In just the fourth game of the season, the Michigan men’s soccer team and graduate midfielder Shuma Sasaki wasted little time creating offensive pressure. When the Wolverines bolted their way into the attacking third, momentum instantly sided with Michigan. This momentum never left.
Sasaki settled the ball on his right foot for the first time early on in the match, he was looking to supply a quick offensive spark. By using his speed to create one-on-one situations, Sasaki dashed deep into the Bowling Green defensive zone. When his teammates realized the advantage, they rarely shied away from the opportunity to get Sasaki the ball in space.
“We talked about being aggressive and I think we set the tone early,” Sasaki said. “I think we executed really well.”
Sasaki’s consistent approach helped Michigan execute earlyon.Hustling with the ball on his foot, Sasaki suddenly found himself 1-on-1, just as he likes. After a series of moves on his defender, he unleashed with his powerful right foot, striking the ball into the back of the net.
Although Sasaki’s speed was not something to veer away from, it remained important for Michigan to play an unpredictable brand of soccer. They often emphasized control of possession by stringing together several short passes before considering a legitimate attack on the Falcons’ defenders. By maintaining possession, the Wolverines consistently had Bowling Green stuck in its back third, preventing the counter attack.
While the majority of possession took place in the Michigan attacking third, on the rare occurrence of a Bowling Green attack, there was very little legitimate pressure applied by the Falcons. As the Wolverines’ defenders consistently halted Bowling Green attacks, the back third constantly went back to its game plan — get the ball to Sasaki.
“Shuma is a top player,” Michigan coach Chaka Daley said. “If he’s available, we’re going to give (the ball) to him. We’re not complicating it.”
After being a focal point of the offense for all of the first half, Sasaki was given a much-deserved rest in the proceeding half. His brief absence was widely noticed. Rather than attacking through the outside and taking on defenders one-on-one, Michigan transitioned into a possession first team. Without Sasaki’s speed on the left side, play transitioned more toward the middle of the field. However, it wasn’t long before Sasaki returned to the pitch, providing the same lightning speed that was on display in the first half.
With Sasaki on the pitch, the Falcons’ defenders were forced to keep an extra eye on the lone goalscorer of the match. Even while covered, Sasaki continued to find opportunities to create space. As the clock continued to tick, the Wolverines were satisfied with moving at a slower pace. Even without scoring in the second half, the attention Sasaki commanded allowed them to retain possession.
This season, the offense lost much of its production due to players graduating. The lack of returning attackers allows Sasaki to settle into a role where he can contribute by utilizing his blazing speed and ability to attack one-on-one.
“I think wide area and one on one ability,” Sasaki said on what is his best attribute. “I want to continue to beat the defender one on one and just be there for the team.”
After transferring from the University of the Cumberlands in the off-season, Sasaki appears to be right at home. In the early stages of the season, one thing seems clear: Sasaki will have the chance to climb as a result of his crafty play accompanied by his blistering speed which proved to be the difference against Bowling Green.
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