The Earthquakes continued their winning streak at BMO field by defeating Toronto FC 3-0. Chris Wondolowski scored twice and Shea Salinas scored his first goal of the season.
Formation
Head coach Frank Yallop used a 4-1-2-1-2 formation in the first half, with a repeat backline consisting of Corrales, Morrow, Bernardez and Beitashour. Cronin once again started as the holding midfielder. Chavez played right midfield with Salinas on the left. Moreno had his first MLS start and played as the attacking midfielder. Lenhart and Wondo played up top.
Using a stretched formation against a very aggressive, attack minded Toronto, seemed a little risky considering the Reds knocked out the DP happy LA Galaxy in the CONCACAF championship. Despite an early San Jose lead, the Reds quickly pushed back, kept a high possession rate and created changes but couldn’t finish– a carbon copy of the Earthquakes performance from last week’s match against the Dynamo.
Only the in second half, when Baca replaced Moreno and San Jose changed their playing style did the Earthquakes take influence of the game.
Styles of Play
In the past three matches and including the final preseason match against Chivas, the Earthquakes have played two distinctive styles:
English: longballs with quick direct attacks
Iberian: short passes, ball on the ground, possession orientated, organized attacks
The ability to change styles within a game is a terrific advantage. The Spanish National Team and World Cup Champions can modify their playing style 3-4 times within a match, making it hard for opponents to defend against.
The swashbuckling English style by feeding longballs and even thrown-ins to a target forward, in San Jose’s case, it is Lenhart, hasn’t been successful. The Reds took advantage of this rather primative style in the first half because the Earthquakes couldn’t hold onto possession, allowing Toronto to dominate (60.8% possession) and keep pressing.
What has proven to work for the Earthquakes is the Iberian style, coined by the way teams from Spain and Portugal play. Yallop was wise to change to this style in the second half rather than wait until the 75′ minute like he did against Houston. By keeping the ball on the ground and playing more intelligently, San Jose was able to push the ball forward, produce chances and find the back of the net twice.
The Style Producing Results
By far, the Iberian style is the most effective method. It has become the de facto manner of play in modern soccer. Perhaps, the English style works well in certain situations, but as I’ve noted in previous columns, Lenhart doesn’t have the technical qualities to play as a complete forward to pull off this demanding method of play placed on a single forward. San Jose insiders have communicated that Yallop is allowing Lenhart to learn on the job to become more “soccer aware” but how long will this take? It is a risk as San Jose plays tougher opponents.
Player Highlights
Shea Salinas – Got his first goal of the season, and hopefully he will score more. He needs to try to dripple past defenders into the box, which Dawkins is more capable of doing, and not only whipping crosses into the box, even with that, he waits too long to release the ball. He also needs to connect more with Corrales on the left side.
Victor Bernardez – Top quailty center back that is great at all things defensively and offensively (attempted two headers on goal), yet his very aggressive approach when defending within the box can lead to penalties.
Chris Wondolowski – Strikers have certain clubs that they love to score against. Toronto FC is one of those for this talented SF Bay Area native. Three goals in three games is an outstanding start for this season. Against the Reds, he could have easily finished two more changes, making the total 5-0.
Rafael Baca – He again showed his technical skills and most importantly, his hunger.
Steven Beitashour – After a slow offensive start in the season, he finally connected with Marvin Chavez on the right side by attacking the open space and passing a through-ball to Chavez, which produced the second goal of the match.
Tressor Moreno – Still lacking full 90 minites fitness, he played fine but perhaps in the wrong place. It would be more useful if he plays deeper in the midfield with an attacking midfieler in front, preferably Dawkins. At this position, Moreno can set the tone and pace of the San Jose offense, becoming the field-general, think Xavi.
Sam Cronin – His ability to defend is unquestionable, a natural destoryer of the opponent’s attacks, but he has a good ability to pass the ball. He needs to transcend to a playmaking midfielder; he showed he can as he took part in assisting two goals of the match.
Next Match
San Jose faces Seattle on Saturday. The Sounders will be the most challenging team the Earthquakes have faced thus far. Hopefully, the Earthquakes play with the Iberian style the full 90 minutes, because the long-ball fest has proven to be insufficient. Go Quakes!
(image courtesy of John Todd)
