Game #3 - Army - Monday, August 24th at 7 pm

[UAZipster0305]

1 hour ago, Zip_ME87 said:

 

Often the Zips wear teams down. However, it's not a stretch to believe that Army cadets are well-conditioned. Especially tough to wear them down when they used 6 subs for a total of 177 minutes. The Zips, on the other hand, used 5 subs for 68 minutes. Our guys were attacking to the end, but given 2 games in 4 days and 3 games in 8 days, I trust that our deep bench can lighten the load a bit more.

 

They are college players playing a 90 minute game. This isn't marathon running. I'm in my mid-40s and still play multiple 90 minute games in a week at a high level. I don't think the number of subs utilized or the number of minutes they played has anything to do with it.

 

It seems that the team played either expecting to get a great chance or for Army to make a mistake and give us one. Neither happened because being Army, the opponent was very fit and disciplined. The kind of complacency displayed by the Zips last night never wins championships.

[slowroll]

23 minutes ago, UAZipster0305 said:

They are college players playing a 90 minute game. This isn't marathon running. I'm in my mid-40s and still play multiple 90 minute games in a week at a high level. I don't think the number of subs utilized or the number of minutes they played has anything to do with it.

 

It seems that the team played either expecting to get a great chance or for Army to make a mistake and give us one. Neither happened because being Army, the opponent was very fit and disciplined. The kind of complacency displayed by the Zips last night never wins championships.

I agree they looked flat at times last night when it was clear Army wasn't going to roll over. However, I'm more optimistic that this team can make a run. I thought the build-up play was good most of the match (at times, excellent) and they found different ways to attack. The midfield is impressive imo and the back line looks well connected with the two new outside backs slotting in nicely. The wing play wasn't always great last night, and the finishing was definitely lacking, but Embick will get them there and it's very early. Signed, glass half-full guy 

[Zip_ME87]

26 minutes ago, UAZipster0305 said:

They are college players playing a 90 minute game. This isn't marathon running. I'm in my mid-40s and still play multiple 90 minute games in a week at a high level. I don't think the number of subs utilized or the number of minutes they played has anything to do with it.

 

It seems that the team played either expecting to get a great chance or for Army to make a mistake and give us one. Neither happened because being Army, the opponent was very fit and disciplined. The kind of complacency displayed by the Zips last night never wins championships.

 

You make it sound as if the Zips were a complete disaster last night. LOL Not even close. They played a good game. Just needed that bit extra to finish...perhaps fresher legs, more experience. You watched a different game than I did if you saw the team playing either expecting to get a great chance or for Army to make a mistake and give us one. For most of the game, the Zips were pressing and attacking while not giving up much the other way.

 

"I'm in my mid-40s and still play multiple 90 minute games in a week at a high level"...curious, against whom? 

 

 

 

 

 

[UAZipster0305]

Just now, Zip_ME87 said:

 

You make it sound as if the Zips were a complete disaster last night. LOL Not even close. They played a good game. Just needed that bit extra to finish...perhaps fresher legs, more experience. You watched a different game than I did if you saw the team playing either expecting to get a great chance or for Army to make a mistake and give us one. For most of the game, the Zips were pressing and attacking while not giving up much the other way.

 

"I'm in my mid-40s and still play multiple 90 minute games in a week at a high level"...curious, against whom? 

 

 

 

 

 

I don't think they are a disaster at all. In fact, I think the talent is probably there for a College Cup run. However, to do that, they need the same killer instinct that Caleb Porter always instilled...wins must be taken, they are not handed to us. That is especially true for a roster that may not feature a reliable #9 striker who can be counted on for consistent goals. From what I can tell, there is no Zakuani, Mattocks, or Jaaskelainen. If there were, I would have expected such a player to make their impact last night.

 

As for who I play against, it is a league that has lots of former college and some former professional players. Everyone is experienced, fit, and knows how to play the game at an advanced level.

[UAZipster0305]

10 minutes ago, slowroll said:

I agree they looked flat at times last night when it was clear Army wasn't going to roll over. However, I'm more optimistic that this team can make a run. I thought the build-up play was good most of the match (at times, excellent) and they found different ways to attack. The midfield is impressive imo and the back line looks well connected with the two new outside backs slotting in nicely. The wing play wasn't always great last night, and the finishing was definitely lacking, but Embick will get them there and it's very early. Signed, glass half-full guy 

I think the potential is very strong too. The College Cup is realistic. See my comments to Zip_ME87 above.

[Let'sGoZips94]

1 hour ago, slowroll said:

I agree they looked flat at times last night when it was clear Army wasn't going to roll over. However, I'm more optimistic that this team can make a run. I thought the build-up play was good most of the match (at times, excellent) and they found different ways to attack. The midfield is impressive imo and the back line looks well connected with the two new outside backs slotting in nicely. The wing play wasn't always great last night, and the finishing was definitely lacking, but Embick will get them there and it's very early. Signed, glass half-full guy 

 

I thought they were quite one-dimensional. Their only shots on goal came from the top of the box and those were really the only 2 times they committed to attacking that area. Most of the play went down the sides. 

 

1 hour ago, UAZipster0305 said:

I don't think they are a disaster at all. In fact, I think the talent is probably there for a College Cup run. However, to do that, they need the same killer instinct that Caleb Porter always instilled...wins must be taken, they are not handed to us. That is especially true for a roster that may not feature a reliable #9 striker who can be counted on for consistent goals. From what I can tell, there is no Zakuani, Mattocks, or Jaaskelainen. If there were, I would have expected such a player to make their impact last night.

 

This is the only thing that concerns me. Who is the killer striker that can put the ball in back of the net at a threatening rate? 

[WeRise225]

I was surprised they didn't put Ngongang in last night. I thought he could've been a good sub in the second half at least.