Photo: Paul Rudderow
If there was any question about whether Sebastien Le Toux could bring the energy and excitement back to PPL Park, the returning hero answered doubters inside of 20 minutes. Not only was his finish of the highest quality, Le Toux’s pressure and work rate up front inspired Keon Daniel and the Farfans to follow his example, with the quartet absolutely hounding Sporting Kansas City’s every touch.
When considering this particular match, remember that it was this pressure and intensity, fueled by Le Toux, that created the Union’s first half hour charge, not Hackworth’s unexpected starting XI.
As the match unraveled for the home side, it suddenly seemed an even more ponderous move to break out an experimental formation and lineup in the team’s home opener. After all, Ray Gaddis didn’t play left back in the preseason. Neither did Gabe Farfan play any midfield. Nor did Le Toux ever operate as a lone striker. Nor did Keon Daniel man the center of midfield. And while Michael Lahoud and Brian Carroll know each other from 2012, the pair did not have an opportunity to work together before 2013 kicked off.
Repetition begets chemistry. While some might suggest that players should be able to just line up and play, that is simply not the way things work. After all, the opponents are also professionals. In Sporting Kansas City’s case, they are professionals who are well aware of, and practiced in, their specific roles within the team.
Get numbers forward
The 4-2-3-1 is not, by definition, a defensive formation. It can be quite aggressive, in fact.
But the fact that the Union’s three-man attacking midfield seemed oblivious to the notion that each player should have free license to attack Jimmy Nielsen’s box limited their ability to create chances. Perhaps it was due to their lack of familiarity with the setup or with each other as a unit. Also, it may been a coaching decision to play a high defensive line but maintain their positions outside the area where they could serve balls into Le Toux. If so, as the game wore on, it didn’t work out as planned.
The Kansas City fullbacks are unquestionably one of the best attacking duos in Major League Soccer, but the Union made it far too simple for them to attack when whichever two Union midfielders found themselves wide then failed to attack the final third. Cutting into the center of the park, but all the time staying in front of the Kansas City center backs, made Daniel and the Farfans far too predictable. If Hackworth is to persist with this system, each of these players must take turns charging into the box as forwards, both with the ball at feet and without.
A simple solution would be to drop Le Toux into an attacking midfield slot since his work rate will allow him to cover his defensive responsibilities while also accelerating forward to increase his goal tally. This would also get another striker on the pitch, allowing either Jack McInerney to stretch the defense or Conor Casey to hold up play for all three of his attacking supporters to run off.
But a change in personnel is not necessarily mandatory to improve the 4-2-3-1. Better support from Brian Carroll and Michael Lahoud higher up the pitch would alleviate the need for the Union’s attacking trio to hang back, and they could try their luck racing forward as they pleased.
Keep Your Shape
Sporting Kansas City adjusted to the Union’s pressure, but the Union failed to react once the game had changed. As Collin and Besler sat deeper and deeper to deal with the pressure of Le Toux, Daniel and the Farfans, the Union front four pressed even higher. Brian Carroll and Michael Lahoud, concerned with the potential break out, failed to follow. Suddenly, where the Union had spent the first half hour in a tight, organized shape, an enormous hole opened up between the attacking foursome and two defensive midfielders.
It was in that space that Feilhaber, Rosell and Nagamura took over the match for Kansas City. Without a player in their face to force their hand, the trio played a comfortable game of catch, keeping the Union focused on the center of the park while the fullbacks flew forward to create overloads on the flanks.
Left Back isn’t just the opposite of Right Back
In terms of one-on-one defending on the wing, Ray Gaddis turned in a strong performance against Graham Zusi. Gaddis however lost his mark when Zusi slipped inside for KC’s first. He, along with Daniel, also failed to deal with Zusi’s ball to Myers for Sporting’s third. When it comes to left fullback for the Union, Gabe Farfan is still the only real option the Union have at the position. This is not to take anything away from Gaddis, who is an excellent young right back, but he just isn’t a fit for the left flank.
