I don't generally give Jorge Salcedo a ton of credit, but boy, am I glad that he chooses not to shuttle in substitutes like that. With some of the benches he's had, he must've been tempted to. Considering how much more talented they were last year, I'm not sure this comparison means much. If the current team is going to succeed (and I think it can), it needs to be more down-to-earth and consistent. That's why I was a little disappointed to see Wiet and Sofia each being largely responsible for giving away a goal to Maryland. Those are good, veteran defenders who need to be rock solid.
You make very good points on both Salcedo's subbing discipline (I too rarely give him much credit) and what UCLA needs to do this year. They do need to be consistent. My only point is that they often seem to get off to slow starts and improve greatly throughout the year. But, given the talent that left last year, you make a strong point that they may not be able to dramatically improve this year if they're inconsistent early. I tend to think the defense will settle in and perform better though. It's controlling the midfield and consistent production up top, that I'm still unsure about for them in the long run this year.
last year I think part of the reason we got off to a slow start is that we changed systems to a much more possession oriented system. This year we seem to be changing back and abandoning a lot of the possession oriented approach from last year in favor of a more direct style. It may just be working the kinks out on that.
Bruins got the game of the week this weekend against UCI. Season so far has been a big learning experience for the boys IMO. All important lessons to learn once the tourney gets here: UCLA Game of the Week
I haven't had a chance to see the Bruin boys yet live but have seen them play via the PAC 12 Network and via internet streaming. But here's my two cents FYIW: Of biggest concern, with the exception of new Bruin Max Estrada is the lack of contribution off the Bruin bench as well what in my opinion has been the inconsistent play of it's seniors, notably Hollingshead and Raynr. If the Bruins are to have any notable success this year, these guys need to step up contribute. Hollingshead has been IMHO absolutely abysmal in front of the goal, missing a number of "sitters" in the UVA and Tulsa matches and at least one in yesterday's match vs. Irvine. Not the play of what I would expect of a seasoned senior player. I am also concerned about his inability to apportion his work rate thru a match as well as recover for back to back games. He appears to become gassed very easily and it was clear from his game yesterday that he was experiencing the effects of playing a full 90 on Friday night vs. Tulsa. (again -- perhaps a result of no midfield bench depth) Raynr was quiet in each of the East Coast games and one might argue had little impact on the Tulsa match. However yesterday he was effective but his inconsistent play and tendency to come up missing in games is really disappointing. I just don't get that mindset knowing that perhaps this may be a final year in the game. Of all of the seniors, Monge has been the exception and IMHO was the player of the game yesterday. I am still on the fence regarding Cummings with his tendency to not track back and sloppy passing. He made a huge passing turnover yesterday that almost cost a goal had not Cervantes made a brillant save. I also recall UVA hitting the cross bar when he was torched on the left side getting caught upfield after being late to track back . Other observations: What's the story on Chavez and Matchet? I surmise each are hurt? Sophomore McKenna looks lost and is a poster boy regarding the lack of midfield/forward bench depth. Will Munoz find his 2011 form? Is there a GK controversy "bruin" with the stellar performances thus far for the freshman Cervantes? Pleasant problem to have for sure! Lots of question marks for this Bruin team. But a decent start after losing 6 starters and undertaking what clearly is one of the toughest schedules in the country for sure.
Amazing how a 3 game win streak can put that slow start in the rear view mirror. Estrada's emergence has been huge. Is there a keeper controversy? Is Edwards still injured or is Cervantes' good form keeping him on the bench? Cervantes did not look great against Maryland but that was a tough game. He has really played well in the 3 games since then. Very impressive. Hollingshead and Raynr looked good against Maryland in my opinion so maybe they are just suffering some inconsistency. Form is temporary class is permanent etc etc
My understanding is that Chavez and Matchet are both injured. Chavez has apparently had a hamstring that's been bothering him since pre-season and he's still apparently not 100%. I thought the announcers also said Matchet is injured (maybe hamstring as well?). I haven't seen all the UCLA games, so can't comment on the full body of work, but thought Raynr has generally looked to be the most creative force in the midfield. Can't speak to the game to game inconsistency point with him as he's looked dangerous in each of the games I've seen, though he does tend to disappear for stretches. Agree that Hollingshead has not been in top form and that Monge has looked solid. I thought Monge had a great game yesterday, beyond just the goal. One other thing, which someone wrote about previously, the back four have looked more suspect than I thought they would, and that was true again yesterday. That said, I'm still of the view that UCLA will sort that out. With the recent emergence of Estrada up-front, it is really the performance of the midfield going forward that is still up in the air for me. I do think the come from behind win yesterday will be helpful for this team's development. They didn't play the best game, but managed to grind out a win when their backs were against the wall. That's important for a team who is still trying to figure out their identity. I think the potential is there for this team to improve tremendously provided their starters stay healthy, but as you suggested on the other board, the lack of depth could be their ultimate downfall.
All good points. Now that you mention it, I now recall the PAC 12 announcers stating that Matchet has been hurt. As for the back line - I too think that will sort out. What I am seeing in regards to that is the sloppy midfield play with a high rate of turn-overs by the midfield and the reluctance of the player quilty of making the turnover to track back and attempt to regain the ball. Couple that with a player of Andy Rose's quality not being in the DMid Spot....it appears the back line is getting caught forward or flat giving the appearance of being vulnerable.
This also came to mind regarding the back line's slow start. the absence of Kenny Arena. I gotta believe he had a lot to do with the coaching of the UCLA defenders in recent years.
