By @SAdyson
Commander-in-chief #19 and Tuffy were on hand to see their club get symied by talented, but vulnerable, University of Virginia side.
Out of the gates, the Hounds looked slow, sluggish, and dare I say–out of shape. Several players looked “eh” throughout the first 15 minutes, which lead to a quick Virginia goal after a defensive lapse (sound familiar, anyone?).
Is it time to hit the panic button? No, not necessary. But is there reason to be a little concerned? Absolutely.
NOTES:
- Two players who looks extremely sluggish and, well, clumsy were the former USL PRO MVP Jose Angulo and the new offseason acquisition Joseph Ngwenya. Neither player created much of a splash today, and both players looked extremely lackadaisical. We understand that it’s the preseason, but according to the old adage, you practice the way you compete.
- Speaking of Angulo, he and Jhonny Arteaga seem to have a collective nose for shots and scoring chances. The problem is, however, most of their chances went sailing over the opponent’s net. This has been a trouble spot for both players. Although Angulo was in the top 5 in shots last year in USL PRO, many of his chances went high. Same with Arteaga. Maybe this is an issue that can be corrected.
- The first goal against the Hounds came on a play in which Sterling Flunder and Andrew Marshall were both gutted down the middle with speed. UVA split the defense, and there was nothing Hunter could do. Defensive collapses were the story of 2013. Will we see a different backline this year?
- One player who was particularly impressive was Anthony Obodai when he was subbed in for an injured Kevin Kerr at midfield. Obodai is shorter, but stocky, and he made his presence felt immediately. He plays angry, and he is extremely good at stripping the ball from other players and winning the crucial 50/50 balls in the middle of the field. We’ve already nicknamed him “Big Tony.”
- Man, does Miro Cabrillo take up a lot of space at forward. He’s bigger than a lot of the other forwards on the Hounds and creates havoc inside the opponents’ penalty area. He failed to capitalize on scoring chances, but look for him to push for a roster spot this preseason.
#UNLEASH
