PRE-MATCH OPPOSITION ANALYSIS
CONFIDENTIAL: PRE-MATCH OPPOSITION ANALYSIS
Opponent: California Baptist Lancers (CBU)
Match Date: [Your Match Date]
Analyst: Positional Analyst
Primary Match Focus: This report's projected lineup and primary player data are based on the most recent fixture, a 3-0 victory against Air Force (AF) (23.10.2025). Tactical patterns are primarily drawn from the 1-0 victory against Grand Canyon (GCU) (13.10.2025), representing a stable 11v11 picture. Specific player data from individual full match reports (AF, GCU, UVU, UNLV, SJSU) is integrated throughout to provide granular evidence.
Data Source Note: Aggregate quantitative metrics are drawn from the updated 5-match Team Report (including AF game). Match-specific data is drawn from individual match reports/box scores (AF, GCU, UVU, UNLV, SJSU). Data for PPDA, Attacks per minute, etc., for the AF match is drawn from the full AF Match Report PDF.
Projected Formation: 4-2-3-1
This is the system CBU employed in their 3-0 win vs. Air Force (from minute 1 to 37 and 46 to 78 - AF Match Report p.3) and the 1-0 win vs. GCU.
Projected Starting XI (Based on Air Force Match, 23.10.2025):
GK: #1 H. Do Rego
LB: #23 U. Martinez
LCB: #3 H. Conteh
RCB: #5 W. Lawson
RB: #2 A. Cruz
LDMF: #6 J. Quispel
RDMF: #8 S. Charalampous
LAMF: #15 D. Arguello
AMF: #16 T. Marth
RAMF: #22 F. Ezekwuka
CF: #9 B. D'Agostino
Key Rotations:
#20 N. Coope (CF) for #9 B. D'Agostino (CF): Coope started vs UVU (2 shots) and UNLV (1 shot, 0.40 xG); came on vs AF (2 shots, 0.01 xG, 87% pass acc). D'Agostino started vs AF (2 goals, 4 shots/3 SOG, 0.74 xG), GCU (0 shots), and SJSU (2 shots, 1 SOG). D'Agostino is the preferred starter, offering a higher goal threat (2.50 aggregate xG vs 0.99 for Coope).
#17 L. Jones (LAMF) for #15 D. Arguello (LAMF): Arguello started vs AF (0 shots, won 5/12 duels - 42%, 96% pass acc). Jones started vs UNLV (4 shots, 2 key passes) and SJSU (4 shots, 2 SOG), came on vs AF (5 shots/2 SOG, 0.69 xG, 52% pass acc). Jones offers more direct attacking threat but Arguello provides possession security.
#13 K. Robson (RB) for #2 A. Cruz (RB): Cruz started vs AF (won 7/21 duels - 33%, 1/4 def duels won - 25%) and SJSU (won 2/9 def duels - 22%). Robson started vs GCU (won 2/7 def duels - 29%) and UNLV (won 3/5 def duels - 60%). Robson appears slightly more solid defensively.
#7 A. Pino (LDMF) for #6 J. Quispel (LDMF): Quispel started vs Air Force (won 2/6 duels - 33%, 1/2 def duels won - 50%) and UVU (won 1/6 def duels - 17%). Pino started vs GCU (86% def duel win) and UNLV (50% def duel win). Pino is the demonstrably stronger defensive option.
GOALKEEPER
#1 H. Do Rego
Player Role/Archetype: Shot-Stopper.
Key Strengths: 1. Reliable: Posted a 4-save shutout vs. Air Force (3 reflex saves - AF Match Report p.11). 2. Decisive: Made 5 crucial saves in the 1-0 win over GCU. 3. High Claim Success: Claimed 4/4 crosses vs GCU. 4. Good Distributor: 89% pass accuracy vs AF (41/46 passes); 97% vs UNLV.
Key Weaknesses: 1. Distribution Under Pressure: Pass accuracy dropped to 69% vs GCU. Accuracy beyond own third was 71% vs AF (10/14 - AF Match Report p.11).
DEFENDERS
#23 U. Martinez (Outside Back)
Player Role/Archetype: Attacking Full-Back.
