Mullen vs. Parker Lutheran (3/22/22)

 Match Report: Mullen vs. Lutheran 

Times: JV@4, V@6 (JV arrive by 3, V arrive by 4:45)

Location: Parker Lutheran

11249 Newlin Gulch Blvd, Parker, CO 80134

Pre-game analysis:

We played Lutheran on the last night of our winter indoor season, the score was 4-2 in their favor.

Here is the breakdown of goals:

Goal 1: Failed clearance: There was an initial save, and the ball bounced around in the box. We failed to close down the shooter and clear the ball effectively. The Lutheran forward was able to smash the ball in from about 10 out.

Goal 2: Give away in the back: we made an errant central pass to the top of the 18 that was picked off by a Lutheran forward, giving her the opportunity to go 1v1 with the keeper.

Goal 3: Converted rebound: We failed to close down a shooter from range, our keeper made the initial save on the shot from distance, but a runner at the back post tapped in the rebound. She was unmarked.

Goal 4: Shot from range: We lost the ball at half, failed to close down the shooter, and she jacked a shot into the upper 90 from about 30-35 out.

All of these goals center around two particular themes. One, we failed to take good care of the ball, and two, we missed our marking assignments (closing down shooters and covering runs at the back post).

Tonight our focus needs to be on those two elements, defensively. We need to make sure that we are executing clearances (even if we have to be somewhat conservative in the back - when in doubt, boot it out), we need to not turn over the ball in our defensive third (smart, clinical passing), and we need to follow our marks.

A shut out is the goal.

Lutheran Strengths:

Lutheran has a couple of girls that can play, and when given the opportunity, they can hit a nice shot on goal. They have a central defender that is vocal, and has some speed. They also have a couple attacking players, primarily number seven, that have some good foot work, and can get in on goal given the opportunity. 

And there in lies their biggest strength. This Lutheran team is gritty and they hustle. From my observations, they are not as creative as they are opportunistic. When it comes to creating chances, I haven't seen a lot of that, but when it comes to capitalizing on chances that are presented to them (tap ins, shots from range, poor clearances, bad passes in the backfield) They are marvelous. This probably stems from the fact that they are not incredibly technically strong, but they make up for it by working hard and executing their opportunities. 

The fewer chances we give them, the better. If we close down quickly, if we don't dive in, and if we stay organized, we should be able to keep them out of the back of the net.

Lutheran Weaknesses:

From what I can see, Lutheran struggles technically, and they don't have a deep 11. The stratification of talent in their starting line up is big. In other words, there is a bigger gap between their strongest player and their weakest player at the varsity level. Therefore, we have the ability to capitalize on some of these weaknesses.

First, their defensive line. The two center backs are bigger, and aggressive, but not as technically sound. Additionally, there is a drop off in their outside backs. They struggle technically and they struggle to play fast. If we pressure the ball to the outsides and press the backs, we should be able to capitalize on turn overs.

The midfield can move the ball, but well positioned players will be able to easily cut off passes. If we keep our shape and don't get pulled out of position, Lutheran will just give us the ball in the middle of the park. 

Finally, their attack is probably the strongest part of their team, but they struggled against a weak (but somewhat well organized KIPP collegiate) If we close down players and prevent shots from outside, they will have very few options going forward.

*The goalie seems inconsistent and prone to mistakes. Taking shots, following them, and capitalizing on set pieces will be our keys to success when it comes to exploiting Lutheran weaknesses.

Mullen keys to victory:

1. Attack the space with our first touch, and be open to pushing the game forward.

Prior to this moment, we force a bad pass into the middle, where Kee turns and transitions the ball out. As it returns, we move it nicely across the field; however, when it arrives back at our outside back, our touch fails to give us forward momentum. Megan needs to attack that space and draw defenders in order to play the ball in behind them. The hesitation allows Horizon to remain compact and double our attacker trying to win the ball on the line. Our first touch needs to be open to progress, and then we can cut back if it isn't on. But the threat of advancing will commit the defense and pull them out of shape opening lanes in behind. 

2. Take the open space, communicate, don't turn into players. PROTECT THE BALL.

As you can see here, our shift and press is really strong. As the ball transitions through the midfield, Kee (Our 10) pushes the ball along to the outside back, and Kate presses the outside back. We take the ball over in the middle with a strong tackle, and find our outlet. However, instead of taking the open space, Kee turns into the player on the blindside over her shoulder. We need to communicate to her to take the space and also indicate that there is a "man on". When turning and attacking, keep your body between the ball and player. 

3. Track our marking assignments and press. Wingers, press the outside backs hard, and outside backs, press their wingers.

4. Outside backs, get involved in the attack.

5. Conservative play in the back, strong clearances, close down shots.

No shots on goal = shutout

Good luck!