yyys123
Geregistreerd op: 10 Jul 2019
Berichten: 1125
|
 Geplaatst: 14-10-2019 07:27:03 Onderwerp: ts something that you |
 |
|
|
The Formations Missing five players who would ordinarily be in the starting lineup, Toronto FCs squad depth was tested against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday. No Jermain Defoe and no Michael Bradley meant that two of the leagues premier players were unavailable for Toronto, providing Dwayne De Rosario and Kyle Bekker with opportunities to fill in. Tactically, head coach Ryan Nelsen again chose to employ his favoured 4-4-2 formation. The Colorado Rapids lined up with two changes to their 4-4-2 diamond midfield lineup that was successful against the Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend; Kamani Hill was replaced by former TFC midfielder, Nick LaBrocca, and Edson Buddle replaced Deshorn Brown up top. The Game This game was a big test for Toronto FC, given the quality and quantity of players that were unavailable. But despite losing the game 1-0 to an Edson Buddle goal, TFC acquitted themselves quite well. Defensively, the back four looked as solid as it ever has. Bradley Orr slotted into Doneil Henrys position and looked comfortable and composed alongside Steven Caldwell, who was excellent. Mark Bloom had another very solid game at right fullback, reaffirming Ryan Nelsens belief that he can be the solution for that position. With the signings of Defoe and Bradley getting all of the headlines this offseason, the acquisition of Justin Morrow flew under the radar. However, one could argue that his performances have been a big factor in TFCs solid start to the season. No longer do opponents view Torontos left flank as a free runway for opposing wingers and fullbacks to cross the ball at will. Morrow is shutting things down nicely, and while he doesnt have the same desire to get forward as his predecessor, Ashtone Morgan, Morrow does what all good defenders should do first - defend. In midfield, there were concerns that the absence of Bradley - who has been behind everything good that TFC has done to start the season - would have a dramatic impact on Torontos ability to compete against a slick Colorado side. Those concerns were alleviated by the performance of Canadian international, Kyle Bekker. Drafted third overall last season, Bekkers rookie year was not what he would have hoped. He struggled to find playing time, and in Ryan Nelsens opinion, had a tough time making the transition from college soccer star to reliable professional. Bekkers performances over the last two games (he started alongside Bradley in TFCs 2-0 win over Columbus the previous week) will go some way towards convincing Nelsen that Bekkers professional career is ready to take off. The midfielders passing was crisp and precise, and his positional awareness and defensive work - while not his strongest assets - were much improved over last season. One of Bekkers strengths is his set piece delivery, and on two occasions he rattled the woodwork with direct free kicks. Bekkers first effort in the 76th minute struck the base of the right post, and was just inches away from opening the scoring. The game turned little more than a minute later, as Colorado scored the only goal of the game. Toronto was solid defensively throughout the game, but got caught by a well-delivered ball to the back post for Dillon Serna. The youngster mis-hit a strike across goal, and the ensuing scramble saw the ball land at the feet of 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year, Dillon Powers, just inside the penalty area. At this stage, Toronto was well positioned to deal with Powers. There was lateral pressure coming from both Bekker and Issey Nakajima-Farran, with Mark Bloom directly in front. But Powers bumbled the ball past the challenge of Bloom, clearing room for a shot on goal. As a defender, one must prioritize threats on goal. The nearest defender must close down anyone with time and space to shoot inside the penalty area. The other defenders must then adjust to cover the next immediate threats. Steven Caldwell read the situation well, and as his momentum was in the direction of Powers, Caldwell left Edson Buddle to block the shot from Powers. It was a calculated risk from Caldwell, but it was the correct decision. Edson Buddle did what all good strikers do - he created space for himself in the penalty area by simply holding his run outside the six-yard box. The covering defender, Bradley Orr, is in the correct defensive position, as he also had to be able to intercept a ball across the six-yard box to Deshorn Brown, who was lurking at the far post. Buddle knew that if Powers could cut the ball back, he would have a shot on goal. When Powers cut back was successful, Orr immediately attempted to block Buddles shot - as did TFC goalkeeper, Julio Cesar - but Buddles effort slid under the keeper and into the back of the net. Apart from Bloom getting beaten by Powers just inside the penalty area, TFC defended this situation exactly as they should have. Unfortunately on this occasion, Colorados quality inside the penalty area was simply too good. I have been impressed with Colorado over the last two games, including a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps last week. José Mari looks like a fantastic addition to their midfield, and they move the ball around very well. They can over-narrow their midfield diamond at times, and exploiting the resulting space in wide areas will certainly be a key feature to focus on for any future opponents. The Positives Kyle Bekker put in a very solid performance, which will do his confidence a world of good. If he can continue to improve his positional awareness and general defensive responsibility, he will be a very valuable asset in Nelsens rejuvenated squad. The back four looked comfortable for most of the game - no mean feat, as Buddle and Gabriel Torres (as well as substitute, Deshorn Brown) offer a stern test. There were concerns