It was fun, but did we learn anything from the All-Star Weekend?

There of course wasn't a whole lot going on this weekend as far as complete teams, but there was a great All-Star game and skills test. The skills test came first and highlighted some very interesting points about the state of American soccer.

Please excuse me for getting somewhat theoretical and philosophical all at the same time. American youth coaches and parents still need to work on individual skills a lot more. The skills test showed that a number of the European and Latin American players still have a higher level of individual skill. Part of the test was shooting around a wall and hitting a target in the corner. There were several American players that didn't even come close. They all did better than I would have done, but the difference is still there.

On a positive note the All-Star weekend showed that US soccer is improving and that MLS is a big part of the reason why. We don't have multi-million player contracts but we do give the opportunity for young soccer players to make a living doing what they love and continue to improve. This then means that Bruce Arena now has more and more choices for the US national men's team. (It will be interesting to see what happens with the women's national team a few years after their pro-league has been up and running.)

The All-Star game itself was a great example of the difference between offense and defense. I think the saying is true, "offense wins games, but defense wins championships." Offense is built around individual skills. For a defense to be broken it takes a breakdown of the defense team a great individual pass and some great individual ball control and shot placement. Defense on the other hand is built on teamwork. For a defense to even be presented it takes a team. For a defense to work well they must know each other, their instincts and who is going to be where no matter what. I know that several will want to argue with me on this, but consider this example.

The defensive players at the All-Star game were all very talented. The goalkeepers have been breaking the MLS record books this season. Yet this was the highest scoring All-Star game ever. I don't believe the offensive players were that much better than the defensive players I believe it was because the defensive players did not have the ability to know how the others on their team would react or position themselves as plays developed. Mamadou Diallo's breakaway goal was a perfect example. When he was able to break away from one player due to one pass, he was immediately one on one with the keeper. This could definitely happen in a regular game, but more often than not there would be a player to back this defender up. The goal happened because of a lack of cohesion in the back and great individual skill on the part of the offense.

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