Apologies for those who were expecting this match day report to be published the day after the match, as is usually the case, but I was traveling and much like the title; there wasn’t much to see in the game.
FC Ryukyu were defeated 2-0 at home and it quite honestly looked like one of, if not the, worst games they’ve played all season. They allowed a quick goal to Lee in 2nd minute of play and he followed that up with another in the second half off a header. I didn’t bother to watch the entire replay on DAZN but I found myself asking on Twitter if FCR had any shots on target on Saturday (they did, the 94′ minute shot form Uesato that hit the post). It was just one of those games where the team and fans need to erase it from their memories and move on. With that said, lets quickly review the keys to victory and match day takeaways and get outta here.
Keys to FC Ryukyu Victory Review
Set the Tone: FAIL. Well, FCR enjoyed some nice possession but didn’t do anything with it. FCR repeatedly broke into Okayama’s third but had no idea where to go with the ball or what to do with it in possession. FCR really needs an aggressive, tactical CAM up there to get the attack firing. I hate the run in, pull up, pass and then the attack fizzles out.
Execute a balanced attack: FAIL. As evidenced by the lack of goals but FCR were wasteful in possession, most noticeably in their final passes near the Okayama goal. On this day, crosses and passes where off target too many times. Crosses often sailed high and wide over the on rushing FCR attackers and the turnover issue I thought we may have overcome as once again risen into prominence. Not much more to add, clean it up and let’s move forward.
Defend in Packs: FAIL. Okayama did what they wanted, when they wanted and how they wanted near our goal.
Match Day 22 Takeaways
- The crosses from the flanks were particular bad today. I’ll chalk that up to a bad day at the office but there are some worrisome signs. Crosses were off target, often at the wrong height and resembled something of an act of desperation on the part of the FCR full backs. They knew they needed to cross but just sent balls into the box with the hopes it would find someone.
- FCR continually struggle against teams who can execute a nice 4-4-2 formation. The lack of creativity is worrisome, as it has been since Match Day 4. FCR attackers carried possession into the Okayama area and then because they either refused or couldn’t take on the Okayama defenders, they instead opted to pull back and pass the ball off. This would entail lead to a turnover or just simply end the FCR attacking play. I hope this changes as the guys need to have some confidence and make the runs at the opposing defenders or they need to make room for those that are willing and able.
Conclusion
The end.
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