Saturday’s game at Audi Field was reminiscent of Jimmy Breslin’s novel, “The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight”. DC United took 24 shots and put 9 on goal only to be surpassed in futility by San Jose with 9 shots with but 2 on Goal. Excellent saves by the Quakes’ keeper, Daniel Brito, accounted for some of United’s futility, but the strong DC buildup was mostly nullified by the players’ poor finishing.
That buildup was the culmination of a process that Coach Wayne Rooney has worked on all season. Brendan Hines-Ike reflected on one aspect as the personnel in back have constantly changed, “We have a good group of defenders. Everyone knows their job and whoever’s playing will show to their best ability.”
DC United’s midfielders and forwards were not bound by formal positions and could be found almost anywhere on the field. Russell Canouse most often covered defenders who advanced, while Gabriel Pirani could be found anywhere, functioning as a libero. Ted Ku-DiPrieto and Mateusz Klich would switch sides or spend some time in the middle. San Jose could not be certain whom to mark.
This requires discipline based on an understanding of when to switch roles, all of which comes with practice and familiarity. Hines-Ike remarked on the constant changing of positions by the midfield as well as its effect on the defense, “That’s the way the gaffer has asked those guys to play. So, it comes down to the guy who’s in the back, that’s usually me, to organize.” He was referring to the most common situation where the central defenders generally remain deeper while the wide defenders and midfielders switch positions and cover for one another when any of them attack.
The effect of the flexibility that Rooney gives his players is reminiscent of the famous “total football” practiced by Holland years ago. The concept relies on each player having the talent and knowledge to cover any position on the field, even if only briefly. To add further to San Jose’s dilemma, United would vary its outlet from the back.
Most often, they would build out down the wings with switches of play from side to side once reaching midfield. When the situation was forced or when an opportunity presented itself a solid option was Christian Benteke who would receive a lofted ball and redirect it to a teammate. Variety in attack is necessary to be effective.
Still, the best buildup must be completed. Coach Rooney observed, “I thought we were excellent the second half and created numerous chances.” Canouse agreed about his team’s shooting, “We could have tested him (Brito), to be honest, a bit more.” Further, on DC’s play he felt, “I think it was decent. I think it was a tale of two halves.” Reflecting on the totality, “Overall, not super disappointed, but at this point in the season every point matters.” With six games remaining, every point is valuable.
Goalie Alex Bono, who performed very well in the two instances when threatened, will finish the season in the net for United as Tyler Miller is out with injury. DC can expect Andy Najar, Jose Fajardo, and Eric Davis back from international duty to boost their depth going into Saturday’s game at Charlotte FC, a home match Wednesday at Audi vs Atlanta, and another at Audi vs the Red Bulls on the 23rd.
