tactics

Formations: A rambling take on why they're (sometimes) useful

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A bit late, this one, but you do know what they say about being a day late and a dollar short. Anyhow, given that I'm constantly talking in formations, I thought it may be nice to give my approach to written formations (of the 4-4-2 sort) and the like. A bit ramble, as always.

Passing stats show early-season trends, tactical shifts

After yesterday's debate and my subsequent not-posting (of the usual blog, I mean), I thought it would be good to tackle (probably a standing tackle and not two-footed, studs-up — wouldn't want a retroactive ban now, would I?) something a little more objective: Passing. Not just passing in general, of course, but how our passing and our opponents passing has looked throughout the season. Perhaps there will be something interesting we can derive from it.

Three-man backline, inverted midfielders mark tactical victory over Timbers

I think I'm going to be living on that win for a while — at least until Wednesday — as it's still getting me quite invigorated at odd moments in the day. I'd contemplated not needing any sleep until then, but that's clearly not going to work, and besides, I've already slept a fair amount since Saturday night. Anyhow, onward and upward, right?

Let's talk tactics a bit, shall we? I won't delve too much into the statistical side of things, as I've not the time right now, but do look for that tomorrow.

Three At the Back

Match Report: Midfield rotation defines 1-0 RSL win over NYRB

In arguably our best performance of the Desert Diamond Cup — a 1-0 consolation win (of course, they're all rather consolation matches in pre-season, aren't they?) over New York Red Bulls that saw a young midfield performing at the peak abilities.

It is there that the most interesting patterns emerged from the win. Last season I repeatedly argued that we were more akin to a 4-3-3 in shape than a 4-4-2, especially with Javier Morales on the pitch. Last night, it would appear the tactic has been tweaked slightly.

Excitement building as Sounders come to town; tactical match preview

Today, the final day we're likely to see our boys at home, is the day of the all-important playoff match that could very well define our season. The build-up is finally coming to a head, and if we're to be honest, this side is considerably more encouraging than they were even a week ago.

Absences, injuries, and tactical nonsense: three at the back?

For the Vancouver match, we do have a bit of good news: Nick Rimando and Arturo Alvarez will both be available for selection. One of those is great news, and the other is, well, it’s news, isn’t it? To be fair, I really do want to see Arturo make a positive mark at this club. I wish we could peer into a crystal ball and see what’s happened to him, but that’s a bit much to ask. Having Nick available is great, and he’ll be travelling to join up with the U.S. camp after the match.

The Kreis 4-3-3: A Re-Analysis of the Diamond

I promised this some time ago — that I would explain why I’ve been leaning toward describing Jason Kreis’s tactical setup as more of a 4-3-3 rather than a 4-4-2 — and so I suppose that time is now. With the All-Star game tomorrow, I’ll address that a bit at the end, but first, let's move on to the tactics discussion.

Dive aside, writing was on the wall for San Jose

An uninspired moment from Alvaro Saborio may have angered RSL and San Jose fans alike, but there was much to praise in the Real Salt Lake tactical setup. While our goals were scored after a player was sent off, Jason Kreis looked to have got one right in the tactical battle on Saturday. The first half was a bit of a stalemate, though the Claret and Cobalt controlled nearly all of the play and had the lion’s share of chances.

Tactical match preview; midfield setup requires incisive focus

With a bit more time to consider the lineup, I do think we could see one change from what I proposed yesterday. Rather than dropping Arturo Alvarez in, we might instead see Andy Williams in the tip of the diamond. Alvarez should be fit, though, and I do think we’ll see him at some point, but Andy presents a different option that might serve well against San Jose.

How They Scored: New England Revolution

I thought it might be in some interest to examine the decisions of our players and the referees that led to our goals against New England and how we can correct some of those problems. I suppose, then, I will do just that.

Goal 1: Borchers red and penalty

This is the goal that’s been much discussed and replayed. Nobody doubts that Nat Borchers was improperly sent off, and it’s been well accepted that the ball should have been dealt with before that point. How did the referee see a penalty, then?

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