University of Memphis Tiger men's soccer fan experience. The virtual guide contains photos, videos, bios and information about the Memphis men's soccer team.
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/37309
Operating out of Richie Grant’s 4-4-2 scheme gives the U of M several options to attack the opposition. An aggressive central defender is key to Grant’s system; as the predominant ball- winner, it is the central defender’s job to win the ball away from the forwards and midfielders of the opposition and advance it. Either a right or left wing defender has the freedom to join the attack, much like a central defender can advance the ball out of the back. As long as only one goes at a time and the other defenders stay back, the balance is kept. The middle of the park is consistently an area of strength for the Tigers and allows them several attacking and defending options. Central midfield can choose what route to attack, either up the middle or with the midfield wings. The center formation can vary: either a straight four-man wall in the middle, or a diamond shape with one center midfielder up concentrating on the attack and another concentrating more on defense. The U of M typically employs a stack formation for the forwards, with one playing ‘the hole’ between midfield and one attacking forward. In a traditional two-man system, one forward will attack, with the other coming in behind. The best thing about Grant’s system is the flexibility to change what isn’t working or show off different looks to the opposition. Over the season, that flexibility will keep the opponents guessing. 10 2010 Memphis Men’s Soccer Experience PLAYING STYLE