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Writer's pictureDenny Birdkamp

Overloading: The Seattle Sounders Risky, but Thrilling Offensive Strategy

Is the key to the Sounders offensive struggles hidden in an age-old soccer strategy? While the Sounders have been exhibiting a nearly impenetrable defense recently, the attack has been searching for a reliable route to goal. Enter the experimental game plan they've been tinkering with - 'overloading', a strategy that is as thrilling as it is risky. Let's take a deeper look.


The Strategy in Play:

In the last match, Nico Lodiero filled the role of right midfielder while Leo Chu worked the left. But their heatmaps tell an interesting story:

Seattle Sounders Nico Lodeiro and Leo Chu heatmap

Note Leo's adherence to the left sideline and contrast it with Nico's drifts towards the middle and occasionally, towards Leo's left corner flag.


This could be the key to unlocking a potent 'special sauce' offensive strategy that's been elusive. By outnumbering the opposition on a particular side of the pitch, the tactic seeks to gain superior positioning and unsettle the opponent's defense. When performed well, it's an intricate dance of strategy - detailed, synchronized, and remarkably impactful.


Visualizing Overloading:

Check out this screenshot from the game where we can visualize the options and pressure that overloading creates:

Seattle Sounders game photo

It seems Nico has found his way to the opposite side from his usual right-wing position - a surprising but intentional move! This maneuver leads to an advantageous 4 v 3 situation as he's able to feed the ball up the sideline to either Leo or Nouhou, both primed to make a forward run against a single defender. If the center defender decides to support, it leaves Heber or Rusnak open for a shot. Note also Cody Baker's aggressive positioning for a far-post cross, with Nico's absence on the right. Meanwhile, an Orlando player is left idle in the middle, circled in red.


A Global Tactic:


Overloading is not a new concept in soccer. It's a tactic used by teams worldwide, what makes overloading fascinating is how teams adapt and apply this strategy based on their unique strengths and the opponent's weaknesses.


Dual Purpose and Defensive Balance:


The strategy carries out a dual mission: first, to unsettle the opponent's defensive harmony by compelling them to channel their resources to a single part of the pitch. Simultaneously, it often engineers available spaces on the flip side of the field or elsewhere, perfect for fast-paced, wide players or an opportune through ball. To make it a consistent part of their game plan, the Sounders must find a balance between overloading effectively and ensuring they're not left vulnerable to counter-attacks. The strength of the Sounders defense this year is what makes this a strategy option.


Possible Approaches:


Even though the Orlando game did not produce goals I think the experimentation with overloading has shown promise, there's no doubt it's a work in progress.


One approach could involve varying the point of overload, using not just Nico but other versatile players like Cristian and Jordan who can drift into different areas of the field. This unpredictability could enhance the effectiveness of overloading, making it harder for opponents to anticipate and react. I should note that Jordan was doing this a little bit at the start of the year but instead of drifting to the other side of the field he was overloading the center forward position with Heber.


Another consideration is how to effectively transition from the overload, particularly in exploiting the spaces created elsewhere on the field. A quick switch of play or a sudden forward thrust could catch defenses off balance, creating high-quality scoring opportunities. The speed and accuracy of this transition could very well determine the overall success of the overloading tactic.


Possible Approaches:


The evolution of overloading in the Sounders game plan will be an interesting development to follow over the course of the season. It's both an exciting prospect and a complex challenge. Its future implementation will test the tactical acumen of the coaching staff, the versatility of the players, and the overall cohesion of the team. As the team refines this tactic, we may see an even more dynamic and unpredictable Sounders offense.


Remember, football is as much a game of chess as it is a physical battle - the Sounders are making their move, and we can't wait to see how it plays out!

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