going into the season about TFCs depth at centre back, but Bradley Orr proved that, while not his preferred position, he is more than capable of providing a solid alternative if the situation arises. The Negatives Perhaps it can be put down to unfamiliarity, but the partnership of Dwayne De Rosario and Gilberto didnt click. De Rosario is usually very tidy in possession, but far too often conceded the ball or gave it away through miscommunication with teammates. With options up front currently few and far between, this is a partnership that Nelsen will need to work if TFC is to be competitive in the absence of Jermain Defoe. The playing surface was infinitely better than it was back in March, when TFC defeated DC United in their home opener. (Credit to the BMO Field ground staff for working miracles during Torontos harsh weather.) But it still didnt lend itself to a slick, free-flowing passing game - something that both teams will prefer when the surface undoubtedly improves. The Star Man Few would argue that Bekker is deserving of a mention (which he is), but for me, Steven Caldwell put in an outstanding effort at the back. His distribution was precise, his positional awareness was superb, and time and time again he snuffed out dangerous situations before they could develop into goal scoring situations for Colorado. Boston Red Sox Gear . The veteran fighter will be squaring off with Henderson in a five-round lightweight bout as part of another network televised card at the United Center on Saturday night. Fake Red Sox Jerseys . a€“ All signs point to the Maple Leafs having their top offseason acquisition in the lineup on opening night. https://www.cheapredsox.com/ . MacArthur scored two goals, and the Senators outlasted Detroit in a testy third period to beat the Red Wings 4-2 on Saturday night. Stitched Red Sox Jerseys . The struggling New Orleans Pelicans were simply overmatched. Crawford hit seven 3s on his way to 24 points, and the Clippers beat the Pelicans 123-110 on Monday night. "We understand what we do well. If we all do what we do well, well make our team stronger," Crawford said. Custom Boston Red Sox Jerseys .Y. -- The "for sale" sign is up at the Buffalo Bills with the hiring of financial and legal advisers who may begin talking with prospective buyers within the next month.ALAMEDA, Calif. - When general manager Reggie McKenzie set out in the off-season to rebuild the Oakland Raiders, he wanted to put together a team that could push around opponents in the trenches and run the ball consistently.That was the same message Tony Sparano delivered when he took over as interim coach four games into the season. Yet the Raiders start the second half of the season on pace to run the ball fewer times than any team in more than 80 years and for fewer yards than any team in nearly 70 years.Along with searching for their first win of the season, the Raiders (0- also are trying to re-establish their identity. Oakland is last in the NFL in rushing with 65.5 yards per game, the fewest for any team since the 1946 Detroit Lions averaged 42.5 yards. The Raiders have only run the ball 18.9 times per game, the fewest on records that go back to 1932.Im just not used to that, the number of attempts being what they are right now, Sparano said. We put ourselves there. Youre down on the road, in that kind of situation, and we put ourselves in that position a little bit on several occasions. Normally, Im more used to being in the 30 range, somewhere around there, and I think that produces better numbers.Right now the numbers are quite poor. The Raiders have topped 100 yards rushing just twice all season, gaining 101 in a blowout loss to Houston in Week 2 with help from a 41-yard keeper by quarterback Derek Carr and 114 against San Diego in the first game under Sparano.But the running game has reverted the past three weeks with the team averaging 56.3 yards per game and 2.9 yards per carry in losses to Arizona, Cleveland and Seattle.Sparano said the lack of opportunities has hurt the production. He said the team had 17 run plays in the game plan against Seattle but only ran the ball 16 times as the offensivee line was beat repeatedly at the point of attack.ddddddddddddThe Raiders had hoped for stronger run blocking after adding big guards in rookie Gabe Jackson and free agent Austin Howard but that hasnt materialized yet.We just have to figure it out, Howard said. We have the guys up front to run the ball. We have the coaches to put us in the places to have success in the run game. We just have to go out on the field and do it. Its on us as players to go out and get it done.Despite the lack of production on the ground, the Raiders have stuck with Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew as their primary ball carriers. McFadden has 358 yards and is averaging 3.7 yards per carry while Jones-Drew has been held to 54 yards on 26 carries as he has been slowed by a hand injury.Latavius Murray has carried the ball just four times all season and fullback Marcel Reece also has only four runs. Reece has had good success the few times he has played tailback, rushing for 123 yards last year against the Jets and averaging 114 yards from scrimmage in four starts in 2012.Thats something that you could see happen because hes a big back who carries the ball a little differently than the other runners that we have, Sparano said. In his opportunity last year thats something he did a good job of. Were just trying to get to a point where we can get enough carries to go around period here. Bringing one more guys into the mix at this point while it may be great and might be a spark is a thought.NOTES: CBs Carlos Rogers (knee), TJ Carrie (ankle) and Chimdi Chekwa (hamstring) did not practice. ... G Gabe Jackson also was held out after leaving Sundays game with an injured left knee. ... WR Vincent Brown (hamstring) and CB Keith McGill (groin) were back at practice.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' ' |
|
