TheNearPostLook familiar? It's a lot like the previous 4-2-3-1ish shape I posted, but slight tweaks to make it into a 4-4-2 diamond/ 4-3-1-2. We saw this shape against Slovenia and I think that was our most impressive offensive performance. The Scotland game was good, but Scotland were clearly out of it and were looking pretty poor that game. This was a game against one of the stingiest defenses in Europe, at least during World Cup qualifying, and we managed some really bright offensive moments, at least for the first 45 minutes, fascinatingly adversive to how Bob Bradley's side didn't come to life until the second 45 minutes against Slovenia, due to a few tactical chagnes.

Anyways, it's another well-balanced lineup. The part I like most is Donovan and Bradley being in good positions to manage the game. They are our best passers right now, and should be in a position to influence the game as such. Our overall ability to control the game revolves around these two at the moment. They can help break teams down on the counter, but they can also beat bunkers. They have good sense of tempo and put the ball in good positions. These guys will be our real creators this cycle.

04.10.2012