Per Christian Larsen played soccer for the Dons from 1996 to 1999 and won WCC Second Team three years: 1997, 1998, 1999.
"Good athleticism will win when good soccer players don't play well together," explained Negoesco, who sees the Dons stuck in bad habits of individual play. "The problem with the younger players is when things aren't working. If every player plays his way, I have 11 different styles on the field. At some point we have to come together." For the team to bust out of its bad habits, Negoesco has been preaching for his players to get back to basics. More passing, more movement, more movement. Negoesco, for one, thinks its a simple game. "We still haven't learned to play simple and take less chances," said Negoesco. "I trying to break these bad habits."
Against Portand, the team didn't make the extra pass and could not sustain an attack through the midfield. The midfield core of Larsen, Omar El-Fakiri, and Jordi Esteban saw very little action until late in the second half, as the team played long ball, launching passes from the back line to the forwards. The poised and skilled Portland team clearly outclassed the good guys in green and gold (TheFoghorn).
