Well, I got the first game out of the way just now and it was bittersweet. The good is that we managed a 1-1 draw, setting us up favorably for the second leg at home. I don't have to worry about making up a goal so I can play aggressively in spots instead of long stretches.
The bad is that we will be without some key players. Going into the match, I was worried about the impact the referee would have in the game. He had given out a ridiculous number of yellow cards, something to the tune of 170 cards in 19 matches! First order of tactical business? I instructed my players to be cautious with their tackling. I still managed to lose one of my starting center mids, however, because he reached the 3 card limit.
Compounding things is the fact that I lost a key reserve (covers both fullback spots) to injury. The initial trainers report is calling for a 4 week absence. We play again in 3 days so we don't have time to feel sorry for ourselves. Time to get it done on the pitch.
The bad is that we will be without some key players. Going into the match, I was worried about the impact the referee would have in the game. He had given out a ridiculous number of yellow cards, something to the tune of 170 cards in 19 matches! First order of tactical business? I instructed my players to be cautious with their tackling. I still managed to lose one of my starting center mids, however, because he reached the 3 card limit.
Compounding things is the fact that I lost a key reserve (covers both fullback spots) to injury. The initial trainers report is calling for a 4 week absence. We play again in 3 days so we don't have time to feel sorry for ourselves. Time to get it done on the pitch.
