Defense

[bisbee]

I was thinking about the goals allowed this season and wonder if I am correct that a significant number of them have been scored off of set pieces which occurred because of "stupid" fouls?

[TheTank123]

I was thinking about the goals allowed this season and wonder if I am correct that a significant number of them have been scored off of set pieces which occurred because of "stupid" fouls?

There have been very few goals scored off set pieces which is why I get so confused/annoyed when teams play that long ball into the box from 45 yards out. Most have been on the counter.

[fknbuflobo]

No.

Our fouls were rarely, if ever, stupid. We do not foul with intent or malice.

And I do not mind bookings so long as bookings are earned during the course of play. I encourage the establishment of a physical presence on the pitch.

The stupidity is how we have attempted to defend against set pieces without putting a body on our marks.

As with every other sport, defense is mostly about will power and hustle. Time to muscle up to our marks while the ball is in flight! Get goal side!

[bisbee]

No.

Our fouls were rarely, if ever, stupid. We do not foul with intent or malice.

And I do not mind bookings so long as bookings are earned during the course of play. I encourage the establishment of a physical presence on the pitch.

The stupidity is how we have attempted to defend against set pieces without putting a body on our marks.

As with every other sport, defense is mostly about will power and hustle. Time to muscle up to our marks while the ball is in flight! Get goal side!

Didn't mean to imply that our fouls were malicious....sometimes it seems they are "ill advised".

[jem101]

No.

Our fouls were rarely, if ever, stupid. We do not foul with intent or malice.

And I do not mind bookings so long as bookings are earned during the course of play. I encourage the establishment of a physical presence on the pitch.

The stupidity is how we have attempted to defend against set pieces without putting a body on our marks.

As with every other sport, defense is mostly about will power and hustle. Time to muscle up to our marks while the ball is in flight! Get goal side!

My guess is our lack of defending on set pieces is why Balogun and Dagilis are both out on the pitch. They along with Barson and Gallego really increase this team's aerial presence. Hopefully this pays off and results in another

[bisbee]

I was thinking about the goals allowed this season and wonder if I am correct that a significant number of them have been scored off of set pieces which occurred because of "stupid" fouls?

There have been very few goals scored off set pieces which is why I get so confused/annoyed when teams play that long ball into the box from 45 yards out. Most have been on the counter.

Please explain the confusion/annoyance about the long balls.....do you mean we don't defend well against those? That may be the question I was originally asking but perhaps did not state it correctly. Most goals seem to be scored off of those longish balls played high into the box as contrasted with goals scored off of multiple passes and shot attempts from within the 18.

[TheTank123]

I was thinking about the goals allowed this season and wonder if I am correct that a significant number of them have been scored off of set pieces which occurred because of "stupid" fouls?

There have been very few goals scored off set pieces which is why I get so confused/annoyed when teams play that long ball into the box from 45 yards out. Most have been on the counter.

Please explain the confusion/annoyance about the long balls.....do you mean we don't defend well against those? That may be the question I was originally asking but perhaps did not state it correctly. Most goals seem to be scored off of those longish balls played high into the box as contrasted with goals scored off of multiple passes and shot attempts from within the 18.

Very few goals have been scored off longish balls played into the box, which is why I don't get why teams do it.

Again, most goals that I can think of have been scored off the counter. Or on PK's...jesus, now that I think about it, how many goals have we given up on PK's this year? At least three (NU, SMU, UB) but there has to be more...

[bisbee]

I was thinking about the goals allowed this season and wonder if I am correct that a significant number of them have been scored off of set pieces which occurred because of "stupid" fouls?

There have been very few goals scored off set pieces which is why I get so confused/annoyed when teams play that long ball into the box from 45 yards out. Most have been on the counter.

Please explain the confusion/annoyance about the long balls.....do you mean we don't defend well against those? That may be the question I was originally asking but perhaps did not state it correctly. Most goals seem to be scored off of those longish balls played high into the box as contrasted with goals scored off of multiple passes and shot attempts from within the 18.

Very few goals have been scored off longish balls played into the box, which is why I don't get why teams do it.

