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Subject: [NT] Season 11 - Summary

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2008-02-20 16:25:59
Seca [del] to All
A little slow getting the season summary together. Stats first. These stats go from Week 2 (Lithuania) to week 15 (Australia).

Abbas Musa - W Lav
Lemieux - Zanardi

Highlights

Goals
Amado - 17
Biron - 12
Wang - 8

Assists
Omar - 5
Iginla - 2
Lorenzo - 2
Manohar - 2
O'Hara - 2

Pass % (20 minimum)
Caron - 76.47
Barrera - 72.92
Omar - 65.34

Tackle % (20 minimum)
Dehere - 94.05
Fichaud - 87.69
Abbas Musa - 84.87

Passes Completed
Omar - 115
Iginla - 93
Fichaud - 56

Tackles Made
Abbas Musa - 64.5
Fichaud - 57
Bradshaw 40.5

% Shots on Target (minimum 5 shots taken)
Biron - 75.7% (28-37)
W Lav - 75.0% (6-8)
Wang - 62.1% (18-29)

Shooting % (minimum 5 shots taken)
Biron - 32.4 % (12-37)
Wang - 27.6% (8-29)
W Lavrynenko - 25.0% (2-8)
(edited)
2008-02-20 17:36:00
Some things of note in the stats.

I've tracked Shooting % for a number of seasons. These are some of the worst numbers I've seen. I don't think it's a deficiency of our players. IMO random plays a far greater role in goal scoring now. For example, W Lavrynenko, our divine striker, converted 2 of 8 shots (25%) this season. About half of those were very high quality chances. Iginla, a midfielder whose never had striker training and takes all of his chances from distance, converted 2 of 9 shots (22%) this season.

The number of assists was very disappointing. Only 1 player had more then 2 assists. Part of this was due to the shooting % already mentioned. But there were several games where the quality of passing was not there. This again I blame at least in part on random. One would expect the likes of Iginla to do better the 60% passing and 2 assists given that many caps.

For the defense, the tackling numbers were very strong. The passing numbers show a lot of room for improvement. Part of this is the ME which compels our defenders to blindly throw a lot of passes upfield instead of using the short option. Part of this is just our crew, which is rugged but not especially skillful with the ball.
2008-02-20 18:00:19
Overall Record:
8 wins, 1 draw, 5 losses
44 GF, 20 GA

Formations Used
442 - 5
451 - 3
352 - 2
343 - 2
433 - 2

Winger Used
8-14 (57%)

DMs
1 dm - 6 (43%)
2 dms - 7 (50%)
3 dms - 1 (7%)

Backline
3 in the back - 4 (29%)
4 in the back - 10 (71%)
2008-02-20 18:12:10
Keepers
Record (wins-draws-losses)
Quasi-save %

Parker
5-0-3, 4 clean sheets
71.4% (20-28)

Clemens
1-0-1
71.4% (10-14)

Castillo Lara
2-0-1 (1 clean sheet)
78.3% (18-23)

Lemaitre
0-1-0
57.1% (4-7)

Note: these aren't proper save %s - they consider total shots faced as opposed to shots on target. Will try to get proper save %s together. :)
2008-02-20 18:24:44
Overall - Anecdotal

It was a frustrating season. I would argue that the only part of the team that didn't underachieve was the defense.

The biggest problem was in goal. Only twice in 14 matches did I feel we had the better keeper (Lithuania #1 and South Africa). A few times it was even, but most times we were badly outplayed at that position. This is frustrating, as statistically, Parker was the best keeper every time he took the pitch.

The strikers also underachieved. Amado was not the force I expected him to be. Wang was slowed by injuries, but had trouble converting chances. Biron perhaps had the best season, though his failure against BiH leaves a bad taste. W Lavrynenko had difficulty getting shots (not a surprise), and had trouble putting in the ones he got (that's a surprise).

Midfield options were really curtailed by form. O Lavrynenko, Caron and Klukowski dropped off the depth chart due to form. O'Hara and Iginla at times struggled to create. Omar probably had the best season amoung the mids, which surprised me. Barrera showed signs off breaking through. Renda's form finally broke making him an option again.

