at their feet (make those courageous passes), and look to play to the corners when the 9 and 10 move wide. 

You will also see that one 6 needs to stay home to move and cut of the counter.

Teams that breakdown the low block really well (city and liverpool) do so because they are dynamic. They are constantly moving through it. Teams that don't (aston villa) struggle because they are too one dimensional. Be creative, keep trying, and don't get frustrated.

Set Pieces

Normal set pieces in effect (throws too), but see the diagram below for the movement on a counter throw form Jack: 

 When Jack picks up the ball at half, the 7 should make an inside run to goal, and the 10 should make a back post run (they should cross). Jack can look for either option. He can send the 7 in on goal (take it yourself or dish last minute) or look for the ten to penetrate and then bring the ball across the middle. This needs to be done quickly.

Main Focus:

Capitalize in the final third

Counter quickly

Stay organized on defense

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.

    -Outside backs need to dribble at the DHS full backs and then distribute the ball into space or feet. One/Twos around the defense will be very effective.

3. Know the set pieces. Capitalize on set pieces. 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. It is a big field, don't fear the dynamic long ball.

6. Patience. We can't chase them all game. We will have to be okay giving up moments of possession in order to strike when the timing is right. Marking assignment and a high level of confrontation will be key!

7. We need to keep the ball out of the middle of the field in the central third. Swinging the ball quickly through the 6 and the 10 will open up the attack so that outside backs and wingers can serve. (See diagram above.)

Match Report 2 - Scenario: D'Evelyn plays an open game with us

Game plan: Play hard, dominate. Just play our soccer, and we will thrash them.

Good luck!

Match Report: Mullen vs. Ralston Valley (Sept. 3, 2021 @4:30)

 Match Report: Mullen vs. Ralston Valley (Sept. 3 @4:30) JV players arrive at the fields by 3:30, Varsity in C5 by 3:15

3601 S Lowell Blvd. Denver, CO 80236

Things to do: 

Kits (This is a home game, we are dark), socks, transportation, nutrition (Remember that this is a 4:30 game, you need to eat all day during school, snacks will be provided before the game, take care of your nutrition, don't eat nothing.)

RV Strengths

Ralston Valley does the right thing. More than anything, this is RV's biggest strength. From the games that I have seen, they play a very structured 3-5-2, they move the ball wide quickly and then they send it back in when they have time. This happens in one of two ways: they will either play direct to the feet of the forwards, who are quite talented on the ball, or they will send the ball into the back post. The reason why this has the potential to be effective is that it results in them rarely losing the ball on the flanks, it creates opportunities in front of goal, and it keeps the wingers in a conservative position on the chance that they don't score. In other words, the system does not have a lot of creativity (other than the top two), but at the same time it is not vulnerable to a slow build up either. Players have time to find their defensive position. 

Additionally, with time, RV passes and counters exceptionally well. They aren't selfish with the ball, and in their win over Stanley in overtime, they completed five passes, two of which occurred right in front of goal, before knocking it in the back of the net. 

On set pieces (particularly corners) RV sends in a lot of players. It doesn't appear that they have particular plays, but they are hoping for a quantity advantage. Furthermore, they have one player who masterfully lingers in the box after set plays. He has a couple goals this season from just poaching the ball back in. This works with their system due to the fact that when a set piece appears to break down and swing wide, they send it immediately back in without hesitation. Teams clearing the box are unprepared for the quick service, and they are moving away from goal while the RV players are still in position to score.

Lastly, they have a couple of guys up top who really have some nice footwork (19, 9 and 13). They aren't afraid to dribble and they want to find that foul on top of the box. Additionally, their right winger can really play smart and fast.

Also, number 2, their center center back can really play. His counter parts are weaker.

RV Weaknesses

RV has also played their last two games in a 3-5-2, and we know that this can be a vulnerable formation. The three in the back are susceptible to counter attacks, and naturally find themselves in a number of 1v1 scenarios. 

Additionally, this formation is very technical and relies heavily on everyone doing the right thing at the right time defensively. If their wingers do not track back on the weak side, then a quick switch of the ball can easily overload the defense and create numbers up situations. They have lost both games on this quick switch of the attack.