It is too easy for a manager to suggest that to play left back, Gaddis need only reverse what he would do on his more comfortable side of the pitch. But, being as right-footed as the West Virginia product is, Gaddis is unable to play to Hackworth’s scheme on the left. His surging runs, though impressive, tend to take him into the center of the pitch, rather than overlapping his midfielder up the touchline. Also, his unusually high turnover rate against Sporting was in large part due to the fact that Gaddis still remains uncomfortable pulling the ball onto his left to make passes up the line. When pinched by defenders, he still tried to move the ball into the field on his right foot, making him far easier to close down.
Farfan should be expected to return to left back against Colorado and for the foreseeable future. And like it was before both 2012 and 2013, left back still remains the largest need for the Union, along with a veteran goalkeeper to push, mentor and perhaps even replace MacMathwhen required.
Player Ratings
Zac MacMath – 3.5
Though none of the three goals was entirely his fault, MacMath must raise his hand for a mistake in each. On the first, Feilhaber’s shot came right into his gut from 16 yards out and needed to be held or parried away. While Gaddis deserves the majority of the blame on the winner, MacMath took a very poor angle to the ball, making things that much easier for Rosell. On the final goal, MacMath failed to move his feet into position, conceding half the net to Bieler. Additionally, top goalkeepers claim responsibility for organizing their backline. MacMath does not, yet.
Sheanon Williams – 5
Should have had on assist on what should have been Le Toux’s second, and did some industrious work on right flank. If the Union are to rediscover their defensive fortitude, Williams must do more to lock down his side of the pitch, as he left Okugo isolated on occasion.
Amobi Okugo – 5
Did well to keep Bieler in his pocket for the first first half but failed to track the Ecuadorian on his 83rd minute goal. Okugo was his usual confident self on the ball, moving it well and picking out smart passes to the front four, bypassing Carroll and Lahoud. He was in charge of much of the defensive organization with Parke still settling into the side. He’s probably still kicking himself for failing to direct his header on goal from a Le Toux corner kick.
Jeff Parke – 5
Steady enough from the veteran in his first match in a Union shirt. As his comfort level with the Union improves, he will become a more vocal and forceful leader. Parke could have done better to track down Bieler on SKC’s first goal, but with Union in disarray, it was a bit of a free for all.
Ray Gaddis – 3.5
The hardest part of Gaddis’ night was always going to be the one-on-one matchup with Graham Zusi, which he handled with veteran poise. The problem for Gaddis was his incredibly poor turnover rate once the ball was at his feet. In completing 33 passes, Gaddis turned the ball over or was dispossessed a shocking 26 times. Additionally, it was Gaddis who allowed himself to be picked on the match-winner, leaving Rosell with the free header that thrust SKC into the lead.
Michael Lahoud – 4.5
Failed to give adequate cover to the front four as he sat far too deep. Content to dink simple passes around rather than move the ball forward and support the attack. Completely lost his man, Feilhaber, in the build up to the first goal. Lahoud must improve his vision, his ambition and his overall desire to move the play forward if he is to keep his spot in the starting XI.
Brian Carroll – 3.5
Carroll’s greatest deficiency in his first match as captain was his impotency as a leader. The Union captain was a silent figure throughout, as he watched his team lose momentum and ultimately the game. Whether by design or choice, Carroll’s inability to play the game higher up the pitch cost his team dearly as Sporting Kansas City set up shop in the midfield during second half. Carroll and Lahoud’s deep positioning made things far too easy for Sporting. Also, needs to cut it out with the aimlessly lumped balls forward as they seem rarely aimed at a blue, or in this case black, shirt.
Keon Daniel – 5.5
The pick of the bunch in the Union midfield, Daniel’s delivery to Le Toux for the Union opener was sheer perfection. With the Union on the front foot and Kansas City chasing the game, Daniel was at his best, finding space and moving the ball crisply. When the visitors found their feet however, Daniel failed to raise his game, fading badly as the first half drew to a close. Daniel clearly has the skills to get the job done, giving the Union a powerful, steely presence in midfield. His lack of urgency and aggression, however, continues to stand in the way of his becoming a consistent performer.
Michael Farfan – 4.5
A disappointing showing from a player who can dazzle just as easily as he can fade from matches. There were moments of brilliance from Farfan as he shucked off defenders on the dribble and neatly picked out runners, but they were nowhere near plentiful enough. Kansas City’s plan to rough up Farfan succeeded admirably as the Union playmaker quickly grew frustrated with the treatment and failed to retain focus on the match at hand.
