greensboro_pride_fan
26 Jun 2003, 11:09 AM
I was at the game and have had a few PM's asking for game info so here goes. In case you haven't heard, Dynamo 2 - Raleigh 1.
My fear that after two wins over raleigh the Dynamo may have trouble with the game were well founded. I don't know Raleigh that well but it appeared they made a few lineup adjustments that worked quite well. I hadn't noticed the sweeper/centerback from State the first 2 games, but he had a profound positive effect on the Raleigh defense last night. The left back for Raleigh that only played the second half last Sat. started tonight. Although way too one dimensional for my taste he is a very effect 1v1 a defender and did an excellent job breaking down the Dynamo attack. I believe the kid from Campbell that played up top Saturday was moved back into the midfield which was definitely needed as Raleigh's midfield was nonexistant, except for their mouths and late hacks Saturday.
Tactically Raleigh came out conservative, but not bunkered in. Actually, had Raleigh had a good attacking midfielder they would have really created problems for the Dynamo. They defended well and had some nice counters in th first half, but really didn't have that player that could connect the attacking players to the defense. The Dynamo was pathetic the first half, in part to Raleigh's good play, but basically it was more the impatience of not playing simple balls to keep possesion and build an attack. As Raleigh gained confidence, the Dynamo became more frustrated. The first half ended with the Dynamo never looking dangerous, Raleigh defending well and creating a few chances off counters. Advantage Raleigh and the Dynamo needing something good to happen in a hurry.
The dynamo got the break they needed early in the second half. I did not see what happened, but apparently Raleigh thought a foul was incurred by a Dynamo forward in winning a ball played up top. Play continued with Raleigh players calling for a foul, including the keeper who came way off his line to yell at the ref. Ball ended up on the foot of Dynamo Steve Armas who played the ball over the keeper desperately trying to get back into the net. Except for Armas's excellent touch and placement, a very unearned goal for the Dynamo. This goal lead to a pickup in the Dynamo game and another well earned goal from an excellent cross from Kenny Bundy to TJ Rolfing only a few minutes later.
Now a point soccer people will argue forever. up 2-0 the Dynamo packed it in and defended for about 25 minutes. Is the best defense offense? It is hard to tell. Had the dynamo defended and then maintained possesion I would have felt better, but with Raleigh upping the pressure the Dynamo fell back into defend and clear. I was very disappointed the Dynamo did not play with more composure at this point in the game. Raleigh's pressure was rewarded with several good attempts at goal and not for two good saves by keeper Chris Robinson and one clearance off the line by Buddy Forward, the Dynamo could have been in serious trouble. Raleigh's pressure was rewarded by a Dynamo own goal, but several flurries at the end did not bring the equalizing goal.
Net result, a very ugly win for the Dynamo, a great effort coming up a bit short for Raleigh. This wasn't a great game for soccer purists, but it was a very good single elimination tournament game knowing the history of the two teams.
My fear that after two wins over raleigh the Dynamo may have trouble with the game were well founded. I don't know Raleigh that well but it appeared they made a few lineup adjustments that worked quite well. I hadn't noticed the sweeper/centerback from State the first 2 games, but he had a profound positive effect on the Raleigh defense last night. The left back for Raleigh that only played the second half last Sat. started tonight. Although way too one dimensional for my taste he is a very effect 1v1 a defender and did an excellent job breaking down the Dynamo attack. I believe the kid from Campbell that played up top Saturday was moved back into the midfield which was definitely needed as Raleigh's midfield was nonexistant, except for their mouths and late hacks Saturday.
Tactically Raleigh came out conservative, but not bunkered in. Actually, had Raleigh had a good attacking midfielder they would have really created problems for the Dynamo. They defended well and had some nice counters in th first half, but really didn't have that player that could connect the attacking players to the defense. The Dynamo was pathetic the first half, in part to Raleigh's good play, but basically it was more the impatience of not playing simple balls to keep possesion and build an attack. As Raleigh gained confidence, the Dynamo became more frustrated. The first half ended with the Dynamo never looking dangerous, Raleigh defending well and creating a few chances off counters. Advantage Raleigh and the Dynamo needing something good to happen in a hurry.
The dynamo got the break they needed early in the second half. I did not see what happened, but apparently Raleigh thought a foul was incurred by a Dynamo forward in winning a ball played up top. Play continued with Raleigh players calling for a foul, including the keeper who came way off his line to yell at the ref. Ball ended up on the foot of Dynamo Steve Armas who played the ball over the keeper desperately trying to get back into the net. Except for Armas's excellent touch and placement, a very unearned goal for the Dynamo. This goal lead to a pickup in the Dynamo game and another well earned goal from an excellent cross from Kenny Bundy to TJ Rolfing only a few minutes later.
Now a point soccer people will argue forever. up 2-0 the Dynamo packed it in and defended for about 25 minutes. Is the best defense offense? It is hard to tell. Had the dynamo defended and then maintained possesion I would have felt better, but with Raleigh upping the pressure the Dynamo fell back into defend and clear. I was very disappointed the Dynamo did not play with more composure at this point in the game. Raleigh's pressure was rewarded with several good attempts at goal and not for two good saves by keeper Chris Robinson and one clearance off the line by Buddy Forward, the Dynamo could have been in serious trouble. Raleigh's pressure was rewarded by a Dynamo own goal, but several flurries at the end did not bring the equalizing goal.
Net result, a very ugly win for the Dynamo, a great effort coming up a bit short for Raleigh. This wasn't a great game for soccer purists, but it was a very good single elimination tournament game knowing the history of the two teams.