The young mids are very promising. Lemieux, Foster, Verville and Ribeiro all looked great. One of our brightest U21s (Ferranti) hardly played due to form.

The defense was steady all season. Some transition has started back there, with Dehere and Malhotra getting more playing time. The youngsters also played very well. I'm particularly optimistic about Sebrango, who looks like he could really be a star.

The biggest problem facing the team is depth - particularly in goal and up front. It will still be a problem again next season, but shows signs of easing in the season that follows with the maturation of Madden, W Lavrynenko and Biron.
2008-02-20 18:28:45
Thanks for the summary
2008-02-20 18:34:37
Carl Abbas Musa (CB, FB)
Aside from the red card against Lithuania and the knock against Greece, and very steady season. Stout defensively, his offensive skills left a little to be desired this past season. Getting a little long in the tooth - upcoming World Cup could be his last hurrah.
T: partial
S: uncertain

Sean Amado (ST)
Wasn’t the destructive offensive force he was expected to be this past season. Early in the season he missed some chances, and late in the season didn’t see enough of the ball. He is (IMO) still clearly our most dangerous weapon. Likely 1.5 - 2 seasons before anyone (W Lavrynenko, Biron) overtakes him.
T: full
S: for sale early next season

Derek Barrera (CM)
Was a breakthrough season for Barrera, earning 7 of his 12 career caps. Smooth offensively, he was stretched a little when asked to play defensive midfield. May well be the player that puts Omar out of work.
T: full
S: not for sale

Guy Bertrand (OM)
A decent offensive midfielder, he had trouble cracking the U21 line-up due to his form. Not likely to stick as a 22 year old, he may eventually get recalled (depending on his talent).
T: full
S: not for sale

Joey Biron (ST)
Has had a very strong season. Looked fantastic against Greece and Bolivia, and has been a force in U21 matches. His utter futility finishing against BiH is the black mark on his season. Had injury trouble for the first time in his career - has slowed his progress. But it still appears he will surpass Amado within 2 seasons.
T: full
S: not for sale

Myles Boissieres (ST)
Hasn’t had a lot of opportunities this season. Still a little green for NT service. Next season he could be one of the offensive weapons of choice for the U21 side.
T: no reply
S: no reply

Issa Bradshaw (WB, DM)
Was fantastic early before form derailed his season. Back on track now. A rock solid defender with some offensive flash, I consider him Canada’s best DM-WB.
T: no reply
S: no reply

Saleem Canizalez (WI)
Snazzy winger who spent the whole season in poor form, and saw no action because of it. Progress of players like Caron and Renda will make it difficult for him to get back in even when his form recovers.
T: full
S: not for sale

Ruben Caron (WI, OM)
Gifted offensive player, his form (and play) was sketchy at the start of the season. Complete collapse of his form took him out of the line-up. Arguably Canada’s top winger. It would be a big boost to Canada’s WC hopes if Caron got back on track.
T: full
S: not for sale

Yves Castillo Lara (GK)
Sweeper-keeper who saw more action then expected due to Lemaitre’s poor form. Wasn’t great against the US, but was decent against Scotland and fantastic against South Africa. May be Canada’s #1 option in goal for the U21s next season.
T: full
S: not for sale

Guy Clemens (GK)
With no offense intended, it’s kind of sad Clemens is still on the team, and even sadder he’s getting caps. Soon to change now that Madden is getting some pace training.
T: not training
S: uncertain

Adriano Cochran (ST)
Was a disappointment in his 1 match this season against USA. Injuries have slowed his training. Behind W Lav and Biron on the depth chart who are both younger then he is.
T: full
S: no reply

Gordon Cochran (CB)
Has been very steady in the back for the U21s. An injury cost him caps and some training. Not likely to stick as a 22 year old.
T: full
S: not for sale

Karl Dehere (WB, DM)
Thought this might be a break out season for Dehere, but he was hampered somewhat by form. Rock solid defensively with some creative flair. He will ease the transition from the “old guard” on defense.
T: full
S: not for sale

