Match Report: Mullen vs. Lutheran Take 2 (Playoffs round 3 - Quarter Finals/Elite Eight)

 Mullen vs. Lutheran

Location: Lutheran High School in Parker, CO (11249 Newlin Gulch Blvd, Parker, CO 80134)

Game time: 6:30 pm

Locker Rooms open @5:20

Boots on by 5:45

Dynamic Warm up on Track @5:50

Field warm up @6

Notes: This match report is a little different considering it is our second time playing Lutheran in the Last 2 weeks. For that reason you need to read the initial match report, and then come and read this one. The link is copied in the email sent to you. 

Tonight's keys to success:

*We have spent a lot of time in film and at practice making small tweaks to our system in preparation for tonight. Everything you have done up to this point has been in preparation for tonight. If we execute perfectly, do our jobs as individuals, we will move through to the semi finals.

1. Press to our marking assignments: As we saw in the initial game against Lutheran, when we found ourselves in a wing to wing marking situation on the strong side, it pushed our defense deep into our own territory. This allowed Lutheran to swing the ball to their strong players, and quickly counter as we were trying to shift back into shape. It also made it very difficult for us to relieve pressure because we were so deep in our defensive 3rd. 

2. Keep our shape in the middle of the park: Throughout the Lutheran game, but especially in the last half hour, we found ourselves constantly flat in the middle of the park. Remember, in accordance with our press, the 9 will push one of the CBs toward the side line, the 7/11 will press their mark hard, and the 10 will make up the bottom point of the triangle between the two. If they send a midfielder wide, one of our 6s can track out, making the top point of the triangle, while the 10 and other 6 pick up the remaining midfielders making up the base of the triangle. We have to do everything in our power to make sure the Lutheran 6 (blue boots) doesn't find herself free in the middle of the park.

3. Pick up marks on the counter: Lutheran is most dangerous when they are in transition. As we saw in film, there are numerous occasions where Lutheran attacks deep on the counter and then leaves a player at the top of the box. We need to pick up this player. In transition, this is usually the job of the 10 to get underneath at the top of the box; however, it is also a good rule of thumb to remember that as we enter the defensive third on a counter, we should be scanning an picking up open players.

4. Keep the game compact: The last thing we need to focus on is making sure that our back line steps up with the game. If the 6s step, so do the CBs. If we retreat into our own territory, and wait for Lutheran, they'll make tonight very difficult. Remember, this tactic is also what allows us to capitalize on the mid block and shut them down.

During our Lutheran game, when our shape was well organized in the block, Lutheran really struggled. They sent pointless long balls and kicked it our repeatedly. Our goal tonight is to frustrate them and strike in transition.

Things we've learned from the season:

Every game we've played has been a good teacher to us. You don't play the hardest schedule in 4A without learning a thing or two. Let's break it down.

1. Windsor/Northfield: Be sharp on set pieces. Know our defensive structure, and stick to it. Set pieces are the time to perk up and focus, not rest. Stay sharp.

2. CA: Shift quickly with the game. As the ball moves one side to the other, we have to maintain our shift and shape. The strong side CB steps up to the game while the weakside CB steps to cover/balance.

3. Creek: Track our marks. Don't dive in. Double deep in the corner.

4. Grandview: Don't over recover in the half spaces. Find the mark, make contact on your way through. Close her down. No shots on goal.

5. Eagle: Beware of quick restarts. Never let your guard down.

6. Durango: When one six steps, the other drops home to recover against any threat of a counter.

Good luck tonight!

MRD