Quote:
Originally Posted by shermanator
Don't think it's game management as opposed to the way Cavalry's squad was built. The way the roster is built plays right into Ottawa's hands.
Ottawa play just like the parent club, they bunker and counter. Cavalry have one attacking midfielder with any talent, and he's injured all the time, so they refuse to play through the middle, relying on playing the ball wide and crossing the ball in. But Mason isn't the type of forward who is built to win headers in the box. So it's just cross, ball is cleared, repeat. Get a corner, ball is cleared, repeat. Then when a mistake is made the back line is woefully unprepared to deal with the counter and they give up quality scoring chances that are buried.
Trafford, Simmons and Di Chiara all struggle with the ball at feet, so they force it wide. Occasionally someone like Musse tries to cut in but eventually he runs out of options and gives the ball away.
Priority #1 this offseason has to be upgrading attacking mid. I love Camargo, and think he stays, but he just can't stay healthy. Need someone more reliable. Coaching wise I think Tommy is just fine for this league, but where he really lacks is in the roster he builds. He was able to get a head start in 2019 by bringing a bunch of pros to play amateur for a year and assess that squad. But should he ignore the glaring deficiency in the offseason I think it's time to question if he can actually build a winner.
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The real problem is that if you are aware of all of this there are adaptations you can make to your game plan and Wheeldon didnt use any of those tactics and he hasn't.
Despite the fact that the whole world knew how Ottawa was going to play that game. And he still let them.
Either way, Wheeldon and I have never seen eye-to-eye. I was there yesterday and despite the loss I absolutely loved it, it was a wonderful atmosphere and experience.
If any of you are the Foot Soldiers behind the net, keep doing what you're doing, its fantastic bang for your entertainment buck.