Key Strengths: 1. Primary Ball Progressor: Attempted 6 fwd passes vs AF (4 successful, 67% - CBU vs AF Players p.5); Completed 14/16 vs UVU. 2. Effective Creator: Completed 2/2 crosses vs UVU; 1/1 key passes vs UVU and SJSU. 3. Strong Ground Defender: Won 6/8 defensive duels (75%) vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.5); 6/7 (86%) vs GCU.
Key Weaknesses: 1. High-Risk in Possession: Lost possession 10 times vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.5); 18 times vs SJSU. 2. Aerial Liability: Won 3/4 aerial duels vs AF (75%), but aggregate win rate is only 50% and lost key aerials vs SJSU (0/2).
#3 H. Conteh (Center Back)
Player Role/Archetype: Ball-Playing Defender & Set-Piece Threat.
Key Strengths: 1. Set-Piece Goal Threat: Scored a goal vs. Air Force (from 3 shots, 0.93 xG - AF Match Report p.13). 2. Elite 1v1 Defender: Won 3/3 defensive duels (100%) vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.4); 4/4 (100%) vs GCU. 3. Accurate Short Passer: 89% pass accuracy vs AF (39/44 passes - CBU vs AF Players p.4); 90% vs UVU.
Key Weaknesses: 1. Poor Long-Ball Distribution: Completed 2/3 long passes vs AF (67%), but aggregate accuracy is 32%. 2. Limited Open Play Progression: Only 3/4 passes to final third successful vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.4); 2/6 vs GCU.
#5 W. Lawson (Center Back)
Player Role/Archetype: Ball-Playing Defender (Primary).
Key Strengths: 1. Primary Playmaker: Completed 33/41 forward passes vs AF (80% - CBU vs AF Players p.3); 10/10 vs UVU. 2. Excellent Long-Ball Distributor: Completed 11/16 long passes (69%) vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.3); 6/8 (75%) vs GCU. 3. Set-Piece Goal Threat: Scored the winner vs. GCU (from 2 shots). 4. Strong Defensively: Won 4/5 defensive duels (80%) vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.3); 6/9 (67%) vs GCU.
Key Weaknesses: 1. Vulnerable to Dribblers: Lost 2/3 offensive duels vs GCU. 2. Aerial Weakness: Won only 1/4 aerial duels (25%) vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.3). Aggregate win rate is 50%.
#2 A. Cruz (Outside Back)
Player Role/Archetype: Defensive Full-Back (Liability).
Key Strengths: 1. Reliable Short Passer: 92% pass accuracy vs AF (49/53 passes - CBU vs AF Players p.2). 2. Willing Progressor: Completed 14/15 forward passes vs AF (93% - CBU vs AF Players p.2). 3. Can Deliver Crosses: Completed 2/4 crosses vs AF (50% - AF Match Report p.21).
Key Weaknesses: 1. Extreme Defensive Liability: Won only 1/4 defensive duels (25%) vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.2); 2/9 (22%) vs SJSU. Aggregate win rate is 38%. 2. Poor Ball Winner: Won 0/2 loose ball duels vs AF (0% - CBU vs AF Players p.2). Aggregate 20%.
MIDFIELDERS
#6 J. Quispel (LDMF)
Player Role/Archetype: Deep-Lying Playmaker (High-Risk).
Key Strengths: 1. Elite Progressive Passer: Completed 4/6 passes to final third vs AF (67% - CBU vs AF Players p.7); 8/9 vs UVU. 2. Press Resistant Short Passer: 86% pass accuracy vs AF (31/36 passes - CBU vs AF Players p.7). Completed 5/6 long passes vs AF (83%).
Key Weaknesses: 1. Major Defensive Liability: Won 1/2 defensive duels (50%) vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.7), but 1/6 (17%) vs UVU. Aggregate win rate 23%. 2. Aerial Liability: 0/0 aerial duels vs AF. Aggregate 50%. 3. Turnover Prone: Lost possession 9 times vs UVU.
#8 S. Charalampous (RDMF)
Player Role/Archetype: Box-to-Box Midfielder (The Engine).
