Penn Gameday...

[DoctahLexus]

If this is in fact the case this should have been identified and addressed a long time ago by the coaching staff. Otherwise it's coaching negligence. Kid is a junior now and has played alot of games outside of the Dome. Can't count on Palumb for all the May games (don't think he does SU games, but you get it).

Between this, the undisciplined play, offense going silent for 3 games, and not getting off the bus ready to play in these colder weather away games. Lot of concerns with the coaching staff.

With this specifically, and I am not so sure it is true to begin with, even if it is something that the fogos/staff addressed it can still be tough for Mullen to execute. As you say Mullen is a junior and dealt with this kind of thing before. He has faced off in several games outside of the dome and in the mid-atlantic region, so if this is true it is not something unexpected for him. Think it is a stretch to say that it is something the staff has ignored. And again, is this really true? It's not like the dome has one group of refs that ref every game. It is a rotating group of a lot of different refs. Mullen also has plenty of issues with going early when he plays in the dome, even on days he is doing overall well. Plenty to gripe about from this weekend but I would need to have a lot more confirmed before putting this sort of thing on the staff.

 

[Lax Mouse]

Now that IL has some stats up on their website, the big one that sticks out to me for Cuse is that under half of their goals (35/72) have been assisted and 60% of their assists have come from just two players - Joey and Leo. I'm sure a number of those have also come on the EMO.

This was somewhat surprising to me but they're just not generating nearly enough team offense. Now, I'm sure a number of those unassisted goals came off picks, which is not tracked and is certainly a type of team offense. But picks really create a momentary advantage and don't really get a defense spinning or uncomfortable in the same way that quick ball movement does.

But the bigger issue is that so much of that distribution can be attributed to two players. Shut them out and you force Cuse to rely on mostly individual dodges and hero ball. They'll score some but that's really not Syracuse's game. This was Princeton's MO for sure - getting on Joey's hands and doubling quickly preventing him from getting a good pass off with his eyes up.

Even against Maryland Joey and Leo had zero assists. Only three Cuse goals were assisted that game (if IL is correct).

I don't mean to focus all the issues on one stat - there are clearly many factors at play - but they've got to find a way to generate offense from a wider range of players. Who can get the defense moving and have the vision to find the open player, or how can March draw up more designed plays that lead to assisted goals.

Lots of talent on the offense but it's been rather one dimensional. Take out the key cogs and who's going to be a threat? Who can open things up with speed and passing, not just shooting? That'll open things up for Joey too. It's so easy to focus extra pressure on him right now because few other players will burn you. Get the defense moving from other sources and he'll find himself with some more room to breathe.

 

[OrangeinBoston]

can March draw up more designed plays that lead to assisted goals.

This is what concerns me. I think Gait has to step in.

 

[DoctahLexus]

I would like to see us put our mids in better opportunities get assists on their short stick matchups. Often we just have them start out with an alley dodge where even if they do get a step or draw a slide there is not a great opportunity to score right after. Inverting has worked at times but we do not seem to go to that as often as we used to. Did we even try a Hottle invert this weekend for instance? One guy who may have the best first step on the team is McIntee, and he looked quality in the harvard/princeton games, but we do not seem to return to his matchup to start things off as often as we should. He blew by his man and scored against princeton and it seemed like he barely touched the ball after.

At least as of now, I think the execution is a bigger issue than the sets/March's offense. At least this past weekend, so many of the issues were with poor ball movement and terrible space cadet turnovers. No magic set play can cure that. They made the switch with McCarthy which I think was the right move. One more I would really like to see is Leo at the left wing instead of Anderson. Anderson is a load off the dodge and clearly belongs in the top 6, but I think the chemistry at attack has a much higher ceiling with an all senior lineup and leo at the lefty spot. Leo and Thomson have connected for several assists/goals since their freshman year. Leo would bring some strait line speed to the attack line that is missing right now, with Anderson often taking the body in a similar way to Spallina. To his credit he has made a lot happen off the dodge and also had some assists, but I think the ball movement and chemistry would be better with Leo on the left wing.

