Match Report: Mullen vs. Cheyenne Mountain @1pm - 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 1:00pm game, you need to eat food and have snacks, take care of your nutrition, don't eat nothing.) Arrival 11:00am
Prologue: This match report will again look slightly different based on what we have seen from Cheyenne Mountain - It will be broken into various scenarios with reflections on how to approach each of them.
Scenario 1: Cheyenne Mountain Plays in a low block
If this is the case, CM will attempt to keep as many players back as possible. They will then probably play a big ball out and look to counter. The easiest way to prevent this attack is to make sure that we are winning the first ball, out of the air, as it crosses half. Additionally, if they do decide to block, we have to remember to stay patient and in possession of the ball. We don't force anything against the block. Please see the previous match report for highlights against the low block:
https://theodialogue.blogspot.com/2021/11/match-report-playoffs-game-2-mullen.html
Reminders:
When playing against a low block, do the following -
1. Attack the block
2. Swing the ball through the 6's, and play courageous passes into feet
3. Shoot from outside (find deflections or just bang it in)
4. Send in balls from the outside backs (wingers, forwards and weakside backs must get in)
5. Take the outside, get to the end line and bring the ball across the middle.
We can beat a well organized defense, we just have to do it the right way. We can't force our will on the game, we need to take what it gives us.
Scenario 2: Cheyenne Mountain plays a more conservative version of their current formation (the wing backs stay in the back field)
This very well could be CM's approach to the game tomorrow. They won't want to forfeit their entire attack; however, they might try to play more conservatively out of the back and hold their drifting player. If this happens, then we employ our normal press, and we look to play direct. In scenario two, the approach to the game is exactly the same as in the game against Mead. We take care of the ball on turn overs, and we push the game. Remember, if they keep four or five players back, then we need to focus on our attacking movements, and the wings need to tuck into the half-space so that the wing backs can get elevated. Remember, we are not playing long ball in the scenario, we are just playing a more direct version of our normal tiki-taka futbol.
Additionally, if they are holding a flat line, then we just need to look for opportunities to get in behind the line. Attackers should make horizontal runs across the line and then break free when the ball comes through. We should also look to play into the feet of the 9 and 10, so that they can recycle the ball and we can capitalize on the 3rd run made by the 7 and 11. The higher they hold the line, the more important this initial ball into the feet of the 9 and 10 becomes.
Scenario 3: Cheyenne Mountain plays the type of futbol they have played all season, and they allow the wing back to drift into the attack as he sees fit, consequently morphing into the 3-5-2
If this is their approach, it will probably be the most effective style of play. In scenario three, we need to play as if we are defending a 3-5-2, and we need to attack the weakside of the game and in behind the drifting wingback.
Key components in this scenario:
1. The weakside wing must cover the drifting wingback. This becomes a "wing to wing" match up
2. The strong side wing needs to press the strong side central back while our outside back needs to press the strongside wing. That means that wingers should pressure the outside center back while cutting off the pass to the "wing back" or winger.
3. Move the ball quickly at a diagonal through the midfield (6's and 10's), or cut back against the grain of play and send a ball in behind the drifting wingback (6's and CB's)
***When the ball is on the side of the drifting player, it creates a strange attacking dynamic, which can appear problematic for our press. Theoretically, if our winger is pressing the strong side center back, and our outside back is pressing the wingback, then the winger would be left free. In CM case, that winger acts a lot like a forward so this isn't particularly problematic, but nonetheless, if the winger drifts to the side line of the strong side, the pressing outside back needs to attempt to cut off the pass with pressure, and our strong side center back needs to account for the CM winger. When our center back gets pulled outside, one of our 6's must make a hard and committed drop into the middle and become our new center back. In order to account for this scenario, it is like we are shifting into a 5 in the back. (This is good to practice, because we will have to do the same thing if we are defending a drifting forward in a real 3-5-2)
If we can nail this press, CM will have a very difficult time getting forward. Also, the more involved our wingers and wing backs are in the game (getting elevated), the more CM will have to play in their own final third.
Final Note Regarding the Above:
Remember that CM has really struggled against direct teams with a talented and dynamic attack. If we play slow, it will give them the opportunity to recover and organize, and they are good when they are in the back. We need to win the first ball, and attack the defense before they can get back into shape. This is where we will be most effective, no matter what scenario we encounter.
Don't forget:
1. Number 7 has scored all their playoff goals, from range. He is hot, and given the chance to shoot, he'll take it. Close down shots.
2. Their goalie is quick off his line and will clear the ball. Balls over the middle won't be effective. But if you can beat him to a ball, tap it around and tap it in.
3. They have struggled against organized defenses all season. If we are clinical, they won't score.
For our set pieces-
1. Know the set pieces and execute them.
1.5 - remember that one should be on, we just play it a little higher.
2. Get numbers in. In part I thought that getting in front of the keeper on throws was valuable, and it is; however, the biggest key to our success, according to our film, on the throw is getting numbers in the box.
Main Focus:
High pressure on the CM defense (they will send the ball out for throw ins)
Capitalize in the final third
Counter quickly
Stay organized on defense - 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 CM 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!
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