Set pieces are those moments in a soccer game when the action’s relentless forward momentum holds up just long enough to create something dramatically different from the bulk of the game. A free kick or corner kick gives each team the time and space to set something up, briefly turning soccer from free-flowing kinetic opportunism into a chess match. If you’ve been watching Minnesota United in the last few games, you might have noticed something new in the team’s corner kicks: midfielder Jan Gregus has been taking the ones from the right corner with his non-dominant left foot.
Gregus’ ability on set pieces was a major reason for bringing him in as the team’s third Designated Player this past offseason.