Yallop pleased with Fire's play in first scrimmage
Fire coach and director of soccer Frank Yallop wasn't concerned about the result of Thursday's preseason scrimmage at Norwich City FC in England. It was the quality of play he wanted to see from his side, and what he saw made him very happy.
"It was very good," Yallop said via conference call after the 0-0 draw, the Fire's first match of the preseason.
The Fire played a 4-3-3 formation, with designated player Shaun Maloney playing slightly underneath fellow DP Kennedy Igboananike and Harry Shipp in the first half, Yallop said.
Central defender Jeff Larentowicz sat out the scrimmage with a bruised knee, and David Accam and Sean Johnson aren't yet with team due to international duty. Patrick Nyarko and Mike Magee will miss the start of the season as they recover from surgery.
"We've got some talented players," Yallop said. "I've just got to figure out how to get the best ones on the field."
Yallop substituted his entire lineup at halftime. He singled out center backs Eric Gehrig and rookie Matt Polster for their play.
"A clean sheet from both units is great," Yallop said. "We had chances (to score). Didn't quite finish them, but it's early."
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