Caleb Porter's Questionable Coaching

[Blue & Gold]

We put so much absolutely deserved heat on iCoach and even some undeserved heat on KD. So, just for fun, I ask those of you with advanced soccer knowledge, put a little heat on Caleb Porter and how he hasn't effectively used Holmes. We had heard all along about how lethal a striker Holmes was and that he was the missing piece to this team's puzzle. What's happened? What's Caleb done wrong?! What does he have to change before the Northwestern game to get this team on a roll for the tourney?

[TheTank123]

We put so much absolutely deserved heat on iCoach and even some undeserved heat on KD. So, just for fun, I ask those of you with advanced soccer knowledge, put a little heat on Caleb Porter and how he hasn't effectively used Holmes. We had heard all along about how lethal a striker Holmes was and that he was the missing piece to this team's puzzle. What's happened? What's Caleb done wrong?! What does he have to change before the Northwestern game to get this team on a roll for the tourney?

Who outside of members of this message board thing he was the missing piece to the puzzle? I admit I thought he was going to have more of an impact than he did but I don't remember ever reading CP say anything of the sort.

[Blue & Gold]

We put so much absolutely deserved heat on iCoach and even some undeserved heat on KD. So, just for fun, I ask those of you with advanced soccer knowledge, put a little heat on Caleb Porter and how he hasn't effectively used Holmes. We had heard all along about how lethal a striker Holmes was and that he was the missing piece to this team's puzzle. What's happened? What's Caleb done wrong?! What does he have to change before the Northwestern game to get this team on a roll for the tourney?

Who outside of members of this message board thing he was the missing piece to the puzzle? I admit I thought he was going to have more of an impact than he did but I don't remember ever reading CP say anything of the sort.

Well, okay, no one. But red herring. Go on...

[fknbuflobo]

This I do know: Gazelles make good wingers, not stubby, clever players. The latter are more useful in the interior. Holmes belongs in the hole where his lack of pace is inconsequential.

[Blue & Gold]

I know Holmes looked really good during his first game as a Zip (Columbus State?). But maybe he's a bit over his head at this level?

[Doug Snyder]

I know Holmes looked really good during his first game as a Zip (Columbus State?). But maybe he's a bit over his head at this level?

Don't know if he is over his head...he did make 1st team MAC if I recall. I think the higher level of competition have exposed some of his weaknesses. He would have been better served to have transferred last year so he had 1.5 years at this level. I am disappointed that we will not get to see if he could adjust his game and make the improvements to take his game to the next level. Woulda, Coulda and Shoulda...I hate those 3 guys!!! But I like Holmes and still think he is valuable.

[jem101]

I'm not too sure how much of the struggles this year are Porter's fault. Take the WMU loss for example. The Zips dominated the game, but failed to convert on some really easy finishes. Holmes clanged one off the post, Scottie missed a wide open goal, Schmitt took a ball boy to the ground. :rofl: Nothing Porter can do about that. It's on the guys now. BTW, Caldwell needs to step his game up if this team wants to go anywhere this post-season. After the hot streak to begin the year he has really regressed. He needs to step it up. That miss against WMU was horrible. Also, when he stepped up to take the PK he didn't look confident at all. Another hot streak like the 2010 post-season would be much appreciated now!

[bisbee]

We put so much absolutely deserved heat on iCoach and even some undeserved heat on KD. So, just for fun, I ask those of you with advanced soccer knowledge, put a little heat on Caleb Porter and how he hasn't effectively used Holmes. We had heard all along about how lethal a striker Holmes was and that he was the missing piece to this team's puzzle. What's happened? What's Caleb done wrong?! What does he have to change before the Northwestern game to get this team on a roll for the tourney?

Who outside of members of this message board thing he was the missing piece to the puzzle? I admit I thought he was going to have more of an impact than he did but I don't remember ever reading CP say anything of the sort.

Other factor is that for prior 3 years he played at an NAIA program which is arguably a whole different level of play then he faces in Div 1. That certainly could have accounted for his pre Akron gaudy stats and for his "lack of equivalent production" here. I don't think Luke's lack of equivalent production is what the main problem is.

[Zip_ME87]

I'm not too sure how much of the struggles this year are Porter's fault. Take the WMU loss for example. The Zips dominated the game, but failed to convert on some really easy finishes. Holmes clanged one off the post, Scottie missed a wide open goal, Schmitt took a ball boy to the ground. Nothing Porter can do about that. It's on the guys now. BTW, Caldwell needs to step his game up if this team wants to go anywhere this post-season. After the hot streak to begin the year he has really regressed. He needs to step it up. That miss against WMU was horrible. Also, when he stepped up to take the PK he didn't look confident at all. Another hot streak like the 2010 post-season would be much appreciated now!

