Soccer is a simple game played by human beings and thus infinitely complex. It is one of many sports that seek to place a ball or puck into a goal or net by movement and skillful execution. However, the cleverest and most skillful play is always based on solid fundamentals. DC United was competitive in their 2-1 defeat by Montreal on an individual skill level but was defeated by a team that applied fundamentals more frequently.
Movement to create or to find space is one fundamental. It must feature variety to aid deception. To that end, training emphasizes triangles and diagonal runs to allow options for the ball handler. The game must be played in as many dimensions as possible. The first Montreal goal was a shining example of diagonal play as the runner built momentum on a diagonal and then translated that energy to cut through a static offside line.
Contrast that with DC United’s four forwards forming an almost equally spaced flat line against Montreal’s four defenders in the 93rd minute. While the midfielders moved the ball up the field, the forwards made vertical feints which promised little chance of beating the defenders. It would have been far better to have them moving horizontally with some making diagonal runs as well.
Such movement will either be marked by defenders or not. In the former case, the movement should create space behind the runner for another to exploit. In the latter case, the attacker can translate his momentum to beat the static defenders.
United was often trapped against the touchline with the most frequently offered option of passing vertically along the line. This often results in predictable loss of possession. In contrast, Montreal featured constant diagonal movement and the presentation of more options with a consequently higher rate of successful passing.
It is notable that DC’s goal came from Steve Birnbaum’s run which created the energy to beat Montreal’s defenders to head in a well-placed pass.
There was one interesting bit of creative thinking by Taxi Fountas. He sometimes held himself back from the traditional scrum on corner kicks. In DC’s early days, Richie Williams would often go even wider by positioning himself on the far corner of the penalty area leaving the defense two choices. If marked, a short player has pulled a defender out of the scrum. If not, two possibilities for success appear, the ball is deliberately played to the unmarked to shoot or cross, or it sometimes skips over the scrum presenting the same unhindered options.
Both teams made a point of maintaining width on attack and both frequently left the wide player opposite the bulk of play unmarked. That opens a clear avenue to exploit. It is possible that some of that style is deliberate as the wide opponent may be a preferred weaker option to defend. Still, the habit may be exploited if the defense is not alert.
Because of the above, the score was a fair reflection of both teams’ play. The skills of both rosters seemed fairly equal with the difference appearing to come from tactics. If new coach Wayne Rooney can instill better movement in the team this roster should present him a workable platform.
United has a good stock of journeyman players with only a few “personality” creators. Rooney’s influence is already visible as he brings in Ravel Morrison from Derby County and Jamaica along with Martin Rodriguez from Chile.
Next Sunday’s game against Orlando at 5:00 PM will honor a DC area legend, Len Oliver, who was a mentor to so many coaches, players, and referees.