I couldn't agree more about he how the tactical changes have helped the team. Props to coach Salcedo on recognizing the problem and actually doing something about this. Tough early schedule is proving to be beneficial for the squad. Article: UCLA's defense begins with offense
I think it's also worth noting that the Maryland game where we allowed 2 goals was also tied for the least amount Maryland has scored all season with their game against Penn State where they scored 2. Maryland has been freaking rolling teams (Louisville 3-0, Cal 6-0, BC 4-0). So it really wasn't a bad defensive performance at all. UCSB is going to be a tough road game so it will be interesting to see if UCLA continues to play possession or reverts to playing more direct like they did in the first few games of the season.
So funny. When I was watching the game and saw the goal, I immediately thought of your Stoke City post from the Maryland game. The defense seems to be coming along. Other than getting torched by Boatang on that one run (wow that kid has wheels!), I thought the defense looked pretty solid. UCLA had some chances they should have put away and both sides missed game winners in overtime (UCLA had 2, UCSB one of them).
YEah Boateng has got wheels. Wow. That kid is going to MLS for sure. Hollingshead also should've scored on his 1v1 with the keeper in the 21st minute. I'm impressed that we played possession unlike the Maryland game. Seems like we are back in the swing of things.
Until the Bruins finish their chances, they will continue to draw or lose close matches. Boateng is very special and it was only a matter of time until he broke lose. However, anybody besides me see that the Bruin RB (Howe) was late to cover lending zero weakside support? Freshman mistake.... Entertaining game though and both teams were clearly spent after the match.
Agree they are struggling with finishing. On the bright side for them, they're creating lots of quality chances which i feel like is harder than figuring out finishing them. I didn't notice the late covering by Howe, I was just so focused on how he Boateng was running by them like they were jogging (which I know they weren't, he was just flying). I think it's hard to prepare for someone who can make a run like that if you've never really faced it before. And even then . . .
Anyone else other than me coming out to UCLA @ Stanfurd this Friday? I am really looking forward to this clash of styles between Gunn's anti-football and Salcedo's possession system. Maybe we will get another wonder goal like Shawn Singh's last year
Unlikely I'll get to the Stanford game, it being during the work day and way down in the south bay. I will record and check it out on Pac-12 network. I will definitely be at the Cal v. UCLA game on Sunday though.
Pretty accurate comment on the Bruin shortcomings by Eskilson at TDS touching on a theme that I been harping on since the summer. http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/coll...ecap:-does-the-west-have-a-contender_aid26559 Defensively, the Bruins have seemed to have found their form ( 1 goal allowed in the run of play since playing Md.) but the lack of goal production is chronic, especially those scored in the run of play. The usual senior suspect(s) (who shall remain nameless at the risk of being accused of picking on players) have continued with their inconsistent play. Getting a result vs Stanford will be huge - Can the Bruins, with their lack of bench depth and contribution (yet another aforementioned theme), cope with the hacking strategy of Stanford with another key game vs. Cal on Sunday?
Yes Hollingshead missed a 1v1 with the keeper against UCSB, but he was also moved back to defensive midfield from his usual wing position, so that limited his opportunities to get forward and create chances. Eskilson has a good point about UCLA's scoring difficulties. Some of that might be a function of the strength of schedule the Bruins have played so far. Also, regarding scoring from "the run of play," I actually think it's an advantage that we are scoring off so many set pieces. It shows this team can do multiple things well and throw a lot of different styles at you. We can play well in our possession game but if that isn't working, then we can go Stoke City and score off long throws!
Great game, UCLA was mostly in control aside from the first 20-25 minutes of the second half. We scored off set pieces and from the run of play... this team can do it all. Stanford came out and hacked away a lot in the first half committing quite a few fouls, and then the Bruin players obviously got sick of it and started dishing it out themselves in the second half. Stolz put in a nice corner for Monge's first goal. Monge is really connecting on his headers this season, great to see. Estrada nice finish off great work by Williams to set him up. The freshman RB Fender had a decent shot at one point but he got beat a couple times and I think he was at fault on the PK but I'm not sure. Howe also had a couple over-exuberant freshman moments but for the most part was solid. Munoz should have finished in the 66th minute on a fast break through ball from Hollingshead. He just doesn't have the speed and the defender caught up to him and his finish was lacking. Munoz has great ball skills and passing but he seems a bit lacking in speed. Hollingshead didn't seem to find the game very much in the first half but he had a good second half, setting up Munoz on the fast break and then assisting on Williams' goal after a beautiful run down the wing. Ian Russell, the Quakes assistant coach sat down next to me randomly and was scouting players. I tried to get him to tell me who he was looking at but he kept his cards close to his chest
This is the first UCLA team in a long time where "who are you scouting" doesn't immediately bring answers to mind. That's not meant as a knock on the current team, of course, which has good players and has already proven itself one of the best in the country. It's just that nobody has an obvious calling card like a Kelyn Rowe, Chandler Hoffman, Amobi Okugo, etc.
Great point. What's unique about this year's version of the Bruin squad is that they collectively play as a team. For Salcedo, it must be refreshing not to have any egos to manage as in years past. It looks like the offense is finally getting some momentum with contributions from a number of players, not unlike two years ago where the goal scoring was by committee! It was great seeing Chavez get his first goal yesterday and hopefully as he finds his form and match fitness he is more of a contributor. Defensively, the Bruins are still being stingy having only allowed but a single goal in the run of play ( Boateng - UCSB) since playing Maryland Labor Day weekend.