I wanted to start a thread to spotlight a new venture by Big D Soccer contributor Edin Halilovic. It's called FC Dallas Analysis. The site promises video, tactical and statistical analysis of the team, as well as opposition scouting. Follow the site on Twitter @FCDAnalysis and visit the site at fcdanalysis.com. We can also post any other analysis posts/articles/videos here as well. Looking forward to a great season!
Cool idea I guess but you might want to finish the website template you bought before throwing it up live.
A further in depth discussion on the base FCD formation, and the in-game formation changes. 830552232110256132 is not a valid tweet id Notice in the starting formation, a 4-4-2, that Harris is the second CB. The team keeps a deep compact backline, and uses hold up play to build up the attack. The first sub of the match is Acosta in for Cermeño, to stabilize the midfield. The team remains in the 4-4-2 (left graphic on the twitter post) The second sub, later in the match, is Tesho in a like for like substitute for Urruti as the second striker in the 4-4-2. Tesho is the Harbinger of change. He informs his team mates of the tactical and formation shift that the 3rd and final sub will bring. The options are 3: 1. Zimmerman in for one of the 2 RBs, solidifies the defense, and the team remains in the 4-4-2. 2. Morales in for Colmán, with Akindele becoming the lone striker in the now 4-2-3-1. The tactical switch comes in the form of a high press, with quick counters from the wings. 3. Chala in for Colmán (right graphic on the twitter post). This signals an imediate and sudden shift to a 5-2-2-1. Hedges moves to the center, now surrounded by 4 fullbacks. Tesho becomes the lone striker, with Lamah and Barrios staying wide but shifting forward. Acosta and Grueso stay centered, but shift deeper. The defense now becomes an "Amoeba", able to press forward or drop deep as necessary, and all 5 "defenders" now have the green light to join the attack. The confusion to the Racing defenders becomes obvious. Hedges, the lone center back, slowly brings the ball forward. Unsure who should mark him, Hedges is into the opposing half with little resistance. Hedges spots a completely unmarked Chala, bombing down the left flank. Chala receives the ball unopposed and races to the left corner of the field. In the split second that the defenders hesitate trying to determine who is responsible for marking Chala, Tesho dashes towards the outside of the right post, losing his marker. Chala spots the onside streaking Tesho, and hits him in stride with a cross to the far post. Gooooooooaaaaaallll Tesho. This all happened within minutes of Tesho subbing in, and within seconds of the Chala substitution. http://forums.bigsoccer.com/threads/2017-preseason.2038346/page-6#post-35127343
Nice analysis. Might be interesting if you work with that new site depending on what they're doing with data. You seem to have a knack for explaining just what we are seeing but may not completely understand.
Thanks, I've applied to become a writer for Bigdsoccer.com I'm a big fan of a lot of the SB Nation blogs: Bigdsoccer.com (FC Dallas) Bloggingtheboys.com (Dallas Cowboys) Burntorange.com (Texas Longhorns) Buckys5thquarter.com (Wisconsin Badgers), and visit many others for their articles. Epluribusloonum (Minnesota United FC) Dirtysouthsoccer (Atlanta United FC) Themaneland (Orlando FC) While I don't expect to get the job, since I don't have writing experience or background. I figure I can just practice here (this site), and give it another go next season. My personal favorite reoccurring article is "Trolling the Nation", at Bloggingtheboys.com: The writer posts comments from throughout all the NFL fansites, in reaction to Cowboys games, in the order they happened during the game. Very funny, and always brightens my day.
Analysis by new contributor to Big D Soccer JRouse4040 on playing the 4-4-2 without Diaz in the 10 role and Acosta and Gruezo as defensive-minded mids. Will we have trouble getting the ball to our speedy wingers? Will Colman and Urruti click as the 2 up top? http://www.bigdsoccer.com/2017/2/14/14619332/adopting-to-life-without-mauro-diaz
Nice article. I'm working on a similar article, that will take an in-depth look at the roster, and the expected roles of each player.
