Okay, It's Midseason - Where Do We Stand?

[JoeW]

The purpose of this thread is to analyze what we know about our team at this point--15 games into a 30 game regular season--and what does it tell us for the second half.

This is not a thread to bash individual players or argue if you liked or hated the Vanney-Erpen trade or who you thought was strong (or weak) in the last game. This thread is about: what do we know about our team at this point?

I'll start:

1. This team hasn't shown the ability to be a championship level team at this point. Unless we get hot (and we could) or unless we change personnel (which we could), what the team has shown prior to the Erpen trade and so far after it is that we make stupid errors on the field that give away goals. That means that unlike Houston, we can't consistently shut people down. Heck, we haven't even played defense this well as TFKAM did earlier in the season (and they weren't especially talented. To put it another way, other than some efficient finishing at times, we have not shown that we are a sharp team that will either punish you for your mistakes, impose our will on you, or make no mistakes of our own.

TFKAM at one point this season was a team that made no mistakes and punished you for your mistakes. Houston is clearly a team that makes no mistakes (ie: doesn't give up chances). NE is a team that makes no mistakes and tends to punish you when you make them.

2. We have good talent. For (IMHO) the first time in the history of this club, we have a player who is both a target man, great off the ball, and efficient finisher: Luciano Emilio. We have 2 other attackers that offer unique skill sets, force defenses to adapt to them, and are capable of winning games (Moreno and especially Gomez). We seem to have depth. What we don't seem to do is to hit on all cylinders in correct order.

The depth thing and a coach willing to use it is critical as we go into August and a brutal second half schedule.

3. We seem to have learned how to play a 442. So I think we're a more tactically versatile team.

4. We seem to be a team that plays wide better--uses the width of the field.

5. We still aren't especially good at quick transitions into attack.

What are others' takes on our team at the half-way point.

[Sachin]

We can put up goals at home. In our last 5 home games, we put up 2, 4, 3, 4, and 3 goals.

Goalkeeping has been shaky at best. Perkins has not been sharp, except for the game he stole against KC.

We have a 4 man attack with Gomez, Moreno, Fred and Emilio with contributions from Olsen and Kepne on occasion. If we could mount a consistent 5-man attack, it might be enough in MLS.

Personnel needs:

1. Another winger to push Olsen back into the middle and Carroll to the bench.
2. Another central defender who can play a stay-at-home wing back. I wonder if we could transition Namoff into a role like this?

If Moreno has to go out, we should push Gomez up top, Fred to the middle. If Gomez has to go out, perhaps Moreno into the middle with Kpene up top?

Can Kpene play on the wing?

There are a lot of good pieces here, we still some work to assemble a solid starting XI.

Sachin

[Daniel le Rouge]

I think we have a team that is capable of winning it all domestically--Supporters' Shield, MLS Cup--and can put a dent in some of the international competition we face.

I think we are an extremely fragile team, as evidenced by us spotting the League 9 points right out of the gate. That we've mainly caught up is a testament to just how talented this team is.

I think your analysis of the formation swap/change/addition is pretty good, but I'd also point out that it hasn't made the difference in our season. We're tactically more flexible, but we are still dependent on good, solid possession play and clinical finishing. If we are missing either, we tend to bleed chances, goals and points by the bucket.

What we've also added is an ability to counter quickly and effectively, which is not an element that should be underestimated. Two of our three goals against Dallas came on the counter.

I still think we have yet to adequately address our problems on the flank. When we get wide and play well out there, we become awfully tough to beat. When we don't get wide, or we don't play effectively out there, we get toasted.

That inconsistency was on display pretty much throughout the Dallas game. Offensively, we opened up some space with a couple of nice crosses--in fact, you can say that of all three goals. Oddly, once Moreno went out, that flank play became decidedly less effective. Defensively, we had no answer for their flank play, either in terms of closing down crosses adequately, or in terms of marking targets adequately.

Flank play, as much as any other part of the game, is a two-way street. You've got to be able to play well consistently on both sides of the ball. We simply haven't been able to do that so far. When we're on, we're really good. When we're not ...

On points 4 and 5 I'd say we've seen improvement, but not on a consistent basis.

In fact, I'd say that's the team's biggest problem: consistency. We're not getting it game-in, game-out, or even within games. This team has shown glimpses of what can happen with reasonably consistent, error-free play. We've also pretty clearly shown what happens when we don't get it.

[dsylvest]

We have one attacking midfielder. He can play for 60 minutes. After him, we have zilch. We have also done nothing to acquire depth at that position. And I guess that'd be okay if our intent was to score three goals while Christian is in the match and then bunker down, but last night's evidence indicate we're gonna need a plan B. Also, Brian Carroll is still Richie Williams Junior and should be traded for a nice retro T-shirt.

[Footer Phooter]

I'd put it this way:


Fairly good at home.

Fairly bad on the road.




This makes us roughly equal with about 5-6 teams in the league. Not as good as Houston, but better than Toronto, Salt Lake, Colorado, etc..

[griffin1108]

The biggest weakness is in the middle of the field.

Gomez -- having a very mediocre year. Last night's performance was a very good example.

