Chapter 170

March 27, 2018 (Tuesday)

Dear Ms. Diary,

Coach had us run a practice-long scrimmage with the same teams as on Monday. Although we didn’t get five goals this time, we got four, which was against the same defensive scheme against which we drew 1-1 in the second “half” on Monday. We kept changing up the O, like bringing Civia inside and putting Rhee out on the wing; switching Rhee and Rathi, and being surprised at how well Rhee played center half. We also controlled the ball for at least two-thirds of the time, as we also played a heavy press, managing to get the ball back from their D and midfield frequently before they could make any significant inroads into our half.

“That was interesting,” said Coach as we stayed loose on our feet before her. “First, who decided to have the O play such a serious and ... highly effective pressing D? Second, who had the bright idea – and, given that she got a goal, it was also an effective idea – of putting Rathi at one of the striker positions?”

I was going to raise my hand. Honest. However, when the entire O turned to face me, Coach chuckled and said, “So, it was you, Beth, or did you agree to take the... ‘blame’ [air quotes] ... for it?”

With my face red, I responded, “It was ... something of a group thought about pressing, but the thought took place a week ago as we were watching one of the games in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. There was a team that would, after they scored, seemingly randomly put on a serious full-court press or just show a press and retreat. Some of us had a conversation about that, wondering if we could incorporate the tactic. In the basketball game, it worked pretty well, both the hard press and the retreat. The hard press got the other team to go for long passes across the midline to break the press. That gave the pressing team chances to intercept long passes when they suddenly retreated from the press. Of course, it was more ... nuanced than that, but that’s what gave us the idea.”

“As for Rhee playing center half, that’s your fault. You mentioned once last fall at practice that her D skills in conjunction with her excellent passing skills, would make her a good center half. We decided to try it.”

Coach stared at me while slowly shaking her head, then she turned to Gracey.

“You’re on the hot seat, Gracey. Your D didn’t do as well today as you did in the second half on Monday.”

“We didn’t. I point out, though, that we did do better in the later part of the scrimmage than we did earlier, but we didn’t do as well as late on Monday. I’m not trying to lay off some of the blame, but I will note that their constant changes in formation – or, who was where in their formation – kept us off balance for much of the scrimmage. I suggest that we look seriously at incorporating that into our general offensive plan, as it was highly effective.”

“Yes, it was, and I agree with your suggestion. I want to do some thinking about that tonight. Tomorrow might be a discussion more than practice, so, please, everyone, be thinking about what you thought was effective – on either side of the ball – and what was not. That’s it. See you tomorrow.”

On the walk home, Meka told Gracey, “If that ... fluidity in the O will be a thing we do all season, other teams will try to duplicate it.”

“Yes,” Gracey replied, “however, our knowledge of our own team is at least part of the reason that we got ... confused. Another team may well have just defended against what the O showed them.”

“I see your point ... and it’s a good one. However, thinking about how we’d defend against such a fluid O is still a good idea.”

“Agreed. We’ve got a smart team, and our midfield is very good, with Rathi being even better. Also, if our O last year didn’t need a lot of midfield support, what do you think this year’s O is going to do? Even if Beth pulls Rathi into the front line occasionally, even our backup midfield is pretty darned good. I’ve gotta think that our D can handle any other O in the league unless someone else has gotten a massive infusion of O talent this year.”

“True dat.”

“But I still agree with your point about thinking about how to make a ... more fluid D, but one that’s still a rock.”

“I’ve been thinking about training the midfielders more on back-line sort of things. I’m not denigrating you at all, but the starting back line is the weakest part of this team’s ... ostensible starting lineup.”

“I agree, and I don’t take it personally. Yes, we’ve got two of last year’s starters, but I’m still learning how to play center, and Abby doesn’t fill Ann’s shoes, either.”

“No-o-o-o ... but teaching the midfielders more about how to play back line could help. Think about injuries or red cards. I see a fluid D being not so much changing formations on the... No. It is about changing formations on the fly. Think about...”

“Oh. Are you thinking about slotting one of the midfielders into the backline? If so, I’d suggest Zahira and I slide left a bit and pull ... whomever into the right back slot. And if that’s someone that could make runs up the sideline to surprise the opponent’s D, we could kill ... many birds with one stone.”

“Exactly, but if Coach decides on a 3-2-1-4, then that’s untenable unless we could also pull Rhee into a midfield slot.”

“Yes, and I think I’ll be surprised if Coach does not go for the 3-2-1-4.”

“Though think of the back line being the weak link. I’d almost prefer having three midfielders in front of you, but then it’s probably Heather that sits instead of starting.”

“And Heather wouldn’t make a good midfielder.”

“No, I wouldn’t,” interjected Heather. “Nor would Civia at this point.”

As we walked in the front door, I said, “Rhee, what do you think about playing a midfield position like Kevin De Bruyne? I’m thinking particularly about when he’s given free rein to attack and go where he feels he needs to go on the pitch. While I think our O could swamp ... virtually anyone, I’m a bit worried by having only two midfielders.”