In anticipation of Tuesday’s Open Cup match only three days away, Coach Chad Ashton chose to mix up his starters and substitutes to minimize stress. He has this luxury because of good depth, especially in midfield and forward.
A primary example was starting Sofiane Djeffal in place of Chris Durkin as a defensive midfielder. Both excel in that position and work well with Russell Canouse. After the rookie’s aggressive play disrupted Houston’s attempts to play from the back, he was replaced by Durkin, enabling both to be les fatigued for Tuesday’s game.
Throughout the game, play was compressed front to back as both sides played a forward restraining game. This affected both sides as there were many errant passes. Some were unforced, especially by Houston who seemed particularly uncoordinated.
In addition to contributing both United goals, Taxi Fountas demonstrated unusual attention to defense, an attribute rarely found in designated players brought on to create goals. His work rate seemed to contribute to Houston’s unease with the ball, reinforcing the team’s commitment to mutual support.
At the post match press conference both Julian Gressel and Canouse emphasized their comfort with Taxi as they communicate well in their common knowledge of German. That further solidifies coordination in transition as positions change in the dynamics of play to create scoring and defending opportunities. The team emphasizes commitment to mutual support.
Up front, Ashton continued to rotate his attackers, this time starting Michael Estrada and bringing on Ola Kamara in relief to further lessen stress on both before Tuesday. Estrada’s hold up play is similar to Kamara’s, maintaining flow as each are close to interchangeable. Both are versatile complements to Taxi’s play as he finds space in their wake to create goals.
For a change of pace up front, Ashton can deploy Griffin Yow whose aggressive style is similar to Djeffal’s in contributing to turnovers in threatening places. Taxi’s experience and creativity should enable him to exploit Yow’s contributions.
In goal, Bill Hamid was replaced by recently obtained Rafael Romo as he required stitches near his foot. If Hamid is not used against the Red Bulls, either Romo, who showed well, or Jon Kempin should cover the net competently.
The Open Cup game will see fair weather in contrast to Saturday’s nasty weather. Hopefully that will result in fewer errant passes and a bit more beauty in the game. Both Canouse and Gressel commented after the match that they were greatly heartened by the drumming and chanting of the hardy supporters through the light, but driven, cold rain.
Expect that the supporting noise will be even greater on Tuesday at 7:30 at Audi Field.
