Practice Observations: Wings of Change
July 17th, 2008 . By: Buzz Carrick
Since Tuesday was the most intense day in Schellas’ short tenure, and since I’m told Wednesday was more relaxed, then it’s only natural that today was more intense again. In fact Schellas hammered the defense harder than I’ve ever seen one given position ever get hit before. Plus it was hot again, damn hot. News, Notes, & Observations- Between rotations all the FCD players go and sit in the shade of some banners or a tent. This tells me two things: 1. Schellas doesn’t mind a little down time in certain drills, as previous coaches would have players not in the drill do stuff on the side, and 2. That Schellas doesn’t mind players sitting down in the shade off to the side and not standing on toes ready to go in. So in some ways, as we’ve seen, he’s more intense then pervious coaches, and in some ways he’s not. - Victor Sikora is still around. On second viewing I’m more convinced he’s good enough. He hit a couple nice crosses playing wide, including several that were more “savvy” then the usual MLS cross. One was curving just past the defender and then back toward the center forward, the other a back side run from a deep midfielder he spotted and hit on stride. So he’s good enough to ad as a wide mid if that’s what you’re looking for. So the question become how much $$$ and who goes to add him, and how does that effect other plans. Cause those last three points are going to determine his signing… or not. - Some nice tight space work by Wadsworth today. Flashes of something. - John Elligner leaves on the 20th to go to Argentina and Brazil. - Ray Burse did rehab work today. He hurt his ankle a little in training on Tuesday. - As did Bobby Rhine… rehab that is, not hurt his ankle on Tuesday… - Looks like Avila is not clear #2 behind Toja as the attacking mid. - Saw Oduro take a stretch at wide mid on the right, that’s something I’d like to see again. - It’s fun having Carl Bussey in camp. That guy runs his mouth constantly, in a positive and excited way. He’s always been a good guy to have in camp for atmosphere. He’s also the up and down kind of outside mid/back Schellas needs to go 4-4-2… if only he were just a little better… and fitter. Fitter is solvable. - Oduro and Ricardinho stayed out and did some extra finishing. Pitchkolan, Wadsworth, Daniels, Lambo, and Shea stayed out and did some long range passing. - Last three players out were Oduro, Wadsworth, and Shea working with Ferruzzi. Shea and Wadsworth the last two. Shea almost always stays out late, and is frequently the last person out. There are reasons why some young players get better, and some don’t. Work ethic is one of them. Catching up with Schellas HyndmanWill there be changes in the starting 11 for Colorado?
Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator: No. What do you want to see Saturday out of your team?
Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator: Some goals would be nice. Any thoughts on coaching against Colin Clark and Ugo Ihemelu, former SMU players?
Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator: I won’t be happy if we lose to them. You mentioned signing two players, are any trades coming during the window?
Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator: Yes, maybe today even. Are you the kind of coach who will release someone just to make a point
Buzz’s Coach Speak Translator: No. I only cut people who suck. TrainingSo after the warm up and stuff, Schellas takes what is clearly the first team defense with one additional player and runs them for 45 minutes straight against two rotations of offense. No stop and rest for the defense, they’re getting their buts kicked. I don’t think I’ve seen Davino worked so hard. Drill was about flanks getting to the end and crossing and defense behind the O overlapping, as well as the starting D clearing chances. D has a full goal with keeper, O defends two wide small goals. Defense: Offense One: Offense Two: Bussey and Wadsworth rotate in with Offense Two Finally after the 45 minutes are up, Defense Two goes for 10 minutes against Offense Three. This is the only rest the first team D gets…. except for Serioux, who plays again as a defensive midfielder. Defense Two: McCarty Offense Three: Thompson Ricardinho Next is a full field game, two twenty minute halves, full field with goals. Clearly giving Sikora a run with the first team. Grey: Green: Lineup PredictionSchellas says he hasn’t picked a first team yet, and I think you can believe him on that. He’s the most unpredictable coach so far for me cause he doesn’t make changes hardly at all. He doesn’t tip his hand either by working the lineup during the week. So yes things could change. But second striker aside, which today was Dom, and maybe the desire to se McCarty, that’s about all that might be up for debate.
