Defense wins championships, clean sheets make everything better
Another game, another "brick wall" clean sheet for the Sounders. Well done, Stef, Cody, Nouhou, Jackson, Yeimar, and Joao. But what does this defensive prowess truly mean for our team?
Let's break it down:
Reduced Pressure on Attackers: With our backline standing strong, the forwards can focus on creativity, knowing they have a safety net behind them.
Boosted Morale: Half the team performing at their peak serves as a strong morale booster, inspiring the offense to rise to the challenge.
Controlled Game Flow: Thanks to the defense, the Sounders dictate the tempo and rhythm of the match, providing our attackers with the time and opportunities they need to strike.
Tactical Versatility: The solidity at the back allows us to 'park the bus' and protect leads or press high to seize control and score when needed.
Reliability in High-Stakes Matches: A robust defense ensures we're always in the game, able to hold our own against high-performing teams and navigate tense matches where scoring opportunities are rare.
Remember, football is a game of balance. As critical as a strong defense is, a potent offense is just as necessary to secure those 3 points and avoid settling for a 0-0 draw. Our clean sheet is just one half of the puzzle.
Rising through the ranks and the celebration of the ongoing competition and development of players who aren't in the "perfect starting 11" is important.
In the backdrop of an ever-present injury threat that could capsize a season, cultivating your existing roster's skills and playstyle becomes paramount. The need for competition at each position cannot be overstated – it fuels progress, keeps players on their toes, and ensures a healthy squad depth.
We should celebrate big career steps for rising players.
This year, we've been privy to an exhilarating evolution from the bench. Jackson Ragen, with his stellar performances, has surpassed Arreaga in the pecking order for the starting spot. Leo Chu after time on the sidelines last year, has become our new secret agent of chaos.
Obed and Atencio are always threatening for playing time and may become consistent starters at any moment as they have in the past.
In the recent weeks, a new name has ascended in the ranks: Cody Baker. Matching the standards set by Obed, Ragen, Chu, and Atencio, Baker is now solidifying his claim for playing time as an outside back. It's this spirit of growth and contest that makes the future of the Sounders so promising.
And now the not so fun. The offense. Yes, Cristian and Raul are back. Leo is getting rewarded with full 90 play time and Morris should be back on the field by the rematch with LAFC on the 21st. I won't delve too deep into dissecting our recent offensive performance against the trees - the disappointment of the game is fresh and needs little amplification.
What I do want to comment on is a theory on why I think the Sounders are struggling as a unit.
As I covered at the start, our defense is holding up its end of the bargain impeccably. Joao's contribution from midfield has been outstanding; not only does he lead the league in defensive efforts for his position, but he's also launching progressive passes at an above-average rate.
Leo, with ball at feet, is a catalyst for chaos, unsettling the opposition, while the other flank moves the ball forward effectively, considering the relative game experience.
Where we falter is the fulcrum of our formation - the "8". This center midfielder role is the crucial link between the defensive and offensive units, entrusted with key decision-making and maintaining optimal positioning. Here, we're witnessing a disconnect, a breakdown that's causing ripples across our gameplay. The question now is, how do we mend this vital connection?
Albert Rusnak, our midfield linchpin for virtually every game this season, plays the "8" role. However, upon close review a number of thoughts enter the mind:
> His off-ball movement lacks the desired pace, hampering the rhythm of our play
> His positional sense seems misaligned, diluting our tactical effectiveness
> He's struggling to forge movement relationships with teammates, hindering our coordination
> His directional decisions often appear misguided or fail to impose a threat on the opposition
These thoughts, increasingly noticeable with each game, raise pertinent questions about our midfield dynamics and I encourage each of you to spend a couple minutes watching how Rusnak moves throughout the middle of the field when he doesn't have the ball.
Now, with that said, Rusnak is great at completing passes and is a good player. I'm merely pointing out the difference between good and great. Great will be needed in the "8" position to win the cup.
The Sounders now have 1 game in the next 17 days. Plenty of time to get healthy.
Then, 1 of 3 scenarios could unfold:
1. The Sounders implement tactical alterations to their offense, rectifying the slump that has plagued them over the past eight matches.
2. The Sounders welcome back their injured and absent players (Obed, Raul, Cristian, Morris) and hope to rediscover the cohesion and effectiveness demonstrated prior to Raul's injury.
3. The Sounders, unable to resolve their offensive woes, resort to a 'survival' approach, aiming to grind out results in playoff matches via penalty shootouts after goalless draws on their way to MLS cup 2023.
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Can we please beat Portland next time?
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