No. 44—Soccer—Huston Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids: Teams Where Skills Could be Improved Upon

by Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo

The final score of the game played in Houston on May 6, 2008 was 2 to 1. The game in the first half started off poorly as there was little control of the ball most of the time. Colorado in particular had poor trapping, very little continuity in passing and teamwork, and sent up field long balls that went essentially to no one. It seemed that they did not know what to do with the ball when they got possession of it. Furthermore, the ball was constantly going over the touchline for one reason or another making it uncomfortable to watch. However, toward the end of the game, Colorado began to look more professional.

The first half was also dominated by Houston. At Minute 17, Houston's Brian Ching had a breakaway (high school style). He approached the goalkeeper and chipped the ball over the Colorado goalkeeper Coundoul and also over the goal. A good effort on Ching’s part, but where was the Colorado defense? At minute 39 Ching had another similar breakaway. This time he passed the goalkeeper and easily pushed the ball into the net making the score 1 to 0. The Colorado defense was way up field.

The second half allowed for better and more professional play. As the half went on, both teams seemed to get the rhythm of the game and played a more settled game. But Houston still dominated much of this half. The major part of the game in this half was played in the midfield and so the defensive teams were not on display too often until the remaining part of the game where more action occurred near the goals.

At minute 68 Colorado’s Christian Gomez sent the ball to Cummings. Cummings was flanked on both sides by Houston defenders giving chase, but had a clear shot on goal while dribbling. His shot made the score 1 to 1. At minute 85, Colorado’s Ugo Ihemelu’s handball in the penalty area allowed for a penalty kick for Houston. DeRosario took the kick and scored making the final score 2 to 1.

Finally, in the last ten minutes of play, Colorado came alive, as they became more soccer-aggressive and looked more professional. They could not score however.

Discussion
Both teams , but especially Colorado, need more practice at the basics of trapping long balls, shielding, passing and team work. At times they looked good, but at other times they were sloppy with kicking the ball constantly over the touchline to save it from being in a dangerous situation. Several times the ball was flicked upfield, headed with no receiver in mind and also kept in the air for many touches to the ball with no attempt at settling it.

I liked DeRosario’s demeanor after scoring: He showed no victory display as is so often the case today when a player scores.

All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.