Could not agree with you more about the marking by Wando SoccerWatcher. Wando was very confused on set pieces, particularly throw-ins. Irmo players seemed to pop up on the back post and middle unmarked on every deadball situation. I cannot emphasize that point enough EVERY throw and corner Irmo had 2 players or more unmarked. Plus the clearances by Wando were very weak some didnt even get out of the 18 yd box.
I will say this though, if N'western is as good as people say they are, and Irmo relies on set pieces and dead-ball situations as there primary goal scoring weapon...I just do not think that will cut it. Their forwards are very good, but at some point Irmo needs to build through the middle, switch to the outside and get crosses. Attacking strictly from the flanks and hoping to get a throw-in is too obvious of a tactic and I feel can be shut down. But you know what, Irmo did a fantastic job executing the plays. So it paid off. With the right marking you can certainly neutralize it is all I am saying.
Irmo did not seem to have a player with some sort of cutting edge "I can take over the game" type player. I saw instances of that surprisingly by #3 (a defender) who slalomed into the Wando box from midfield (close to scoring had he not had a heavy foot while dribbling) and #4 who was attack minded and did not hold up the ball.
I think Irmo's coach needs to let #6 and #7 take guys on 1v1. Let them attack defenders. I saw them hold up the ball too much when they had numerous chances to beat one guy and take it all the way. They are not hold up the ball type players. I think the coach needs to loosen the reigns on them and let them do their thing. THAT would make a big difference to Irmo becoming multi-dimensional in the attacking third of the field.
Last edited by ajax1979; 05/20/09 08:54 PM.