I agree about it being on the players. Caleb can do a lot of things, but he can't step onto the pitch and play for these guys. Folks have complained that he's made changes in the line up. Don't you think he's looking for the right strings to pull. It's easy to sit back here and second guess. I'm sure he's second guessed himself as well, but it all comes down to the players executing. I don't recall the Zips being blown out in any game this season. Just one or 2 things falling into place in any of our ties or losses and the game goes our way. Since I've never led a college team to a national championship nor have I been selected to lead my country's soccer team in qualifying for the Olympics, I think I'll be supportive of our Mens Soccer Head Coach, go to the game and cheer for him and our players rather than disputing his decisions.

[Doug Snyder]

I'm not too sure how much of the struggles this year are Porter's fault. Take the WMU loss for example. The Zips dominated the game, but failed to convert on some really easy finishes. Holmes clanged one off the post, Scottie missed a wide open goal, Schmitt took a ball boy to the ground. Nothing Porter can do about that. It's on the guys now. BTW, Caldwell needs to step his game up if this team wants to go anywhere this post-season. After the hot streak to begin the year he has really regressed. He needs to step it up. That miss against WMU was horrible. Also, when he stepped up to take the PK he didn't look confident at all. Another hot streak like the 2010 post-season would be much appreciated now!

I agree about it being on the players. Caleb can do a lot of things, but he can't step onto the pitch and play for these guys. Folks have complained that he's made changes in the line up. Don't you think he's looking for the right strings to pull. It's easy to sit back here and second guess. I'm sure he's second guessed himself as well, but it all comes down to the players executing. I don't recall the Zips being blown out in any game this season. Just one or 2 things falling into place in any of our ties or losses and the game goes our way. Since I've never led a college team to a national championship nor have I been selected to lead my country's soccer team in qualifying for the Olympics, I think I'll be supportive of our Mens Soccer Head Coach, go to the game and cheer for him and our players rather than disputing his decisions.

I don't think anyone is disputing Porter's decisions...at least I hope not. I agree with you 100%. I trust Porter to to put is in the best situation to win.

Go Zips

[Blue & Gold]

...I think I'll be supportive of our Mens Soccer Head Coach, go to the game and cheer for him and our players rather than disputing his decisions.

Like I said when I started this thread, unlike the Ianello threads, this one is just for fun. No one in their right mind would think they could do a better job than Porter. But have fun with this, if you'd do something differently, don't be afraid to point it out.

I just think it's dissappointing that Holmes has not added as much to the team as I was expecting. And not personally having much knowledge of the beautiful game, I'm simply mystified.

[Zip_ME87]

I'm sorry if I misunderstood what you guys were saying (understandable, given the title of this thread). I have no problem with asking a coach where he thinks he might have erred. No one is perfect, and it would be interesting to hear Coach Porter's hindsight. I just wouldn't ask at this time because it could be easily taken as finger-pointing and more of a distraction than a help. I'm sure he's asking questions of himself and his assistants in trying to figure out the best way forward.

[fknbuflobo]

I'm sorry if I misunderstood what you guys were saying (understandable, given the title of this thread). I have no problem with asking a coach where he thinks he might have erred. No one is perfect, and it would be interesting to hear Coach Porter's hindsight. I just wouldn't ask at this time because it could be easily taken as finger-pointing and more of a distraction than a help. I'm sure he's asking questions of himself and his assistants in trying to figure out the best way forward.

Yeah. That is all that is happening here. Interested folks are digging deeper than just the rah rah shtuff. Nobody is really taking Porter to task, not now.

Everybody look out because Caleb Porter is about to go Mike Krzyzewski on us!

[fknbuflobo]

We put so much absolutely deserved heat on iCoach and even some undeserved heat on KD. So, just for fun, I ask those of you with advanced soccer knowledge, put a little heat on Caleb Porter and how he hasn't effectively used Holmes. We had heard all along about how lethal a striker Holmes was and that he was the missing piece to this team's puzzle. What's happened? What's Caleb done wrong?! What does he have to change before the Northwestern game to get this team on a roll for the tourney?

Who outside of members of this message board thing he was the missing piece to the puzzle? I admit I thought he was going to have more of an impact than he did but I don't remember ever reading CP say anything of the sort.

Other factor is that for prior 3 years he played at an NAIA program which is arguably a whole different level of play then he faces in Div 1. That certainly could have accounted for his pre Akron gaudy stats and for his "lack of equivalent production" here. I don't think Luke's lack of equivalent production is what the main problem is.

Holmes is not in over his head. He just cannot be expected to be the savior of this team. He is a very good, not great, player, playing slightly out of position.

The zips need another productive Forward. What if Speas (UNC) had stayed? What if Tulloch (USF) had stayed? What if Ontiveros (Furman) had stayed? What if Navarette (UAB) had stayed for more than a minute?

[Blue & Gold]

Holmes is not in over his head. He just cannot be expected to be the savior of this team. He is a very good, not great, player, playing slightly out of position.

The zips need another productive Forward. What if Speas (UNC) had stayed? What if Tulloch (USF) had stayed? What if Ontiveros (Furman) had stayed? What if Navarette (UAB) had stayed for more than a minute?

Why did all these guys transfer out? Obviously they thought they'd never see the pitch. All weaker players than Holmes?

