Neither primarily as they denied strong side. Of course we would need to know if Howard called for it or not in terms of deciding secondary 'culpability'.
For the first high pressure game in Central America, we started a backline that had never played together and left our captain on the bench. I admit to being optimistic about the bunch out there. But this game showed the importance of familiarity and experience. No way that last goal happens with Boca on the field.
Might not have happened with Demerit or Besler either. Here's the thing; is it the lack of familiarity or is it just Omar? Finding out in WCQing is tough. JK better have the hook handy. Tim Ream looked the business at first
That last goal was all about misscommunication, often a problem when people haven't played together before.
Also, Howard doesn't escape blame on that second goal. He's either out there because he's coming hard to get the ball or he plays the shot. And the communication in that situation is largely his responsibility.
I see what you're saying. But... Keeper comes out (and maybe calls) for the ball and gets nothing, Howard gets some. CB has chance to clear, doesn't and is punished, Cameron gets some. Other CB, standing/jogging, then beaten for speed, partially because he's "looking around", Gonzo gets some. MF allows opponent to dribble around and pick out a through ball with no pressure, Bradley (and possibly Edu...Mike shepards the Hondo and leaves him for Edu, so perhaps he should have steps up quicker) gets some.
Cherundolo and who else? Chandler has the upside so he has to learn sooner or later. Part of the problem with him is his obvious absence lost valuable minutes.
Gonzo cost us on that first goal the ball goes wide on over hit and he is closest in us jersey and instead of pressuring the guy he goes middle and makes the guy on the post to wide who can't get there in time to stop the cross. If gonzo pressured there he could have potentially stopped him from crossing and forced a reset
Serious question... Do you think Chandler has ever played football before in that kind of weather? I wouldnt be surprised if he hasnt and thats why I wont slam him for this. EDIT: Temperature: 90 Heat Index: 98 Humidity: 59% (which was expected to be in the 80 percentile)
Gonzo cost us on that first goal the ball goes wide on over hit and he is closest in us jersey and instead of pressuring the guy he goes middle and makes the guy on the post to wide who can't get there in time to stop the cross. If gonzo pressured there he could have potentially stopped him from crossing and forced a reset
I'd have much rather had Boca paired with Cameron for this match. Gonzalez will get his chance but I didn't think it needed to be THIS match.
Im pretty sure it was Fabian who was closest and more importantly its his job to close down Bernardez there.
Absolutely. But Gonzo got outworked at the business end of the movement. Also having an all-out 'hustle guy' or even a 'creative player' subbing in to central midfield would have very useful imo.
I may be alone here. But I remain skeptical that Cameron is an international level Centerback. Seems that Stoke City agree......
Which means he is not better than the two established Internationals that start in front of him. Kind of my point. I'm not saying that Cameron sucks.....just that he might not be our best choice in the middle.
Looks to me like Howard called him off on the 2nd goal. We all know how Timmy gets with his defense during games. He will drop 20 f-bombs for heading the ball clear for a corner. I dunno. All 3 of them are to blame if you ask me. As Lalas and Balboa lived by....when in doubt, kick it out.