With the Roots working through injuries and a packed schedule, Saturday’s USL Cup match against Monterey Bay offered some interesting takeaways. Here’s what I loved, remain unsure about, and hated about the match:
Loved: Tommy McCabe and Ali Elmasnaouy breaking the press
Monterey unleashed an aggressive press on the Roots throughout the match. Two players proved pivotal in the Roots ability to consistently break that press: Tommy McCabe and Ali Elmasnaouy.
On Saturday, the Roots tried to build from the back. In doing so, they found ways to exploit Monterey’s press. They split centerbacks Michael Edwards and Neveal Hackshaw wide to create pressure on Monterey’s forwards. Here, Edwards receives the ball on the opposite side of the field from Hackshaw:
When he receives the ball, Edwards passes to McIntosh. Monterey’s player begins to press McIntosh while closing the passing lane inside. McCabe steps into the space created by Hackshaw staying out wide and receives a pass from McIntosh:
McCabe then receives, turns, and passes the ball to Faysal Bettache, who plays the ball outside to Jesus de Vicente and got the Roots’ attack started.
This moment occurred repeatedly throughout the match. Although Elmasnaouy displayed some rust with turnovers, he and McCabe were pivotal in breaking the press and controlling the tempo. The pair finished with the most touches and completed passes on either side.
Against Monterey’s pressure, the duo gave the Roots exactly what they needed: calm in the middle of a storm.
Unsure: Is a potential USL Cup elimination good?
The Roots’ USL Cup hopes are on life support.
After the match on Saturday, the Roots will need a lot to break their way to continue. The competition consists of seven groups and only the group winner advances. A wild card is awarded to the second-place finisher with the most points in group play and goals scored serves a tie-breaker. Sacramento currently sits in first of the Roots’ group.
The chances of advancing appear slim. The Roots will need to beat Sacramento at home on May 16 , win out against Las Vegas and Spokane, and get some help to advance.
The question remains if the juice is worth the squeeze.
I know competitors, especially professional athletes, want to compete. That drive for competition is what got them to one of the highest levels of soccer in this country.
But still, the fact remains: the USL Cup is a made-up cup. It’s the USL’s attempt at a Carabao Cup. It holds no real stakes for supporters.
Another fact remains: the injury bug has bitten the Roots this year: the decimation of the right back position, the losses of Julian Bravo and David Garcia, the preseason injuries to Florian Valot and Keegan Tingey, and then Valot appearing injured at the end of first half Saturday.
Bad luck never comes alone. The Roots should prioritize their health and use the remaining USL Cup games strategically. They have bigger things to worry about. They have a serious chance at a home playoff game. Getting the Coliseum rocking for a playoff game should be the priority.
On the bright side, doing this will allow the Roots to get younger players serious game time. It could serve as an investment in Project 51O players. Players like Elmasnaouy, Luka Rosic, Bradley Roberson, Project 51O player of the year Emilio Martinez, and U20 El Salvador National Team player Jonathan Polio would benefit from playing time at this level.
As the saying goes, when life gives you lemons…
Hated: The Roots’ Defense
If Saturday served as a preview to life without David Garcia, the team cannot have enjoyed the preview.
After Wednesday’s match against Las Vegas, Martin updated the press on Garcia’s status: “David is going to be a little bit longer. That one is, unfortunately, more substantial…we don’t expect him back immediately.”
On Saturday, the Roots fielded the most sensible and practical solution: pairing Neveal Hackshaw with Michael Edwards as center back.
The results were not encouraging.
Monterey Bay currently sits at the bottom of the Western Conference with two points. The only team with less is Sporting Jax in their inaugural season in the Championship. A lack of offense is a major reason why the team sits where it does
Prior to Saturday’s match, Monterey averaged 9.42 shots, two shorts on target, and 16 touches in the opposition box per match. In seven matches, Monterey only has scored three goals.
On Saturday, the Roots’ defense made Monterey look like world-beaters.
Monterey blew away its season averages. They more than doubled their averages in shots (20), shots on target (5), and touches in the opposing box (37), and goals (1). Monterey could have matched their entire season goal total (3), if not for goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh’s strong performance and four saves.
The Roots’ defense struggled to adapt to life without Garcia. It struggled even more to adapt to life with Hackshaw.
Monterey’s goal in the 63rd minute reflected the limitations that Hackshaw places on the Roots’ shape. In a rare instance, both Tommy McCabe and Ali Elmasnaouy found themselves high up the pitch. Elmasnouy is near the center circle, while McCabe is near the touchline.
When Omari Glasgow receives the pass from the Monterey defender, a huge amount of space exists between the defensive midfield and defensive backline.
The space makes it easy for Glasgow to carry the ball forward and identify Ilijah Paul, who uses his speed and agility to get on the inside of Hackshaw then score.
Instances like this happened throughout the match. In this instance from the first half, the Roots attempted to pressure the ball. Again, McCabe and Elmasnouy are both near the center circle supporting the forwards.
Monterey breaks through the initial defense and another vast expanse opens between the defensive midfield and the backline. Nicholas Ross delivers a ball forward that leads to a big chance for Monterey.
The gap partially exists because of Hackshaw’s speed limitations. The defensive line needs to be lowered to protect him, which creates space for offenses to exploit. Defensive midfielders need to be extremely cautious about moving forward. When the Roots attempt to play a high line, teams often attack Hackshaw with direct passes over the top that test his speed. The same occurs when the Roots get hit with a counter.
As covered before, Hacksaw brings plenty to the table. Still, his flaws are apparent. Martin will need to maximize what Hackshaw gives, while minimizing what he takes away.
Luckily, the Roots will face another struggling offense for them to continue to adjust when they play Loudoun United FC, who rank near the bottom of the league in several attacking categories.
Even better for the Roots, their coach may just have some inside information on how to exploit them.
Garcia’s absence was always going to hurt. On Saturday, the Roots got a glimpse of just how much.