Last Word On Soccer, Andres Soto
And why having the right mindset is important…
Like a large majority of fans, readers and analysts we are able to enjoy “The Beautiful Game” from the comfort of our couch, sofa, chair (insert location where you plop your butt). Though we at least all should have had some experience playing soccer in our younger years or some of us might still be playing. The point is we all start somewhere and we learn from our experiences.
One experience I’ll never forget is advice another player gave me while I was competing for a roster spot during my time at Flushing High School. Here I am, a freshman student, in a new school and the captain of the men’s soccer team. Mohammed pulls me aside and says “50% of the game is mindset, the other 50% is skill.” Sorry Mohammed, I don’t remember your full name but I’ve treasured that moment always.
90 Shades of Blue: NYCFC Needs Improvement in Mindset After Loss to D.C.
With that said, I too believe that any type of match (league or friendly) and the outcome of said match can mentally affect a team moving forward. Fans and analysts tried to explain what happened to New York City FC when they lost 2-1 against Club Necaxa of Liga MX in a friendly match last week. I agree that our starting XI was not the same as previous games. Yes, there were many players playing out of position and there were a large amount of new players who joined the team for the one scrimmage including Mix Diskerud. But please explain to me the difference between the NYCFC you saw play 90 minutes against Necaxa compared to the NYCFC on Sunday’s match against D.C. United.
The entire first 45 minutes against D.C. was an atrocious performance by NYCFC in all phases of the game. Let’s start up top with Khiry Shelton who had an up and down performance. There were times when he attempted to set up David Villa in the box and there were times when he should have attacked the box yet chose to fade towards the corner flags. Tommy McNamara, playing where Frank Lampard usually plays, was invisible during most of the match. Speaking of Villa, he missed his few opportunities but he’s a forward. He’ll make some and miss some. Unfortunately Villa had very few opportunities due to a lack of creativity from the attacking midfielders.
Let’s move down to the defense and Andrea Pirlo. Where was he on Sunday? Pretty much nonexistent with very little creation to support the attacking midfielders. There was little to no communication on defense and especially none between Josh Saunders and the back four during corner kicks and crosses. Let’s not forget the bone-headed pass Andoni Iraola made that lead to D.C.’s third goal. Yes, Saunders should have cleared the ball out but…but you’re better than that Iraola!
As Mohammed told me, soccer is 50% mindset and 50% skill. City had neither and ended the first half down 3-0 with a similar feeling as they left at Estadio Victoria last week.
The second half was a bit of a different story. Diego Martínez, who replaced Ronald Matarrita due to injury, showed some flash and had a brilliant shot on top of the box but D.C.’s keeper Bill Hamid saved it. Later on, Steven Mendoza came on for Shelton and Tony Taylor replaced McNamara. They all contributed to improve NYC’s ball movement and creativity during the second half. To shine the light on one player, Fredric Brilliant was well brilliant during the match. Closing off passing gaps and shutting down and breaking up keys attacks throughout the entire match.
Finally, hats off to Hamid. If it wasn’t for his excellent goal keeping (he saved eight shots on goal) NYC would have tied this match and quite possibly complete the sweep of D.C. United.
With the loss and help from other teams around the league, NYC has stayed second in the Eastern Conference with still one match to play against Columbus Crew SC on Sunday to determine if they have a first round bye.
New York City FC, the boys in blue, let’s forget this game and move on because I know you’ve got the skill. Let’s get in the right mindset.
