After a 5-0 win against Chivas in their last pre-season match, San Jose was expected to win big again, this time against a restructured New England squad and with a rookie coach. The Earthquakes won but with only one goal, scored by Chris Wondolowski through an assist by Shea Salinas who intercepted a Rev’s bad pass in the midfield.
The rest of the game was filled with very limited chances but plenty of possession by the Earthquakes thanks to a strong defensive back line lead by newly signed Honduran international center back Victor Bernardez. San Jose played a 4-5-1 with troublemaker forward Lenhart playing up top and Wondolowski playing behind him as the attacking midfielder. Baca played as the center midfield play maker. On the wings Chavez and Salinas provided speed and broke up plays. Cronin too helped with the defense but little on the offense.
Traditionally, a five man midfield helps with keeping possession, clogging the midfield and destroying opponent’s attacks.
But the midfielders must play simple, keep the ball on the ground, produce successful passes in tight spaces and make smart runs into the box to support the lone striker. While the lone striker has to be strong and good with his feet to take on defenders, distribute the ball to his midfielders as they make attacking runs but mostly to be a treat at shooting on target.
With limited chances and only one shot on goal that led to the only goal, the overall attack was poor. As the nine Earthquakes field players were showcasing a sophisticated style of soccer on the field, Lenhart looked as if he was playing on the monkey bars. Wild-haired Lenny’s ability to cause physical trouble against defenders isn’t at question, his ability to play smartly and use his feet to score and asset has always been questionable.
Lenhart was a hero last season and once he took family leave until the end of the season, his absence was felt as the Earthquakes’ offense tanked. Yet, last season, the Earthquakes didn’t have a talented roster as this year and weren’t playing a modern style as they are this season. With MLS veteran forward Alan Gordon returning after a long injury and proven Turkish striker Sercan Güvenisik hungry to score goals, Lenhart should be worried. He should also revaluate and improve his skills to become a complete striker before he returns to the pitch.
San Jose plays Houston on Saturday at the home of Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants, where a larger crowed is expected. The Dynamo are a physically imposing team. Knowing Frank Yallop, for that reason alone, he will once again place Lenhart up top and maybe tinker with putting a few new players in the starting eleven– Tressor Moreno could replace Rafael Baca. Hopefully Lenhart has been briefed by the coaching staff about his lackluster performance and improves, else, San Jose must depend on Wondo to perform his magic–yes, again.
(image courtesy of John Todd/ISIPhotos.net)
