I find it curious that people this year feel our D is not as strong as last years, I disagree. The only difference between last year and this year is that Busch is not superman anymore. Through the first half of last year Busch faced more SOG then any other goalie other then Steve Cronin, and we're talking big margins here, I think Pat Onstead had faced 30% fewer shots then Busch had at that point of the season. Our D did tighten up during the 2nd half of the season, but our Defensive numbers were just run of the mill on the amount of SOG given up, worse then Chivas, Colorado, Columbus, DC, Dallas, Houston, and Salt Lake. Part of the reason our D was a bit porous at first last year was the coaches decision to sit Conde, once Conde and Soumare adjusted to each other last year our D really tightened up and was pretty good. I just don't think we have or had a shut down defense, we just had a goalie who was having an insane year in '08, and I'm sure Busch will be top keeper this year as well. We do have a good defense that I wouldn't trade, but a good team will score on it, the same way that our offense can score on any team in the league, and why we should focus on averaging 3 goals a game. That would probably be the easiest way to 70 points and a supporters shield.
Most goals are quick counters against us. Our midfield loves to attack, and we are left exposed on the quick counters. Teams have a very tough time posseing the ball in our end. I think once they get a few more games under their legs they will definately tighten up.
Yes, Jon has not stopped all that's come at him, but I will say one reason is he's been let hung out to dry by his defenders and put in positions where his percentage of stopping shots is lower. I think the defenders are still not on the same page as we've added Robinson and Ward (and Prideaux for the first half) and missed Conde. So once everyone has been playing for a few more games together, then they will solidify into the Wall of Fire we all have come to expect.
agree with title of thread..... ....with the notable exception of one Brandon Prideaux. so far, anyway.
Well, they did allow a shot off the post and one off the crossbar in that game too. But I agree with this thread . . . we've upgraded at RB and haven't lost anyone.
we sucked vs dallas in the end of 08 too i think.... they're not a good team for us i guess. as far as our overall defense abilities, hmm i'd say maybe we need to not get complacent and just think "we're a wall" but more like "we need to keep being a wall".... it takes constant effort, but i think once we start shutting teams down, they'll feel more intimidation and that'll make it simpler