A Closer Look: A Tactical Breakdown of the Stars vs. Strikers Matchup

Photo by Jeremy Olson - www.digitalgopher.net

The match between the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and the NSC Minnesota Stars was destined to be intriguing to say the least. The Strikers came in on a bit of a streak earning themselves the maximum 6 points out of a two game homestand. The Stars were also on a bit of a streak of their own winning their previous two matches, one home and one away, against the Montreal Impact. The Stars would undoubtedly be glad to be playing in Blaine where they have only lost one match all season. The previous meeting between both teams resulted in a 3 – 0 victory for the Strikers in Fort Lauderdale.

The Strikers began the match controlling possession in the Stars’ side of the pitch. The Strikers played a short passing game, keeping the Stars on their heels in defense. This attacking play however offered few scoring opportunities. The Stars looked to create offense off of a counter attack as the Strikers were playing with three defenders in the back.

The match’s first scoring opportunity came when Martin Nunez tried to toe-poke the ball over goalkeeper Joe Warren. The effort however was well saved by Warren. It was the Stars’ Devin Del Do’s turn next to have an attempt on goal. His effort was saved by Matt Glaeser.

The Strikers continued their accurate short passing game, creating chances down the middle of the pitch. Martin Nunez was nearly left alone for an attempt on goal when he was called offside. This would not be the last time Nunez would be on the attack. At this juncture of the match the Stars would have been happy to go into halftime with the match still scoreless. Strikers players Walter Restrepo, Brian Shriver, Mike Palacio and Martin Nunez were paramount on offense. The Stars defense kept their focus, keeping the Strikers from taking too many shots on goal in the final third of the pitch. Kyle Altman and fan favorite Kentaro Takada played well defensively.

The second half saw both teams come out and play an up-tempo game. It seemed if one team had the ball on one end of the pitch and the other team gained possession, the ball would be played up-field as quickly as possible.

Defensive midfielder Bryan Arguez had the first decent goal-scoring opportunity in the half. His shot sailed over the crossbar narrowly missing on goal.

Takada would be next to attempt a shot on goal but his effort would not find the back of the net.

The deadlock was broken in the 67th minute with a goal from Martin Nunez. Shriver, who was on a long diagonal run, took the ball to the lower corner of the penalty area and passed back to the cutting Nunez who slotted his shot inside the far post to beat Joe Warren.

After the goal the Stars picked up the tempo of the game. The back line began playing higher up on the pitch in an effort to create the equalizer. It was the Strikers who now would be on defense. The Stars made an effort to take advantage of their height over the Strikers but were unable to score. Strikers head coach Daryl Shore tried to match the Stars’ physical play by using bigger players off the bench. To the Stars credit, they were attacking until the very end. This style of play is typical of a Manny Lagos-coached squad.

Players of the match:

NSC Minnesota Stars

Kyle Altman – Played a solid match in defense. Made sure the opposing forwards did not get behind the backline and score.

Kentaro Takada – Takada showed why he is a fan favorite. The Japanese midfielder showed a high work rate and great positioning especially on defense.

Ft. Lauderdale Strikers

Martin Nunez – The Strikers forward played with the intensity he is known for. Usually comes off the bench for the Strikers to provide a “spark.” He was in the starting lineup and he made the most of the opportunity by scoring a goal. He was a major part of the offense.

Bryan Arguez – Arguez played well from his defensive midfield role. He stayed in front of the Strikers’ backline and was able to thwart the Stars’ attack. He was also quick to go from defense to offense.