We are In the Zone
Uff. What an aggravating adventure this is turning out to be. We start out the month by losing an intended confidence-building friendly against a weaker team. That sets the tone for the month, where we manage to lose to the two top-table teams and pick up 0-0 draws to the last place team and a mid-table team. The two points for the month drops our season record to 2 wins, 4 draws, and 9 losses. Our 10 points isn’t enough to keep us clear of the relegation zone, as we drop to 21st place, two points away from safety.
The frustrating part of it all is that we’re right in most games. We’re generating shots now, and getting balls on frame. In our 2-1 loss to the 6th place team, we skimmed a shot over the bar right at the last minute, and were even with them on shots. We just can’t find the net yet. Defensively we’re not all that horrible. We’ve given up 21 goals on the year, enough to stand 15th out of 22 teams. But offensively, we’re abysmal. Our 10 goals on the year put us second worst in the league.
Part of the fault lies with me, as our two loaned-in strikers have one goal between them now in two months of play. And I haven’t had success in bringing in anything through free agency to help us out. We’ve been without a left mid for so long that our right mid playing on the left has now converted to a left mid and appears to be fine there. Having said that, I’ve found a half dozen solid players who ask for more money than our board will allow me to pay, and we end up losing them.
As the weather turns to fall, we have to stay positive. The season is only one-third done. There is much football to be played. If we keep scouting, hunting, and working, we might yet bring in one or two players who could swing our fortunes. I feel like we’re one effective striker and a better midfielder away from tilting these close matches in our favor. If I can just find these people and get them in…
Onward!