The Baltimore Kings U23 men’s team lost to SAC Premier 1-0 in a closely-contested affair at Covenant Park in Howard County, MD. The Kings showed some positives, with Carlos Caro picking up some key saves toward the end to keep the boys in the game. Some other observations are that they had most of the ball throughout the game, but they could not capitalize on that possession with a goal. Another key factor in determining the outcome of this game was the turnovers in the defensive part of midfield. One of those led to their goal, scored on a quick counterattack. The game started off with a bang, as the Kings played their style and did not let SAC have much possession of the ball as the Kings knocked the ball in and penned SAC deep. The problem was that they could not maintain that style of play for the whole 90 minutes, but that can be addressed with practice playing together. Another observation was that they did not use the width of the pitch to full effect. In one play in the second half, the left winger had the ball at his feet and there was no supporting run down the left side, so he cut into the middle and gave the ball away. The wind was swirling today, so it is sort of understandable that the winger did not go out to the sideline to attempt a cross into the penalty area, but that should be the goal of that play. That was just one example of how playing together can fix an issue that can be resolved before their next game. Another more tactical flaw is the lack of a “fulcrum” in the midfield to connect the forwards with the midfielders, as the midfielders had a lot of ground to cover to get to the forwards, also causing some turnovers and negative play.
Also apparent to me watching that game was that there was more talking on the bench than on the field, and that is a major issue with a team that has just started playing together. Communication is key not just in soccer but in life, as with just a simple phrase or wording from teammates out there, balls can be played better than what were played. Also important is that the team act as one when communicating, as when people talked to one another on the field, they were telling the player on the ball to do different things. While it is OK to disagree with what a player should do in any given situation, the player has to have the intelligence to look up and assess the situation for himself, especially if that player wants to move up to the professional level, so that he can make his own decisions.
Overall, I think the Kings played well in the defensive third of the pitch, marking well enough for this level but not for a professional level. Their wingers were open all day long if SAC wanted to use them, and use them they did, as their tactical strategy was to go toward the outside of the penalty area and lob in crosses. That is generally the play style of every team that the Kings will face, so they will have to practice defending that, which they clearly have done.
The next game is next Sunday at home to South Central PA Lions. The venue and time are to be determined.
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