Not because of Mena. I know he just joined the team but Larin abused him on every goal. If the plan is to just disregard defense and score more than opposition fine. But I saw no improvement in defense.
Jefferson Mena [Defender]
- Thread starter einwindir
- Start date
I'm hoping with time they start playing better together but some of his tackles and his movement on the ball was pretty good, except for those critical moments you mentioned.
Larin only abused him on the first goal. The second goal he covered the run behind Iraola and Facey lost Larin behind him for an easy tap in. The third goal Larin took one touch at the top of the box and hit an unreal shot. Mena was in a good defensive position but I don't think he was expecting such a quick shot. Gotta give Larin all the credit for that goal.
Thank you. Mena looked ten times better on the ball than any of our defensive guys have, including Facey. He lets us build from the back. He got turned by a very good player on the first goal. It happens. For the other two goals, I don't know how you can blame him. Our wide players were allowing dangerous crosses all game, that's the danger you face when you are going to play your fullbacks so high.
Yeah I agree I thought he looked good. He got beat by Larin but that kids a stud and hopefully that doesn't happen anymore.
This is correct.
On the first goal, Mena was burned.
On the second, he let the pass go through his legs, but Facey completely lost Larin and failed to clear. Both made a mistake, but Facey's was far worse. The announcer, by the way, got their names mixed up.
On the third, Mena and Iraola closed on Larin, but they both failed to body him up and try to get the ball. They each hesitated, and that's where the goal came from.
That said, I am still more comfortable with Hernandez and Facey at this point.
I agree he was only at fault for the first goal and that, all in all, it wasn't too bad given that he'd been here for less than a week and wasn't expecting to play. I loved the athleticism and he was very aggressive at times trying to close down in midfield or win loose balls, which could be a real asset as he learns to do it at the right times. I must say, I didn't see the ball skills. Especially in the first half, he looks very tentative on the ball and not very assured. Again, this could well be a first game thing.
I like the long term prospects, but I'd go back to Hernandez next weekend.
I like the long term prospects, but I'd go back to Hernandez next weekend.
Well it all sounds and looked like Mena didn't "solve the problem" but it was such a great game and his first for NYC, I'm in a forgiving mood. Honestly I wouldn't judge him as garbage on his first game, especially since it probably wasn't the plan to bring him on so soon.
I'm rooting for him to prove me wrong.
I'm rooting for him to prove me wrong.
einwindir
NYCFCfan
MagnusPax Where would I get an image from the team/players shooting on the white background like here? Think they must have taken pics like that but I couldn't find such photos of several players - either at all or in a proper quality/ resolution (these are Johansen, Mena, RJ Allen, Iraola, and I think somebody else)http://m.nydailynews.com/sports/meet-team-new-york-city-fc-2015-roster-gallery-1.2147114
I'd say check the team website. Otherwise I wouldn't know.
http://m.nydailynews.com/sports/meet-team-new-york-city-fc-2015-roster-gallery-1.2147114
http://m.nydailynews.com/sports/meet-team-new-york-city-fc-2015-roster-gallery-1.2147114
They recently did the photoshoot for this year. Don't think all players were included since transfers haven't come in yet but they should be up soon. Though, NYCFC doesn't regularly update its roster. It doesn't have most of our new players.
Mena doesn't have a profile photo in NYCFC kit at all and this profile photo itself on the OS is very small and not full
I know they have them and it's a bit sad they just don't put them somewhere...
Another example of the existing of these good resolution photos of our players that I couldn't find anywhere, like Johansen's
Well all his previous tweets have been deleted so I would assume so.
Also, he's never tweeted in English before.
Looks like Barca SC will be taking on more of his salary after this mess. Woohoo!
But for real, they made this announcement at a press conference. It's not like it was a rumor that was leaked. This was at an official team event. That's just such a bush league move.
