There was plenty of video evidence.
To begin its first full week of uninterrupted training in a month, D.C. United reviewed game tape from last week’s match against Columbus, taking a detailed look at the accumulation of problems that led to a 2-1 loss to the Crew.
United (1-3-0, 3 pts) is convinced that the recognition and correction of those breakdowns, which led to their third straight defeat in all competitions, will be just as important as having a full week to prepare for Real Salt Lake (1-2-1, 4 pts) this weekend.
“We watched videos and realized that tactically we weren’t doing a good enough job,” said United forward Jaime Moreno. “I think that’s the only issue we have. Apart from that, we put in all the work, and basically it’s been the same.”
United head coach Tom Soehn said his notes from this year and last year — when United went 0-3-1 in its first four league matches — are similar, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where his team has been soft, unorganized and has given up too many chances.
D.C.’s 4-0 drubbing at Salt Lake was by far the worst result, but that game will serve as emotional inspiration rather than as a tactical lesson. Meanwhile, the review of the match against the Crew led to this week’s key tactical goals: pressuring the ball better as a team and reducing gaps in the midfield where the opposition has had far too much room to maneuver.
“We got lazy in a lot of areas,” said Soehn, “and we were too easy to play against. We focused this week on tightening up some things and making sure that we’re hard to play against. If you don’t solve that problem first, all the rest doesn’t matter.”
The extra days of rest and training also help.
“You’re able to work a little bit harder at the beginning of the week,” said United goalkeeper Zach Wells. “You’re not scared about fatigue. We’re able to put out a formation that everyone can get a good grasp of three or four days before the game so we can really prepare.”
