Three keys for the Weekend

June 26th, 2015

Charlie Hatch

With the losing streak in the past, the Cincinnati Saints have some ground to make up. Luckily, there are two matches this weekend.

Here are three keys for the Saints entering the weekend.

1. More fast starts

It hasn’t happened enough to be considered a habit, but the Saints have scored a decent amount of goals early in matches when they’re at home. Midfielder Scott Shugh’s fourth-minute goal last Friday against Detroit City allowed the Saints some breathing room as the matched developed.

Another early goal should settle down nerves and force opposition to lose their composure, producing unforced mistakes. When he’s been the lone target man up top, forward Khristian Montoya seems to capitalize on those defensive miscues.

2. The final 20 minutes

When the Saints give up goals, the majority come from the 70th minute or later. Again, that Detroit City match was just another example. But there might be a few reasons for this.

The Saints have one of the most veteran teams in the league, potentially slowing down as the match wears on. Midfielder Justin Smith said it’s not a fitness issue; it’s just older guys slowing down. But he also had another theory.

With an unusually mild start to the season, it’s starting to get hot, which may play a factor. It doesn’t help that the hotter matches come just in time for the multi-match weekends.

3. Momentum moving forward

Hopefully both Friday and Saturday can provide a morale boost for the Saints as the NPSL season slowly winds down.

The team began the season undefeated at home. Friday and Sunday can replicate that form if the Saints play controlled and possessive, two of their strengths. 

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http://cincinnatisaints.ticketmob.com/event.cfm?id=95972&cart