I’m not a huge Taylor Twellman fan, but I do appreciate when he calls LAFC games every once in a while because he clearly gets tidbits from Dolo and JT. I thought he nailed the clear change in the midfield with Atuesta’s positioning. Prior to this game it really did seem like him and Sanchez were playing a double pivot, in this game it was clear that it was a single pivot of Sanchez with Atuesta and Tillman playing equally as 8’s controlling one side of the field each. Atuesta was effective in a more advanced role and I also felt the press was more effective in the midfield.
Although as you pointed out in the HaFo SaFo preview episode Nashville is not an effective pressing team and LAFC’s midfield benefited from more time on the ball, but I do think you have to give the coaching staff credit for making the adjustment to improve field balance.
I thought Palencia was also a factor in that improved balance. I think Campos brings more in the way of attack (although the assist and that beautiful volley would indicate Sergi is not a zero in attack), but Palencia is clearly the better defensive player. Not just in his individual defense, but how he allows the team to maintain consistent defensive balance. When both Campos and HH push up field, it forces either Tillman or Atuesta to fall back to fill the space vacated. Palencia is more likely to stay back and he also is more effective as a CB when the defense rotates into 3 in the back when in possession.
Obviously I think Campos should play a significant role this season, but I also believe Palencia should be starting games too. With HH getting up in age, I’d like to see more rotation of HH and Campos on the left side as well.
What a fun night at BMO despite the Olly drama. I was expecting a boring 0-0 game - shows how much I know. The worst thing about the thin roster is the lack of competition for starting spots. But there seems to be a competition emerging between Campos and Palencia - all to the good of the team. Palencia needs to be rewarded with another start against Colorado because if you don't reward a good performance no incentive is created. And what has gotten into Aaron Long? Why is he playing good lately? I gave him up for dead, but as they say back in the old country "I morti aprono gli occhi dei vivi."
Yeah Long was solid especially in moments where Murillo looked a little off. I know Kirk and Josh on the Counterpress pod love to hammer him for his deficiencies, but as a purely defensive CB he is elite in MLS.
While I respect their opinion, everybody wants a CB that is like Virgil Van Dyke - can pass, carry out of the back, score goals, defend 1v1, great in the air, etc. - but that's like a top 1% CB. If he had all those things, he wouldn't be in MLS and there aren't many CBs on other teams like that either. But when it comes to defending the position, physicality, ability to cover ground and slide to cover situations (the things LAFC needs first and foremost) he's great at those.
I will play a bit of the Devils advocate! Yes! a win is always better than a lost! but I do take into account that the first 2 goals came from Nashville mistakes, the first one by the goal keeper with horrendous attempts to clear the corner kick, the second goal also came from a foul inside the box and a PK!! and yes! those mistakes would not have happened if LAFC would haven't been pushing and attacking! but for Nashville 2 goals down in the first 20th minutes of the first half changed the whole game for them and opened more spaces for LAFC as they try to push forward to even things out but to makes things worst they received a third goal the first 3 minutes of the second half and that was it for them! , too much of up hill to climb and to top things off they played with 10 man for 30 minutes! with all of that said , yes ! LAFC did improve a lot and I agree they were not eager to concede the ball from the begging of the game and that might have surprised Nashville, they did pressure a lot more at the right time and that created more possession of the ball and generated more opportunities to attack, but let's not forget that Nashville with 3 goals behind and with one less man in the field it would make things in favor of LAFC to flow ball better and dominate the game easier, even though the 5 goals are welcome Nashville game is not a true measure of the things to come, but the win was need it and the 5 goals are welcomed!! I would like to see Boguzs dropped to the center midfield and move up Martinez in the center front to distribute the ball , so far Martinez has showed that he is more than capable of being a playmaker , in 15 minutes he had an assist and could have 2 with a perfect pass he gave, I believe it was to Atuesta right in front of the goal! Martinez seems to be the right choice to replace Vela, but I can see Martinez being more of a threat than Boguzs in the box! and Finally Olivera had his goal, happy for him, he had a great game !! but at the end I am glad LAFC showed it can be more dynamic and not just a one trick pony!! .. We need a good performance in Colorado so we all can be in high spirits for el Trafico!!
Well, by that same logic then Martinez had the benefit of entering a game with LAFC up 3-0 and Nashville playing with 10 men. So how can we be for sure he's that good?
the few times he has played we seen he has a quick reaction time to make a pass or manage to create an opening , he also posses the soft touch and precision pass, just look at the assist!! but you do have a very valid point, he played on Saturday when the game was already decided!
The entire team played much better. Wouldn't be fair to say Campos missing was the difference. Palencia is a really good backup though and can push for a starting spot. It's one of the reasons fullback never really worried me in terms of depth. 3 starting caliber FBs is better than most teams and HH can play either side.
Martinez looked great and looking forward to seeing his development.
