San Jose Soccer Formation

Starting Lineup

DANIEL · PAUL (MARIE) · DANIEL (MUNIE) · DAVE (ROMNEY) · VÍTOR (COSTA) · RONALDO (VIEIRA) · BEAU (LEROUX) · NIKO (TSAKIRIS) · OUSSENI (BOUDA) · TIMO (WERNER) · PRESTON (JUDD)

San Jose plays a 4-3-3 that focuses on a high press and quick vertical transitions. The formation is built to win the ball high up the pitch and move it forward rapidly to catch the opponent out of position. By using three attackers, San Jose looks to dominate the final third and stretch the opposition back line.

DANIEL starts between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back four consists of PAUL at right back and VÍTOR at left back, both tasked with pushing up to provide width. In the center, DANIEL and DAVE operate as the two central defenders, with one often stepping up to intercept while the other covers the space behind. This defensive unit works to maintain a high line to keep the team compact.

The midfield operates with a three man unit that links the defense to the attack. BEAU and RONALDO sit in the middle to shield the back four and break up play, while NIKO plays as an attacking ten to connect the lines. BEAU and RONALDO must track back to help the defenders, while NIKO looks to find pockets of space between the lines to create chances. This trio ensures the team can move from a defensive block into an attacking phase.

Up front, the team uses three attackers to pin the opposition defense. PRESTON plays as a lone striker to hold up the ball and lead the press, while TIMO and OUSSENI act as wide wingers. TIMO and OUSSENI look to cut inside and take on defenders in one on one situations, creating space for the overlapping runs of VÍTOR and PAUL. The front three work together to press high and force turnovers in the attacking half.

This formation offers several tactical advantages. The team can create wide overloads when VÍTOR and PAUL overlap with TIMO and OUSSENI. There is also the ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the front three and NIKO to squeeze the opponent. When the ball is won, the speed of transition allows the team to exploit gaps in a retreating defense.

San Jose utilizes a proactive and aggressive lineup designed to disrupt the opponent. This 4-3-3 is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.