Saturday, March 24, 2018

This Is Going To Be A Fun And Highly Stressful Team, Isn't It?



This was the first time we got a near-perfect and extended look at what Brad Friedel is trying to do here. Game 1 we went down two men and had to adapt, and I don't think Game 2 had the tactics fully on display despite the win. This game showed us his philosophy in its entirety. Right from the jump, the Revs were allowing NYCFC to control possession, but that was because of the strategy at play from Brad Friedel. The Revs showed us a high-pressure pressing system in which NYC was holding the ball but not doing anything with it. The press was giving them no room to operate, so it was receive a pass and then send a pass with no real advancement in a matter of seconds. This was especially effective against this NYC side as a result of their fondness for playing out of the back. They could either go short and immediately be pressured close to their own net, or go for the long ball and turn it over. We actually saw both of those happen to.

Before we get right back to the strategy and game action, lineup moves included Matt Turner starting in net again with Brad Knighton on the bench, meaning I really don't know what to make of Croppers situation right now. All I do know is that I am an avid drinker of The Crop Man's Kool Aid, and now I'm having to buy into the Church of Turner now to. There was also Claude Dielna back wearing the captains armband after serving his one match ban after opening day, but partnered alongside him was Jalil Anibaba, who as you can see by the name is not Antonio Delamea. Anibaba played well in having to save both those guys asses for two weeks, but I was certain Delly would take back his spot. And then Teal Bunbury started up top again or whatever, although I admit his style of play suits Brad's tactics, other than the part where he has no finishing capability as a striker.

NYC was without David Villa and Alexander Ring. The Ring injury hurt them the most in this game, as he would be the one who could normally be winning back possession and bossing the midfield.

Right from the jump the press was out there doing its damn thing. The Revs were able to force the turnover deep in NYC territory and Diego was able to thread a pass to Cristian Penilla, who was unable to find the goal with a shot. This would be a recurring theme all game. Because the press was giving up chunks of possession in exchange for keeping the attack at bay, it would be imperative the Revs take advantage of every chance they get. Well, they didn't do that.

Teal followed Penilla's miss by falling and allowing a pass to be intercepted. A few times they just blasted a shot in the general vicinity of the net and missed by multiple feet. And when I say multiple feet, I mean the balls needed up in the stratosphere. So yeah, not exactly capitalizing on their chances.

They finally had their breakthrough after a relentless press that lead to a turnover and Wilfried Zahibo  quickly tapped it to Diego who turned and fired a long distance shot that hit the post and pinged in.

Penilla later had a chance  but tried to get it over to Teal, who promptly mis-hit it that a header. Kalyn had a nice run not he left of the box and had his shot blocked. Teal did a really nice job with his dummy run which ended up drawing one defender away and allowing Rowe to split them on his way toward the net. There, I said a good thing about Teal.

Scott Caldwell had an otherwise solid game, but one turnover of his off of a quick start of all things led to a good look at goal for NYC, but Turner made a diving save.

Thats also an insane shot to get successfully get off from Herrera.

Turner later had another save that turned into a quick counter attack with Diego spearheading with the ball. He spotted a streaking Penilla on the right and played a beauty of a pass that was snuffed out with a last second slide. While the last few steps were missing, it was good to see the counter attack and the sheer speed they ran it with. No waiting or going slower in order to let other players join in. Diego got the ball and took off like a missile, and whoever was already forward or fast enough to catch him, thats who would attack.

Ismael Tajouri-Shradi was booked for simulation in a reminder that the Soccer Gods are not out to get the Revs all the time, just 99% of the time.

Penilla made a nice run and found Diego, who slipped and put the shot over. But it was Teal once again with a nice run that opened up the space. Thats TWO (2) good things I've said about him.

Scotty forced a turnover and picked out Penilla on the far side of the field. The Colombian tried to curl it top corner but rang post.

NYC finally broke the press, and once you get by that pressure you'll have numbers attacking the goal. It was Tajouri-Shradi deciding not to dive like a scuba instructor and instead putting the ball into the net.

I am expecting a lot of goals against to look like that. Break the press and find the spaces between the retreating defenders.
Rowe came off and was replaced by Juan Agudelo, pushing Teal to the wing.  The Swaggy One made an instant impact, putting a head to a Penilla cross and putting the Revs up 2-1.
Penilla with some nice offensive skill beating his man and whipping in a good one for Juan to get to.

NYC answered though, breaking the lines once more thanks to Tajouri-Shradi's brace.

Just nestles himself in between Farrell and Anibaba, and is able to get it past a diving Turner.

Brandon Bye came on for Penilla, meaning he better have been gassed. If he's just coming off as one of your best offensive players and can still go, then I'll be mad online.

Teal had a beautiful run and what was basically a free shot on net, but of course miffed it with his left foot. Another golden chance wasted.

The last notable thing to happen this game was Big Baller Brad doing the damn thing and bringing in Luis Caicedo, who only arrived to the team two days ago. Caicedo proceeded to provide an immediate spark, creating a turnover and trying to start an attack at the death.

And so, 3 points turned into 1. Still not a loss so we can still talk about Fortress Foxboro, but given the fact that they dominated the first half and the game overall and only came out with a tie its a disappointing result. It should have been at least five goals on the board, but the finishing was missing once again. At the least, we saw what will hopefully be an exciting brand of football that will be a whole lot of fun to watch this summer.

Some more quick thoughts:
-Penilla is looking so good. He's fast as fuck and has a true offensive mind, coupled with the skill to execute. His post job shows he's not afraid to shoot from anywhere and can be on target. Brad Feldman on the TV broadcast said he doesnt think we've even seen as fast as he can go, which should be terrifying for opposing fullbacks.

-The passing today liked a little sloppy. Rowe was a big suspect of this, as he had to should-be-chances end up being non-threatening. Like I've said, given the fact that they were playing for pressure rather than possession, they needed to take care of their opportunities, so moving forward they need to make sure that their passing is tight.

-The ability to switch Rowe and Penilla on the two wings is going to be so important all season. They were swapping spots all day and each possess the ability to play either side very well. It lets Friedel throw different looks at teams and keep them guessing without having to sub. As soon as a defender starts to get comfortable playing Penilla, Rowe shows up and forces them to switch their style and approach a little. It'll keep attacks looking fresh and can lead to chances just from fullbacks being slow to adapt.

-Caicedo didnt see many minutes, but I liked what I saw from him. He brought energy and immediately won a tackle before trying to spark plug an attack. I'm looking forward to see how he fits into the plans and how he progresses.

-Bunbury's passing chart was, ummmm, well here it is:

SHEEEEEESH.

-I might have to name Wilfried Zahibo an honorary member of the Ojeleye Factory. He has a thick, jacked frame and has combat muscles for days. I can very much see him becoming the Revs version of Marcus Smarf, also a member of the Ojeleye Factory.

Man of the Match

The Fast and the Furious, Cristian Penilla. He was very involved when he was in, pressed well, won turnovers, was key in the offense with his speed and skill, and added an assist. The first of many, I'm sure. 

Next up is at Houston in one week. Lets get hyphy in H-Town my good bitcces. 

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