Thought of the DayI’ll be honest, with the output and effort we’re seeing in Toja this year I’m not going to be fussed to lose him if FCD does indeed sell. Compare him to Cooper, Ricchetti, etc. All of who want more money; yet Cooper and Ricchetti plays balls out and show guts. Both of them are playing up to last year reputation and level, Toja is not. This team was built to run with Toja as the #10 in a 3-5-2. That formation is so key to that one spot, everything revolves around it. As long as Toja is playing crap, this team will be playing crap. Who knows what the difference is to last year; fitness, motivation, injury, D: all of the above… Honestly I don’t really care anymore. Eric Avila’s outplaying Toja anyway and I’d be quite happy to have Avila start. At some point we have to ask ourselves if Toja of 3 months last year was an aberration that fooled us, and maybe the Toja we’ve gotten for the last half of last season and the start of this year is the real thing. So anything $1.5 million and up, I say bye-bye Juan Toja. If you had told me that a year ago at this same point, I would have told you that you were insane. 27 Comments Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI Leave a comment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Good report. I would say that Richetti has sucked as much as Toja this year, too (even if he is trying harder).
Hate to say it but I agree with you on Toja. Going to Romania might actually benefit both FCD and Juan.
Every player has a value and the GM and manager better know that value. If anyone comes along and is willing to pay more than that, you gotta sell.
If you have faith in your front office and scouts, you’ll be able to turn that money into a better player or players. This is a business and the better they run the business, the more that will show out on the field.
You know, I don’t agree at all. To me, Toja should have sucked last year so that everyone would stop nagging on him. Why would some one set such a high expectation in any sport because if you do not hold to it, nobody gives a crap anymore.
What a way to show support for a key player. Typical US fan base to me.
I think Rocha is a major problem and does not work well with Toja and Dax. He will almost look them in the eye, knowing they are open and pass the ball elsewhere. Look at Rocha’s team support. Getting upset when Dax might think about taking a corner kick. The dude has no team appreciation.
If Toja leaves, I wish him luck and I hope that he receives more respect there than he does here.
Buzz, I’ll admit I skimmed this because I’m rushing, but what’s the word on Dax? Fit? Not 100%?
As for the Toja situation, while I like him well enough as a person (from the times I’ve met him) and a player, I have to agree that he definitely hasn’t shown us much this year? Which begs the question, how the HECK did he wind up on the All-Star team?
On the subject of the transfer window, I’d be lying if I said I had any confidence that we’d bring in anyone special. I just wish the players we HAVE were producing, I guess.
I know, don’t we all?
“If you have faith in your front office and scouts, you’ll be able to turn that money into a better player or players. This is a business and the better they run the business, the more that will show out on the field.”
And there is the 300 pound gorilla in the room. The only thing I am confident in is that they will put the big bag of money marked “Toja” right next to the big bag of money marked “Ruiz” and shut the safe door until it is time to roll in the big bag of money marked “Cooper”. Meanwhile we will be treated to more “Who?” signings and loan deals.
buzz,
what’s your take on artie? i know he’s been hurt some and hasn’t played in some time, but what’s really going on w/ him? is he in the doghouse? it seems as if he really hasn’t made any progress whatsoever.
I’m excited to learn more about this Siroka character. Is he from the Netherlands too?
sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Skeeter, I love the bags of money picture you put in my head.
CM, Schellas says Dax is 90% fit.
3nOut, Schellas seems to like Artie. He looked solid today.
Anyone who has been a Burn/FCD fan since day one is no stranger to the on/off performance of certain players.
They play great until they get a raise, then will coast because they want more.
Vaca
O’Brien
Nunez
Mina
to name a few. All had grandiose expectations of $$$ and when that didn’t happen they tanked it.
Compare that attitude with Pitchkolan, Thompson or Oduro. Waaaay less talent, way more work ethic & class.
Thank you, Buzz.
Newfan I agree with you that Rocha and Toja doesnt work together and also that Rocha and Dax have some words on the field…..
But Rocha has been getting some assists and most of them on corner kicks so why would Dax take it? If Rocha is on the field, then he needs to take it.. AS far as working with Toja I think that the Colombian is too slow and he doesnt work hard for it and Rocha doesnt not have confidence on his and much as he does on Cooper. Thats one of the reason Toja can leave and we can get the new GA player on his place and I would be happy
great article, as usual
I came out to the practice today and I really liked what I saw out of Victor Sikura. I think, if anything, he can help contribute to getting the ball into the final third. We’ve really been struggling on finding someone who can make those quality crosses
Why would Rocha take free kicks when Dax is in? Dax plays a better ball than him on set pieces, and Rocha is over 6 feet tall, while Dax is about 5′9. Its a silly arguement to have, one situation is a clear advantage. i disagree that Rocha works poorly with the team though, I think if you watch closely, he combines very well with Cooper and Saragosa. Toja has been lazy, and as a result miss reads, or isn’t in a position to link up with Rocha. And you really have to wonder if this isn’t a career trend with Toja, as he seems to be unable to stay at a place for too long. Commitment issues?
