A litany of defensive breakdowns in three consecutive losses has provoked widespread speculation about the effectiveness of D.C. United's 3-5-2 formation - and while the coaching staff isn't quite ready to ditch the team's system yet, the poor results could well prompt some significant restructuring.
The aggressive, forward-leaning approach instituted by former D.C. boss Peter Nowak in 2004 has run roughshod over the rest of the league for long periods, but this season United have been forced to recognize the ways in which their MLS opponents have adapted. Both Kansas City and Colorado enjoyed success against D.C. by denying space to playmakers Christian Gomez and Jaime Moreno and winning enough midfield battles to spring quick breakouts.
"The offense on this team, we're going to score goals," said assistant coach Mark Simpson. "But now can we sharpen up stuff with possession in the midfield? That seems to be what teams are focusing on for us -- trying to nick off a ball in the midfield and now coming down our throats when we're out of shape and have guys committed into the attack. I think that's the biggest thing: making sure we keep good possession, making teams chase us, getting teams tired like that because we have so much possession. And then, just being sharp with the ball and getting in good spots when the ball does happen to turn over."
Known as one of the league's best counterattacking sides, United have shown an alarming susceptibility to that same tactic - especially at RFK Stadium, where their confidence, combined with the noise and passion of their home fans, often drives the Black-and-Red to pour forward.
"I guess that's part of the problem with the 3-5-2," said winger Josh Gros. "In the attack you do throw a lot of numbers forward, and that's sort of why the formation is that way, because we have good attacking players. But there is space for counterattacks. So as far as my position, if I've got to pick and choose my times when to go, at times when we're all going forward, I need to just stay and shore up our defense. We're looking at the film this week and I know I've got to do a better job."
Soehn, Simpson and assistant coach Chad Ashton also face some personnel issues that may force further adaptation. Recent signing Fred was brought in to roam the right wing despite earning Australian league MVP honors as a central playmaker last season, and the Brazilian has consistently drifted inside during several promising substitute appearances for United.
"We're going to continue to look for ways to get him on the field as he continues to understand what we're about," said Soehn after the Wizards match, when Fred gave a lively performance after coming on at halftime. "He added life and he added energy and we're going to look for a way that he best suits us to get him on the field."
The coaching staff faced a similar dilemma a year ago when trying to balance Freddy Adu's attacking flair with his defensive limitations. The situation led to a hybrid 4-3-3 formation that gave Adu license to range forward down the left flank, while giving the energetic Gros more of a right back role when United were defending.
"I don't know if we should tweak the formation or what, but [Fred] is a dangerous player when he gets the ball and he's running at people," said Gros. "I feel I'm more comfortable playing defensive. Maybe we can work something out where he's more attacking and I'm more defending. But they still want me to get forward too, so it's not easy figuring out when to go and when to stay."
Last season's compromise also suited defender Facundo Erpen, a natural center back who pinched inside when Gros dropped into the back line. But the adjustment takes time, and it's not clear whether United are prepared to make such a change only two games into the regular season.
"Maybe it's the solution right now, because we lost two games," said the Argentinean. "Maybe for a win and some confidence, we can play with four. But if you play with four, you have to train it. All the time, we play with three in the back - for three or four years, D.C. United [have] played with three in the back."
For now, the coaching staff is more concerned with improving their players' execution.
"I think we're just getting caught up in the attack," said Simpson when asked about the need for a formation change. "A lot of times we've looked on video where the [other team] wins the ball and one pass beats six or seven guys. It just can't happen like that. The natural tendency for the backs is to drop and delay, so now you're giving them even more space. We just need to get everybody on the same page in terms of team defending."
United's performance in next week's trip to Columbus will go a long way towards determining whether deeper adjustments are needed.
"You don't want to change everything," said Simpson. "There's a reason why we were successful last year. There's a reason why we were at the top in goals against last year. We just need to get back to the basics. We need to bring a better mentality, taking pride in team defending and doing whatever it takes not to give up a goal."
Charles Boehm is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