 

[Lax Mouse]

I would like to see us put our mids in better opportunities get assists on their short stick matchups. Often we just have them start out with an alley dodge where even if they do get a step or draw a slide there is not a great opportunity to score right after. Inverting has worked at times but we do not seem to go to that as often as we used to. Did we even try a Hottle invert this weekend for instance? One guy who may have the best first step on the team is McIntee, and he looked quality in the harvard/princeton games, but we do not seem to return to his matchup to start things off as often as we should. He blew by his man and scored against princeton and it seemed like he barely touched the ball after.

At least as of now, I think the execution is a bigger issue than the sets/March's offense. At least this past weekend, so many of the issues were with poor ball movement and terrible space cadet turnovers. No magic set play can cure that. They made the switch with McCarthy which I think was the right move. One more I would really like to see is Leo at the left wing instead of Anderson. Anderson is a load off the dodge and clearly belongs in the top 6, but I think the chemistry at attack has a much higher ceiling with an all senior lineup and leo at the lefty spot. Leo and Thomson have connected for several assists/goals since their freshman year. Leo would bring some strait line speed to the attack line that is missing right now, with Anderson often taking the body in a similar way to Spallina. To his credit he has made a lot happen off the dodge and also had some assists, but I think the ball movement and chemistry would be better with Leo on the left wing.

Agree that the apparent approach from most midfielders is dodge to shoot. A good dodge should of course open up a shooting lane but there should also be a designed passing lane that opens up to a teammate in a threatening position as well. Too often the dodges just lead to a kick out and more perimeter passing. Or a shot, which is not always the best shot.

There are a lot of good off ball players on this team so it's a bit perplexing.

Couple of factors in play here:
- Not enough players with their eyes up looking to pass off a dodge
- Not enough space for them to get a pass off (hold the ball too long, quick double, not enough separation from the defense, etc.)
- No one moving their feet enough off ball or not getting in the right spots to be a threat
- Problem with the scheme (coaching) and the offense - not drawing up the right plays to get the defense moving and players open with their hands free
- Sloppy play (turnovers especially) but also forced passing when the receiving player can be easily swarmed

Likely a combination in bits and pieces of all of the above.

 

[cuselaxss26]

There is def space when we dodge n slide comes. But our guys are 1. not moving to that space or moving at all. 2. if do go to that space there is no pass. By time anyone realizes it d has already recovered n closed window.

Why we arnt following the slide guy n even trying to pass it down (off dodge from up top) to baxk up to quick wing shot or even (second cutter backside) for even better look. Think problem is guys arnt use to playing other ways. Also seems no one works the middle besides finn n feel makes it easier for D to recover or play the middle. Why not sent joey to center at times along with finn plus make joey guy part of slides. Kinda like did ya ND last year.

Think other issues is guys arnt comfy in tight spaces or making tight catches or pass in tight spaces. Where once again not having english or hiltz hurts. Hiltz could do many diff things. He could snipe from outside he could dish it n he could finish in tight quick stick also good at catch n shoot in one motion. Don’t need to have yards of room to get shot off. Have be able to get it off with just a second of space or time.

Kinda makes me think maby Geb or even rawson should get few runs other then emo. Both guys seem good inside, or quick to get shot or pass off. Bear has to improve on his vision n passing. When he dodgers he gotta be able to go looking to score but also find the open look n not just see it but actually get the ball there. Also feel he needs be more then just dodger. Feel all his goals are in close off dodge or a dive. He can shoot the ball right? He has had looks to shoot even mid range yet he doesn’t. Find it odd someone that big can’t bury a shot with feet still or even time and room.

Not even sure what kind offense schemes we are doing or what they’re trying to do at times. March has to know his players n what their strengths are. Then put those players in spots to relate to their strengths. Each guy has to be able to do little of everything. Don’t gotta be stellar at it all but least able to do most of it also. To much standing outside and not enough ball movement or offball movement or even cutting or offball picking. Specially in middle of field. Seems we attacking to much of other teams long poles also instead of the shorties. Find the matchup n then exploit it till they change it or even help more n move ball n bury them.

