Interesting article. One thing that I noted in many of FCD’s games, especially the Houston one which went to extra time is that we’re often not the fittest side.

Very few of our players looked like they had anything left in the gas tank going into extra time – especially the back line. You could really see it in Houston’s 3rd goal, our defense almost stood still. In contrast the majority of Houston players were quite spritely. One exception I thought was Toja who was still running around like a maniac in extra time, but the others looked pretty tired in comparison.
I will say thought that I think Houston has probably the fittest side in MLS, so almost any other team is going to look tired next to them.

Playing a man down for 75 minutes will make a team tired. Also remember that Morrow had to use one of his subs to replace Sala, so he was unable to get another set of fresh legs in the game late. In the first game against Houston I don’t recall FCD looking tired or out of shape.

I do agree with Davis’ overall thesis that stability and a consistent strategy results in a team that plays above what you might expect just looking at the players individually (sum is greater than the parts). With all of the change FCD went through last off-season, I think Morrow did a good job of getting the team to play well and cohesively. It was evident in the mid-season run. I hate to admit it (because I was in favor of the signing), but I think bringing in Denilson and the adjustment of team philosophy to accomodate him was the cause of the poor form we saw late in the season. Even so, we nearly got it together against Houston. Here’s hoping Morrow has learned the lesson.

I hope Morrow and the Hunts read this article.

Doesn’t that also imply that FCD should stop tinkering with the players on the team, and the starting line-up, and the formation?

Just got to this article…this makes a pretty good argument to get Colin Clarke back…week to week his lines were much more predictable. Morrow will not start the same 11 in consecutive games let alone for a season. I saw several Houston games this year and it struck me that, injuries excepted, they played the same people in the same roles rain or shine. When FCD announces their starters I am always thrown off. I agree Denilson was a dud this year – we should have played him anyway (Chicago Fire played Blanco game after game in the same role Denilson could have been for us).

I think you need to develop a rhythm as a team…and the constant change in personnel and scheme dont work. Maybe now that the coach is no longer a rookie he wil see that. We need less coaching and more consistent play. I watch Arsenal every week…and that is how they do it…