Now that I've had a chance to think about the game...here are my thoughts... Actually, I really have one thought: Dear OP - please let your team know that the game consists of two halves - a first half, and a second half. Not a "practice half" and a "game half." Love, Nowar99. I really don't get how ineffectual this team is in the first half. Its almost like their strategy is to just absorb everything the other team has in the first half, and then when the opponents get comfortable and slack off, then we fight back in the second half. They continue to come out and look like they haven't practiced much together.
Lol we will just have to agree to disagree. If you think 3 secs (based on video clock) pass to cross and i guess sprinting immediately at a guy is proper defending at any level, then you have me. Kimura did move to get in cross path, but wisely he didn't sprint to easily let guy push ball around him so it's now an odd man attack inside 18. Fact is that should be a zero chance scoring opportunity, but it didn't work out that way I invite anyone to go to mls soccer and watch highlight from first goal and fault Kimura for how he handled it. Aren't you the same guy who defended last week Freeman back pedaling for 60-70 yards as the correct way to defend?
I'm seeing pretty much the same thing as you. The breakdown on the cross came, I thought, between Kimura and Thompson. Kimura was first on the scene in what was essentially a 2 on one, Wells arrived but went to the ball, there's a moments realization and Kimura goes to the overlapping player. I don't think it's perfect but it's about all he could do.
Nope, not me. My point was crosses happen all the time. They (the crosses ) are difficult to defend. The problem was allowing DRo to run free. Others decided the blame should rest with Freeman. FWIW, I don't blame Kimura for the goal, just like I didn't blame Freeman. Where the rubber meets the road is failing to mark players in front of the goal.
Keep positive, I'm happy with a point (even at home) from a team that started 7-0. While the game was schizophrenic at best (especially first half), they managed to pull it together even with a make-do lineup. This could've been a win with all the various chances and possession. Next game versus Montreal (1-5-1 away) should be a win, even with several starters out.
Sorry everyone, I just can't let bad info be put out there. Looks like the "defenders soccer bible" site has been closed but here is this, so not like I make making this up. There are universal rules for the various positions and defender probably has the most. http://www.soccerxpert.com/soccertips/id1204.aspx Here is few sentences that explain my posting from last week and this week very nicely. Pay attention to the distance of pressure (depends on speed of attacker vs. the speed of the defender) usually 1-3 yards Remember that the player closest to the attacker should be the player pressuring the ball. Players should sprint to close down space as quickly as they can, then when they get 5 yards from the attacker they should slow down and take steps backwards to match the pace of the attacker. During this time, the defender should slowly close down the space between the attacker and defender.
Center back Drew Moor took responsibility for the first goal, saying he left his man to help Marshall. "I saw Ty's guy kind of out of the corner of my eye, thought he was in a dangerous position, and I made a move over towards him," Moor said. "As soon as I did, it opened up a little bit of space behind me. Ty had him, and I'm trying to do my job and his job. I don't need to do that. I need to stay with my man. Teal did a good job of pealing off my shoulder and finding some open space, but I hold my hand up on that one." Read more: Colorado Rapids rally from two down for tie with Sporting KC - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/rapids/ci_20664890/colorado-rapids-rally-from-two-goals-down-tie#ixzz1vVlFtGNu
Re-reading this... It struck me then as now that it was a failure of communication on the part of Wells and Kimura. Not surprising with Wells being the plug-in-player. I also couldn't really tell what Thompson was doing in the middle of the field prior to the switch in play.
maybe this team is a 2nd half team... maybe we will go streaking like 10 or the oakland a's in the second half of the year
Positives: +I respectfully, but strongly, disagree with the assessment of some on BS about the play of Wells Thompson in this match. I've been critical at times of his play, but this match shouldn't be in that category. He defended solidly on the first goal and was instrumental in shutting down Zusi in the second half, which disrupted KC's central attack. + Casey had quite a bit of pace and clever footwork. His near-goal in the first half caught KC a bit by surprise, and forced tighter marking after the shot. + Rivero's service on the first Rapids goal was superb.That was textbook service to Marshall. + Casey and Kimura alertly played the second goal. Unlike the back line, the offensive communication seemed sharp. + Fighting back from 0-2 is worthy of praise. That took heart. Every point matters. Negatives: - The second KC goal was a marking disaster. How did surfer boy (Myers) get loose in the box, unmarked? (And for that matter, why was he allowed to interfere with Pickens?) Leaving Bunbury unmarked didn't work too well on the first goal, and shouldn't have happened again. - Around 30', there was a crisp through ball to Cascio. He hesitated, turned back and passed. He could have taken a quick dribble left and had a decent shot. That instinct will come with time, but it's something that he (like all rookies) needs to develop. - Subbing Zapata for Cascio at 2-2 was . . . odd. Other Comments: = Contrary to the assessment of some, I believe that Thompson and Kimura did an excellent job defending on the first goal. The play started when Freeman had an unforced turnover near midfield. After KC changed field, it was obvious that Sinovic was the key to the play and that Bunbury needed to be marked. Thompson paced Sinovic, forcing him outside and shutting down any potential for a shot, rather than a cross. Kimura slid under, protecting near post and forcing Sinovic to fire a relatively flat cross. Thompson and Kimura bought enough time for Bunbury to be marked and for the central defenders to shut down the attack. That didn't happen. = Jurisevic held true to form: a quick whistle on several fouls, but little desire to pull a card. That helped Larentowicz (one booking from being penned) and Castrillon (two away). = With a ref more eager to pull cards, Hill could have been booked for his jab to the chest on Jacob Peterson. As it was, KC was given a dangerous kick at a key juncture. = There are several ways to look at the difference in play between halves. The second half dominance could reflect altitude or conditioning or the Rapids' bench strength or halftime coaching. Or none of the above. = The Rapids broke the streak of matches with more fouls than opponents. Here are the stats, updated to reflect the KC match. Thug Stats: Last match: Fouls, Kansas City 13, Colorado 8. Bookings, Kansas City 1 YC (Convey), Colorado 0. Season totals: Fouls, Opponents 147, Colorado 134. Bookings, opponents 23 YCs, 1 RC, 1 mustard-and-ketchup; Colorado 16 YCs, 1 mustard-and-ketchup. Rapids Front Office scorecard: Last match: + Protected starters = 0 goals, 1 assist (Casey), 0 bookings. + RFO throwaways = 2 goals (Marshall, Kimura), 0 assists, 0 bookings. + Newbies = 0 goals, 1 assist (Rivero), 0 bookings. Season totals: + Protected starters = 5 goals, 5 assists, 9 YCs, 1 mustard-and-ketchup, 1 own goal. + RFO throwaways = 3 goals, 2 assists, 3 YCs. + Newbies = 9 goals, 7 assists, 6 YCs.
I didn't look for his defensive contributions, so I respect this point. Personally, from a right wing mid, I expect more than just defense, which is my opinion is colored the way it is.