Originally Posted by
Auzzy
Yes I thought that Michael Bradley and Luke played very well -- especially better than expected at CB for MB4! (Some day I'll learn how to spell Luke's last name.) If I want to be pedantic, in the 2nd half when things were falling apart anyway, there were a few times where Michael dribbled forward too far and into a crowd, so the defence behind him was really exposed if there was a turnover. Perhaps moments of him thinking he's playing midfield. But others like Nelson, Priso, or Okello should also recognize that, and cover back when a CB goes forward. Also I believe Ogthedim mentioned that Michael didn't do too well when speedy forwards were running straight at him -- but Bradley still had some amazing tackles that stopped the attack dead in those situation. Plus, again BB or one of MB's teammates should recognize the risk of speedy forwards, and shield the backline -- as they did for the majority of the game until things started falling apart.
Obviously this was a massive stopgap. Apparently O'Neill was also injured, and was only on the bench for absolute emergencies. (Again what is it with all these early-season injuries?)
After many of us were begging for Priso, we have to admit he was REALLY bad today. Brought almost nothing defensively, and gave away the ball on almost every single pass. Maybe that's what BB is seeing in practice; perhaps Priso is mostly physically fit, but not up to consistent mental game fitness yet.