Gabriel Farfan – 4
Failed to capitalize on a fantastic double chance in the early minutes, putting his first effort too close to the keeper before panicking and lashing his second look over the bar. His fullback instincts kicked in far too often and Farfan spent too much time within 5-10 yards of Gaddis, organizing the defense on Myers and Zusi. If he is to continue at midfield, he must remember his responsibility to the attack and get himself into the box to aid his striker. As it stands, Farfan is still the Union’s best option at left back.
Sebastien Le Toux – 6
His goal was expertly taken, as he gathered and finished with aplomb. Missed an absolute sitter minutes later. With Nielsen beaten, Le Toux had time to trap and pass the ball into the open net, or even dribble by the stranded Kansas City goalkeeper. While his touch, outside of the goal, remained typically poor, his motion was excellent throughout. He is not to blame for the inability of the midfield to get themselves into dangerous positions in the box.
Substitutes:
Jack McInerney – 5.5
The recently mohawked McInerney nearly bagged the equalizer the Union needed, pounding in a header from a Le Toux cross that Nielsen did well to keep out. Also put Besler under pressure when he flicked his header back across the face of goal.
Roger Torres – 5.5
Didn’t misplace a single pass in his brief cameo, looking lively in the process. Hackworth’s decision to wait so long to bring him on was a curious one.
Conor Casey – N/A
The bald-headed heavyweight bout that is Casey-Collin will rage all season, to the delight of all. On Saturday, Casey entered too late to have a meaningful impact on a match that was already over upon his arrival.
Geiger Counter
Mark Geiger – 4
Make no mistake, this loss was not down to the official, but Geiger seemed to have come into the match well short of midseason sharpness. His ability to keep himself out of the spotlight was laudable, considering what an impossibility that would have been in 2012. Yet both coaches had reason to rage at decisiosn and tug at their hair based on the shear inconsistency of the match official. The decisions favored neither team, with a clear foul going unwhistled at one end only to see an equivalent infraction called at the other. The Union may bemoan the physicality with which Sporting was allowed to play, but in Major League Soccer they must be prepared to accept such rough treatment on a weekly basis.
Preferred lineup for Saturday’s match at Colorado
4-2-3-1
MacMath; Williams, Soumare, Parke, G. Farfan; Okugo, Carroll; Le Toux, Daniel, M. Farfan; McInerney
The only thing i’d add to it is regarding LeToux. It certainly would be nice for others to get in the box for his crosses… however, considering 90% or so never got by the first defender, it wouldn’t matter if there was 5 guys in the box. Spot on analysis though. Unfortunately.
Those are fair ratings, we can always quibble up or down a point…so here goes: Parke’s soft lateral pass late in the game was easily picked off by the other team, and at that point in the match it didn’t matter, but it was truly a cringeworthy mistake. Yuck. That’s our USA international? Centerbacks can’t do that shit, like, ever. Ever. So, minus one on that.
He also had an absolute brilliant sliding save that would have been a sure goal, so +1 evens it back out.
We should start the same lineup against Colorado. Colorado is a much weaker team than SKC and it would be a decent gauge to measure how we stack against similar opponents.
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Geiger had a decent match, I would have gave him a 6.
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I would really like to see a Coaches rating added to these pieces. I thought Hackworth was outcoached (again) by his opposite. He remains tactically reactive instead of being tactically assertive.
I disagree with starting the same lineup next week. The only one out there who can finish is Le Toux and that’s only with his right foot. We need JacMac or Conor out there so we have two finishers.
I like Eli’s suggested formation, but with Casey instead of McInerney. We’d really want someone like Okugo in the defensive midfield to pull the strings, though, espcially if Le Toux is higher up to support Casey. I really noticed Lahoud’s lack of forward movement yesterday. He seems incapable of a probing pass. We left a big hole in the middle of the field Saturday, and once KC started to evade the high pressure, they exploited it.
Yesterday/ Saturday — same thing. Even though it’s Monday. 🙂
Your suggested lineup is exactly what I thought we should start against SKC.
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https://phillysoccerpage.net/2013/03/01/talking-tactics-day-3/#comments
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After the SKC match, I’d like to see Gaddis keep the LB spot as I’d rather G. Farfan as a mid…if we keep a 4-2-3-1
Hack gets a 2. He couldn’t adjust and the timing of his substitutions were terrible. How long was he going to wait to try and tie it up?!
