My personal takeaway is that substitutions did not play a major role in the result. In previous weeks, the team has struggled after second-half subs, but this time Sacramento actually grew into the game despite making relatively few changes.
The second half was a clear improvement. The team recorded 11 shots with 4 on target, compared to just 4 shots and 2 on target in the first half. While El Paso going down to 10 men in the 55th minute certainly impacted the flow, it’s also fair to say that additional substitutions may have disrupted the momentum rather than improved it.
With players away on national team duty like Malango, and others likely sidelined with injuries such as Gurr, Timmer, and Reedy, we may see more academy players filling out the bench in the coming matches. That becomes even more relevant with the quick turnaround to play again tomorrow.
It seems like there are as many players sitting in section 103 as are on the bench. Lots of injuries to play through early this season, with Gurr obviously being the headliner. We should be able to give some youngsters minutes with the experience and quality core of this team. Maybe their age, energy, and enthusiasm are what we need. I was excited to see Chibi get some time out on the wing against Monterrey since he's so good with the ball at his feet. I support a balanced youth movement.
Why not mention the lack of substitutions? What is going on with players that most of the bench were academy kids?
My personal takeaway is that substitutions did not play a major role in the result. In previous weeks, the team has struggled after second-half subs, but this time Sacramento actually grew into the game despite making relatively few changes.
The second half was a clear improvement. The team recorded 11 shots with 4 on target, compared to just 4 shots and 2 on target in the first half. While El Paso going down to 10 men in the 55th minute certainly impacted the flow, it’s also fair to say that additional substitutions may have disrupted the momentum rather than improved it.
With players away on national team duty like Malango, and others likely sidelined with injuries such as Gurr, Timmer, and Reedy, we may see more academy players filling out the bench in the coming matches. That becomes even more relevant with the quick turnaround to play again tomorrow.
It seems like there are as many players sitting in section 103 as are on the bench. Lots of injuries to play through early this season, with Gurr obviously being the headliner. We should be able to give some youngsters minutes with the experience and quality core of this team. Maybe their age, energy, and enthusiasm are what we need. I was excited to see Chibi get some time out on the wing against Monterrey since he's so good with the ball at his feet. I support a balanced youth movement.