Also some good news from Ryan Clarke earlier: "Becky Sauerbrunn (foot) trained in full today. Mike Norris said the Thorns are hopeful that she’ll be available for limited minutes on Saturday at OL Reign."
Folks that know GK's: How do you rate Hogan's performance?
To me, she appeared a bit shaky at times, and had a ball or two that she should've held onto. But, she had a mostly second-string defense in front of her much of the night, so that factors in as well...
I only noticed one scuffed catch in the first half. Other than that, she looked really good, especially with her feet: She played a couple gorgeous 40 yard passes to the flank in the first half and looked generally very calm.....which Bixby is very much not.
I did think she looked much better than Bix with her feet, yes! Passes actually going TO one of our players. Bixby stresses me out every time she has the ball at her feet and opposition players are running towards her.
I hope we see more of Reyna and Izzy going forward. Both showed considerable quality tonight, and Rey-Rey's motor seems limitless--playing end to end at minute 95.
Hate to say it but isn’t Kling the natural choice? She’s not getting any younger, she’s still got that fire but hasn’t had the pace or as much accuracy this year
Thankful she wasn't in the Audi Suite above my section literally screaming at the top of her lungs over the edge for Angel City like a friggin' psychopath like she was the first game we had against AC a month or so ago. Never wanted to have water balloons to throw so badly in my life lol...
Since the equalizing goal was directly linked to the CB pairing on the field for concession having the combined pace of a turtle with three legs I’m not so worried.
The finishing was painfully bad, however. Should’ve put the game away.
LOL turtle with three legs is real. I told my partner that waching Nally run was like watching someone run with firefighter gear on, or like she had sandbags tied to her ankles. Like, how does a CB that slow make it to the pros? Our defense (esp at CB) needs some upgrades quickly because the dropoff is quite extreme (and I don't think ANY of our CB's have played super well all season) , but so does Norris' tactics. Can't keep playing FB's and midfield so damn high when we're up by two. That part is squarely on the coach.
I think we have the attack part down pretty well, but Norris really needs to tweak the personnel and tactics for D and M for this upcoming game v. Seattle. The only way I see us winning that game is just making sure we score one more goal than they do, because multiple concessions seem a given at this point. If they score 3, we gotta score 4 lol. So far we've been "all attack, no defense." And so many last second goals....that luck has gotta run out soon.
Personally biased but I think she’s better than both. Definitely pacier. They should at least give her a look. Although I think she said she’s taking a break with all the KC drama
Attacking players are only getting better, and, more numerous in this league. Can't really get away with having 'meh' defenders unless you wanna sink fast (looking at you, KC.)
If ruthlessness equates to better finishing, sure, but it’s not like Angel City put much pressure on the whole second half- the first goal was a nice finish and the second one was Thompson absolutely rinsing both our backup CBs.
Thorns controlled the second half and had both more and higher quality chances.
OTOH I thought the proportion of hard shots was pretty good, not the soft rollers right to the keeper that show up on the stat sheet as "on goal" but never had a chance. Izzy hurt the crossbar, for example. Once centimeter lower it's bouncing in and I want her shooting it 10 times out of 10 opportunities. (Talk about making the best of her first start.)
And still needed a dose of starters and an injury time goal to pull this out. “Controlling” is an odd way to describe letting a team like AC level when, as you pointed out, they had nothing m.
Starters, backups…they all seem to have trouble hanging onto a lead. I don’t think it’s Thompson vs Nally so much as what’s going on with the whole squad. I think there’s some sort of headspace issues.
I saw Provenzano warming up at the half and Menges with some of her gear off and I was like OH NO. I mean, I get it. Menges is just coming back from a long injury, and is also sporting some tape...and we have a big game this weekend. Playing her 90 is prob a bad idea. But, like maybe he could've given Hubly 45mins and swapped both starting CB's out if he wanted Provenzano out there. Hopefully he learned that lesson.
really tough call. Hogan definetly dove at ball and seemed to dive before could see Thompson. she is just so damn fast got her toe in before hogan got there.
