Orangemen vs de Agosto FC

Too bad all soccer games don’t last only 45 minutes.  As halftime approached the Orangemen kept pace with  DE AGOSTO FC on Saturday night to a score of 1 to 1.  The Football Club of August was frustrated to say the least.  The ref even approached Mooch and commented that the Orangemen were doing a fine job shutting down their attack.  For everyone present to witness the new formation, 2-3-2-2-1, became a believer.  It wasn’t until the second half, that DE AGOSTO took off with the game and left management and players alike, scratching their heads as to whether the new formation was of value. By the end, the Orangemen conceded 5 more goals during the last 45.  And despite the standing ovation that Jim Landoll received from the visitors, based on his tenacious pursuit in the midfield, the Orangemen scarcely mounting an additional attack.

Nevertheless, the new formation showed enough promise, particularly in the defensive third, to warrant a few more games.  In fact,  had the Orangemen be able to sustain the energy of play they had in the first half, by having a few more sets of fresh legs on the bench, who’s to say they wouldn’t have done better.  The Orangemen started with 1 sub and by half-time, when Floppy arrived, they were up to 2 subs. 

The defense seemed to work.  The formation calls for 2 sweepers.  Andy and Sam were instructed to start as sweepers and to work out their communication, each backing up the defenders on their half of the field.  Also, Andy instructed Sam that they would not try to play a strong offside trap, at least until they go comfortable.  Ahead of the sweepers, Karl started on the right side, with Nate on the left, and Mauricio playing in the center, stepping in for a position custom made for Ben, who had to take the evening off.  Luke was expected to show by half-time but unfortunately was a no show.  Greg Z arrived and would sub in for Nate and Karl as the game moved forward.

Tedd and Mooch started in the midfield leaving B to play center forward, with Bob and Jim  on the flanks playing the point positions to the left and right.  Mooch has borrowed the point position from his time playing ice hockey.  When the offense advances the two defenders grab the outside lanes near mid-ice to intercept the puck if it is slung out along the boards.  In similar fashion this position can be used to pick up a loose ball angling out of bounds or break up an attack starting from one of the flanks.  When the play switches to defense the outside forwards play in a similar position to fight for the puck at midfield if, again, it is played out along the base of the boards.  Stepping just inside allows for these players to be key to linking the ball forward.  It is vitally important,  however, that these player come to the ball when in position and not run forward on the attack.

In the end, the formation seems to have merit so stay tuned this week as Mooch provides more explicit instruction on how each position should be played.