EFA V Crown & Manor
First match of the season.
The team played in 1-2-3-1 against a team playing in a same formation.
The first half we were much better than the opposition. We scored very early, and even like that, the opposition decided to stay with their lines in their defensive half, where then they would initiate their pressing moments,
They only managed to create danger by long shots, however, our keeper was outstanding between posts. I think that we could have managed better the game avoiding long balls and playing out as we had time for it. All the times we played out by creating a 3v1 using our keeper, we could progress to the offensive half. In the last third, missed being more efficient in the decision making process, and a bit of luck in some plays.
Second half, the opposition was forced to push their players forwards. In a playout, we we weren't patient enough to move the ball from one side to the other, and then we lost a ball that was fatal, giving the equaliser to our opponents. From that moment until the end, the match became chaotic, with a good response from our team doing a 2-1, then they did the 2-2 following minute, same thing until the 3-3. Then they got the momentum and scored another 2. With 5 -3 in the mark, less than minutes to play. We started playing more with the heart than with the head. Even like that, we scored the 5-4, three minutes to the end. We were closer to get the equaliser, unfortunately where was enough time to get a draw. Nevertheless, I get the feeling that if we would have another 5 minutes we would have turned the match into our favour.
Points for improvement: understanding ball on the fllor is easier to control and play, be confident on playing out process, transitions to attack and defense, exploit the moments when the opposition is not organised, quick reaction to the loss of the possession, by understanding if that reaction should be to quuickly attempt to regain the ball or when that is not possible, and team should go back to shape, and delay, how to dictate the play when opposition is starting an attack, force them to go one direction, then locked them with 2v1 defending. Better understanding of how to control a game (we need to monitor and control the tempo of the play).
Positives: The team (players) understood the instructions given. They tried to apply them. Several times successfuly. even though we missed a few goals, we managed to score 4!The team overall was good in four phases/moments of the game, attacking/defending organised, and transitions attacking/defending (improvement as mentioned above) is to get more consistency. That can be achieved throughout the season with training, and good commitment. Lastly, their mentality to never give up. The team stayed united and all with the same mindset of helping each other. Which is a massive part of their upcoming success.
The boys were unlucky, as they didn't deserve to lose. It is a learning process. I think they were outstanding. They are getting closer to get more positive results, and playing the way they played, is all about our boys start to even commit more in training.
well done!!!