I think Casey has to start against his old club. Give him 60 minutes and then bring in Hopp or Mac… depending on who starts and the score of the game
+1.
Only change I’d make to the outfield is to swap one d-mid for Mac/Casey. (Soumare at CB and Okugo at DCM? Well … baby steps. 😉 )
I am with what you said before play Baky or trade him rather that have him receive the Gonzolez/Lopez award for highest paid sitting defender.
Don’t get cute with your lineups get your best players out there in their preferred positions and let em play.
The lineup against KC sucked. Torres, Casey and Mac should have been out there to create and finish scoring chances. The team needs to put far less effort into pushing forward and dominating possession and more effort into patiently waiting for the best chance while keeping the backline BACK. Look at the replay of KCs first goal in the first half. They had two wide open and unmarked men in the box. All of our defenders and defensive midfielders were running back into position. Cant figure out how Hack is so proud of that first half. It was bad soccer. We were lucky KC didnt score more.
I could go on and on with several points but I’ll make two and keep them brief:
– The Jack situation is depressing and upsetting. The ONLY thing Jack did last year was prove on the field he needs MORE playing time. Not less. All he did was show us he can play and make us dream of how he could play with a real striker next to him to compliment him. Well, we got that strike (Casey). Too bad before that, we got a striker who is older than Jack yet the same kind of player, and who is going to demand 90 minutes every single game. I blame Hackworth for that.
– The Gaddis situation is an example of inept coaching so far. We get it, for an unknown college kid in the second round, Gaddis was pretty good! In fact, he looked great in a handful of games.
But be real. He is still a 24 year old American college player whose greatest strength is his speed.
WHY does that translate into playing him in a new position in the first game of the season against a great team?
It’s terrible. Not only did we pass on real LBs in the draft, we decided to play a RB as LB anyway. Atleast Garfan played well there for 1+ year.
Gaddis is good, but not good enough that we need to get him on the field no matter what.
Gaddis seemed like the best option for defending Zusi. Zusi’s pretty quick. It didn’t work out. It could have been worse. We’ll see next time…
Ever stop to think that maybe Garfan does not want to play Left Back. Maybe he wants to play the position we was hired to play. Forcing Hackworth to play Gaddis at Left Back, really his only option.
I think that is a bit of a stretch. It is no secret that the Union would love to find a way to get Gaddis on the field somewhere, the same way they wanted to get Garfan on the field when they gave him left back. I am the sure the hope was Gaddis could orient himself well to Left back so they could get two players on the pitch that they want out there.
rofl Garfan has been a terrible LB. for 1+ years
4.5 for Lahoud is very generous. He goes from being invisible to giving up the ball in final third. Can we please stop using two holders with no offensive skill at home. Can we please try Okugo as a box to box midfielder?
Seconded
I have no idea what to rate Lahoud because at no point during the game can I recall anything he did to stand out.
While I admit that the Farfan’s didnt offer much this match, this love of Daniel and Torres is so overrated.
Yea, they have skill, but Daniel especially plays at a pace that is always behind the current situation of the game.
Yea Torress didn’t have much time, but he still did nothing, as is his MO…
Actually, that is our MO. Hack needs to be screaming at Marfan, Daniel, Torres, Adu, etc. to demand the ball and demand it back. We just don’t have one player to do that. Torres showed it in preseason, but he still hasn’t done it in a real game…granted, he needs a chance.
Our mids need to be putting defenders on their heels inside 30 yards.
Not sure where you’re seeing Daniel love in what I wrote above. He played well when the tempo was slow and in favor of the Union and his assist was pure beauty. Otherwise the comments on him were fairly negative. some good, some bad, a beautiful assist = 5.5, slightly above average.
As for Torres, the rating is based on the time he was on the field in which time he completed 10 out of 10 of his passes and beat a defender with his only dribble. The Union were pretty defeated at that point and his effort was slightly above average, thus a 5.5.
not sure what your quarrel is?
Eli: no real qarrel. I was referencing the general favor towards Torres and Daniel from the fanbase. I just felt like 5.5 was too high for a player that disappeared., but looking back through, I guess he did play better than the rest.