Rex Faria (WI)
Very much the same story as his team-mate Canizalez. Form cost him his opportunities this season, and the young bucks are pushing him very hard.
T: full
S: not for sale

Gaspare Ferranti (OM)
Thought he would be the main creative force for the U21s this season, but form has really held him back. One of the few 21 year olds who has a chance of sticking at 22.
T: full
S: not for sale

Sebastian Fichaud (CB, FB)
I’d estimate 4 times out of 5, the “last man” for Canada is Fichaud, and he rarely lets the side down. Airtight defensively, some of his decisions with the ball have been frustrating. For the first time in his career he’s having some form problems, which is a concern heading into the WC.
T: no reply
S: no reply

Maxime Fluet (CM)
Able to sneak a few minutes here & there, he didn’t have a lot of impact on the U21s this season, but I expect him to be one of the cornerstones next season. Decent offensive skills, and responsible defensively.
T: full
S: not for sale

Connor Foster (OM, CM)
I’m excited about Foster. A slick passer who is responsible defensively and can hit more then sitters when taking shots. I expect him to be a key offensive player next season for the U21s, and is a very bright long term prospect.
T: full
S: not for sale

Luis Giacomi (ST)
On his way to the glue factory. He was still good enough this season that he could have contributed, but his form was horrible. A miracle recovery is required for him to help in the WC, and I really can’t see him holding off the youngsters any longer then that.
T: partial
S: no reply

Charles Antoine Holden (WB, FB)
Got 1 cap this season after no caps last season. Future is actually brighter then it sounds - form kept him out this season. He is reasonably solid defensively and has more offensive upside then most of our options on defense.
T: full
S: no reply

Felix Iginla (OM, WI)
A pretty quiet season by his standards, his last game against Lithuania was by far his best. Hopefully a sign of things to come in the WC. *
T: full
S: “untouchable” :)

Nenad Klukowski (OM, WI)
Another season ruined by form. Will need a miraculous recover if he is to help out in the WC. Age becoming a concern - will be 28 by the next round of qualifying.
T: no reply
S: no reply
2008-02-20 18:35:06
Bucky Laforest (DM, FB)
Just 1 cap each of the past two seasons, Bucky almost always exceeds my expectations. Even so, it’s going to be tough for him to get action with the development of players like Malhotra, Holden and Sebrango.
T: full
S: uncertain

Kareem Laforest (DM, WB)
Has been 2.5 seasons since his last cap. His form meant he didn’t even get a sniff this season. Not long for the squad.
T: partial
S: not for sale

Domingo Lamo (CB)
Similar to Kareem, 2.5 seasons since last cap. His form was fine this season, but he didn’t get a sniff. Not long for the squad.
T: no reply
S: for sale early next season

Olaf Lavrynenko (DM, CM, OM)
One of the most snake-bit players I’ve seen. Gets hurt all the time - has missed a ton of training in his career. When he’s not hurt, his form sucks. Even so, he’s still our #1 central midfield player, and is unique in what he brings to the squad.
T: full
S: not for sale

Wyn Lavrynenko (ST)
This season he’s begun his transformation from an HT striker into a SK striker. He’s still a bit of a special use player, but by the end of next season I expect he’ll be a much better all round threat. Assuming his training goes as planned, he will be our top striker in 2 seasons. Not great this season - had trouble creating chances, and more surprisingly, trouble finishing.
T: full
S: not for sale

Mansor Lemaître (GK)
Thought he would be the #1 U21 keeper this season, but his form has been lack-luster. Won’t stick as a 22 year old. Will have a chance at recall if his training stays on track.
T: full
S: not for sale

Vince Lemieux (OM)
It says a lot when he’s a starting central mid at age 19. Creative offensively, and responsible defensively. He and Foster should form a dynamic duo for the U21s in the offensive midfield next season.
T: full
S: not for sale

Colin Li (CB)
I added him without much to go on when Deja transfer listed him early in the season. TBH, he’s not NT caliber. His only cap was as an injury replacement. Could be dropped anytime, and unlikely to ever be recalled.
T: no reply
S: no reply

