Frank's done such an incredible job as coach, that this is a really unusual question: Was Saturday's loss in KC a rare occasion in which the Quakes were either out-coached, or poorly prepared? • Did Frank fail to get the team ready for the heat, humidity, the opponent, or anything else? • Were the substitutions used poorly? Did halftime adjustments backfire? What do you think? I'll hold my thoughts till we get a discussion going.
Having played more games in the same amount of time, I think these guys are worn out and need a rest.
Plain and simple: they got beat. They were saved by the woodwork, and were generally outplayed. Simutenkov had a great game! As we've seen on the road, the points are not automatic. Teams seem to save their best for the home crowds. Coaching had very little impact on this game (IMHO).
Re: Plain and simple: they got beat. I would agree that coaching had very little to do with it. The first touch and passing was bad from everyone on the team, I've never seen Landon with so many really bad touches. Looking as bad as they did, unable to posses the ball, your not going to win against any team in the league. Maybe they were tired, but it seems like the Quakes are out of sync when they play on the road, too much partying while they are out of town?
I must say, I've watched a majority of the Quake games this season and they looked totally out of sink in this game. It seemed like they had trouble dealing with the weather, which I'd not seen in them before.
IMHO....you never sub at the half unless you have an injury or a player says he cannot go anymore. at least wait 55-60th minute so the guy that got a rest at the half can expend what energy he regained during the break, then bring on the fresh player. I felt that Lagos was the most energetic player on the field in the first half so unless he completely shot his wad, he stays until he collapses, especially if Russell is the sub. Yallop subbed a possession type player for the run and gun Russell.....and it sure seemed like possession was an issue in the second half. As far as getting your team prepared for the heat is not the job of the coach, thats the trainers deal. Most you can do is nutritional.....hydrate. Either you play well in the heat or you don't. Training in the heat for one day won't prepare you for it.....that take weeks to adapt to. The Agoos sub is understandable because you are trying to insert your captain back into line-up. Robinson was hobbled but I think i'd put friggin Jon Conway on D in a game that was close rather than Ibsen.....ugggggh!
Not until the leadership of Agoos and Dayak returns to the field will we string victories on the road.
I don't know whether or not Frank's hand was forced when he made those two halftime subs. I would have preferred leaving Agoos on the bench until such time as we were holding a lead, late, or injury made a sub necessary. I think the heat and humidity were huge factors (although I haven't read the players or coaches saying anything, have they?) and the subbing was really botched this time. So yeah, I think Frank had a bad game. This is kind of presumtuous because I don't have all the facts. Is there anything he would have done differently if given another chance? If so, I'll bet Frank will learn and be an even better coach with the experience.
I imagine it is allowed but the only thing that would've helped the Quakes would have been meth-amphetamine, and I will go out on a limb and say that meth is NOT allowed.
IF the 2nd half problem was weather-related, a bit of IV saline to replace extracellular fluid volume and dextrose to replenish muscle glycogen would go a long way. But you would be hard pressed to get it in during the short time period of half time.... or maybe they're afraid of needles <g> -KMJvet
STOP! STOP!.....stop it i say!!! My brain is gonna explode! Make the big words go away. Can I watch cartoons now?
Here's a few quotes from Cybersoccer.com: Well, it was ridiculous. But now Frank has learned how NOT to try to win in ridiculous conditions. By the way, the article at: http://www.cybersoccernews.com/mls/wizards/020728wizards_quakes.shtml ...is by far the best reporting I've seen of the match. LDB, I hear what you're saying about Ibsen. He's a guy who I think would really benefit from a trade. I don't know if he's ever going to win back his old spot, even though he might have a lot to offer another team.
The way they played they should have had the IV before the game, they stunk up the first half as well. I have a hard time believing that weather was the problem, they played like shite from the opening whistle.
I guess I don't agree.... well, I agree with Yallop... they had about 30 minutes in them and that was about it. Although I thought Donovan worked hard all game (he just played poorly). But I do wonder if they could have had an improved showing with "better performance through medicine?" -KMJvet
It is coach's fault. If your starting players are tired, then put Guchi and Delvin there. Have believing in your subs. That's what Bruce Arena did when his starters are tired.
Going into 95+degree heat with humidity to match is a real bitch if you're not used to it. And let me tell ya, Californians, we ain't used to it. If you're tired, say, for example, being jet-lagged, you gasp for air. It can be suffocating.
Exactly. That's why we shouldn't have subbed at halftime -- after a 20 minute halftime break, let a couple guys be designated to run till exhaustion, then sub them. At least then you have two/three sets of fresh legs at the end of the match. I think taking DeRo out at half was just a mistake. Frank doesn't make many mistakes, but I think this was one.
The heat/humidity probably got to Yallops head. Yallop definitely made some bad decisions. In addition to the team needing a break, the coaching staff needs one as well. I agree that you wait 10-15 minutes after the half to make a sub. DeRo and Lagos could have made a last effort at it. The team also regains continuity by keeping those players on that came off at the half.