 

[DMVCuseLax]

Following slides is lax 101. Not sure why we don't do it. Our guys fade instead.

 

[CuseAlum87]

Following slides is lax 101. Not sure why we don't do it. Our guys fade instead.

This. Following the slide also makes the second slide more difficult. Fundamental lacrosse, as you said.

 

[JeremyCuse]

Lot of great posts and points about the offense and some of our issues. The knowledge base in this group is outstanding.

 

[cuselaxss26]

I mean for some these guys lax Iq being off charts find it mind boggling that they don’t do some of these simple things. Some would think march is telling them or showing them or working on it but who knows. The players themslves need to realize it also.

Why i’m always hesitant to blame coaches. Coach can tell ya everything ya need to know or do. If the players don’t do it can ya really blame the coach. Now no idea what part is true or not. But as stated before when our seniors are big culprits of things that’s a problem. Could understand freshmen or even sophomores making the mistakes. But not our seniors no way they should be. They should also be correcting the young guys when they do.

Again which comes back to leadership. Who is gonna be the leader? Who is gonna show the example of how to play n be role model in way. Cause i just do see a leader let alone true leader. Captains gotta take that role. On and off the field all the time gotta be that guy.

 

[LpoolNative]

Lot of great posts and points about the offense and some of our issues. The knowledge base in this group is outstanding.

Thank you

 

[nocohalo]

I still don't understand how this team can be good on ground balls overall but when it comes to wing play are completely MIA. There's too much pressure on the FOGOs to win the clamp since everytime the ball flies from the dot the opponent wing scoops it up most of the time.

On a somewhat unrelated note, do you think maybe Maryland is still spending too much time remembering Spallina's goal celebrations?

 

[MD Cuse Fan]

I still don't understand how this team can be good on ground balls overall but when it comes to wing play are completely MIA. There's too much pressure on the FOGOs to win the clamp since everytime the ball flies from the dot the opponent wing scoops it up most of the time.

On a somewhat unrelated note, do you think maybe Maryland is still spending too much time remembering Spallina's goal celebrations?

I think it's a question a lot of us have been asking for awhile now. When watching other teams I'm often struck at how different their approach appears to be and without knowing of course, I do question exactly how they're being coached in that aspect. I don't know if part of it is that we've been fortunate to have guys recently that can run hot and win so many cleanly? Whatever it is they need some dogs that are aggressive and want the ball, or if nothing else at least box out the other teams wing.

 

[DoctahLexus]

If Ochoa is really not going to play any more fulltime ssdm, I would hope we consider using him on the wing. He is still a big strong fast guy and if he is not losing energy playing ssdm he should have a serious motor coming out for exclusively faceoffs. I always hate seeing Hottle out there. He is too damn small for a physical 3v3 ground ball battle. And I like Hahn but having him as a wing guy, along with the ssdm runs where he has struggled at times, seems like too tall an order for a true freshman. Would like to see us try ssdms like Ochoa and Kittelberger at that spot since they are more physical. For offensive guys my favorite on the wing on paper is probably McIntee, but have we stopped using him there recently?

Overall I think the troubles on faceoffs are more with Mullen/Angelo than with the wings. Both of them have a sort of feast or famine tendency where they either win clean or lose very quickly before the wings get involved. I haven't necessarily seen us lose a bunch of contested 3v3 battles. No complaints with anything from Vinnie B or Chuck K.

 

[DMVCuseLax]

If Ochoa is really not going to play any more fulltime ssdm, I would hope we consider using him on the wing. He is still a big strong fast guy and if he is not losing energy playing ssdm he should have a serious motor coming out for exclusively faceoffs. I always hate seeing Hottle out there. He is too damn small for a physical 3v3 ground ball battle. And I like Hahn but having him as a wing guy, along with the ssdm runs where he has struggled at times, seems like too tall an order for a true freshman. Would like to see us try ssdms like Ochoa and Kittelberger at that spot since they are more physical. For offensive guys my favorite on the wing on paper is probably McIntee, but have we stopped using him there recently?