RV's structure also lacks creativity. They rely heavily on their forwards to create opportunities, so if they are well covered and a defense is well organized, the forwards are easier to contain. Historically, RV has proven best when they have time to play the type of football they want to play. A high pressure counter press system in which we establish a high line of confrontation on their wingers should keep them pressed back and really limit their service.  

Another potential weakness is the fact that they have two goalies, one of whom is really popular, but super erratic, and the other is athletic and fast off his line (the better of the two in my opinion) but he is small. He is prone to mistakes and he really struggles to cover the width of the goal. Shots to the low corners have proven pretty effective. 

Lastly, these guys have played a lot of football. I think all three of their games have gone to overtime, and that can be psychologically trying. If we get up on them early, they are going to struggle to fight their way back in. 

Mullen Strengths over RV

Just like TJ both our speed and organization are going to be elemental. Moving the ball quickly against the 3-5-2 in order to find a gap between their midfield and defense will allow us to address players 1v1 and create goal scoring opportunities. When we have the chance, we want to counter against this formation.

Against TJ we did well to switch the ball quickly through the midfield. This will be paramount again. Moving the ball from the strong side to the weakside with pace will allow us to overload defenders and create space. 

Additionally, we will change the line up slightly to try and create an attacking overload on the left side of the field again. This will allow for a quick long throw on the left. If our outside backs are heavily involved in play, this will either pin RV back, or expose open space. Either way is advantageous. Please see first diagram below:

 

As you can see, the 2 and 7 both penetrate the attack, overloading the weakside. The 3 should look to play an early ball into the back post for the 2 to go to goal or drop back to the 7, and the 11 should look to attack the end line and play the ball across the middle, or play the cross in from outside the box. This structure landed us a handful of successful set pieces against TJ. We need to try and replicate that.

Don't forget, when we do this, we have to make sure we are covered defensively to prevent the counter. Please see the next diagram below: 

In this case, when the outside back attacks, one of the 6s needs to be prepared to cover. As you can see, if the center back goes to pressure on the counter then the 6 drops to the middle into cover. (Green arrows) and if the six goes to pressure, the CB remains in cover. (Black arrows.)

We have a great defensive record currently. However, in watching the film of TJ, after we got up early, we did slip into a slight state of complacency. Passes got sloppy, as did clearances, especially out of the back. Andrew D on our tactical team has identified this exact issue in the cemetery of lost games. We need to stay focused and hungry regardless of score and regardless of whether it is the 2nd minute or the 79th.

New addition: Possible Scenarios for consideration

It is important to keep in mind that RV has been in the 3-5-2 the last couple of games but has not found a lot of success. One of a couple scenarios might occur: because they have been close to winning, they might keep trying and change nothing based on the hope of things clicking. However, based on our record and differential, they might come out today to defend. That doesn't totally seem like the coaches style, but if it is the case, set pieces and early service will be paramount. Remember, whatever style we come up against, we have to remain patient, continue to try to penetrate, and truth one another. This season teams will try to frustrate us, and we have to prove dynamic. Be ready for any kind of football today, we have to protect the house. 

 

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.

    -Outside backs need to dribble at the RV full backs and then distribute the ball into space or feet. One/Twos around the defense will be very effective.

3. Know the set pieces. Capitalize on set pieces. 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. It is a big field, don't fear the dynamic long ball.

6. Patience. We can't chase them all game. We will have to be okay giving up moments of possession in order to strike when the timing is right. Marking assignment and a high level of confrontation will be key!

7. We need to keep the ball out of the middle of the field in the central third. Swinging the ball quickly through the 6 and the 10 will open up the attack so that outside backs and wingers can serve. (See diagram above.)

Good luck!

Match Report: Mullen vs. Thomas Jefferson Sept. 1, 2021 (JV@4, V@5:30) Thomas Jefferson High School Stadium

 Match Report: Mullen vs. TJ (Sept. 1 @4,5:30) JV players arrive by 3, Varsity by 4:15

3950 S Holly St, Denver, CO 80237

Things to do: 

Kits (This is an away game, all white), socks, transportation, nutrition (Remember that this is a 5:30 game, you need to eat all day during school, snacks will be provided before the game, take care of your nutrition, don't eat nothing.)