Again, most goals that I can think of have been scored off the counter. Or on PK's...jesus, now that I think about it, how many goals have we given up on PK's this year? At least three (NU, SMU, UB) but there has to be more...

Guess I need to pay more attention to what happens when the other team scores So why on counters? What are we not doing on defense or are these to be expected as often as they occur?

[fknbuflobo]

No.

Our fouls were rarely, if ever, stupid. We do not foul with intent or malice.

And I do not mind bookings so long as bookings are earned during the course of play. I encourage the establishment of a physical presence on the pitch.

The stupidity is how we have attempted to defend against set pieces without putting a body on our marks.

As with every other sport, defense is mostly about will power and hustle. Time to muscle up to our marks while the ball is in flight! Get goal side!

My guess is our lack of defending on set pieces is why Balogun and Dagilis are both out on the pitch. They along with Barson and Gallego really increase this team's aerial presence. Hopefully this pays off and results in another

Agreed.

[Ando]

I don't know that we're committing fouls because of mental errors or anything like that, but there have been a few games where it seems like the other team gets an inordinate amount of dead balls in dangerous areas

I don't have any numbers on that, but that's my impression.

In terms of reasons why teams score on the counter fairly often - (1) we tend to be high up the pitch, and thus prone to in (2) partly as a result of our possession, the other teams are content to try and generate offense solely off the counter

I'd rather give up one on the break every now and then, because I think that's inevitable given our style of play. What would be really discouraging was if the other teams were scoring a lot with the run of play

[fknbuflobo]

I don't know that we're committing fouls because of mental errors or anything like that, but there have been a few games where it seems like the other team gets an inordinate amount of dead balls in dangerous areas

I don't have any numbers on that, but that's my impression.

In terms of reasons why teams score on the counter fairly often - (1) we tend to be high up the pitch, and thus prone to in (2) partly as a result of our possession, the other teams are content to try and generate offense solely off the counter

I'd rather give up one on the break every now and then, because I think that's inevitable given our style of play. What would be really discouraging was if the other teams were scoring a lot with the run of play

Agreed again.

[TheTank123]

I don't know that we're committing fouls because of mental errors or anything like that, but there have been a few games where it seems like the other team gets an inordinate amount of dead balls in dangerous areas

I don't have any numbers on that, but that's my impression.

In terms of reasons why teams score on the counter fairly often - (1) we tend to be high up the pitch, and thus prone to in (2) partly as a result of our possession, the other teams are content to try and generate offense solely off the counter

I'd rather give up one on the break every now and then, because I think that's inevitable given our style of play. What would be really discouraging was if the other teams were scoring a lot with the run of play

The real change, in my opinion, that has brought this all together is inserting Dagilis as CB and moving Gallego up to CDM. Dagilis is good in the air, can body up larger forwards, and is solid defensively. Gallego brings that ball winning mentality into the midfield that we seemed to lack. It also has the added advantage of essentially giving us 3 CB's to help stop a counter. I would be shocked if this isn't how the team plays next year as well (replace Dagilis with Souders).

[bobbyake]

The real change, in my opinion, that has brought this all together is inserting Dagilis as CB and moving Gallego up to CDM. Dagilis is good in the air, can body up larger forwards, and is solid defensively. Gallego brings that ball winning mentality into the midfield that we seemed to lack. It also has the added advantage of essentially giving us 3 CB's to help stop a counter. I would be shocked if this isn't how the team plays next year as well (replace Dagilis with Souders).

I like our current lineup a lot and think we have a serious shot at the NC title this year. Had we used this lineup the entire year, I doubt we'd have any losses.

[fknbuflobo]

Ya'll are hot today!

Tank, you said it well. I think Porter now has what he thinks is our best possible lineup for 2011.

Only thing I would add is that Balogun is (surprisingly) much more effective on the wing. He is also fairly physical as well.

[Roogangs]

I don't know that we're committing fouls because of mental errors or anything like that, but there have been a few games where it seems like the other team gets an inordinate amount of dead balls in dangerous areas

I don't have any numbers on that, but that's my impression.