Carroll -- can't play in the middle of a 4-4-2, doesn't have the size, the "bite" or the speed to play out on that island.

Boswell -- his lack of pace and inexperience is being targeted by the MLS coaches.

Vanney -- see my comments in Bootsy's Vanney for Erpen thread. Blech.

Perkins -- I'm not as hard on him. He saved the KC game and kept DCU in the Houston match. Last night he made two good saves in the first half to keep Dallas off the board. He got caught up in the track meet last night when he mysteriously channeled Nick Rimando.

The team's greatest needs are at D-mid if they remain in a 4-4-2 and in central defense. Vanney is not the answer. Gomez can be/will be replaced by Fred and spotted by Moreno. I don't think Simms would fare any better than Carroll, although he might be tougher. Olsen can't play that position either, he's a wing player in a 4-4-2.

I'm not as sanguine as Daniel. I think this team will get schooled in the SuperLiga and Sudamericana because of our weaknesses in the middle. I think DCU probably can make the playoffs, but RFK will have two "visiting teams" for MLS Cup unless Payne and Kasper make one or two more major acquisitions.

[Daniel le Rouge]

I'm not as sanguine as Daniel. I think this team will get schooled in the SuperLiga and Sudamericana because of our weaknesses in the middle. I think DCU probably can make the playoffs, but RFK will have two "visiting teams" for MLS Cup unless Payne and Kasper make one or two more major acquisitions.

Don't get me wrong here. I very carefully said "can", as in "has the capability to do so". Currently, I don't hold out much hope for us to actually win both domestic trophies or do much damage in the internationals, but mainly for reasons that Joe very carefully excluded from the discussion.

I think we can get there. However, unless another move is made, I don't think we will.

[Bootsy Collins]

Despite the problems with Vanney and Boswell, I agree with some others here that the crucial need may be at d-mid. I don't think either Carroll or Olsen is the answer anymore -- not when there's only one d-mid, as in the 442. They were both fantastic to have together in the 352, but in the 442 I don't think either has just what's needed. In turn, this makes Gomez less effective as well -- he doesn't have density behind him to play off of or backstop losses of possession. Weakness at d-mid means that Vanney and Boswell have more coming at them than they might otherwise; this exposes their limitations. I wonder how Simms is showing in practice; my gut feeling is that he's not the answer either, but I really dunno.

I disagree with Joe in that I don't think we have depth. Specifically, we don't have a third forward, let alone a fourth. Our forwards off the bench are Addlery, Dyachenko, and Kpene, in no particular order. None have shown the ability to finish into empty nets, let alone 1-on-keepers. And we don't have defensive depth; with a four-man backline, once Namoff comes back, our starting backline depends on a converted defender, and all our subs are converted defenders, only one of whom (McTavish) has really shown he can play at this level. Simms is not the answer here. And in general (and again with the exception of McTavish and possibly Moose), our reserves have not distinguished themselves when given opportunities (cf. various first team subs + the USOC Harrisburg match + the Richmond friendly).

This team at present doesn't seem like one which will threaten to win anything significant. Unfortunately, I think changes have to come in the form of acquisitions; I don't think we have players of value to trade that we can afford to lose.

[liverbird]

Despite the problems with Vanney and Boswell, I agree with some others here that the crucial need may be at d-mid. I don't think either Carroll or Olsen is the answer anymore -- not when there's only one d-mid, as in the 442. They were both fantastic to have together in the 352, but in the 442 I don't think either has just what's needed. In turn, this makes Gomez less effective as well -- he doesn't have density behind him to play off of or backstop losses of possession. Weakness at d-mid means that Vanney and Boswell have more coming at them than they might otherwise; this exposes their limitations. I wonder how Simms is showing in practice; my gut feeling is that he's not the answer either, but I really dunno.

I disagree with Joe in that I don't think we have depth. Specifically, we don't have a third forward, let alone a fourth. Our forwards off the bench are Addlery, Dyachenko, and Kpene, in no particular order. None have shown the ability to finish into empty nets, let alone 1-on-keepers. And we don't have defensive depth; with a four-man backline, once Namoff comes back, our starting backline depends on a converted defender, and all our subs are converted defenders, only one of whom (McTavish) has really shown he can play at this level. Simms is not the answer here. And in general (and again with the exception of McTavish and possibly Moose), our reserves have not distinguished themselves when given opportunities (cf. various first team subs + the USOC Harrisburg match + the Richmond friendly).

This team at present doesn't seem like one which will threaten to win anything significant. Unfortunately, I think changes have to come in the form of acquisitions; I don't think we have players of value to trade that we can afford to lose.


Perhaps we should experiment with Namoff or Mctavish in the DM role. Certainly more bite and arguably just as good distribution. The other plays full back and Carroll sits.

[mcontento]

Despite the problems with Vanney and Boswell, I agree with some others here that the crucial need may be at d-mid. I don't think either Carroll or Olsen is the answer anymore -- not when there's only one d-mid, as in the 442. They were both fantastic to have together in the 352, but in the 442 I don't think either has just what's needed. In turn, this makes Gomez less effective as well -- he doesn't have density behind him to play off of or backstop losses of possession. Weakness at d-mid means that Vanney and Boswell have more coming at them than they might otherwise; this exposes their limitations. I wonder how Simms is showing in practice; my gut feeling is that he's not the answer either, but I really dunno.

