Scarlett Shines in Debut

Stucki · 08-21-2005, 01:00 AM

Robert Scarlett made an impression on the RSL faithful during his debut match, but not even his runs down the left flank proved dangerous enough to dent Pat Onstad's goal during the match. Despite having more shots, shots on goal, and corner kicks than San Jose, RSL failed to score.

RSL played well defensively with only one miscue in the 41st minute leaving Mark Chung one on one with Paul Broome. Chung was able to evade the RSL defender and beat Jay Nolly near post.

RSL was fortunate not to give up another early goal when Alejandro Moreno beat Nolly in the eleventh minute, but failed to beat the post.

The second half was lively as RSL threw everyone forward trying for the equalizer, but it was not to be.

All in all this was a better performance by RSL, with new players playing a large role in the attack. Adolpho Gregorio also made his RSL debut and showed his speed on the right flank. RSL looked dangerous from both flanks, but not quite enough to get a result.

Jim Umber · 08-21-2005, 08:08 AM

I agree generally. The team looked quite good. I really liked Scarlett on the left flank. This is the type of attack that we simply haven't been able to create, from the beginning. The problem was that the strikers were usually a few steps behind and not in position to capitalize on the crosses. At least the ones I saw. And in the second half there weren't as many shots. I think that may have been because Scarlett was not yet acclimatized to our altitude.

In any case, he was getting the ball down the side and crossing, something we haven't seen much of. It's quite exciting to see. I think he'll have a place on the team.
:jawdrop:

Dadof3 · 08-22-2005, 08:42 AM

So now, we have a team that can attack either flank at speed and whip in a cross...to whom? I'm not suprised we did not score, we have to learn how to maximize our new-found advantages...flank play. If we are going to turn the corner at speed, we will need forwards fast enough and good enough in the air to actually finish...unfortunately that leaves out Kreis, Brown, Williams...I have not been impressed by Dante's ability to shed defenders, for someone who is supposed to be fast, he certainly is not quick. Right now the only forward we have who can play the quick attack on the flank game is Cila (opportunistic in the air)...BTW for those of you looking at the stats, are you suprised we did not score when Cila did not play?

DadOf8 · 08-22-2005, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dadof3

So now, we have a team that can attack either flank at speed and whip in a cross...to whom? I'm not suprised we did not score, we have to learn how to maximize our new-found advantages...flank play. If we are going to turn the corner at speed, we will need forwards fast enough and good enough in the air to actually finish...unfortunately that leaves out Kreis, Brown, Williams...I have not been impressed by Dante's ability to shed defenders, for someone who is supposed to be fast, he certainly is not quick. Right now the only forward we have who can play the quick attack on the flank game is Cila (opportunistic in the air)...BTW for those of you looking at the stats, are you suprised we did not score when Cila did not play?

What about Seth Trembly? I think Seth is super fast. I don't think Seth is going to win too many headers on crosses, however. Dunny seems to be real good with the headers, but he's usually back on defense. I'm sure Coach E will figure it out.

BetterThanChivas · 08-22-2005, 11:16 AM

Robert Scarlett played really well tonight. We finally found our starting L-mid! (BTW Dunny and Robby Scarlett are my new favorite players)

We would have a perfect (or close to perfect) lineup if we could just get Cutler out.

On Saturday night, I watched Kenny closely. Every single time he got the ball, he gave it away. If Gregorio/Cabrera/Kamler/whoever could start in Cutler's position and keep Brown in R-mid with Pierce in R-Back, we could start getting the job done.

Also I counted three hand balls on San Jose that the ref didn't call, one of which would've have been one of four PKs for us.

All in all we played well, we just needed to put the ball in the net.

Let's hope we can do that next game. :signrocko

Jim Umber · 08-22-2005, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dadof3

So now, we have a team that can attack either flank at speed and whip in a cross...to whom? I'm not suprised we did not score, we have to learn how to maximize our new-found advantages...flank play. If we are going to turn the corner at speed, we will need forwards fast enough and good enough in the air to actually finish...unfortunately that leaves out Kreis, Brown, Williams...I have not been impressed by Dante's ability to shed defenders, for someone who is supposed to be fast, he certainly is not quick. Right now the only forward we have who can play the quick attack on the flank game is Cila (opportunistic in the air)...BTW for those of you looking at the stats, are you suprised we did not score when Cila did not play?

I don't really think that the problem is that they're too slow. They're just not used to that attack getting through. I think they just have to realize that they have to make the run. It looked to me like they were still hanging back to avoid an offside call, but of course when he gets all the way down to the corner, there's no question of offside. They just need to get used to making the run.

taytay33 · 08-22-2005, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Umber

I don't really think that the problem is that they're too slow. They're just not used to that attack getting through. I think they just have to realize that they have to make the run. It looked to me like they were still hanging back to avoid an offside call, but of course when he gets all the way down to the corner, there's no question of offside. They just need to get used to making the run.

Yup, if they get up there with him SOMEONE is bound to be there to put the ball away. Not every time of course, but more often than what happened last game.

Rocky J Squirrel · 08-22-2005, 08:11 PM

Salt Lake soccer fans haven't had as an exciting winger since Jorge Estrada played for the Blitzz!

HibaIssa · 08-22-2005, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky J Squirrel

Salt Lake soccer fans haven't had as an exciting winger since Jorge Estrada played for the Blitzz!

I'll second that!

neophyte · 08-23-2005, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HibaIssa

I'll second that!

I'll third that. I've wished for Jorge more than once this season with our scoring woes. The Blitzz did a pretty decent job of scoring.

I agree that our timing on offense seems a little off; also our crosses could be more precise (Clint, we need you more than ever) and we were just too short to battle the grizzly bear-sized SJ defenders. Jason seemed to have an off night as far as touch on the ball and hooking up with the passes, too, although he certainly put forth effort as usual.