I noticed several mistakes in my analysis upon further review of the game. The mistakes are in the form of the substitution order. This is an honest mistake, as the announcers were slow to identify the substitutions. The substitution order was Acosta for Cermeno, followed by Chala for Urruti. It is unclear if FCD switched formation as soon as Chala entered, but it becomes obvious once Tesho replaces Colman. I have posted an updated version of this post at Bigdsoccer.com http://www.bigdsoccer.com/2017/2/15...he-base-4-4-2-formation-and-in-game-formation
If someone would like to do tactical stories for 3rdDegree, please contact me directly with some samples of your work and ideas you would like to post. Remember, we're hosted over at Dallas Morning News/SportsDay so there's a small level of review you'd need to go through first. That is more about DMN, and not Buzz or myself.
I just wish the DMN made it easier for people to post comments. I feel it keeps your site from being as lively as it should / could be.
what's hard about it? its super easy. Social Media or email sign in. Frankly it's 100% easier than SBNations or Gawker's setup which requires a whole other account.
I'm wasn't commenting on easy or not just noting that there's hardly any comments and I don't think no one is reading (I imagine you get lots of views) so I'm just assuming people read but don't comment because they feel it's hard to register. The alternatives are no one reads or they read but no one comments like they do on other sites.
I should add I like your site and articles and have posted comments trying to get others to comment too but it never happens. I'm on your side here and don't know but am just speculating on the reason.
Oh, we know why people don't - because it's not anonymous. People don't mind jumping through hoops to add to a comment section, in general, they just don't want to ID themselves. The DMN platform requires you use a FB or Twitter account which is something most people won't take the time to fake.
A look at the Roster: Part 1 I'll be breaking down the roster, and will break it down into several parts. Part 1: Core Starters and New Starters Part 2: Key Reserves Part 3: Situational Reserves and Projects Last season, FC Dallas had 15 players start 10 or more games across all competitions. Not surprisingly, FC Dallas lead MLS in this category. This season, FCD will use 3 separate formations. The 4-4-2 has featured as the primary formation. The 4-5-1 will also be used heavily, but is likely the secondary formation. FCD has used the 5-2-2-1, but this is clearly an experimental formation, and will likely be used as a Situational formation. Core Starters and New Starters: These are players who will start 20 to 30 games, and will come off the bench in games they don't start. Core Starters: Returning starters from last season. (Last season's starts in parentheses) Chris Seitz (GK -28 starts), will be the day one starter, and has looked in fine form this preseason. Maynor Figueroa (LB - 28 starts), has maintained his grip on the starting LB spot, and has seen time at Center Back. Matt Hedges (CB - 26 starts), the MLS Defender of the Year, is the heart and soul of the backline. He has featured as the central defender in the 5-2-2-1 tinkering. Walker Zimmerman (CB - 30 starts), the fire and passion of the backline. There is no better Aerial threat in MLS. Kellyn Acosta (CDM - 24 starts), FCD's box to box midfielder, will be tasked with becoming a bigger part of the attack. Carlos Gruezo (CDM - 26 starts), the Ecuadorian took FCD by storm last season, and gives FCD the best CDM pairing in the league. Like Acosta, look for him to become more involved in the attack. Michael Barrios (RM - 30 starts), the diminutive Colombian plays all over the attacking 3rd, and is in line for a breakout season, as FCD has loaded up on weapons that will keep defenses from keying up on him. Maxi Urruti (F - 29 starts), the Argentine was a very productive player, and is a whirling dervish of activity all over the field. Plagued with a very inconsistent finishing touch, could have a breakout season with some improved consistency. New Starters: Players who have been brought in as upgrades or replacements over last season's starters Cristian Colmán (F), the big powerful forward that management has promised for many years. Has looked the part in preseason so far. He displays good hold up play, and his play has had a positive effect on Urruti and Barrios. He replaces Mauro Diaz in the starting lineup, and is the second forward in the 4-4-2. Hernan Grana (RB), has been brought in as an upgrade to the position over Attiba Harris. Has seized the starting RB spot from day 1, and looks equally capable going forward and defending. Roland Lamah (LM), was brought in as a like for like replacement of Fabian Castillo. Has also claimed the starting LM spot from day 1. Has displayed the rare combination of speed and strength, with a calmness and control that Castillo seldom showed. The returning starters will ensure that the team continues to field one of the best teams in MLS. How quickly the new starters get on the same page as the returning starters, and their level of play, will determine if FCD matches or inproves on last season's results.