Key Strengths: 1. Elite Duel Winner: Won 7/13 duels (54%) vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.6); 19/26 (73%) vs GCU. 2. Ball-Winning Machine: Made 9 interceptions vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.6); 6 vs UVU. 3. Willing Shooter: 2 shots vs. Air Force (0 on target, 0.01 xG - AF Match Report p.13). 4. Good Passer: 92% pass accuracy vs AF (58/63 passes - CBU vs AF Players p.6).
Key Weaknesses: 1. No Creative Output: 1 key pass vs AF, but 0 in GCU, UVU, UNLV, SJSU games. 2. Poor Long Passer: Completed 1/3 long passes vs AF (33% - CBU vs AF Players p.6); Aggregate 41%. 3. Poor Aerials vs AF: Won 0/2 aerial duels vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.6), despite strong aggregate (67%).
#15 D. Arguello (LAMF)
Player Role/Archetype: Possession-Winger (Recycler).
Key Strengths: 1. Excellent Defensively: Won 3/7 defensive duels (43%) vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.8); 7/11 (64%) vs GCU. 2. Very Secure in Possession: 96% pass accuracy vs AF (27/28 passes - CBU vs AF Players p.8); 94% vs UVU.
Key Weaknesses: 1. No Creative Threat: 0 key passes vs AF, GCU, UVU. Aggregate xA 0.00. 2. No Goal Threat: 0 shots vs Air Force, GCU, UVU. Aggregate xG 0.14. 3. Ineffective Wide Delivery: 0/1 crosses vs AF (AF Match Report p.21).
#16 T. Marth (AMF)
Player Role/Archetype: Goal-Scoring Creator.
Key Strengths: 1. Primary Creator: Provided the assist vs. Air Force (from 2 crosses - CBU vs AF Players p.9); Assist vs UVU. Leads team in aggregate xA (1.15). 2. Clinical Finisher: Scored 1 goal from 1 shot vs UVU. Aggregate 2 goals on 0.78 xG. 3. Good Defensively vs AF: Won 9/11 duels (82%) including 3/3 defensive duels vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.9).
Key Weaknesses: 1. Inconsistent Passing: Pass accuracy 91% vs AF (10/11 passes), but aggregate 72%. 2. Low Volume of Actions: Only 30 actions in 57 mins vs AF.
#22 F. Ezekwuka (RAMF)
Player Role/Archetype: Traditional Winger (Dribbler).
Key Strengths: 1. Elite 1v1 Dribbler: Completed 10/14 dribbles (71%) vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.10); 13/14 (93%) vs GCU. Aggregate 61% success. 2. Wins Offensive Duels: Won 12/16 offensive duels (75%) vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.10); 15/19 (79%) vs GCU. 3. High Defensive Work Rate: Won 4/4 defensive duels (100%) vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.10); 3/4 (75%) vs GCU.
Key Weaknesses: 1. Poor End Product: 1/3 crosses successful vs AF (33% - AF Match Report p.21), but aggregate accuracy only 10%. 2. High-Risk: Lost possession 10 times vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.10); 18 times vs SJSU.
FORWARD
#9 B. D'Agostino (CF)
Player Role/Archetype: Poacher.
Key Strengths: 1. Elite Scoring Instincts: Scored 2 goals from 4 shots (3 SOG) vs. Air Force (xG 0.74 - AF Match Report p.13); Scored 1 goal vs UVU. Leads team significantly in aggregate xG (2.50). 2. High Box Presence: Active in the box vs AF (3 touches). 3. Good Dribbler: 4/6 successful dribbles vs AF (67% - CBU vs AF Players p.11). Aggregate 50%.
Key Weaknesses: 1. Extreme Aerial Liability: Won 1/1 aerial duels vs AF, but aggregate win rate only 22%. 2. Weak in Ground Duels: Won 13/29 duels (45%) vs AF, but aggregate win rate 31%. 3. Turnover Prone: Lost possession 6 times vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.11); 19 times vs GCU.
#16 T. Marth (AMF): Confirmed primary creator with assists vs Air Force (1A, 0.09 xA - CBU vs AF Players p.9) and UVU. Leads team in aggregate xA (1.15). Also clinical finisher (scored vs UVU). Central hub. Effective defensively vs AF (9/11 duels won).