In terms of reasons why teams score on the counter fairly often - (1) we tend to be high up the pitch, and thus prone to in (2) partly as a result of our possession, the other teams are content to try and generate offense solely off the counter

I'd rather give up one on the break every now and then, because I think that's inevitable given our style of play. What would be really discouraging was if the other teams were scoring a lot with the run of play

The real change, in my opinion, that has brought this all together is inserting Dagilis as CB and moving Gallego up to CDM. Dagilis is good in the air, can body up larger forwards, and is solid defensively. Gallego brings that ball winning mentality into the midfield that we seemed to lack. It also has the added advantage of essentially giving us 3 CB's to help stop a counter. I would be shocked if this isn't how the team plays next year as well (replace Dagilis with Souders).

i agree, except balo is a senior and that is the assumption that barson stays for his senior year.

[GoZips]

Most of the opponent's goals seem to come in the last few minutes

of the second half. This is entirely too frequent. Would it help to

sub in another defender late in the game if we are up by a goal or more?

I think we already play four back. One other thing that galls me is Meyes

punting the ball making it a 50/50 ball when he should be outlet to a

defender on the wing making it a nearly 100% ball in Akron's possession.

Punting the ball is the stupidest play in soccer. Never given your opponent

an opportunity to counter.

[bobbyake]

Most of the opponent's goals seem to come in the last few minutes

of the second half. This is entirely too frequent. Would it help to

sub in another defender late in the game if we are up by a goal or more?

I think we already play four back. One other thing that galls me is Meyes

punting the ball making it a 50/50 ball when he should be outlet to a

defender on the wing making it a nearly 100% ball in Akron's possession.

Punting the ball is the stupidest play in soccer. Never given your opponent

an opportunity to counter.

I don't see Meves punting a whole lot during the games. He did boot a far one against SMU that impressed me. The majority of the time, he's throwing the ball down field. His throwing distribution has been very impressive.

Am I the only fan here that would be very happy to have Meves as our GK next year? He's no Evan Bush but he's turning into one solid goalkeeper.

[Doug Snyder]

Most of the opponent's goals seem to come in the last few minutes

of the second half. This is entirely too frequent. Would it help to

sub in another defender late in the game if we are up by a goal or more?

I think we already play four back. One other thing that galls me is Meyes

punting the ball making it a 50/50 ball when he should be outlet to a

defender on the wing making it a nearly 100% ball in Akron's possession.

Punting the ball is the stupidest play in soccer. Never given your opponent

an opportunity to counter.

I don't see Meves punting a whole lot during the games. He did boot a far one against SMU that impressed me. The majority of the time, he's throwing the ball down field. His throwing distribution has been very impressive.

Am I the only fan here that would be very happy to have Meves as our GK next year? He's no Evan Bush but he's turning into one solid goalkeeper.

I was at the NW game and he punted quite a few times. Since I am NOT an expert on soccer...I don't understand the strategy. Why ever punt??

[TheTank123]

Most of the opponent's goals seem to come in the last few minutes

of the second half. This is entirely too frequent. Would it help to

sub in another defender late in the game if we are up by a goal or more?

I think we already play four back. One other thing that galls me is Meyes

punting the ball making it a 50/50 ball when he should be outlet to a

defender on the wing making it a nearly 100% ball in Akron's possession.

Punting the ball is the stupidest play in soccer. Never given your opponent

an opportunity to counter.

I don't see Meves punting a whole lot during the games. He did boot a far one against SMU that impressed me. The majority of the time, he's throwing the ball down field. His throwing distribution has been very impressive.

Am I the only fan here that would be very happy to have Meves as our GK next year? He's no Evan Bush but he's turning into one solid goalkeeper.

I was at the NW game and he punted quite a few times. Since I am NOT an expert on soccer...I don't understand the strategy. Why ever punt??

What is Meves supposed to do if there is no one to pass to? Dribble on his 6 until one of his teammates can get open? Punting the ball is a necessary evil. I'm sure the Zips would rather keep the ball in possession, but sometimes its not feasible. Overall I think he's played very well this year.

And I've definitely been impressed with Balogun at left back. He's looked extremely calm and competent.

