Friday, November 18, 2022

LJ soccer: 'You can sub with a 4-3-3'

By Ed Piper

"A 4-3-3 is easy to find players to plug in," said Brendan (not his real name), in his British accent as we discussed the advantages of different formations in soccer.

"Another common one is a 3-4-3, where you have balance without leaving only two players up top" in a 4-4-2, he pointed out.

The four-back, three-middie-, three-forward alignment is the one La Jolla employed in at least part of its Nov. 14 scrimmage against the Lincoln boys team.

With four backs, you put an emphasis--with a safety-catch--on defending your goal, as you help your goalie (junior Marley LaFond in this case), who is communicating what he sees from the far back and coordinating marking opponents along the back line.

La Jolla will probably show some more offensive pop in coming weeks, when forward Roman Altamirano completes his club commitment and can play for the school team. Jet Kyle, a sophomore, will likely grow into his position, as well. It's his first year of competition on the varsity level.

Rodrigo Romano, a senior returning from last year's CIF finalists, also played up there against the Hornets. Junior Antonio Lopez also started on the front line.

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