Torres always connects passes, but they have no bite. Still, he should be starting next Marfan. Just would’ve givin him an NR.
Btw: spot on rating for MacMath. If we actually want to make the playoffs, we need a better vet (Hartman). MacMath just doesn’t make big saves.
What the hell does passing with “no bite”? Torres skill on the ball allows him to take pressure of other players. His passes to players over the top allow the offense to have balance, putting players in scoring position without requiring the whole team to push forward.
Both of the Farfans lack vision, on the pitch. They are each technically gifted but fail to make an impact, far too often for my liking. They try to force their distribution, mainly resulting in balls played aimlessly about the pitch. If they are to be the players that everyone says they are, than they have to start showing some composure. This could go for our entire team but I am singling out the Farfans, due to everyones insistence that they are quality footballers. I felt that, on Saturday, Daniel was far more effective. Torres, for the short time on the pitch, made some nice decisions as well. The Farfans, again, did not live up to the hype.
Amen. check the passing percentages. Garfan had the second worst – just in front of Le Toux. Terrible distribution.
Also, I would lower Carrols and Lahouds rating even more because they share some blame for the first 2 goals as well. For being in the game to provide defensive presence, they sure allowed 2 unmarked runs to be wide open in the box both those goals.
Sorry, I meant the first and third goal.
I’m going to 2nd and third a few ideas here. If one change was all I had for next week’s formation it would be moving Okugo into midfield next to Carrol. His passing out of the back should be lauded, imagine that vision, motor and poise in midfield. Soumare’s skill set and unfortunately, salary, dictate that he be on the pitch. Plus he could definitely help to win some aerial battles. I wouldn’t mind seeing Gabe return to left back, but I won’t be so quick to dismiss Gaddis either. People seem to forget that he still was able to get forward. If Okugo is still stuck at CB then why not drop Keon back closer to BC? In that scenario you could bring Jack back in at CF and push Le Toux a bit wider. We know that BC will go 90 almost every match, Lahoud is the easiest one to drop from the side and there are multiple options to replace him.
I know it seems ridiculous to some to make Carroll the Captain….and then sit him, but we have to get Torres on field at start of game, not after we are desperate for a goal. Let’s find a way to move Okugo and Torres to midfield and sit Carroll and Lahoud, putting better players on the pitch to start the game.
Though I’d love to see Torres play 90, I really don’t think the fitness is there yet. Also, he really only plays CM/CAM so he’d push Marfan off the field, or Mike would have to play out wide – another area I’m not sure Marfan is super comfortable with.
I think Farfan is best out wide. Takes the pressure off a bit and allows him to beat defenders down the wing, with his athleticism. He is skilled. I just think he becomes a bit overwhelmed, in the center of the pitch.
If John Hackworth waits until the 75th minute to sub in every game I am going to rip my season ticket card in half. With the game tied at 1, and clearly outplaying KC for at least the first 40 minutes, Hack should’ve used 2 subs by the time the hour mark rolled around. If what he deems his best XI can’t do anything in 75 minutes, what does he expect Jack Mac or Torres to do in only 15? Give them 30 minutes to find the game and see what they can do. A forward-for-Lahoud substitution is so easy to implement as it simply moves a 2-3-1 formation into a 4-2 diamond. We don’t have the talent to be a real threat in the playoffs – yet – but if he keeps mismanaging games and lineups we won’t even have a prayer of making it that far.
+1. This game really makes me nervous about our prospects for the whole season, but the reason isn’t Marfan, Carroll, Daniel, or Gaddis — it’s Hackworth. Not only is starting Lahoud+ Carroll pretty well indefensible, but waiting so long to make his subs, when the team was flailing, was just inexcusable.
+1. All for giving Hack a chance because we have to at this point, but I don’t know if he is tactically adept.
Certain coaches refuse to make changes before the 75th min…and it drives me nuts. Doubt this will change. We just have have to hope he makes the right adjustments week to week…hope…
It is negligence of the highest order that the team neglected to find a professional left back in the offseason. No matter which player on the current roster mans the position, you’re essentially playing with 3 defenders in your back four every week; a recipe for disaster if I’ve ever seen one.