#9 B. D'Agostino (CF): Confirmed primary finisher with 2 goals vs Air Force (on 0.74 xG) and 1 vs UVU. Leads team significantly in aggregate xG (2.50). Focal point for final actions.
#8 S. Charalampous (RDMF): The Engine. Dominant duels (73% win rate vs GCU, 67% vs SJSU). Vital for regaining possession (9 interceptions vs AF - CBU vs AF Players p.6, 6 vs UVU).
#23 U. Martinez (LB): Key creator from deep. High-quality crossing (2/2 vs UVU). Second on team in aggregate xA (0.55). Crucial for left-side build-up. Solid defensively vs AF (6/8 def duels won - CBU vs AF Players p.5).
#5 W. Lawson (RCB): Primary ball progressor from the back. Excellent long passing (69% acc vs AF - CBU vs AF Players p.3, 75% vs GCU) and initiates attacks (33/41 fwd passes vs AF). Set-piece threat (goal vs GCU). Solid defensively vs AF (4/5 def duels won).
Zone: Between the Lines
Who Operates Here: #16 T. Marth (AMF), #15 D. Arguello (LAMF)
Tactical Pattern: "Star and Recycler." #16 Marth creates/scores (Assist vs Air Force, Assist & Goal vs UVU). #15 Arguello recycles possession safely (96% pass acc vs AF) but offers no direct threat (0 shots vs Air Force). Marth looks for pockets, Arguello feeds him or Martinez.
Defensive Counter: Deny #16 Marth space to turn. Aggressive marking by DM. Can press him (lost possession 10 times vs UVU). Allow #15 Arguello possession in non-dangerous areas; focus on cutting passing lanes to Marth.
Zone: Space Behind the Back Line (via Wide Channels)
Who Operates Here: #9 B. D'Agostino (CF), #23 U. Martinez (LB), #22 F. Ezekwuka (RAMF)
Tactical Pattern: Primary chance creation method.
Left-Side Cross: #5 Lawson initiates, #23 Martinez delivers crosses (0/1 vs AF).
Right-Side 1v1: Look for #22 Ezekwuka to isolate and beat his man (10/14 dribbles vs AF; 13/14 vs GCU) before attempting a cross (1/3 vs AF; 0/1 vs GCU).
Defensive Counter:
vs. Left Side: Force #23 Martinez deep/defend. Exploit space behind him (lost possession 10 times vs AF).
vs. D'Agostino: CBs deny low passes/space to turn (scored 2 vs Air Force). Invite high crosses due to his extremely poor aerial ability (won 1/1 vs AF but aggregate 22% win rate).
vs. Right Side: Double-team #22 Ezekwuka. Show him outside onto his crossing foot (aggregate 10% accuracy). Concede the cross attempt.
Attacking Style of Play
Patient Build-up: CBU dominated possession vs AF (68% - AF Match Report p.4) and prefers methodical, "Positional Attacks" (45 vs AF compared to 0 counterattacks - AF Match Report p.5). Build-up starts with CBs.
Key Build-up Patterns:
Lawson Diagonals: #5 Lawson (RCB) plays long diagonals (69% acc vs AF - CBU vs AF Players p.3) or progressive passes (33/41 fwd passes vs AF) often targeting wide areas.
Wide 1v1 Isolation: Seek 1v1s for wingers. Right: #22 Ezekwuka dribbles (10/14 vs AF). Left: Get #23 Martinez into crossing positions (0/1 vs AF).
Central Hub: Final third play goes through #16 Marth (AMF), the primary creator (Assist vs Air Force), looking for #9 D'Agostino (2 goals vs Air Force).
Set-Piece Threat: Significant threat. #3 Conteh scored vs AF from a corner delivered by #16 Marth. #5 Lawson (goal vs GCU), and #8 Charalampous (goal vs UNLV) also scored recently. CBU had 10 corners vs AF (AF Match Report p.5).
