Although the game promised to showcase Lionel Messi, it was Luis Suarez who provided the lift for Miami, entering in the 62nd minute to score two goals. Messi was left at home to avoid risking a minor knock.
DC United Coach, Troy Lesesne gave his perspective, “I felt like we did enough in the in the beginning of the game to be on top, but not throughout the course of 90 minutes.” A 24th minute tying goal by Leonardo Campana turned the tide which had been running in United’s favor.
A hallmark of MLS games has been failure to use the full width of the field. Under Lesesne, United has exploited width to maximize options as play develops from the back. In the season opener, Aaron Herrera terrorized the New England Revolution down the right wing. In this game, a similar foray down the right wing allowed Jared Stroud to strike, creating DC’s goal.
The width created a third option down the center for Matti Peltola to provide transition. Listed as a defender, he served as both defensive and offensive midfielder, primarily the former. His role is similar to that of Russell Canouse who is recovering from injury. Peltola plays aggressively in a style similar to Brian Namoff of ancient history while sporting small shin guards as well.
Often the central offensive role was provided by Mateusz Klich in a fashion similar to last year. The strategy worked because United’s three midfielders were allowed flexibility to switch positions, giving the experienced Klich a libero role. He noted, “I think we were in a good shape in the game until they scored and then we had some issues, but we’re going to, we need to, learn from that and I think we have potential to be more dangerous and create more goals.” He elaborated, “We found the transitions we planned.”
The three spread options rely on interplay as triangles are maintained to avoid being trapped on one side. Play flows wide to center to wide until an opening occurs, most often down the wing.
The fourth option relies on the extraordinary ability of Christian Benteke to win aerial duels. Mostly by his head or chest, DC won 16 and lost only 5. Defenders needed to account for Benteke who varied his own outlet positioning from side to side while considering the wide and shorter central attackers.
A fundamental principle is to maximize one’s options while foreclosing the opponent’s. Lesesne appreciated his star’s talent, “I feel like Christian Benteke is someone that everyone in the league should respect. And we have to continue to provide service for him.”
Defender Christopher McVey agreed with several other players in feeling that the game could have gone another way. Miami is the strongest team in MLS and Lesesne agreed with McVey, “For a large part of the first half, I’d say even to probably the momentum swing of the second goal, we were in a good way and we’re going to keep building.” He was pleased with the team’s play despite the fact that, “Miami has so many big names.”
He appreciated the strong support of the home fans despite a preponderance of pink Miami shirts in the stands. “And that means that they care, you know, about our club and in a completely different way. I’m looking forward to getting back here in a couple weeks’ time.”
That game will be against Montreal at the usual 7:30 PM on Saturday, March 30th.
