Match Report: Mullen vs Grandview 2024 (Girls Soccer)
Mullen vs Grandview
Varsity at Legacy Stadium (6pm)
Legacy Stadium
Team Meeting: 3:05 (North building room)
Arrival: 5:00
Boots on: 5:15
Warm up: 5:20
JV at Grandview High School (4:30 pm)
Preface: Like we talked about in film yesterday, today we are going to try to take back the game. Our main focus is going to be on keeping the ball, playing in possession, and working together to build up and out. We aren't going to just fight alone to survive tonight, we are going to fight together.
Remember this goal?
Or this one???
This is what we are capable of when we move the ball around!
GV Strengths:
1. We are up against a talented GV team tonight with some high quality players. Both their wings are fast, and their midfield is determined. They have a 10 who can move the ball around a little and is looking to strike, we have to contain her in the middle of the park and close her down. With that said, their main focus is the flanks. They will move the ball quickly to their wingers and try to find them in isolated scenarios, 1v1 with our OBs, that kind of thing. Their attack is predictable, but efficient. When they find their flow, they can really play.
2. The dedication to the switch: This is going to be where our structure, shape and organization really matter. GV is relentless in their desire to switch the ball to the weak side of the field, and when a team gives up the switch, it is highly effective. They don't wait, they don't really look, they just swing the ball. It is a really effective tactic, because it forces teams to shift quickly, and when teams are shifting is when defensive mistakes are usually made.
However, we can counteract this in two ways. One, we need to us our press to try and prevent the switch. This means that we need to work together to push to the strong side and not let them break the line. If we can do this effectively, we can prevent the big switch from taking place. Two, our OBs need to be aware of the switch, and when they close down the wingers, they need to contain, and not dive in. When you are the first point of contact, the goal is to hold them up and keep them wide. That will allow the rest of our team to get into position. Finally, our weakside wingers have to be prepared to recover underneath or into the middle as the switch from strong side to weakside happens. If we are heads up to it, then we can double the winger or at least be in pressure/cover to absorb the attack.
3. GV is historically a pretty conservative team. They leave numbers in the backfield, which allows them to absorb the counter. We are going to have to be smart in our attack and take advantage of set pieces to create offensive opportunities.
Grandview Weaknesses:
As noted above, this is a talented GV team; however, they probably have two weaknesses that we can try to exploit.
1. The goalie is suspect. She struggles high, especially with in-swinging corners and shots. If our OBs can send balls into the box, we can create some problems.
2. Grandview hasn't found a new talisman yet. They have very good players, but not that player that can "save them" like they have had the last couple of years. If we stay organized, play as a team, protect the ball, and avoid mistakes, we hold them off.
Mullen Keys to success:
As mentioned above, our defensive organization is going to be key. We want to press hard and get the ball back quickly. We want to try to cut off the quick switch, and we want to contain their wingers, not dive in!
With all of that said, our main focus today is going to be to keep the ball. Our first pass should always be a possession retaining pass, backwards, forwards, I don't care. I want to pass and play together.
Today we keep the ball and find a way to win with it.
We should also score on our set pieces - that will help.
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
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!
REMEMBER: We need our corners to be more dangerous. Take risks, be brave, and really hook the ball in!
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.
Free Kicks -
Name + Number
ex. Kendall 1 (would be Kendall hitting a right footed shot to the near post)
1 = Right
2 = Left
No mistakes in the back. No goals against. Work hard for each other.
Good luck.
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