2025-04-15, 09:48 AM - Word count: 354
Hercule returns to the SSL major league ranks, now as part of Hollywood FC. Building on the experience he gained with Catalunya and in his 1 year stint in Kaapstad expectations are high for the Belgian to anchor the defensive backline. His first competition with the squad showed some promise, but also some kinks that need to be worked out.
Against a talented SFV squad, the defense of Hollywood was certainly going to be challenged. Hefeweizen was given great freedom to harry the ballcarrier as a defensive midfielder, but in his role as a center back now he will need to demonstrate some more solidity and discipline. Unfortunately, his unfamiliarity with the new backline contributed toward the first goal Hollywood allowed this season. Caught between adding pressure to the oncoming dribbler and marking his man in the box, Hefeweizen didn’t do enough of either to prevent the centering pass that opened the scoring:
![[Image: image.png]](https://i.ibb.co/Q7BFgbKC/image.png)
A similar situation led to the creation of the third goal for SFV. Though in that instance it was a bit less clear the marking assignment with his center back partner. In general though Hefeweizen will need to improve in this aspect of his game, and that may simply require some more time gelling with his new teammates.
At other points in the game Hefeweizen clearly demonstrated the toolset to play his center back role at the major league level. A key intervention in the 61st minute helped keep the scoring from getting out of hand. The Belgian used his head to break up a similar cross in the 87th minute as well.
![[Image: image.png]](https://i.ibb.co/ynt8dsR7/image.png)
The ball playing defender had the ball at his feet at many key moments in the match. While he didn’t show any moments of brilliance to break down the opposing press he was composed and solid on the ball, completing 92% of his 69 passes, and most importantly giving away no dangerous turnovers as the team tries to play out of defense. If he can maintain this level of performance, solid but not stunning, it should be a successful return to the majors for Hercule Hefeweizen.
Against a talented SFV squad, the defense of Hollywood was certainly going to be challenged. Hefeweizen was given great freedom to harry the ballcarrier as a defensive midfielder, but in his role as a center back now he will need to demonstrate some more solidity and discipline. Unfortunately, his unfamiliarity with the new backline contributed toward the first goal Hollywood allowed this season. Caught between adding pressure to the oncoming dribbler and marking his man in the box, Hefeweizen didn’t do enough of either to prevent the centering pass that opened the scoring:
A similar situation led to the creation of the third goal for SFV. Though in that instance it was a bit less clear the marking assignment with his center back partner. In general though Hefeweizen will need to improve in this aspect of his game, and that may simply require some more time gelling with his new teammates.
At other points in the game Hefeweizen clearly demonstrated the toolset to play his center back role at the major league level. A key intervention in the 61st minute helped keep the scoring from getting out of hand. The Belgian used his head to break up a similar cross in the 87th minute as well.
The ball playing defender had the ball at his feet at many key moments in the match. While he didn’t show any moments of brilliance to break down the opposing press he was composed and solid on the ball, completing 92% of his 69 passes, and most importantly giving away no dangerous turnovers as the team tries to play out of defense. If he can maintain this level of performance, solid but not stunning, it should be a successful return to the majors for Hercule Hefeweizen.