I'm working on a scouting report for Arabe Unido. I'm actually watching a couple of their recent games, and will watch tonight's match against Aparetura leaders Tauro FC. The more I see, the more I like FCD's chance to advance.
I'm looking forward to your report. I've been a little nervous about Arabe Unido, since they beat Monterrey twice in the group stage.
I have a really good feeling about the series. We've had a strong preseason and everyone seems to be pumped for the 2 legs and Arabe have lost some key attackers. Then again, I could be talking out of my ass and they'll take us to school. Doubt it though. That first leg is key. Gotta really have them reeling. 2-0, 3-0 should do it.
A look at the Roster: Part 2 Last season, the top 11 players on FCD's roster, combined to average 26 starts and at least 2 games off the bench across all competitions. The expected top 11 players were discussed in Part 1. In Part 2, we'll take a look at the Key Reserves. A Key Reserve, for most teams, means the first players off the bench. In FC Dallas, a Key Reserve means a whole lot more. Once you get past the top 11 players on FCD's roster (discussed in Part 1), the next 7 players on the roster, combined to average 11 starts and 8 games off the bench across all competitions. There have been hints this preseason, that Pareja will involve reserves even more this season. The indication being that more than 7 reserves, could threaten to reach double digit starts this season. Nobody has more to gain than the Homegrown players. Let's take a look at a recent quote from Pareja: "Now we have a great opportunity to give them more minutes, a good opportunity to accept that we sometimes have to think more about the development of these players. We tried to do it the last three years, but not with the intensity I would have liked because we were pursuing trophies. I think we can do it with more frequency now, for sure.” Many are taking this to mean that FC Dallas will focus all their best players on the CCL, and will use reserves-heavy lineups in the early MLS games, and likely for the first several months of league play. It is also likely, that FCD is serious about defending their USOC Championship, and will continue to make winning the USOC a priority. Now, let's take a look at just who these Key Reserves will be. I'll list last seasons games played for returning players, expected contributions from new players, and also the expected positions that those players will take on the field. Ryan Hollingshead, Utility Player (22 starts/28 games). The question for Hollingshead, is not "Where will he start?", but "Where will he not start?". The ultimate Swiss Army knife, he is a player who is rock solid wherever he is asked to play. While he is not necessarily a difference maker who will score the game winning goal, he is a true "glue" player, who will do whatever it takes to put the team in a position to win the game. Currently recovering from that dreadful injury suffered this offseason, he is in line to return to the lineup soon. He likely will not match last seasons total starts, mostly due to FCD adding more depth this offseason, and expanding it's collection of players capable of playing multiple positions. Do not be surprised if Hollingshead is asked to see some action at CB this season. Victor Ulloa, CDM/CM (18 starts/32 games). Currently recovering from an injury, he is the first option off the bench in the middle. Ulloa is guaranteed to start in the case that Acosta or Gruezo miss any games. Ulloa is rock solid defensively, and like Acosta and Gruezo, will be asked to be more involved in the attack this season. Do not be surprised if Ulloa sees time in the backline this season. Tesho Akindele, F/LM/RM (15 starts/31 games). In the first half of last season, Tesho was asked to play on either side of the wings, and his play suffered significantly, as he adjusted to his new responsibilities and the demands of those positions. Fast forward to the second half of the season, and Tesho had settled in to his new positions, and was arguably FCD's most dangerous attacker down the stretch. Capable of playing anywhere in the attacking third, Tesho will be the first attacker off the bench, and will start any games that Urruti, Colman or Barrios miss. This preseason, Tesho has looked in fine form, and looks like he will be an instant difference maker when he's on the field. Jesse Gonzalez, GK (6 starts). While it is likely that Jesse will simply match last season's number of starts, it can't be ignored that Jesse has a very real chance of taking Seitz starting job away