Not sure about that with the current coaching strategy. I just looks like the defenders would be kicking long balls over 4 midfielders rather than 3.
Well, 4-4-2 would be a little better suited to our over-reliance on the long ball, but I really don't think that our roster is set up for a 4-4-2.
Only one goal in the last six games (not counting the own-goal against LA). Ummmmmm ... Do something?
Yeah, we have approximately 14 forwards on the roster and no wide midfielders outside of Ryan Smith. (Espinoza?)
. . . who usually plays as a forward. Go figure. That said, I wonder how Smith would do as the center attacking midfielder in more of a 4-2-3-1.
I really don't like the 4-4-2, but the team is ineffective in a 4-3-3. This would be my line up: Harrington Besler Collin Espinoza Myers Arnuad Bravo Smith Bunbury Kamara
You know, this is the first time I've ever seen Myers not suck. He actually did well stripping the ball from guys and leaving it in a position to start the counter. I saw a few things from Mikey last night that I haven't seen for a bit too (on the offensive side, I mean). I mean, it's not like we don't have options we just need someone to figure it out. Maybe BS should take turns coaching. Everyone line up and let's draw straws.
Last year, I felt like Auvray was pretty solid in the midfield. I know he's had some injuries and national team duties, but even when he's been available, he hasn't gotten much playing time or looked as effective.
Here's the thing... When I look at our roster from top to bottom I see some talent. I see a roster that is competitive with most other MLS teams. The difference HAS to be coaching and tactics.
Unfortunately, our lineup seems to be best suited for a 4-2-4. --Harrington--Besler--Collin----Espinoza --------Auvray/Rocastle------Arnaud ---Kamara---Bravo---Bunbury------Smith Not very effective to have your lineup strong up front like that. With no midfield, it renders our strong forward line ineffectual.
----------------------Nielsen--------------------- Harrington-----Besler----Collin------Espinosa -------------Auvray----------Rocastle---------- Kamara---------------Arnaud--------------Smith -----------------------Bravo---------------------- Or put Arnaud in one of the holding spots, drop Bravo to CAM, and put Sapong/Bunbury up top. Or drop Arnaud to holding, put Stocjev at CAM and leave Bravo up top.
any formation that doesn't have bravo getting the most looks in front of goal on our team is not a good formation. that's your starting point as far as i'm concerned.
I did a little research on Stojcev's appearances. I know some people don't like him. I think he's a good offensive threat. Games started 6, Goals we've scored in those games 11 Games not started 5, Goals we've scored in those games 1
Yeah but PV took the whole formation and marched it 15 yards backwards since the high goal scoring portion of the season to shore up the defense ..... Stojcev didn't score any of those goals and at best he has two assists, and he was predominately played in the high goal scoring games ... All things being equal it is not a fair comparison. No fairer than saying we have scored less with Julio Cesar on the bench than not.
Sure there are tons more factors than just Stocjev, and he didn't account for all 11 goals. But there is a lot to offense other than goal and assist. He is a dangerous offensive threat when he has time and space. I would just like to see more of him.
Well that is fair enough. I think when you back stuff up with stats its hard not to point out when its a sketchy link.
Problem is after teams figured out that's the only way he could play he was shut down and made non-existent in games, hence his move to the bench.
That's fair, I wasn't clear. He isn't responsible for all 11, obviously, but it is an accurate and potentially interesting statistic. That's fair too. But who in the midfield has been stellar on offense in his place? I guess the defense has gotten better, but with our forwards we should be scoring more than we have been recently. It's just frustrating watching a professional group of midfielders that can't string together two-touch passes to save its life. It's not difficult business.
Thing is I watched Stojcev not do the exact same thing in the reserve game in Colorado a few weeks ago, he was unable to complete passes (when he attempted them, Kerry was yelling at him fairly regularly to "pass the ********ing ball")
Stojcev is too inconsistent. Not that our team has been consistent as a whole but we need creators in the midfield and he isnt it.
Stojcev sucks ass unless he's given the entire pitch to himself. If he's pressured at all, he might as well be replaced by Pablo Escobar.