Islanders drop first in CCL group stage*

By: Samson | August 19th, 2009

The Islanders failed to score in the 2-0 loss to the Columbus Crew in the opening match of the 2009-10 CONCACAF Champions League group stage action. The first half was, for the most part, even. Columbus enjoyed most of the possesion and attacking runs but the finishing wasnt all their. The Islanders created some opportunities but could not find the final pass. The Islanders stuck to their defensive game plan in the first half and it was looking good.

The first 10 minutes of the second half was a different story. The Islanders seemed more efficient offensively, getting their only corner and making a few offensive runs into the box. Most of those runs where made by Noah Delgado. The positivity was short lived after some suspect defending on a set peice which allowed a goal from the Crew’s tall stiker in the 58′, Lenhart. The 79′ goal by Rogers killed the Islanders confidence and it was all downhill from there.

The Formation

Most Islanders fans have figured out that our squad loves to defend away from the JRL (sometimes more for their own good) . They go in the game with a so called 4-4-2. I only call it “so called” because to me, it looks more like a 4-5-1 during 80% of the game. Be that as it may, this formation and strategy has brought us a handful of success stories to chat about on and off the island. Unfortunately, tonight was an exception. The lack of offensive coordination was a huge factor in tonight’s loss. Bad passes, bad support but this was all due to The Crew’s tight and physical defending. They didn’t allow much space for the Islanders so la tropa naranja was forced to play wide. Once they played wide, the service was just not there.

The Lone Ranger

The Jamaican boy Addlery had a rough game. It was just so gruesome to watch those defenders wipe the floor with Addlery; however, how can you blame him? The attacking plan was placed on his shoulders but the Crews CB’s; Marshall and Brunner, nearly broke his spine. Pushes from the back, hard aerial contact, you name it, Addlery felt it. He seemed overwhelmed by the physicality and credit is due to the Crew.

The Missing Link <

The Islanders missed Kendall Jagdeosingh more than a 13 year old boy misses the girl of his dreams when summer camp is over. The suspect red that he received in the return leg against Toronto had its affect tonight. Point is that KJ is a very big piece of the Islanders puzzle and no one could fill in that space tonight. The Addlery-KJ pairing is very dangerous. Addlery, the physical striker (not so much tonight) and KJ, the Islanders fast paced striker/winger. They compliment each other very well making life hard for most CB’s and the pair was surely missed.

The “cut the crap” Yellow Card

Bill “The Wall” Gaudette fell victim to his reputation tonight. That reputation being one that he loves to waste time. The 28th minute had Gaudette seeing yellow due to “time wasting” The yellow card was a message from the CONCACAF Champions League officials. One could debate that their wasn’t much foul play. Just before the booking, Gaudette went in for a 50/50 ball against Schelotto, he won made the save but was slightly clipped by Schelotto’s left foot. On my clock, it took 10-12 seconds max after the incident for Gaudette to take the goal kick. Hardly much time, especially for a player who was shaken up.

To add insult to injury, the Columbus fans where chanting “Columbus reject” after the incident. Ouch! All I have to say about that is not even a statement but a question. How many Columbus Crew Goalkeepers contributed at least half the saves The Wall has which has ended in a semifinal finish in the CONCACAF Champions League? Some reject huh? Yellow card aside, Gaudette had a good game tonight. The result could have easily been 4-0 without him. All in all, good performance from Columbus, they had more chances and they took them. A well deserved 3 points but some poor officiating on both sides.

Not a good start to the tournament but it is not the end of the world. Now the Islanders must plan for their next group stage match away to Saprissa.