from him. All it would take for Jesse to be given a chance to claim the starting job for himself, is a bad run of form by Seitz, or an injury to Seitz that forces him to miss several matches. Attiba Harris, Utility Player (22 starts/28 games). That's right, Harris will be Swiss Army knife II. Capable of playing RM/RB, Attiba has also been tasked with playing CB on the right side this season. While Attiba will see his number of starts drop significantly, the fact that he has retired from International competition, means that Harris will not miss games unless he's injured. Last season, Mauro Rosales started 4 games and saw action off the bench in a further 19 games. Attiba is likely in for a very similar season. Aaron Guillen, CB/LB (1 start/2 games). If you're looking for a breakout player of the year candidate, look no further. Guillen has reportedly won the 3rd CB spot, and will be in line to start any games missed by Hedges or Zimmerman. By contrast, Zach Lloyd started 10 games and came off the bench in a further 2, before he was lost for the season. Add to that, the fact that Guillen is also in line to see minutes at LB, and you can see that the Pareja has big plans for this Homegrown player. This preseason, Guillen has looked like a completely different player. He is a powerfully built man now, with bailout speed, and has displayed the ability to join the attack that Pareja prefers from his fullbacks. Guillen has oozed confidence in the preseason sufficiently, that FCD has not bothered to bring in a veteran CB to back Hedges and Zimmerman. Javier Morales, CAM (23 starts/29 games in RSL). Morales will be the starter as the #10, whenever FCD uses the 4-2-3-1 formation. In the preseason, he has featured mostly as a Key Reserve, as FCD has used the 4-4-2 primarily. FCD will likely split time between both formations, thus guaranteeing that Morales pushes double digit starts. How much Morales plays, will be directly impacted by 3 other players. The first player is Colman, who will start instead of Morales, whenever FCD uses the 4-4-2. The second is Mauro Diaz, who will cut significantly into Morales's minutes upon his return. The 3rd is Paxton Pomycal, who will likely take time away from several players this season. Mauro Diaz, CAM (24 starts/27 games). The best player on FCD's roster, is currently looking at a return sometime in June. Knowing Diaz's well documented history of injuries. It is very likely that Pareja will employ kid gloves in bringing Diaz back into the lineup. The idea being to bring Diaz slowly along, and gradually increasing his playtime, in an effort to have him fit and in form, just in time for the playoff push. Anibal Chala, LB/LM/LWB. The Ecuadorian is easily the fastest player, on a roster full of fast players. Chala will challenge Figueroa and Lamah for playing time throughout the season. Chala has featured as the LWB whenever FCD has tinkered with the 5-2-2-1 formation. Prepare to pull your hair out this season while watching this young man play. Just imagine merging the Fabian Castillo of 3 years ago, with Attiba Harris of the past two seasons. This kid has loads of talent and potential, to go with loads of consistency issues. Reggie Cannon, RB. The talented Homegrown will push Hernan Grana for playing time all season, and is the likely starter whenever Grana is not available. In preseason action, he has matched the hype surrounding him so far, displaying capable defending and a knack to push forward joining the attack. Take a long look at what is essentially FCD's second team, and you will realize that FCD will again threaten to hoist multiple trophies. The most striking thing, is just how versatile this group is as a whole. At some point, Pareja decided that having several guys like Hollingshead, might not be such a bad thing. All this versatility, helps explain why Pareja has been tinkering with a 3rd formation.........because he can. The biggest challenge facing FCD, besides the well known Diaz question, is getting all these moving parts on the same page. It's very likely that there are bound to be problems with communication, as a result of asking so many players to play so many positions. I know that you are wondering why certain players were not discussed. Those players will be discussed in Part 3.
Posted in the game thread http://forums.bigsoccer.com/threads/02-23-let-us-prey-fcd-vs-arabe-unido-r.2038971/#post-35148174
Thanks, It is a guess based on what I have observed. With all the tinkering and added depth, Pareja will find a way to get Ulloa on the field, or keep him on the field when he starts.