Basile Lorenzo (OM)
I’m kind of torn about the best use for Lorenzo. I’ve pushed him well forward this season, tho he isn’t perfectly cut out for that. Performed very well (better then I expected) in that role. Had a really nice match against Scotland. Unlikely to stick as a 22 year old. He’ll have to clearly choose a path (midfielder or striker) to have a chance to be recalled.
T: full
S: not for sale

Boris Madden (GK)
Value and mark looks great, but he’s got the same Achilles heel that dogged Parker in his early career. The good news is that is now being rectified. By the next round of qualifying Canada should have two world class keepers.
T: full
S: not for sale

Malcolm Malhotra (CB, FB, WB, DM)
Continued his upward climb on the depth chart. He looked a little shaky in a few of his matches this season, and has a tendency to perform below expectations. But he has decent offensive skills to go with steady defensive skills, and should continue to improve his reliability.
T: full
S: not for sale

Adrian Manohar (ST, OM)
Scored a gaudy 50 goals in league this season, and for once was pretty healthy. I found it difficult getting him into the line-up - he’s a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, which generally isn’t what one looks for in a striker. He did play well in his match against Bolivia.
T: full
S: not for sale

Lane Mauro (CM)
Mauro scares me. I’ve watched him play a fair bit, and he seems to have a stat distribution that leads to a lot of fouls. I have a tough enough time with the referees. The emergence of Barrera makes it that much harder for Mauro.
T: full
S: uncertain

Ismail Mayard (CB, FB)
There always seems to be something wrong with Mayard. Injuries, form. Something. Played well against Greece, and then got hurt. Still nice depth, but not first choice at his position.
T: no reply
S: no reply

Arron Neil (FB)
Fabulous raw defensive skills. I don’t have much faith in him, and won’t until he works on some of his secondary skills.
T: full
S: no reply

Kip Nesta (DM, CM)
Has been a rock for the U21s this season, other then the sending off against Scotland. Has been playing defensive midfield, though I think long term he might be better suited to a move a little further up-field. Has a chance of sticking as a 22 year old. If not, he would almost certainly be recalled before long.
T: full
S: not for sale
2008-02-20 18:35:22
Luc O’Hara (WI, OM)
One of the bigger disappointments for me this season. Best match (IMO) was the first Greece encounter - had several poor ones. Sometimes didn’t provide the creativity I wanted or needed from him. No real reason for it - just a bit of an off-season.
T: full
S: not for sale

TJ Omar (CM, DM)
Our energizer bunny, just keeps going and going ... Final Q match against Lithuania was his weakest - mostly steady, solid performances. Was by far the team assist leader in qualifying, which surprised me. I expect this WC will be his last as a key contributor.
T: full
S: no reply

Adam Ortega Santiago (MID)
Got a couple of caps this season. Was decent against Bolivia, but almost invisible against Greece. He’s our Beckham - with all the same assets and deficiencies. I see him more as a game changer then a regular starter. Progress of the young mids is bad news of OS.
T: full
S: may be available

Joe Parker (KP)
Best match was his first against Lithuania where he made a couple nice saves. Thought this was a sign he & I had mended our relationship. But he was utter garbage after that match, only mustering 2-3 more saves during the rest of the season, and then getting hurt before our crucial final match. It is very frustrating the he so consistently plays below his skill set. Maybe Madden’s development will light a fire under him.
T: no reply
S: no reply

Dwayne Renda (CM)
NT season was essentially wiped out by form. Got 1 cap in relief - did play well in those brief minutes. His recent return to form is great ahead of the WC. Tends to play wide for his club, tho at the NT level I feel he is much better suited to a central role.
T: full
S: not for sale

Pierre-Charles Ribeiro (WI)
The U21s top winger - even got a cap for the senior side against Bolivia. Has been a handful for defenders in the CPL and Internationally. Will be curious to see how he develops given that he plays for a team that generally focuses on defender training.
T: no reply
S: no reply

