Fusion passing makes scoring look easy
HOW THEY BEAT YOU: The attack can come from buildups or quick strikes. The lineup is teeming with good passers, and their flank play may be the best in MLS.
The crossing is unusually accurate, and their passing riddles defenses. The player receiving the final pass is often so wide-open the finish is just a matter of beating the keeper, if heÆs still in the picture.
Miami probably leads MLS in tap-ins, but Diego Serna, Preki and Jim Rooney can all strike from outside the box as well. Alex Pineda Chacon scored 16 goals on just 55 shots in 24 games.
Carlos Llamosa, Pablo Mastroeni and Ivan McKinley are tough to beat one-on-one, and the ôweakestö of the back three, McKinley, is still no cupcake. HeÆs a strong tackler and a good man to have at the back post if the ball is on the opposite side.
The relentless defensive work of Chris Henderson, Ian Bishop and Rooney seldom allows attackers free runs at the defenders near the goalmouth.
Nick Rimando is so quick he seldom gives up goals from distance.
HOW YOU BEAT THEM: There has to be pressure on the FusionÆs back line and midfielders. Bishop often triggers the attack ù he leads the league in secondary assists with eight ù so cutting off his passes is vital. Playing at the FusionÆs pace is usually suicidal.
Defenders and midfielders must move the ball to break the FusionÆs pressure. Most of SernaÆs fouls ù he has committed more than anyone else this season ù occur as he harasses the man on the ball.
Overloading either flank can open up space for crosses. Rooney and Bishop sometimes overrun the ball and leave room 20-30 yards out from goal for diagonal passes or cutback dribbles from the wings.
by Soccer America Senior Editor Ridge Mahoney