Micro Practice Report
June 21st, 2008 . 12:46 pm . By: Buzz CarrickFirst I have to apologize because I went to training on Thursday fully intending to write a practice report. Unfortunately real life, mainly in the form of the day job, got in the way and I was unable to get it written. I managed to free up a bit of time this morning and banged out a couple bullet points for everyone. Training was in the main stadium this week as the #1 training field is shut down for something. Over-seeding perhaps? Training was supposed to be at 9 am, but was pushed back by rain storms. Which meant it was humid as hell and hot as the sun in the stadium. News, Notes, and Observations- Duilio Davino didn’t train. He’s about 80% said Hyndman. Ricchetti worked some in his spot. If I were a betting man I’d say Davino plays. - Cooper and Oduro was the primary combo up top. - Training was all 4-4-2 with a lot of emphasis on an outside back getting forward and the defensive shift into a 3 man line to cover. This mean most of the width is going to come form wide backs. - Midfield diamond, but not with wide mids hugging the lines. It was almost like a 4-3-1-2. - Lots of work also on high pressure defense after a turnover. - Dax McCarty trained, but isn’t looking ready to start. - Ray Burse was around, but he hurt himself in training and went inside halfway through the session. With Josh Lambo getting only one reserve game, I would now expect a MLS emergency keeper again backing up Sala. - Spencer Wadsworth is still here. I got a $1 that says he signs a developmental deal here. Which I fully believe to be a steal if they get him. - Also here is Robbie C’deBaca. He’s form Maryland (and New Mexico) and knows Abe Thompson. From what I see today I would not bet on him sticking around. - Hyndman frequently interrupts training and calls the entire team over to explain something. - Ellinger mostly watches - No quotes (no time) but I asked Hyndman if anything had surprised him about FCD in the short time in change. He talked about the players technical skill and touch and raved about what he thinks will be there ability to play a great possession game. Lineup PredictionNo Moor or Serioux. Davino questionable, but I’ll bet he plays. 4-4-2 almost a certainty, Schellas will do everything he can to run a 4-4-2.
7 Comments Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI Leave a comment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
note” Burse and Davino both trained on Friday and traveled with the team.
You really wonder how Wadsworth didn’t end up with Houston with all their problems at forward.
Thanks for the report, even if i is a “micro report”!!
What the heck Buzz! What are we paying you for?… Oh, wait.
I think the switch to a 4-4-2 is a good thing, but it brings back an old problem. Who do we play at RB? Especially if SH wants the out side backs to make overlapping runs and join the attack. Even though they are young, I think we have quality options on the left side. Between Brek, Wagner, and Wallace, one of them will step up an fill this role. What are our options on the right side? Maybe Daniels or Dello-Russo? I think we are in good shape if we can keep Drew and Davino in central defense, but much less so if Drew is pushed out right with either Pitch or Yahoo are in the center.
I happen to think the 3-5-2 is much better for Texas heat. Germany has looked ok with it so I am tired of all the nay sayers. Great that width is provided by Rhine and Wagner. Hate Saragosa at left mid and may have to give up going to games if that is a permanent spot for him.
Houston doesn’t play a 3-5-2 in the Texas heat – even with the humidity – and seem to do okay.
James ask yourself why Morrow who loves the 4-4-2 switched this year? FCD doesn’t have the personnel at present. Rhine is an all-timer here but should be a reserve by now. Who else do you put there – Rocha, Ricchetti, Serioux, Dax? Maybe Moor then have to play Serioux or Pitch at CD where neither has thrived? Houston does have the personnel but they also have a smaller field.