[bobbyake]

Most of the opponent's goals seem to come in the last few minutes

of the second half. This is entirely too frequent. Would it help to

sub in another defender late in the game if we are up by a goal or more?

I think we already play four back. One other thing that galls me is Meyes

punting the ball making it a 50/50 ball when he should be outlet to a

defender on the wing making it a nearly 100% ball in Akron's possession.

Punting the ball is the stupidest play in soccer. Never given your opponent

an opportunity to counter.

I don't see Meves punting a whole lot during the games. He did boot a far one against SMU that impressed me. The majority of the time, he's throwing the ball down field. His throwing distribution has been very impressive.

Am I the only fan here that would be very happy to have Meves as our GK next year? He's no Evan Bush but he's turning into one solid goalkeeper.

I was at the NW game and he punted quite a few times. Since I am NOT an expert on soccer...I don't understand the strategy. Why ever punt??

What is Meves supposed to do if there is no one to pass to? Dribble on his 6 until one of his teammates can get open? Punting the ball is a necessary evil. I'm sure the Zips would rather keep the ball in possession, but sometimes its not feasible. Overall I think he's played very well this year.

And I've definitely been impressed with Balogun at left back. He's looked extremely calm and competent.

Meves is one of the best reactionary goalies in colllege right now. Forget about his leg strength and judge him based on his amazing saves. He had an extremely amazing save last year in the National Championship game.

[bisbee]

Most of the opponent's goals seem to come in the last few minutesof the second half. This is entirely too frequent. Would it help tosub in another defender late in the game if we are up by a goal or more?I think we already play four back. One other thing that galls me is Meyespunting the ball making it a 50/50 ball when he should be outlet to adefender on the wing making it a nearly 100% ball in Akron's possession.Punting the ball is the stupidest play in soccer. Never given your opponentan opportunity to counter.

I don't see Meves punting a whole lot during the games. He did boot a far one against SMU that impressed me. The majority of the time, he's throwing the ball down field. His throwing distribution has been very impressive. Am I the only fan here that would be very happy to have Meves as our GK next year? He's no Evan Bush but he's turning into one solid goalkeeper.

+1 +1I was at the NW game and he punted quite a few times. Since I am NOT an expert on soccer...I don't understand the strategy. Why ever punt??

What is Meves supposed to do if there is no one to pass to? Dribble on his 6 until one of his teammates can get open? Punting the ball is a necessary evil. I'm sure the Zips would rather keep the ball in possession, but sometimes its not feasible. Overall I think he's played very well this year.And I've definitely been impressed with Balogun at left back. He's looked extremely calm and competent.

Meves is one of the best reactionary goalies in colllege right now. Forget about his leg strength and judge him based on his amazing saves. He had an extremely amazing save last year in the National Championship game.

[bisbee]

Most of the opponent's goals seem to come in the last few minutesof the second half. This is entirely too frequent. Would it help tosub in another defender late in the game if we are up by a goal or more?I think we already play four back. One other thing that galls me is Meyespunting the ball making it a 50/50 ball when he should be outlet to adefender on the wing making it a nearly 100% ball in Akron's possession.Punting the ball is the stupidest play in soccer. Never given your opponentan opportunity to counter.

I don't see Meves punting a whole lot during the games. He did boot a far one against SMU that impressed me. The majority of the time, he's throwing the ball down field. His throwing distribution has been very impressive. Am I the only fan here that would be very happy to have Meves as our GK next year? He's no Evan Bush but he's turning into one solid goalkeeper.

+1 +1I was at the NW game and he punted quite a few times. Since I am NOT an expert on soccer...I don't understand the strategy. Why ever punt??

What is Meves supposed to do if there is no one to pass to? Dribble on his 6 until one of his teammates can get open? Punting the ball is a necessary evil. I'm sure the Zips would rather keep the ball in possession, but sometimes its not feasible. Overall I think he's played very well this year.And I've definitely been impressed with Balogun at left back. He's looked extremely calm and competent.

Meves is one of the best reactionary goalies in colllege right now. Forget about his leg strength and judge him based on his amazing saves. He had an extremely amazing save last year in the National Championship game.

Agree 100%