Comfortably Numb

The title refers not only to my feeling of today’s match, but also the team’s approach to said match against Huracán. I had a hard time getting my spirits up for it, and it would appear that a majority of the team shared my sentiments (I’m offically dialed in!!! I know how the team is feeling!).

There are always positives, and today’s key positive was the return of Gabriel Hauche to the starting lineup. He’s a sparkplug who covers a lot of ground and draws a lot of fouls. He makes good runs and lays off pretty good passes on a regular basis. Sounds just like the kind of guy you want on the pitch as often as possible, right? Well, it’s not that simple. I am not sure why not, but it’s just not, ok? So leave it there.

Gaby celebrated his returnwith a goal in the second minute and things looked good He created the chance with good positioning in the box and a solid followthrough on a cross that he initially did not strike.

Then, Huracán took over. They would not be denied. Time after time again they were able to break through the back 6 (4 defenders and two defensive mids) to get decent to good opportunities. The first 45 minutes were filled with chances on goal, approximately 75% of them for Huracán. They touched the net once in the first half with an absolutely vicious strike from just inside the box. Then again at the start of the second half. Martin Cabrera leveled thingswith about 20 minutes left, but things were not destined to finish well for El Bicho, as a beautifully played free kick found its way past a screened Navarro and granted 3 points to the newly promoted Huracán. Whatever. It’s Wednesday…wasn’t this a practice?

Ortigoza was once again terrible, picking up a yellow, and being removed in the second half. The idea is that he teams with Battión in the defensive midfield to prevent the other team from scoring, thereby liberating the wingers to move up and to have Battión be free to attack from the center of the field. In reality, Nestor gives the ball away and has a certain knack for not being fast enough to catch the man who took it. This startegy then INCREASES the pressure on the four defenders and forces the entire midfield further back, suffocating any sembalnce of an attack that might be created. Seriously, most of that is a result of Ortigoza’s worsening ability to play his position.

Martin Cabrera entered in the second half for the first time this season and I don’t get why he’s not out there more. Seriously. If this team was having a truly successful campaign, I would understand the instinct to keep things stable. BUT THEY HAVE PLAYED UGLY, SLOPPY FOOTBALL FOR THREE STRAIGHT MATCHES. He looks good on the ball and has soccer hair. Give him a chance on the right in the current scheme, or, God forbid, play him as an attacking mid with Battión as the only defensive mid. Yes, I am advocating a more aggressive offensive approach. Please, Caruso…this laying back and trying to poach with Abán, Hauché, Saucedo, whoever, is not working.

Pereira was nullified. Virtually no presence on the pitch. A disappointing day for him.

Delorte did not start, partly due to fatigue. Except, homeboy does not run when he plays, so he must be tired of losing the ball, lining up offside, and complaining to the ref. Which is exhausting to watch…I know that much.

Argentinos generates no danger on set pieces, be they corner kicks or free kicks. Leonel Nuñez left for Olympiakos and he had provided decent-paced free kicks and corners for the past two tournaments. Now…Periera fires a ball that is too low, with an easy clearance and everyone scampers back to prevent a counter. That’s not productive. Yet I don’t see any player capable of changing that situation.

So…another update tomorrow when I have had a bit more time to digest everything. I have a few dozen more thoughts swimming in the head, but I know I mustn’t lay them all out at once.

Category: Team News

Tags: Team News

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