Terrific recap and analysis, Vince 🙌
I’m not a huge Taylor Twellman fan, but I do appreciate when he calls LAFC games every once in a while because he clearly gets tidbits from Dolo and JT. I thought he nailed the clear change in the midfield with Atuesta’s positioning. Prior to this game it really did seem like him and Sanchez were playing a double pivot, in this game it was clear that it was a single pivot of Sanchez with Atuesta and Tillman playing equally as 8’s controlling one side of the field each. Atuesta was effective in a more advanced role and I also felt the press was more effective in the midfield.
Although as you pointed out in the HaFo SaFo preview episode Nashville is not an effective pressing team and LAFC’s midfield benefited from more time on the ball, but I do think you have to give the coaching staff credit for making the adjustment to improve field balance.
I thought Palencia was also a factor in that improved balance. I think Campos brings more in the way of attack (although the assist and that beautiful volley would indicate Sergi is not a zero in attack), but Palencia is clearly the better defensive player. Not just in his individual defense, but how he allows the team to maintain consistent defensive balance. When both Campos and HH push up field, it forces either Tillman or Atuesta to fall back to fill the space vacated. Palencia is more likely to stay back and he also is more effective as a CB when the defense rotates into 3 in the back when in possession.
Obviously I think Campos should play a significant role this season, but I also believe Palencia should be starting games too. With HH getting up in age, I’d like to see more rotation of HH and Campos on the left side as well.
What a fun night at BMO despite the Olly drama. I was expecting a boring 0-0 game - shows how much I know. The worst thing about the thin roster is the lack of competition for starting spots. But there seems to be a competition emerging between Campos and Palencia - all to the good of the team. Palencia needs to be rewarded with another start against Colorado because if you don't reward a good performance no incentive is created. And what has gotten into Aaron Long? Why is he playing good lately? I gave him up for dead, but as they say back in the old country "I morti aprono gli occhi dei vivi."
Yeah Long was solid especially in moments where Murillo looked a little off. I know Kirk and Josh on the Counterpress pod love to hammer him for his deficiencies, but as a purely defensive CB he is elite in MLS.
While I respect their opinion, everybody wants a CB that is like Virgil Van Dyke - can pass, carry out of the back, score goals, defend 1v1, great in the air, etc. - but that's like a top 1% CB. If he had all those things, he wouldn't be in MLS and there aren't many CBs on other teams like that either. But when it comes to defending the position, physicality, ability to cover ground and slide to cover situations (the things LAFC needs first and foremost) he's great at those.
I will play a bit of the Devils advocate! Yes! a win is always better than a lost! but I do take into account that the first 2 goals came from Nashville mistakes, the first one by the goal keeper with horrendous attempts to clear the corner kick, the second goal also came from a foul inside the box and a PK!! and yes! those mistakes would not have happened if LAFC would haven't been pushing and attacking! but for Nashville 2 goals down in the first 20th minutes of the first half changed the whole game for them and opened more spaces for LAFC as they try to push forward to even things out but to makes things worst they received a third goal the first 3 minutes of the second half and that was it for them! , too much of up hill to climb and to top things off they played with 10 man for 30 minutes! with all of that said , yes ! LAFC did improve a lot and I agree they were not eager to concede the ball from the begging of the game and that might have surprised Nashville, they did pressure a lot more at the right time and that created more possession of the ball and generated more opportunities to attack, but let's not forget that Nashville with 3 goals behind and with one less man in the field it would make things in favor of LAFC to flow ball better and dominate the game easier, even though the 5 goals are welcome Nashville game is not a true measure of the things to come, but the win was need it and the 5 goals are welcomed!! I would like to see Boguzs dropped to the center midfield and move up Martinez in the center front to distribute the ball , so far Martinez has showed that he is more than capable of being a playmaker , in 15 minutes he had an assist and could have 2 with a perfect pass he gave, I believe it was to Atuesta right in front of the goal! Martinez seems to be the right choice to replace Vela, but I can see Martinez being more of a threat than Boguzs in the box! and Finally Olivera had his goal, happy for him, he had a great game !! but at the end I am glad LAFC showed it can be more dynamic and not just a one trick pony!! .. We need a good performance in Colorado so we all can be in high spirits for el Trafico!!
Well, by that same logic then Martinez had the benefit of entering a game with LAFC up 3-0 and Nashville playing with 10 men. So how can we be for sure he's that good?
the few times he has played we seen he has a quick reaction time to make a pass or manage to create an opening , he also posses the soft touch and precision pass, just look at the assist!! but you do have a very valid point, he played on Saturday when the game was already decided!
He’ll definitely be playing more. Still think he’s building to a start. Not there yet.
Agree!
Yeah...really the only time I really worry at back is when Murillo has the ball at his feet. :-)
lol
Better without Campos in for now?
The entire team played much better. Wouldn't be fair to say Campos missing was the difference. Palencia is a really good backup though and can push for a starting spot. It's one of the reasons fullback never really worried me in terms of depth. 3 starting caliber FBs is better than most teams and HH can play either side.