Stats & Analysis

PART I: Rebel Scum   PART II: Forwards   PART III: Attacking Mids & Wingers

CENTER MIDFIELD

Perhaps no player on City’s roster had as much of an up-and-down season in 2017 as Dave Edwardson. He began in his customary starting spot, but was pushed to the bench after the team’s slow start and the emergence of a couple new players. To his credit, he embraced his new, “super-sub,” role, providing loads of energy and enthusiasm whenever he was inserted into a match. As the season wore on, and injuries and departures took their toll on the team’s depth, Edwardson regained a place in the Starting XI, helping lead City to its first Midwest Regional Title and an appearance in the NPSL Semi-Final.

In terms of playing style style, he’s a high-motor, hard-tackling defensive midfielder, capable pushing forward for the occasional goal.

Yes I’ve used this video before and I will continue to use it no I’m not sorry at all.

Now entering his third season as team captain, he’ll miss some early matches as he recovers from offseason knee surgery.

One of the men responsible for knocking Edwardson out of the starting lineup last year was Louis Dargent. When he was first announced as a roster addition for 2017, I assumed he would be a typical defensive midfielder due simply to his sheer size (6’4”). While he did prove to be a strong presence in the middle of the field – it was comical to see much shorter players challenge him for headers and always come up empty – he also displayed a very good level of technical ability, particularly dribbling and passing. And, rather than sitting back in front of the defensive line, he got forward regularly, often with good results:

He had to leave the team early to head back to school, so we only got a taste of his talents. Now, as a recent graduate, he’ll be available for the full season. Because of this, he’s the returning player I’m most intrigued to see.

Continue reading “Season Preview 2018: Center Midfielders”

PART I: Rebel Scum   PART II: Forwards

ATTACKING MIDFIELD & WING

Any discussion of attacking midfielders must begin with Cyrus Saydee, through whom all things are possible.

He’s now the last man standing from City’s inaugural 2012 team, and he’s rapidly approaching Kaline/Yzerman/Isiah/Barry-esque legendary status, if he’s not there already. While he’s been a consistently excellent performer throughout his career, his play last season was on a different level.

Some of his Greatest Hits from 2017 (1:05 makes me feel feelings):

It continues to baffle me how no pro team has ever taken a chance on him. Admittedly, he’s a bit undersized (5’6”-ish), but there are countless numbers of players who’ve overcome that obstacle to carve out successful pro careers. There are 33 teams in USL, and I refuse to believe that none of them could use a player of Cyrus’s caliber. Their ignorance and stubbornness is our gain, but I digress.

A player who did have a pro foray in 2017, Danny Deakin rejoins the team after a season with Orlando City B.

Deakin spent 2016 with City, and was one of the better performers during that disappointing campaign. He and Saydee often teamed up to create quality scoring chances, only to have their efforts wasted by poor finishing or strikers not making good runs into the box.

Since Deakin and Saydee play similar roles as roaming attacking midfielders, any lineup with both of them should also include a strong defensive center midfielder to cover the space left open behind them.

Continue reading “Season Preview 2018: Attacking Midfielders & Wingers”

PART I: Rebel Scum

Note 1: All position previews address the roster as it currently exists.

Note 2: In the case of players who play multiple positions, I’ve listed them at their primary spot (or at least what I think it is, based on the information available).

Note 3: Official DCFC Roster page is here.

FORWARD/STRIKER

A good way to start this year’s position previews is to note that City’s leading goal scorer from 2017 is back. Shawn Lawson brought stability and production back to a position which struggled mightily in 2016, scoring 9 goals and combining well with Cyrus Saydee and Tyrone Mondi, in particular.

A well-rounded forward, Lawson is capable of beating defenders off the dribble, in the air…

…and with pure speed:

And it’s been almost four years since his goal which snapped half a dozen ankles against Fort Pitt, but here it is again, for old times’ sake:

Though his first appearance with City was all the way back in 2013, he’s still just 24 years old and is now coming into his prime. I expect him to be the starting striker at the beginning of the season, but he’s going to face much more competition than he did a year ago. If he can continue doing things like this, though, he may just hold them all off.

The foremost challenger should be Rafa Mentzingen, a fellow 9-goal scorer in 2017, albeit with Lansing United. While Lansing had some tough times, particularly in the defense of large leads, Mentzingen was a bright spot. By far the brightest spot:

Also, since this post is about soccer, I’m obligated to mention that he’s Brazilian. Not that this makes him in any way superior to other players, but you have to admit it conjures up a certain magical aura, kind of like when Don Cherry talks about hockey players who are, “Good Ol’ Ontario Boys.”

Getting back on point, if Rafa doesn’t start as a central striker, I think he may fit best in the left wing role vacated by Tyrone Mondi. His slick dribbling and pure finishing may also draw some comparisons to Will Mellors-Blair, and there’s some chance he’ll live up to that hype. No matter where he lines up, his attacking prowess and nose for goal will get him on the field right away.

Continue reading “Season Preview 2018: Forwards”