If you look out there, we have a new Sounder named Yedlin. He is the fastest Sounder on the team in the 10 yard run. Yup, 10 yards. #2 on the team is predictably, Alonso.
Think of how many times you need to run a SHORT DISTANCE in soccer. If you were just a little quicker, you could get to the ball before the other guy. If you were just a bit quicker, you could get separation from the defender and get a clear shot on goal.
Second, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. I can't help but feel frustration at the Sounders as they have started this season. Here's why. In order to score goals, you have to shoot. The Sounders play a possession style of soccer. They play by the same rule we do, if we have the ball, the other team cannot score. However, there is a point where we need to "make it dangerous."
Last year, we had a couple players that could do this. Montero, EJ, Caskey and Estrada to name a few. The year before we had Zakuani and Neagle (yes Neagle). They would attack the goal (make it dangerous) draw defenders and THEN decide to shoot or pass.
But when Zakuani and Estrada came back from injury, both would get to the corner of the 18 and turn tail. Meaning, rather than go at the defense and make it dangerous, they would pull it back and pass to midfield, and eventually back to our defense. Where did the fire go?
So as I watched our first two games of the year, and as we prepare for Portland, I just want you to WATCH and see how these former shooters play. Do they "go at him" (the defense) or do they pull up and look for a better chance.
As further evidence of the issue, I point to the Tigres game. We were D-U-N done. We were down two goals to zero and who opens up the scoring? Defense. At some point, SOMEBODY had to start shooting. And it was the DEFENSE that got it done from 30-35 yards.
See, the other problem that we have at the moment is only having one attacker. FOUR defenders are going to eat up one attacker. It is next to impossible for EJ to score on his own. He HAS to have someone else draw defenders in order for him to get quality scoring chances.
SO YOU!! Are you going to be that second person that is willing to take shots? Are you going to "make it dangerous" or "Go at him!"? What move are you working on that you can beat any defender with? Inside outside SHOT!
Fitness
7+7+7 on the push ups. That's only one more than last week. So if you are doing them every day, this should be a piece of cake.4 colton bras
BRUSH YOUR TEETH (2 minutes of leg lifts)
- alternatively, if you don't want to lay down sit against the bath room wall with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle while you brush.
Running:
Nathan and Jesse are doing well on their distance runs. Now try some sprints.
So take some time, start from a standing "balanced and ready" position.
Sprint 10 yards, walk back.
repeat until you reach your age.
I would love to see you post your times.
Have a great week!
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