Again, it just shows that if your don’t remain that star, then you are out of here. If you have ever met Toja and learned about his life and struggle, he is doing nothing but giving it his all.
As the only remaining son, due to a tragic loss of this brother, his dream is to continue playing soccer and making his mom happy by rebuilding her life and her loss. This is why he came to the US to prove to her that even though they struggled as a family, she was able to provide and see that Toja get to the top.
I can deal you from many wonderful discussions with Toja, the money has nothing to do with this. It is complete respect, love and care for his mom and what she did to keep him safe and healthy.
To me, this would be a horrible mistake to lose Toja. I think he is very valuable to this team and he wants to play but they need to play him where he best fits instead of moving him around the field. They have not given Toja a permenant spot which he can support.
Well, whatever game he plays for the last time with FCD, will be my last game for all MLS.
tater, dont forget about
Ryan Suarez
Richard Mulrooney
Cory Gibbs
Chris Gbandi
Carlos Ruiz
Ariel Graziani
Josh,
Dax is 5′9″??? methinks Dax is closer to 5″4″. He reminds me of a red-headed Ritchie Williams buzzing around the midfield making people mad cuz they got out-worked by a gnat.
For the life of me I cannot figure out why Schellas continues to lose with under performing “veterans” while there are rising young stars sitting on the bench. It is unacceptable that McCarty has been on the bench this long (even in the Open Cup with a game 2 days before!)while the players on the field continue to suck, especially when reports are that he changes the game when he goes in/we really miss him/we have won 1 game since he was injured. Same goes for Avila, Shea, etc. When something is broken, most people fix it, or at least try to.
I see an inexperienced coach (who designs training sessions where players go stand in the shade?; this is the professional level for f***s sake) trying to fit square pegs into round holes. Saragosa is terrible, period, send him to USL2 where he belongs. I don’t care if McCarty is 90% fit, put him in (I’d take him at 50% fitness over saragosa). The only way you gain match fitness is by playing matches.
Obviously the formation/peronnel isn’t working. FCD is gonna screw around and piss off their young talent . It’s an absolute f***all.
Well, looks like it is goodbye for Juan.
http://www.onlinesport.ro/stir...-oferta-stelei-pentru-toja.htm
THIS SUCKS
Newfan,
I’m guessing you don’t read Romanian. All that article says is that FCD has recieved a bid from Steau (which we already knew) and that they will only sell Toja if the offer is incredible. Toja is quoted as being interested in the move..but it’s not his decision. I’m sure Steau can afford to offer up enough to force FCD into a tough decision….but it doesn’t sound like they’ve hit that number quite yet.
I would have to disagree with the assessment of Richetti. He has looked VERY pedestrian this season. Toja has not looked good, I think, because the opposition has figured him out. Way too dependent on his left foot. Does he have a right foot?
Newfan - you call yourself a fan but you are making statements that you would not follow FCD anymore of Toja is gone? that isn’t a fan; that is a groupie.
Yeah, NewFan, that’s just a rehash of what Buzz and the DMN reported yesterday.
I wonder why they have built the team around Toja at attacking mid as IMHO that is not his position. Move him back to left holding mid and try Avila or Dax in the AM spot.
I am just as much of a fan as anyone else on this site. The support everyone gave Toja last year was awesome and now that his performance is down, let’s get rid of him…..don’t tell me about being a fan. This is typical US support.
Skeeter that’s funny stuff man, sadly it might just be true.
Newfan,
I kind of agree with you. We are way too fast to jump ship on a player. But I really don’t think that is a purely American trait. I see the same thing all over the world of “football”.
I just read we picked up to IP’s. Guess they’ll start hammering the other 2 out 3 to make the Sikora thing happen…
I am getting really excited to see who SH is going to trade and who will be those IP’s…… for sure a forward and I would like to see a left back too… Since they are rumours that SC already picked up his midfield player
i think a lot of us are good fans even though we become angry at management, coaches and the team. you can tell that we have a little bit of passion by reacting to how our team does. doesn’t that sound like a fan to you?
we are always eager to hear of progress of this team and look forward to seeing them play…even though, most of the time, we have a good feeling that the product on the field don’t match our expectations.