Match Report: Playoff - Game 4 (Semi finals) - Mullen vs. Battle Mountain Part 2

Match Report: Mullen vs. Battle Mountain (V@5:30pm @ Legacy Stadium)

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

Preface: Before you do anything, you need to go back and read the initial match report with Battle Mountain. Everything still applies.

https://theodialogue.blogspot.com/2021/08/match-report-mullen-vs-battle-mountain.html

Breakdown of game 1: Mullen vs. Battle Mountain (August) 

Battle came out in our first game with 5 in the back and prioritized defense. We were dangerous in the first half, but we were not converting on set pieces (we had very little experience with them at that point), or in front of goal. We did not use our long throw once during that game (Which means they know about it, but haven't had to defend against it, and those are two very different things).

Additionally, we lacked chemistry, and the inside run. We probably could have gone up three in the first half if we had just gotten inside our defender. 

In the second half, we played faster, and we played more direct. We didn't allow their defense to get set, and that played a key role in our success. 

Lastly, throughout the whole game, we defended marvelously. We hit our marking assignments, 6's got behind the ball, and our press often pushed Battle Mountain backwards into their own half. 

If we can capitalize on our throw and on our set pieces, and we can keep the game fast and direct, we will have a huge advantage in this game. 

Breakdown of game 2: TCA vs. Battle (final game of the season)

In the first half of this game, TCA scored in the opening minutes off a long throw... for some reason, they never used it again. Battle failed to clear and the ball was poked in. For most of this half TCA stepped to the ball, won it, and played on the front foot. Battle struggled.

However, in the second half, TCA gave battle a lot of time. They pulled back the press, allowed them to work the ball around at the top of the final third, and put zero pressure on the outside backs. They gave away free kicks and set pieces and were lucky to get out of the half with a shut out. 

Breakdown of game 3: TCA vs. Battle (quarter finals)

Battle scored 3 goals in the first half of this game. From what I understand, they came out and played a high line with a very direct game of football. In other words, they simulated the second half of the first match up between these two teams. They had too much time and exploited TCA's weak goal keeper. TCA was forced to play on the back foot and just take the pressure.

This gave Battle a huge advantage. With time, they can just be wicked. 

Overall themes:

Much like at the beginning of the season, Battle still seems to struggle with fast direct soccer. However, when they aren't pressed, when defenses don't recover, and when they are given too much time, they are just wicked. Tonight, we need to play on the front foot. We need to play together and push the game forward, and we need to hit our marking assignments in the middle of the park and on the wings at pace. We can not allow Battle the time to move through us or get shots on goal.

Battle's New Weapons: 

1. Battle is doing everything fast. Their press, their passing, and especially their set pieces. We have to be organized and in position, and we always have to be prepped for the ball in. If they have two at a corner, we send 2. (Bryce and the strong side winger)

2. Against TCA, they were finding the big switching ball from the outside back to the winger, or wing to wing. They are then trying to cut inside and shot. Our shift needs to be prepared and quick, and our weakside winger needs to share the marking assignment. This will also allow us to counter quickly.

Keys to success: 

1. Our press needs to be organized and mechanical. We can not miss marking assignments this game. If we are on top of Battle, they will push the ball backwards. They thrive with time, we need to take it from them.

2. We have to win the first ball out of the air! This will prevent Battle from getting forward and developing an attack.

3. We have to get inside our defender on the counter run. See film below:

As you can see, once we win the ball, Bryce pushes the run inside, but Jack remains on course outside of his defender. Tonight, we have to make the run inside that outside back to get in on goal. In our first match up with them, an inside run would of put us on goal a handful of times.

Avoiding Mistakes:

1. Battle is talented in possession and very good 1v1. We need to contain on the initial press and then win the 1v1. No diving in tonight!

2. Everyone needs to recover behind the ball. Battle has a couple players who can shoot, and if we fail to recover, we play right into their strengths.

3. Let's be conservative out of the back. We have the strength and speed advantage. It is okay for us to go out big and then fight to win the ball back up field.

Throw ins:

*As noted, we didn't use our long throw against Battle. That is a good weapon for us to have. Let's take advantage of it tonight. However, since this is a big field, don't be afraid to look for the counter throw. If we get a chance to move quickly down the line, take it. But be smart. If it isn't on, just wait for the switch and we will run a play.

Good luck!!!