Cloee

TopDrawer has an article on Cloee Colohan at the u18-u20 camp.

http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/component/option,com_topdrawer/Itemid,251/nid,7667/

I can't wait to see her play next summer....

She kind of has the Michelle Akers look about her. Sounds like is as dominant as well.

Cloee is on the U-20 WNT, currently playing in the 10 Nations Tournament. In today's game, the US defeated Norway 3-2. Cloee played the entire game and was team captain for the game.

There was another short article in the Deseret News on Cloee.

http://desertcrown.blogspot.com/2009/04/utahn-anchors-u-20-women.html

Seems like wherever Cloee plays in the US system she is always the lone center back.

I think I know the answer to this question, but I'd like to ask it anyway:

Is it possible Garrett could put Cloee in as a lone center back, and then have two holding mids in front of her: Keelin and MO?

I know this seems drastic, but why are all these top national teams playing her as the lone center back? She must just completely control the center back area. Is MO going to get in her way with the Pilots traditional backline?

(I only ask that you keep an open mind here.)

From what I understand the Pilot back line will remain in it traditional formation. Tactically they will be committed to sending the outside backs forward when warranted. They real change next year will be in the attack. From what I hear its wicked. If you watched the U-23s game you saw it.

Auto Pilot wrote:From what I understand the Pilot back line will remain in it traditional formation. Tactically they will be committed to sending the outside backs forward when warranted. They real change next year will be in the attack. From what I hear its wicked. If you watched the U-23s game you saw it.

Right. It would seem to me that if you are going to have the outside backs moving up into the attack, you then need a strong presence remaining back in the center. Elli and Jessica will be dynamite moving up into the attack with Cloee and Michelle solid in the middle behind them. They will probably have more freedom to move up into the attack, more often.

Double-right, with Keelin in front of Cloee and Michelle O. Seriously strong defense down the middle.

Okay, thanks!!! Look forward to seeing that wicked attack, being as we are going to be almost impossible to score on.

The latest Cloee article on USSoccer.com

Another feature story on Cloee. Looks like she's stepping right in with the U20s and already assuming a leadership role on the team. Is it August yet?

GO PILOTS!!!

Gosh, she already sounds like a big-time international veteran with leadership eperience.

I think she will dominate the back like Sinclair dominates the front.

The combination of Colohan and Olivier could be something special. Two national team quality cenral defenders side by side. Let's hope they live up to the promise and stay healthy!

And don't forget the national team holding midfielder right in front of them! All of that defensive strength up the middle should liberate Reed and Tsao (or whoever plays on the outside) to make more overlapping runs. They're going to set up a lot of goals this year!

Agreed SK: that is a mighty strong triangle at the heart of the defense.

I'm really looking forward to the start of the season: road trip to Eugene. Bring it on!

SoreKnees wrote:And don't forget the national team holding midfielder right in front of them! All of that defensive strength up the middle should liberate Reed and Tsao (or whoever plays on the outside) to make more overlapping runs. They're going to set up a lot of goals this year!

And, also don't forget, the aforementioned outside defenders include a national team member STARTER (Reed) and a player (Tsao) who also got some national team experience recently. Wow!! Talk about tough to score on. I think the really important point, though, is not just the strong D, but what Sore Knees mentioned - how the strong D all across the back will enable the outside players to get up into the offense and create numbers-up pressure situations. That strong back line will lead to a more potent offense. And, barring injury, that 5-player unit could be together intact for two seasons.

Is it fall yet?