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USL Insights – Tulsa’s Experience, Youth Mesh

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 04/19/17, 2:47PM EDT

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Midfield tandem of veteran Caffa, youngster Fernandez combining well


Photo courtesy Lori Scholl / Tulsa Roughnecks FC

Tulsa Roughnecks FC underwent a major overhaul under new Head Coach David Vaudreuil this offseason as the side looked to turn things around after it finished last in the Western Conference a year ago. Thanks to a midfield tandem that is combining veteran experience and top-level young talent, things are starting to look a lot different for the Roughnecks this season.

Attacking midfielder Juan Caffa’s resume is an impressive one, with first-division stints in Argentina and Spain in the 32-year-old’s background. His influence since joining the Roughnecks has also been noticeable, helping Tulsa control the flow of play and finding an average of 4.4 key passes per game so far.

At the other end of the spectrum from Caffa is Collin Fernandez, who joined the Roughnecks on loan from Tulsa’s MLS partner the Chicago Fire at the start of the season. The 20-year-old – who was recently called into the U.S. U20 National Team’s camp in London – has been excellent in his defensive midfield role so far for the side. His absence due to national team camp was noticeable in Tulsa’s 2-1 loss to Sacramento last time out as Republic FC was able to build a two-goal lead before a late fightback by the host at ONEOK Field.

The manner in which the two have combined was well illustrated in the Roughnecks’ prior performance against Rio Grande Valley FC, though. With Fernandez providing cover and linking play well with an 84 percent pass completion percentage, Caffa was able to move around the field to create. The Argentinian wasn’t able to connect with his teammates in the area, with six crosses failing to find their mark, but continued to highlight the Roughnecks’ willingness to get the ball into dangerous areas. 

Tulsa's Fernandez (8) & Caffa (10)
Distribution Map, 4/1/17 vs. Rio Grande Valley

Tulsa's Fernandez (8) & Caffa (10)
Touches Map, 4/1/17 vs. Rio Grande Valley

Tulsa entered the week sitting second in the USL in passes into the penalty area, completing 17-of-40 of those so far this season. As they visit the Toros this weekend, and with Fernandez likely back in the lineup, the manner in which they combine could be key to getting something from a tough road contest at H-E-B Park.

INDEPENDENCE LOOK FOR FINAL-THIRD EDGE

Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries summed things up well after his side’s 1-1 draw against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday night, telling reporters, “We’ve had two home games, and we’ve averaged, what, about 70 percent possession, but the reality is we’re not creating chances.”

What makes that surprising is that no side has been zipping the ball around with more vigor and sharpness than the Independence. The club is averaging more than 500 completed passes a game – some teams aren’t averaging that many attempts – and is second only to the Swope Park Rangers in passing completion percentage.

And, maybe contrary to what Jeffries said on Saturday, the side has officially created 24 chances so far this season in three games. The problem may be where those chances are leading. Compare to the Swope Park Rangers, who edged out Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday night thanks to Mark Anthony Gonzalez’s first goal of the new season.

Charlotte Independence
Chances + Shots, vs. Pittsburgh, 4/15/17

Swope Park Rangers
Chances + Shots, vs. Sacramento, 4/15/17

Charlotte finished with only 18 touches in the Riverhounds’ penalty area during Saturday’s contest, a sign that the side isn’t finding the final pass it needs to create more dangerous chances. With the talent the side has, and the ability to control a game’s tempo it has shown this season, finding that last piece of daring in the attacking third should be the final piece to the team achieving liftoff this season. 

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