I disagree with Joe in that I don't think we have depth. Specifically, we don't have a third forward, let alone a fourth. Our forwards off the bench are Addlery, Dyachenko, and Kpene, in no particular order. None have shown the ability to finish into empty nets, let alone 1-on-keepers. And we don't have defensive depth; with a four-man backline, once Namoff comes back, our starting backline depends on a converted defender, and all our subs are converted defenders, only one of whom (McTavish) has really shown he can play at this level. Simms is not the answer here. And in general (and again with the exception of McTavish and possibly Moose), our reserves have not distinguished themselves when given opportunities (cf. various first team subs + the USOC Harrisburg match + the Richmond friendly).

This team at present doesn't seem like one which will threaten to win anything significant. Unfortunately, I think changes have to come in the form of acquisitions; I don't think we have players of value to trade that we can afford to lose.

I agree with this assessment and unfortunately unless all our big guns are firing at the same time come playoffs and/or our defense and Perkins get their shit together, I do not see us hoisting the Cup this year.

[Big Roy]

Where do we stand? On a busted red plastic chair of course. :D


I think we have shown an unfortunate tendency to play at the level of our opponent. We can certainly rise to the occasion and make a respectable showing (at Guadalajara for instance). While we might not be as good as Houston (best in the league IMHO) we can certainly hang with them. On the other hand we get dragged down and play like crap against the worst team in the league and basically punted 3 points.

Fortunately, it is a long season that doesn't really count for much an the important thing is to set up for the post season and hopefully make a run for the cup.

[AMERICANS SC]

Consistently inconsistent.

I see too much fire-power up top, but too few players whose primary function is to destroy in the midfield, thereby leaving the midfield defensively exposed. Maybe DC United should go back to the 3-5-2 with Simms and Carroll as dual defensive midfielders.

So:
Perkins
McTavish-Boswell-Gros
Simms-Carroll
Fred-Gomez-Olsen
Moreno-Emilio

NE is a team that punishes you to make mistakes and tends to punish you when you make them.

FYP! :D

[JoeW]

FYP! :D

Thanks--I pushed 'submit reply' before I could correct that horrible typo!

[RedAndBlack]

I personally feel that we are slightly above mediocre at this point. We have a great attack but are lacking when it comes to defense/goalkeeping. We are much better at home then away( we will be home for MLS cup) for some reason, but we need to get points on the road.

I feel good going into the second half of the season and would like to see a line up like this

Moreno - Emilio

Fred Gomez Olsen Gros

McTavish Vanney Carrol Namoff

Perkins


I think the second half will be when we start clicking and working even better as a team, Gaining home field in the playoffs and even being at home for the finals :D

[John_Harkes_6]

Hell, I saw the thread title and thought this was another thread about whether Barra should stand in 135 or 136 :D

[RedAndBlack]

Hell, I saw the thread title and thought this was another thread about whether Barra should stand in 135 or 136 :D

Haha! good one. I guess they could use this for two purposes :)

[DutchFootballRulez]

I think we go back to a 352 or a 3-3-2-2

Or a 4-5-1 but we're soft on the wing and soft through the middle. I don't know how that's possible but it is.

Vanney is now just a Left-footed Centreback so put McTavish to his left, reunite Boswell and Namoff.

then go with Olsen Gomez Fred Gros with Moreno & Emilio up front.


Either that or raise $8 Million so that SE/BB/LN can take the entire group to each away match

[scarshins]

Carroll has more footspeed than this thread has concluded.

And that's a very critical spot, if there's anyone(s) to replace him there, it's either Simms or Olsen who have experience there.

[DCSharksFC]

other than fred or erpen, i don't see much in the way of being physical with our opposition, especially from our 2 weaknesses:

central defense: mctavish has been nuts since he's come in, but boswell has been lackluster, and i'm not impressed after 3 games with vanney, after watching the replay of today's game on csn, i noticed him ball watching more than moving

defensive midfield: carroll needs a huge pair of balls to replace the small ones that bob bradley gave him after he came back from the us training camp

offensively we're great, hell, we're averaging 3/goals per game in the last 4 home games we've had

on the road, we need to match the intensity of our opposition, we've been very subpar on the road

the fact that tom soehn is patient should help the team, but i don't know how patient he will be with our defense, who after a great run, start fresh again, in midseason (i'm sure its been beaten to death, but dear god i don't get the erpen/vanney trade, the math is not working in my head)

[Willy Boy]

Watching this team from afar leads me to the conclusion that the problem we have has little to do with team formation or even personnel. It may be as simple (or as hard) as team discipline which IMHO sits squarely on the coach's shoulders. "Discipline" in the sense that everyone is serious about United's current status (erratic) and is willing to do whatever is necessary to fix it (to include the most erratic player we have this season - Christian Gomez) and that if they aren't they get benched!! Tom Soehn may be a great tactician but he's also an ol' softie.