I know I’m beating this dead horse into the ground, but if Hack was being honest with himself he’d take Carroll out back and shoot him. He’s a relic, a mediocre domestic leftover from the “bad old days” of MLS 1.0. He was a serviceable player in the minimal sophistication era of the mid-00’s, but the league has long since moved past his limited skillset. He’s the kind of guy you play when you’re an expansion side and your options are limited, but once your program gets underway he’s a hindrance more than a help.
Naming him captain may well be the hill Hack dies on.
+1. This post captures my frustrations, almost, exactly. The only thing missing is a tangent over young Zac. Something like; ‘a fool could see that MacMath was miles away from being ready…’
Maybe I’ve gone over the edge with frustration but I think if we are going make backs out of mids, why not try Cruz at LB behind Garfan? While I’m clutching the skinny branches, I have been a Carroll fan since he started playing, but on my team he would be a great defensive sub despite some pretty good attacking play in the first 20 minutes… this time… So how about a 4-4-3 with McMath, Williams, Soumare, Parke, Cruz; Marfan, Okugo, Garfan; Mac, Casey, LeToux? You know it would be fun to see.
Hope to see a Hack score next week. The players and ref get one so why not the coach?
i’m glad to see someone calling daniel out for his lack of urgency and pace. every time he gets a hold of the ball, he seems to stop any momentum the team has, become surrounded, and make a mistake. his assist was brilliant, but carlos ruiz used to score goals here and still be a net negative to the team; given the players sitting on the bench, that’s how daniel looks to me.
Dumb. Daniel is arguably the best midfielder we have at maintaining possession, shielding the ball from opponents, and making the smart pass. People mistake his style of play for a lack of urgency or unwillingness to push the attack. What he’s doing is slowing down the play giving his teammates a chance to make clever runs and challenge an opponent’s defense. It’s a different style of play that can be very effective. Pay attention when he has the ball. Watch how his teammates play off that style.
I agree. Daniel’s an intelligent player, with vision. The only knock, I have on him is how easily he is overpowered. He really needs to add a physical side to his play, if he really wants to find success. It is sad to see one of our taller players, completely useless through the air.
Right. Anybody can make plays w/ no pressure. And it’s not hold up play, it’s slow play. He’s a better skilled Lahoud further up the pitch. He just kills the “move” far to often. He’s an ok player, he just needs to be more dynamic and powerful. He could dominate if he wanted to.
I do wish he would be more dynamic at times. I was just pointing out that I often hear people say he is lazy or untalented. Watch the clips of him and Damani Richards fro pre-season. Soca Warriors fo life
May score a few goals just running fast….but Lahoud, Daniel, Cruz, Gaddis running fast without touch and plan is not going to win many games.
I’ve felt that putting Marfan back at RM is something that the Union should have done last season. So, I’m happy with that aspect of the line up. As a whole, I believe that the FO would be within reason if Hackworth was given five games to improve or be let go. Extreme? Certainly. But this line up had issues extending far beyond player selection and individual performance. Many of the players were consistently out of position and SKC shredded this disorganization to pieces. Pre-season is meant to define the organization of your team and provide an opportunity for players to become familiar with one another. Hackworth did not use it this way. Combine this with the personnel selection, not securing a reliable left back in the off season and the Adu situation and you get a picture of someone who should be on thin ice.
Preferred line up: 4-3-2-1
MacMath
Williams Soumare Parke Garfan
Marfan Okugo Daniel
Le Toux Torres
Casey
Williams or Casey as captain because MacMath and Carroll do not say a word on the field. A captain needs to be screaming at people and so does a goalie. Maybe Williams as captain will do enough yelling for both.
Have to say I agree here. Carroll voice is not heard on the field. I would love to see a more vocal person and that would have to be someone who is always on the field. Casey would be great but if Hack is not going to start him every game then that makes no sense. Williams I believe would be the next in line. You can hear him vocally and he plays every game. Hell I could hear the kid yelling from the stands. Carroll just isn’t going to cut it.
I am pretty sure that Hackworth started swapping Michael Farfan and Keon Daniel from center to right attacking midfield from the half-hour mark on. Maybe it had little to do with the outcome, but it did seem as though the Union’s efficacy in the opposing half was lessened when M. Farfan was manning the CAM position.