No, it's plainly obvious. Start with the 4 - 4 - 1 -1 with an advancing back as an additional wingman and support for attack... Downside is that our attack stifles in the midfield. AND we have no off the ball movement... AND we have no ball handling skills... AND we can't even service our f***** strikers..
It's a weird flowing formation... supposedly a behind the scenes report with the ESPN game remarked about how the Union does not disclose their lineup to ESPN in time, unlike all other teams, for the graphics people to work their magic. They had to do it almost last second - since pregame isn't that long after the 60 minute game day roster requirement (which is when ESPN gets the line up). It said that they were scrambling to put it together and Twellman told them to put it in a 4-3-3 formation... which during the game it looked more like a 4-3-1-2 to me... with the advancing backs making it a 3-4-1-2 ..etc... Basically what it comes down to is, our lineup is always a blob formation.
Last year we made it to the playoffs by using the Italian formation: This year I believe we're employing the ever (un)successful French formation (although there is still way too much midfield play involved here):
Hmmmm..........technically weren't we employing the french plan the past two seasons though? This season is more like the Polish Plan.
I prefer the Quantum Plan: Every possible pass, shot, goal, result happen simultaneously, until you actually pay attention, so its better to just not watch at all.
Strikers as defenders and defenders as strikers? or would macmath be the lone striker *headscratcher*
Thank you for seeing what I've seen as the major problem holding this team back more than anything these past couple of seasons. We do not generate enough chances because of a lack of midfield play leading into the final third of the field. There, generally but not always, is a lack of consistent ball movement and quick interplay to open up space. More times than not, our attack gets slowed down on its own accord and defenses are able to hold shape against us. You cannot keep throwing out there multiple defensive midfielders and expect a lot of offensive possession and scoring chances. The strikers are not blameless, they've missed their share of chances and at times can do more to get open, but they receive so little service from the midfield when you really look at it. They say that soccer is won in the midfield...well, we've been struggling to win games for a while now. Things absolutely need to change in the midfield from an offensive standpoint. That said, Adu has come on strong in his last couple of appearances as an attacking mid of sorts, when he's providing we look much better; however, we simply need more than Freddy providing.
How low does the bar need to go before Nowak is fired? Fewest points in the league? Worst MLS record ever? Fans abandoning the team in droves?
The only thing that would get him fired is if the performances start to hit the team in the pocketbook. As long as we keep showing up (and I will) they have no incentive to fire him. As much as everyone on Big Soccer likes to debate, I think we can call agree that the Union put money above all else in regards to the team.
we will see come August when its time to re-up season tickets how long Novak will still be coach. this business model they have going on right now is not working. No one even the Peter the Great is untouchable.