Match Report: Mullen vs. Overland

 Mullen vs. Overland    

Location: Mullen High School (3601 S Lowell Blvd.)

Time: 4:30 pm

Team meeting@2:45

Boots on @3:35

Warm up @3:40

Overland Strengths:

Overland has a couple wins under their belt, and they can be a problem for unsuspecting teams on set pieces and controlled elements of the game. (They scored on Creek earlier this season)

Their biggest strength is going to be their energy and commitment to tackles. We have to make sure to move the ball around quickly and remain strong in possession. We do not want to create a dynamic where we are turning the ball over in the middle and defensive third. This is Overland's last game of the season, they are going to be fighting for something.

Additionally, Overland has only had one game in the past couple of weeks so they are rested and have had an opportunity to practice. We have to come out with a serious mentality. This is a win we need down the stretch.

Overland Weaknesses:

1. They have taken a lot of knocks this season and if we can get up on them, it is going to be a hard mental battle to overcome.

2. They are young and still working to get organized. Good ball control will make a difference in this game. We don't want a wide open fight where we are just chasing the ball. If we are creative and in control, we can do some serious damage.

Mullen Keys to success:

1. I think the biggest thing is that we have to fight for a win today and be willing to do the dirty work (especially pressing hard in the attacking third)

2. We need to keep our defensive positioning and hit our defensive shifts to prevent the counter:

In this picture, you can see that our midfield has been pulled over to the flank, which exposes the middle of the park. Even as an opposing midfielder drifts outside, we need to make sure to not chase her, but pass her off instead. As you can see, if we allow the OB to step up to press, we drop our strong side six, and slide our weakside six, we have a defensive midfielder in a central position that can eventually break up the counter.

And here, as the winger cuts in to take the shot, we need to make sure that our strongside CB is stepping into a cover position while our weakside CB drops to balance. This allows us to block the shot higher up field, or prevent it in the first place. 

Lastly, we need to be effective on set pieces tonight. They will play a big role in tonight's game.

Also - from the ABK match report - please read again:

Like we spoke about the other day, our biggest key to success will be the discipline in our midfield. This week we play against two very strong number 10s, so our shape in the middle of the park with be elemental to our success. 

6s - Remember to look at the field like a cross section. As the strong side 6 elevates, the weak 6 needs to drop into the whole. This will allow us to cut off the counter and recover to the middle if Trail strikes out wide. The discipline to keep the shape is so important. Think: where am I when we lose the ball? 

*Also remember that this doesn't mean we can't make a weakside run, we just have to do it conservatively. Also - if we send the weakside 6 (which can be super dangerous in the attack) the strong side needs to drop in to keep the shape.

Additionally, We need to make sure that all players are pressed to their designated marks - this means outside backs need to press up and regain the ball high up the field. (We can't be in a situation where half the players are doing their job, while the other half stays dropped off - we will get killed in transition)

Lastly, we need to look for opportunities to advance, drop, and advance again. This will open up the defense and set up goals and set pieces. In transition, be smart, play good/smart passes, and take care of the ball!

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DON'T LOSE THE THROWER - RETAIN POSSESION ON THE THROW

Set Pieces:

Defending corners: 

Remember that when we are defending corners, we are in a man/zone hybrid. The zone marks are at the posts, and floating near the back of the six. Every other player should be marking an opponent. If there is no second taker, that player needs to drop back and pick up a mark, as does our nine if we are outnumbered. Purple = zone, Navy = man mark

Lizzy is not in the starting line up today, Fiona will float.

Corners -

REMEMBER: When you are down in the attacking corner and trapped, play the ball off your opponent. We should be looking for moments to get throws and corners in the attacking third.

REMEMBER: We don't want to rush our corner kicks or set pieces. They are an invaluable part of our system and a great way to score goals. Huddle up before the corner to figure out who is going where and then execute your run!

Marcoux: This is an in swinging corner hit to the middle of the goal inside the second six (the space between the six yard box and the pk spot) runs should be made to the near and far post and the middle. Remember to send the ball back across the face of the goal at the far post.

2: This is an overlapping corner. The first player plays the ball short and then overlaps the second player who then lays it off. The initial player should then hit a curving ball to the far post (on goal) We need to crash the far post.

2 - option: If the defender over commits, the second player should beat them on the dribble down the line.

Bumble Bee: Create a hive around the goalie. The taker should hit an inswing ball in on goal. One player should break to the near post, and another should roll off to the back post. 

Blue: Two players bounce off the posts, the server plays the ball deep to the back post, and that player heads the ball back across the goal.

7: Line up like we are taking 2. Outside backs stay deep. Play the ball to the outside back, she plays it back to the second player, and that player swings it into the back post. When the initial ball plays, the weakside OB is sprinting to the back post to finish the shot. 

GATITO (Little kitties): On this corner, the server should send in a violent and volitile inswinging ball. We will then pump fake runs into the box, allow the ball to be served, and then crash the area where the ball is headed. On this corner, you are hunting down poor clearances or misplayed balls that land in the box. 

Lollipop: Three players at the near post, 2 players at the back post (our 9 plays the kitty and hunts at the top) The three players roll off to the far post, the middle, and the near post, while the two players in the back run across the face of the goal. The server hits an inswinging corner.

Good luck!