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.
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!
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