Shawn Rogers (CB)
Called up as a bit of depth defensively. Hasn’t seen any action. May not given his current form. Not likely to stick as a 22 year old.
T: no reply
S: no reply

Zachary Sebrango (CB, FB)
The next Fichaud. Has a similar distribution, with slightly better offensive prowess. Generally given the toughest defensive assignment for the U21s, he has responded well. Got the call for the seniors in the final Lithuania match where his play was acceptable, if not stellar. Should stick as a 22 year old.
T: full
S: not for sale

Aaron Sewell (ST)
Only got into 1 match, and was pretty quiet in that one. Still a little green at 19. His value is a little deceiving - he has an interesting and promising skill set. Should get more U21 opportunities next season.
T: full
S: no reply

Ibrahim Sheperd (CM, DM)
Injury call-up who played fantastic in his 1 match. Very versatile player. Unlikely to stick as a 22 year old, but could see call-up again at some point if sufficiently talented.
T: full
S: may be available next season

Satinder Touchette (FB, CB)
Very capable back with some offensive skills. Played steady for the U21s this past season. Not likely to stick as a 22 year old, but could well see recall at some point.
T: no reply
S: no reply

Gonzalo Verville (DM)
I think Verville is one of the top prospects on the team. Earned 1 senior cap, and was close to more. He could well be the proper defensive middie Canada has never really had. At times he has performed a little below my expectations, particularly offensively. But I think this is temporary. I expect him to be the heart & soul of the U21 side next season.
T: full
S: not for sale

Cory Villanueva (FB, CB)
Besides Parker, the player who probably has the most vitriol for me. :) Was returned to the back line after serving as the chief DM in the previous regime, and then when his form tanked was moved to the bench. Struggled with the left winger in the first Greece encounter, but was solid otherwise - particularly in the final Q-match against Lithuania where he was tested frequently. Still mid-range form - would be great if he could get on track before the WC.
T: no reply
S: no reply

Abu Wagenaar (FB, CB)
Still a premier defender and one of the CPL’s best, he had an up & down season Internationally. Some good matches, some poor ones (particularly the second BiH game). One of the charter members of the “old guard”, at 28 the next WC may be his last chance to shine.
T: no reply
S: no reply

Scottie Wang (ST)
Like many of our strikers, underachieved to a certain degree this season. Only 8 goals in qualifying (was hampered by a significant injury). Was able to get quality chances in most matches, but didn’t convert as many as I expected. A little slow, his other striker skills place him #2 on our depth chart (IMO). An improvement in pace would make him world class.
T: full
S: for sale early season

Paul Zanardi (FB, CB)
Very bright young defender who is a step behind his team mate Sebrango. Zanardi earned two caps & was Jekyll and Hyde - awesome against Scotland, and ugly against South Africa. Not likely to stick as a 21 year old, but almost certain to be recalled.
T: full
S: not for sale
2008-02-20 19:23:58
what does the T mean

for ie.

T: Full
2008-02-20 19:28:09
Sorry - had a legend on their - must have cut it off.

T - Training (full, partial, none)
S - Status (for sale, uncertain, not for sale)
2008-02-20 19:35:05
wow thats the best summary i've seen...very nice job seca...i wish you'd be NT coach of USA :P i wouldnt run against you ;)

all i can say is WOW...

you're probably the most dedicated NT coach i've seen ;)
2008-02-20 20:33:35
Agree, couldn't be better.
Thanks Seca.
2008-02-20 20:46:17
Very nice Seca. I was wondering when you were going to post this. Not surprised to see that most of our NT players are listed as NFS.
2008-02-20 20:50:31
It's my pleasure. I enjoy doing it. :)

I found attempting the stats very educational. I feel I learned a number of things. It's interesting to look at a season's worth of data for trends, etc..

Some stuff was as expected - see the top 3 tacklers. Some stuff wasn't. I'm still shaking my head that W Lavrynenko was 2-8 shooting, and Iginla was 2-9. And how about Iginla having the same number of goals and assists? Bonkers.
2008-02-20 20:55:17
I still wish tackles were counted like goals & assists in this game :/
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