TJ Strengths

TJ has scored a lot of goals. 

TJ's main strengths come in their opportunistic nature and the fact that they are decent finishers in front of goal. In both games their high press resulted in a lot of defensive mistakes that they turned into goal scoring opportunities. They have some speed up top, so they can finish on the break away, but they can also shoot out of the midfield, and they will. Against Alameda they scored in a variety of ways: set pieces, counters and long range shots. Alameda was not really prepared for how dynamic they were able to be. 

Additionally, TJ has some creative players who are technically talented. They dribble the ball well, and they tackle well. TJ also plays their formation (at least in the attack) the way they are supposed to. When in possession, they quickly move the ball wide, and they are quick to spring the ball over the top as well. They have one forward who is fast and will push the offside boundaries. He doesn't care. He will risk offsides numerous times for the one time he gets through.

Lastly, TJ has some creative set pieces and we need to be prepared. They play quick and catch teams off guard. 

TJ Weaknesses

TJ has played their last two games in a 3-5-2, and we know that this can be a vulnerable formation. The three in the back are susceptible to counter attacks, and naturally find themselves in a number of 1v1 scenarios. 

Additionally, this formation is very technical and relies heavily on everyone doing the right thing at the right time defensively. If their wingers do not track back on the weak side, then a quick switch of the ball can easily overload the defense and create numbers up situations. 

Lastly, though TJ has been impressive thus far, a +15 differential, I do not think that they have seen particularly strong competition. A fast game and a lot of pressure will be a lot for them to handle all at once. They have been on the front foot of both game they have played, so it will be interesting to see how they react when the balance shifts. Often teams can be caught off guard or found unprepared for a significant shift in competition. 

Mullen Strengths over Erie

Both our speed and organization are going to be elemental. Moving the ball quickly against the 3-5-2 in order to find a gap between their midfield and defense will allow us to address players 1v1 and create goal scoring opportunities. When we have the chance, we want to counter against this formation.

Against Erie we did well to switch the ball quickly through the midfield. This will be paramount against TJ. Moving the ball from the strong side to the weakside with pace will allow us to overload defenders and create space. 

Additionally, we will change the line up slightly to try and create an attacking overload on the left side of the field going in. Our 11 and our 3 need to look to switch the ball quickly so as to create 2v1s on the weak side. If our outside backs are heavily involved in play, this will either pin TJ back, or expose open space. Either way is advantageous. Please see first diagram below:

 

As you can see, the 2 and 7 both penetrate the attack, overloading the weakside. The 3 should look to play an early ball into the back post for the 2 to go to goal or drop back to the 7, and the 11 should look to attack the end line and play the ball across the middle, or play the cross in from outside the box. 

However, when we do this, we have to make sure we are covered defensively to prevent the counter. Please see the next diagram below: 

In this case, when the outside back attacks, one of the 6s needs to be prepared to cover. As you can see, if the center back goes to pressure on the counter then the 6 drops to the middle into cover. (Green arrows) and if the six goes to pressure, the CB remains in cover. (Black arrows.)

We have been really strong, smart and focused in the back. Zero goals against. That will be even more important today against and overloaded attack. Remember, both teams we have played so far have really sat in on us. I think TJ might come to play. 

 

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.

    -Outside backs need to dribble at the TJ full backs and then distribute the ball into space or feet. One/Twos around the defense will be very effective.

3. Capitalize on set pieces. 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. It is a big field, don't fear the dynamic long ball.

6. Patience. We can't chase them all game. We will have to be okay giving up moments of possession in order to strike when the timing is right. Marking assignment and a high level of confrontation will be key!

7. We need to keep the ball out of the middle of the field in the central third. Swinging the ball quickly through the 6 and the 10 will open up the attack so that outside backs and wingers can serve. (See diagram above.)

Good luck!