Defending Style of Play
Mid-Block Press: Not a high-pressing team. PPDA vs AF was 5.8, but this is likely skewed by AF's low pass volume. PPDA average is 9.2, indicating they typically allow build-up in opponent half.
Patient & Zonal: Compact 4-2-3-1 shape, engage most aggressively in middle third. Won 51% of duels vs AF (AF Match Report p.4).
Funnel to Charalampous: Relies on #8 Charalampous as ball-winner (9 interceptions vs AF - CBU vs AF Players p.6).
Vulnerable Wide 1v1: RB #2 Cruz won only 1/4 defensive duels vs AF (CBU vs AF Players p.2).
Transitions
Attacking Transition (After Gaining Possession):
Trigger: Ball recovery by #8 Charalampous (9 interceptions vs AF), #5 Lawson (11 recoveries vs AF), or #2 A. Cruz (8 recoveries vs AF - AF Match Report p.18).
Primary Outlet: First look wide to #22 Ezekwuka for 1v1 dribbling (10/14 vs AF).
Secondary Outlet: Centrally to #16 Marth to secure possession. CBU had 75 recoveries vs AF (AF Match Report p.18).
Defensive Transition (After Losing Possession):
Vulnerability: Exposed when full-backs (#23 Martinez - 5 losses in own half vs AF; #2 Cruz - 8 losses in own half vs AF - AF Match Report p.17) are caught high.
Counter-Press: Not aggressive. Rely on "reactionary" defending from #8 Charalampous (9 int vs AF) and #3 Conteh (3/3 def duels won vs AF).
Target Player: #2 A. Cruz (RB) - PRIMARY TARGET
Identified Weakness: Catastrophically poor 1v1 defending.
Supporting Data: Won 1/4 def duels vs AF (25% - CBU vs AF Players p.2); Won 2/9 vs SJSU (22%). Aggregate win rate 38%.
Recommended Attacking Strategy: Isolate our best winger on Cruz. Attack him aggressively 1v1. Trigger high press when he receives the ball in his half (8 losses in own half vs AF).
Target Player: #9 B. D'Agostino (CF)
Identified Weakness: Extremely poor aerial ability despite height.
Supporting Data: Won 1/1 aerial duels vs AF, but 0/1 vs GCU, 0/5 vs SJSU, 0/1 vs UNLV. Aggregate win rate only 22%.
Recommended Attacking Strategy: Deny ball to feet (scored 2 vs Air Force this way). Be physical. On high balls/crosses, attack the ball aggressively – he is a non-threat. Funnel their play into crossing situations targeting him.
Target Player: #6 J. Quispel (LDMF)
Identified Weakness: Major defensive liability in ground duels.
Supporting Data: Won 1/2 def duels vs AF (50% - CBU vs AF Players p.7); 17% vs UVU (won 1/6). Aggregate win rate 23%.
Recommended Attacking Strategy: Weak link in pivot. Instruct AMF/Wingers to make driving runs directly at him. He is a good passer but cannot defend 1v1.
Target Player: #22 F. Ezekwuka (RAMF)
Identified Weakness: Elite dribbler but poor end product from crosses.
Supporting Data: 1/3 cross accuracy vs AF (33% - CBU vs AF Players p.10); 0% vs GCU (0/1), UVU (0/1), SJSU (0/4). Aggregate accuracy 10%.
Recommended Attacking Strategy: Do not over-commit. Show him outside. Force the cross attempt – it is effectively a turnover. Prevents him cutting inside.
Target Area: CBU's Build-up Under Pressure (Especially Left Side)
Identified Weakness: Prone to losses when pressed in own half; Conteh's long passing inconsistent under pressure.
Supporting Data: #23 Martinez lost possession 10 times vs AF, #3 Conteh lost possession 5 times vs AF (CBU vs AF player reports). #3 Conteh poor long pass accuracy (67% vs AF but aggregate 32%; 0/5 vs GCU). Aggregate: Martinez (47 losses in own half), Conteh (35 losses in own half). CBU lost the ball 107 times vs AF (AF Match Report p.17).
Recommended Attacking Strategy: Implement a high press, particularly targeting triggers on their left side (GK to Conteh/Martinez). Force errors or inaccurate long balls from Conteh.