For New England Revolution midfielder Andy Dorman, the game of soccer is all about timing.
Dorman's style is crafted in order to make use of his keen sense of when the ball will arrive in the penalty area. More often than not, Dorman latches onto the ball with a tardy run into the box before lashing the ball at goal.
But Dorman's timing had gone awry prior to the recent homestand as Dorman struggled for form and found himself ending matches on the bench instead of on the field.
"That stretch of being on the road took its toll on Andy," Revolution manager Steve Nicol said. "He makes his living by being late into the box. There were two or three weeks where he wasn't at his best."
Dorman had started the season in sterling form as he adjusted to his new role. More often than not deployed on the wing last season, Dorman shifted into the attacking midfield role with the departure of Clint Dempsey in the offseason.
"I'm playing farther forward now," Dorman said. "It's nice to attack. I'm more advanced more often. It took a little while to learn good positioning."
Nicol felt the shift played to Dorman's strengths.
"A lot of his game is coming in late," Nicol said. "He has more freedom than before to do that [because of the position change]. He's a good finisher."
As the Revolution continued on its road trip, Dorman's influence on matches waned and much of the production from earlier in the season had disappeared.
When New England returned to the friendly confines of Gillette Stadium, Dorman spent the first two matches against Kansas City and Real Salt Lake struggling to rediscover his form.
"It happens to everybody over the course of the season," Nicol said. "There are highs and lows. You have got to expect it."
Dorman's production has noticeably picked up over the last two contests, with Dorman tallying an assist in a 3-3 draw with Columbus and two goals in last Saturday's 3-0 victory against Toronto FC.
The English midfielder said that his faith never wavered despite the substitutions and the struggles.
"Every athlete goes through those patches," Dorman said. "It's all about believing in myself and working hard. I took rest when I could. I just tried to get it right."
If there was any doubt that Dorman had excavated himself from his difficult period, it was to be found at the end of Saturday's game.
In a free-flowing attacking movement, Dorman made the perfectly timed run into the penalty area to latch onto Adam Cristman's back-heel and poked the ball past Srdjan Djekanovic in the TFC net.
"The third goal against Toronto FC was a typical Andy Dorman goal because he got into the box late and finished the chance," Nicol said.
Dorman was pleased to contribute but dismissed any notions that he is starting to feel comfortable in the role now that his timing has returned.
"You never feel comfortable or else it will start to show in your performances," Dorman said. "You want to keep working hard."
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
