RSL vs NYCFC: What we learned

I feel like I should be seething. Furious. But I’m not. I’m resigned and sad. I’m back in that place where I just don’t get worked up because I’m not expecting anything from RSL. No expectations, no disappointment, right? Only surprises.

This team is listless. There’s no direction. It’s pathetic. Sure, we played arguably the most in-form team in the league in a stupid baseball stadium, but there were no ideas from RSL out there.

I think I’ve figured it out, too. I don’t want to be right, but I suspect I’m not far off. So let’s get to it.

“I know what the problem is”

It’s coaching.

We love to rally around people here in Utah, to get attached, to give passes: there were three years of Cassar. But it’s time for that love affair to end. It’s time for the coach to take some flak. We deserve better.

Now, those of you who are closing off and mad at me, just hear me out.

The coach’s job is to prepare the team, to make the roster moves that put this team in a position to win. It’s the coach’s job to give purpose and direction. It’s the coach’s job to research what the team will be facing and make the tactics work for those possibilities.

This team is not playing as it should. As it could.

I’m not convinced we’re putting the right players in the best positions.

I’m don’t think we’re in the best formation; despite Petke’s insistence that formations don’t matter, they do. They determine positioning and roles. They determine how teams respond and prepare and work against a team.

I’m not seeing tactics that put us on the same level as other teams in this league.

The players aren’t clicking.

All of this is on the coach. So what happens next? Petke needs to figure it out. Fast.

Time to see new ideas.

Overreactions

I don’t have any. I’m morose.