[UAZipster0305]

As I said in a previous post, I'd like to see us go to a 4-4-2. Mattocks and Holmes up top with Mattocks stretching the defense with his speed and Holmes coming back to receive the ball at his feet and holding possession/distributing/ taking a defender 1 on 1 in small space. This would also open up the wing for Yedlin...if only we had another ultra-speedy attacking defender on the left side of the field.

Remember, our struggles in general have not been due to poor defending. The team as a whole struggles when the offense isn't producing. There are few teams in the country that can beat us if we put two goals on the board. Looking back at our results from the season, the only exception was UCSB where we sleep walked to start the OT and lost 3-2.

[Ando]

I think, given our lack of real wingers, a 4-4-2 resembling more of a 4-2-2-2 (think Villareal - and actually sort of how we played last year) might make sense:

-----Holmes/Schmitt - Mattocks -------

------------- Caldwell - Trapp ----------

------------- Balogun - Brenes ---------

Stevenson - Gallego - Barson - Yedlin

-------------------- Meves ---------------

[TheTank123]

I think, given our lack of real wingers, a 4-4-2 resembling more of a 4-2-2-2 (think Villareal - and actually sort of how we played last year) might make sense:

-----Holmes/Schmitt - Mattocks -------

------------- Caldwell - Trapp ----------

------------- Balogun - Brenes ---------

Stevenson - Gallego - Barson - Yedlin

-------------------- Meves ---------------

Replace Balogun with Gallego and move Dagilis into the CB slot.

Or, and I know this sounds crazy, what about Caldwell playing a holding DM position? I can't think of another midfielder on the team who tackles and plays defense with the tenacity he does.

[Blue & Gold]

Replace Balogun with Gallego...

+1.

[AkronZip54321]

------Holmes Mattocks---------

Quinn------ -----------Caldwell

----------Trapp Gallego------------

Stevenson Dagillis Barson Yedelin

-----------------Meves-------------------

With Schmidt being first off bench, and Balogun and Brenes used situationally.

[ndzeigler]

I think Porter should start Schmidt up front with Darren, not for the whole tourney, but against Northwestern. He was one of the few guys left who was on the team that went through the trip to Chicago for Northwestern last time. He should be fired up and we need that energy. Bring Holmes off the bench first.

Agreed about the 4-4-2 if we want to go deep in this tourney, we need to take advantage of Yedlin and give him an opening to come up the sides. Also, Scotty needs a goal to break his slump.

[bigzipguy]

Agree with ndzippy: MORE TIME FOR SCHMITT!!!

[Ando]

Or, and I know this sounds crazy, what about Caldwell playing a holding DM position? I can't think of another midfielder on the team who tackles and plays defense with the tenacity he does.

I don't think it's a bad idea - in a three man midfield I sort of seeing him playing the linking role ideally (think how Torres has been deployed for the USMNT lately), and let Holmes operate as the 10, but that's sort of been the opposite of how they've played this year. He might work in the 6 role, but traditionally I think you want more size there. I still prefer Balogun in the deepest mid spot I think.

If Scotty starts burying some of his chances again, though, I think he's fine as leading the attack from the middle

I still think we go 4-3-3.

[Ando]

just as food for thought, here's another idea:

both Quinn and Tommy operate as inside forwards (opposite footed wingers cutting in), Luke's a 10, and playing narrow gives plenty of room on the flanks to the fullbacks

We can talk about shapes to death though, and what really probably matters is performance, movement, and creating/exploiting space - I'm willing to bet if you look at a typical akron heat map from last year (curious as to whether or not Porter collects this sort of data) you wouldn't really be able to guess our shape, just that lots of players were running around in the attacking third a whole lot

[dogsy]

just as food for thought, here's another idea:

both Quinn and Tommy operate as inside forwards (opposite footed wingers cutting in), Luke's a 10, and playing narrow gives plenty of room on the flanks to the fullbacks

We can talk about shapes to death though, and what really probably matters is performance, movement, and creating/exploiting space - I'm willing to bet if you look at a typical akron heat map from last year (curious as to whether or not Porter collects this sort of data) you wouldn't really be able to guess our shape, just that lots of players were running around in the attacking third a whole lot

I honestly believe that Holmes is our best player but has been seriously restricted this season by Caleb. To say he has still made the MAC 11 team but has not been allowed to play speaks volumes. Yes Mattocks is good but he gets enough chances and game play so he should score all the goals.

I agree with Ando, Holmes should be put in the hole behind Mattocks and given a free role. I watched a few games he played last year for the Falcons. Yes the opposition was not as good but believe me he is a great player. He seemed to link very well with a player called Mellor who made sure Holmes was on the ball a lot and he sure did run the game.

Yes Porter is a great coach but I seriously am questioning his decision making at times. He made over 23 substitutions in one game this year and changed Holmes at least four times. How can you expect the guy to perform changing him that many times???? He is keeping the team to rigid this year and not letting players express themselves.

Again Holmes was our best player on Friday playing on the left. Scotty should be moved further back to a defensive midfield position and Holmes moved central in the hole.