Cap's play style

I wouldn't say the panic button has been pushed. It is not like the caps are not getting chances, Mattocks could have had 3 goals in Salt Lake. Its true we play a grinding style - especially on the road, where we seem to have a "don't lose at any cost" mentality, rather than pushing for a win.

 

I agree about not panicking, for a few reasons.

Rennie's previous teams I think tended to have low goals against, but high goals for. As Rennie himself has said, the WC are essentially still in phase one (tighten the defence) of their makeover. It took Rennie two to three years to remake his other clubs, and the MLS is a tougher league than those others.

The last few games, Rennie has gone to the formation I hoped he would once Robson arrived here, although he's put Robson in a more attacking role than I figured. That's the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Koffie and Davidson playing holding MF, Robson the central attacking MF, Richards and Camilo wingers, and Mattocks the target man up front. Traditionally, that formation promotes both solid defensive play, but also attack, especially if the wide defenders and one of the holding mids (Koffie) can go move up when going forward. That formation also promotes some pretty fluid and exciting play once players are comfortable with it. One team that plays this system to a T is the German national squad, and it is one of the reasons they have gone from playing mechanical football to becoming one of the most exciting teams to watch in recent years.

The transition for the WC is slow--relatively speaking--because last year's players need to get used to the new formation, and new players must also be integrated. That said, I'm seeing the players getting more comfortable with the formation. The arrival of Robson has done a lot in that respect, I think, because he really seems to understand the 4-2-3-1, and not only plays his role well, but directs the other players to do so too. For me, the WC showed how far they've progressed, and that Rennie's system is working, against RSL last game. Ignore the fact for a moment that they lost; I was pleasantly surprised at how they took the game to RSL in the 2nd half. Especially when you consider the heat and altitude--which in the past caused the Caps to wilt--and the fact that Rio Tinto stadium is a fortress for RSL. For parts of the 2nd half, it looked like a home game for the WC, and RSL was clearly back on its heels. The WC lack of finishing was the only thing that saved RSL in the end. Rennie, when interviewed after the game, was clearly frustrated by this, I'm guessing because he saw his system come together, but his team just couldn't take advantage. But let's put that lack of finishing in perspective: Mattocks is a first-year rookie, and a young player, Miller is still in pre-season form, and Davidson has not, to date, moved up into any offensive role, so he' not used to finishing around the net.

Give it time--probably not much more time--and look out. If all goes well--no major injuries, and steady player development--I think the WC could actually do some damage in this year's playoffs. They seem set to peak at the right time. And as they head toward that peak, I also predict they'll play increasingly more attractive--and higher scoring--soccer. Their development, even in the tougher MLS, may be right on the track that Rennie has established elsewhere. And if they do get into the playoffs and do well, why a massive difference it would be from last year.

 

Don't discount your team, the Caps are on the upswing - and you play to win with an attractive attacking style...

Unfortunately the stats seem to show that possession isn't how you win - counter-attacking seems to work best in this league. Bruce Arenas built two big dynasties around that philosophy and league leading San Jose is demonstrating the power of the counter against misaligned defenses seemingly every week.

So yeah, your D could be shored up, but honestly, your offense has a ton of potential. Enjoy your team.

 

Our ability to build up, move the ball around our defense and midfield is miles ahead of last years squad. Mattocks needs to learn to hold up the ball when the Caps are forced to clear, but like it was mentioned, he is young. I think adding Salgado to the mix when he is healthy again will really boost our attack, as we will have to fast midfielders stretching out opposing defense further. Has anyone heard any updates on him? I thought the timeline was 3-6 weeks...

 

I've heard 3-4 months. I don't think they expect him back this season. Even if he was somewhat ready, I on't see them taking the chance of bringing him in early. They're not hurting up front at the moment, and Salgado's a long-term asset. Like the Canucks with Cody Hodgson's back, there's a lot more to lose than gain in bringing a young player back quickly.

 

Thanks dude--right back atcha. I'm a bit disappointed too that they didn't sign some cover for the back line during the window. They're living dangerously counting on absolutely no injuries at the CB and RB spots for the whole season. I also wish Rennie would give Mitchell more time. He seemed to work really well with Demerit last year when he came in. Perfect time to get him used to Bonjour as well. Hopefully he'll play him when we get to some teams that are below us in the table in the coming weeks.