Examining Rapids' tactics against Timbers — including a possible new look

A coach of a juggernaut has some important tactical decisions to make, especially at the start of the season. But in essence, once a team has established their regular style and formation, and has succeeded in that pattern, they just roll it out, week after week.

We see that in Bob Bradley’s LAFC team this year — a possession-based, high-octane offense that advances the ball upfield quickly, breaks lines and attacks from all angles. We also see that in Matias Almeyda’s unique “man-marking” defensive system with the San Jose Earthquakes.

Colorado Rapids interim coach Conor Casey is still certainly trying to figure out the best way to succeed with the burgundy boys. After playing the first game or two in the same system ousted coach Anthony Hudson employed — a narrow 4-4-2 diamond that wanted to be swashbuckling but often fell short — he amended things. The team went into a more cautious 4-2-3-1 that ceded possession to the opponent and looked to strike quickly on the counterattack.

But against Portland last week, Casey switched things up, employing in a 4-1-4-1 formation.

Dropping Danny Wilson between the lines allowed the Rapids to almost-nullify the offensive impact of dangerous attackers like Brian Fernandez, Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco. I say almost because, well, there was this sublime play from Blanco.

Throughout the game, Wilson cut off passes into that space, harassed ball-carriers and was generally the type of nuisance the Rapids have needed all season, but haven’t had. In addition, Wilson served up a beautiful long-diagonal pass in the 75th minute to Sam Nicholson, which the Scotsman tucked away for the equalizing goal in a 2-2 draw. This was Danny Wilson’s best game, by far, in burgundy.

Is this formation change permanent? Was it a one-time adjustment based on something the Rapids coaching staff saw? I don’t know. We shall see come Saturday, when the Rapids face NYCFC. It is certain, though, that Colorado went into Portland and got a good result, and being tactically flexible was at least part of the reason for their success.

While getting away from the normal formation, Colorado still stayed loyal to the brand that they have been using since Casey was installed as interim head coach. That is, Colorado hit the Timbers with a blistering counterattack, and when it worked, it resulted in the team’s first goal — one of the prettiest of 2019 in terms of how it developed.

Former soccer players are all familiar with the small-sided drill known as 5-v-2 in the U.S. or ‘Rondo’ in Europe. It is essentially a soccer version of the old kid’s games “pickle” or “monkey in the middle.” You put five players in a tight circle, drop two defenders in between, and make them pass-pass-pass the ball like mad. This goal was a moving Rondo, if you will, as the Rapids whipped the ball around Portland’s defenders with devastating effect. You don’t get flawless passing like this often, folks, so appreciate it when it happens.

Kinda like meaningful games for Rapids fans after July Fourth.

Source: Denverpost.com

Powered by NewsAPI.org

Keywords:

Semi-trailer truck • Bob Bradley • Los Angeles FC • Matías Almeyda • San Jose Earthquakes • Colorado Rapids • Conor Casey • Burgundy (color) • Anthony Hudson (footballer) • Portland, Oregon • Danny Wilson (footballer, born 1960) • Brian Fernández • Diego Valeri • Sebastián Blanco • Sublime (philosophy) • Sam Nicholson • The Scotsman • Danny Wilson (footballer, born 1991) • Duchy of Burgundy • New York City FC • Colorado • Portland, Oregon • Colorado Rapids • Colorado Rapids • College soccer • V-2 rocket • Europe • Association football • Keep away • Rondo • Portland, Oregon • Independence Day (United States) •