Dorman/Cancella games, game, attention, starting, without

tom

we'll likely see both this weekend (and I really do like Dorman's game quite a bit), but I'd prefer to see Cancella return to the starting line-up thereafter.  

Dempsey has had a few quot;quietquot; games in a row now and I think part of the reason is that opposing d-mids are able to focus much more attention on him without Cancella on the pitch to divert their attention. I think with Cancella, the Revs are able to play a more attacking minded brand of soccer which frees up Clint.

Thoughts?


I think part of that is true.  When Cancella is on the field, teams have to pay more attention to him because he's the set-up man.  With his skills and ability to deliver the ball, teams have to know where he is on the field at all times.  He was one of the most fouled players in the league last year, all because teams did not want him to deliver the ball into a dangerous situation.  And I think Dempsey needs some of the attention on him taken off.

Originally Posted by Gregor... I think with Cancella, the Revs are able to play a more attacking minded brand of soccer which frees up Clint.Thoughts?

You nailed it, and this is why we need to get Cancela back into the line-up ASAP.
It was interesting to me during the Metrostars game, Wynalda's comments about Dempsey were oriented to Dempsey's ability to 'slip in' after Twellman and Noonan make their runs and occupy the defense.  Sure enough, 30 seconds later Clint made his run that resulted in the header he just missed.  While he played some forward (DC) I thought Clint played mostly behind Cancela when he was scoring like crazy.  Again, more focus on others with Clint getting space or 'channels' to run into less challenged.  Since Dorman has come on, Clint has become the a-mid with Dorman mostly behind Clint. As a result, Clint is now the focus of the defense as he is the focal point of our offense.  While his success of course would naturally have engendered more defensive focus, his moving to a-mid has made him easier to focus on.

This next period of games should give Pepe time to get his legs, touch and vision going and then we can see what happens when Clint comes back. I certainly hope that Pepe and Dorman can click effectively in the midfield too. We need a very effective midfield in order to control the flow and both start our defense as well as spring our offense.
Cancella playing is the thing that has me most looking forward to Saturday's match.  Hopefully he will play well and secures a spot on the starting lineup.
I love Dorman and what he has done for the Revs, but I think we do need to get Cancela back out there. This isn't the same Cancela from last year, he's actually playing defense and is even getting into the physical play. I am curious to see how the Revs play without Dempsey. I wonder if Dorman can step up and make runs through the midfield.
Using Cancela and Dempsey together will open space around Joseph for other teams to exploit.  Nicol has the team defending well and is creating enough good chances with Dorman on the field that I don't see him changing the central midfield balance to chase more goals for Dempsey.

Originally Posted by idiot windUsing Cancela and Dempsey together will open space around Joseph for other teams to exploit.  Nicol has the team defending well and is creating enough good chances with Dorman on the field that I don't see him changing the central midfield balance to chase more goals for Dempsey.

Actually, the Revs have looked better defensively when Dempsey and Cancela have been in the line-up together.

The Magpie
Pepe better have a fantastic game this weekend with Dempsey gone, or he might stay on the bench after he returns.

I still like his ability to setup plays. Dormas is a great player, but not better, in my opinion. Nicol has sure done a good job pushing his buttons and focing him to compete! If Nicol stays with Dorman, then Pepe would have to be trade bait. He would start on almost any other MLS team.

Brian

Originally Posted by Brian GockleyDormas is a great player, but not better, in my opinion.
Brian

Just a small correction but Dorman is not a great player.  He's good ... maybe better than average, but not great.

Secondly ... one of these two (most likely Pepe) has to start doing something with freekicks.

For a change, the Revs are scoring goals left and right during the run of play.  But we've wasted so many wonderful opportunities on set pieces, and don't even get me started on our corners.  Those are just pathetic.  This is where Pepe has to get better as well.  I'm sick of seeing all the set pieces we've had this year go to waste.  What are we ... 0-for-100 on corners?