A Look at the Roster: Part 3 We've looked at all the big minutes players, but now it's time to look at the bottom of the roster. In this part, we take a look at Situational Reserves and Projects. Situational Reserves: Last season, FC Dallas had players that would start in short week situations. Players like David (4 starts), Ortiz (4 starts), Lizarazo (2 starts) and Getterson (2 starts), either thrilled us or drove us mad. Some of these players will be given a chance to prove that they are more than just Situational Reserves, and can increase their playing time with good results on the field. Paxton Pomykal, CAM/CM/LM/RM. The 17 year old has played well beyond his age this preseason. He is likely Javier Morales's backup until Mauro Diaz returns. Look for him to play all over the midfield, and get some starts in the USOC. This is a player that many of us believe can force his way into significant 1st team minutes. Carlos Cermeño, LM/CM/LB/CDM. At first, the signing of the once capped Venezuelan National teamer, didn't appear to make much sense. Take a closer look, and realize that he is yet another Utility player in Pareja's arsenal. He will be in direct competition with Jacobi Hayes for minutes that Ortiz received last season at CDM. The loser will get a minimum of 2 starts, but the winner will be in line for much more. Currently out of form and out of shape, he could be this season's Lizarazo. Notice he can also play at LB, and may get some minutes there this season. Jacobi Hayes, CM/CDM/CAM. The 1st round pick is currently unsigned, but he'll be on the roster for sure. As stated, he'll be battling Cermeno for minutes at CDM. Hayes can also play all over the field (another Utility Player), and while his focus will be on nailing down the CDM spot ahead of Cermeno, do not be surprised if he gets minutes on the wings. Jesus Ferreira F/LM/RM. In preseason, Jesus has been the first guy off the bench whenever Tesho get's subbed out. Consider that Tesho is in line to start double digit games, and you can clearly see that Ferreira is likely to start a couple of games, but get many appearances off the bench. Jesus has simply been magic, whenever he touches the ball. His ball skill will take your breath (and his opponents) away, and he has that "it" factor that hints at him becoming a super star. The only real question, is just how much of that magic, will we get to see this season? Coy Craft (3 games, no starts) F/LM/RM. Currently with the USMNT u20 team, Coy looks like a player that will get a significant bump in minutes played. Craft went out on loan to OKC Energy last season, and looked good enough to be recalled. This indicates that Craft will not go on loan this season, and as a result, will get on the field more this season. Likely in line for a couple of USOC starts, but it's anybody's guess after that. Projects: Are players that are big question marks. They are players that we get glimpses of, in practice, or on loan, or playing at the youth level. Their playing time is not guaranteed, and loans are not out of the question. Pareja likes to throw his players deep into the middle of the ocean, and see if they can swin. So everyone on the roster will get minutes, or be loaned out to get minutes. Last season, only Craft, Pitter, and Paparazo failed to get a single start, and only Paparazo failed to get any minutes. So these guys will get minutes. Adonijah Reid, Striker. The 17 year old Canadian is a raw talent. He shows instinctive finishing skills, but not much else is known about him. FCD will likely get a waiver that allows him to play in the US before his 18th birthday, then quickly loan him out to Oklahoma Energy FC. Bryan Reynolds, F/LM/RM. The 15 year old homegrown is currently with the USMNT u16 squad. Not much is known about what kind of minutes Reynolds will get. He is likely to play for the Academy teams, and practice with the senior team. Walker Hume, CB. The big 6'5 Texan, cuts an imposing figure. Likely to be treated as Zimmerman's understudy, he's not guaranteed minutes off the bench, and may actually go on multiple short loans to Oklahoma Energy FC. You can see the wealth of versatility that even the bottom of the bench provides. The big warning is "Diminishing Returns". The fact that many players can play many positions, does not mean that they can play many positions well. There is bound to be players that simply can't play multiple positions at this level, and we'll be forced to find out the hard way.
Hello everyone, I'd like to personally thank everybody here, for your encouragements, and comments. Today, I have officially become a writer for Bigdsoccer.com I couldn't have had to courage to apply, without all the positive feedback from all of you. Thank you very much!
Glad it worked out. You put a lot of thought and effort in your work and deserve the larger audience.