Overall I think the troubles on faceoffs are more with Mullen/Angelo than with the wings. Both of them have a sort of feast or famine tendency where they either win clean or lose very quickly before the wings get involved. I haven't necessarily seen us lose a bunch of contested 3v3 battles. No complaints with anything from Vinnie B or Chuck K.

Ochoa is injured. Watched him during warmups at Penn and he was moving very slow.

 

[DoctahLexus]

Ochoa is injured. Watched him during warmups at Penn and he was moving very slow.

Dang. Too bad. Wonder if he hurt himself on that play where he slipped. We were falling all over the place in the Princeton game

 

[OttosDad]

Dang. Too bad. Wonder if he hurt himself on that play where he slipped. We were falling all over the place in the Princeton game

Been a complaint of mine for years regarding this team. They almost never seem to have the proper footwear on outside the dome.

No one slips more than Cuse lax players on the road. It’s unbelievable, and for those who may say, “there was snow that fell earlier in the week” I could count on one hand the amount of time Princeton fell. Always underprepared

 

[cuselaxss26]

Can’t say i’ve looked closely at it or into it either. But i wonder what mullen / angelo or trying to do on face. I know mullen is big clamper seems n loves to pop it back to himself. I’ve seen them try to counter at times or pull the reserve shovel. What mean are they strictly going for clamps/plunger every single time. Don’t believe ever seen any of them ever try to rake or quick rake/sweep (as i call it). Sometimes being stronger on clamp can push it into guys stick enough to where they can get it out before cleanly get ball. Mostly saying don’t always have to go for clamp/plunger. Just trying to sweep ball out fast can do wonders.

Mean i faceoff back in day n still at times when play now. Wasn’t as skilled as is now. But sometimes the old ways can still work specially with quick hands. Mean remember few guys went i would win clamp everytime but they could over power me when go to get it out. So would rake/sweep it out n use my speed to beat their muscle. Also wonder if have enough of ball n can get it out but going to try get it all n don’t always need it all. But as said hard to see exactly what is going on in full detail. Not even sure if jamming is still allowed or not. But mullen struggling is odd for how good he’s been. Grant remembered couple years ago he did have some bad games but we had kohn to go to. Angelo diff story. I’m sure he is working hard but also the fogo coach if wasn’t fogo may not be able to exactly tell how to help.

Was kind nice when TD was here as feel he help phaup big time. Having a mind on hang from one very best to do it was great advantage. Who knows maby mullen worn down little or even hurt to point he can still play but not fully 100%. Which why really need a second serviceable backup. The 3rd guy olinck or whatever think only taken 1 faceoff in the st joes game. Maby give him a shot if things arnt going well even if just least a change up for opposing team. As said even jake has taken faceoffs in high school grant been while prob. But least he is fast enough n plays D if got beat could least maby slow down so not fast break. Faceoffs matchups can be strange sometimes guy ya think should crush is ur opponent or even from a team think has no business competing with ya. Can be the dude who just owns ya for some odd reason. Mean most elite guys can battle but sometimes dude just had ur number. But gotta figure it out have solid baxk up n last resort 50/50 battle n wings have to get the ball.

Not sure what wings are doing wrong beside just missing the pickup or trying to one hand it instead running through it butt low n buttend of stick waist or little lower then waist (depend on height guess). Also once guy gets front of you your pretty much toast from getting ball. Seems other teams locate ball faster then us when pops out. Or we try to pick it up in traffic while they’re just waiting to knock it out. Why say kick it or push it to space first specially if can out run them to ball. But also as someone said you gotta want the ball n be animal in there also. Not loose cannon or stupid. Can’t just push dudes from baxk or run into baxk of them. But aggressive n enforce painful punishment to whoever tries to get that ball. If dudes facing ur way trying to pick it up run him the hell over. Don’t even worry bout ball just truck his a$$( long as it’s in front n don’t come with cross check or hit head).