She is- It’s hard to be a FB playing in your opposite side. Wouldn’t say she’s been dreadful tho, she’s had a few nice moments. Overall encouraged by what I see from her.
In a disciplined unit she’s adequate, no more. In a pickup game like this she gets exposed much worse. Reyes was walkabout and she got skinned 1v1…but, no. She’s no more that deep depth.
Also some good news from Ryan Clarke earlier: "Becky Sauerbrunn (foot) trained in full today. Mike Norris said the Thorns are hopeful that she’ll be available for limited minutes on Saturday at OL Reign."
Folks that know GK's: How do you rate Hogan's performance?
To me, she appeared a bit shaky at times, and had a ball or two that she should've held onto. But, she had a mostly second-string defense in front of her much of the night, so that factors in as well...
I only noticed one scuffed catch in the first half. Other than that, she looked really good, especially with her feet: She played a couple gorgeous 40 yard passes to the flank in the first half and looked generally very calm.....which Bixby is very much not.
I did think she looked much better than Bix with her feet, yes! Passes actually going TO one of our players. Bixby stresses me out every time she has the ball at her feet and opposition players are running towards her.
The "dreamy feet" legend gets traction.
Happy that the players are still in the hunt for the big payday.
I hope we see more of Reyna and Izzy going forward. Both showed considerable quality tonight, and Rey-Rey's motor seems limitless--playing end to end at minute 95.
Reyes was excellent in the second half. Think we really have something with her
She looked rough early in the season, but she's been pretty great these last two matches.
Like to find a way to get Reyes more minutes but who sits for her? Same w D’Aquila.
Hate to say it but isn’t Kling the natural choice? She’s not getting any younger, she’s still got that fire but hasn’t had the pace or as much accuracy this year
Sinc got 95+ minutes tonight. I really hope she gets Saturday either off or mostly off.
RU kidding?
Isn't that how Angel City matches are supposed to end, with a backheel goal deep in stoppage time?
I just like the thought of Julie Uhrman's head exploding at that one.
Thankful she wasn't in the Audi Suite above my section literally screaming at the top of her lungs over the edge for Angel City like a friggin' psychopath like she was the first game we had against AC a month or so ago. Never wanted to have water balloons to throw so badly in my life lol...
*whispers*
The corner that lead to the goal was CLEARLY off of Soph
Looked like the AR got wishy-washy about it and the Center called it. It looked weird from a thousand miles away.
It was obvious from my seat- Soph knew it too, which is why she chases the ball so hard. Angel City players knew it as well.
Glad we got the winner. But what’s with this club’s utter inability to keep the boot on their opponents neck?
Since the equalizing goal was directly linked to the CB pairing on the field for concession having the combined pace of a turtle with three legs I’m not so worried.
The finishing was painfully bad, however. Should’ve put the game away.
LOL turtle with three legs is real. I told my partner that waching Nally run was like watching someone run with firefighter gear on, or like she had sandbags tied to her ankles. Like, how does a CB that slow make it to the pros? Our defense (esp at CB) needs some upgrades quickly because the dropoff is quite extreme (and I don't think ANY of our CB's have played super well all season) , but so does Norris' tactics. Can't keep playing FB's and midfield so damn high when we're up by two. That part is squarely on the coach.
I think we have the attack part down pretty well, but Norris really needs to tweak the personnel and tactics for D and M for this upcoming game v. Seattle. The only way I see us winning that game is just making sure we score one more goal than they do, because multiple concessions seem a given at this point. If they score 3, we gotta score 4 lol. So far we've been "all attack, no defense." And so many last second goals....that luck has gotta run out soon.
Personally biased but I think she’s better than both. Definitely pacier. They should at least give her a look. Although I think she said she’s taking a break with all the KC drama
And Provenzano is quite a bit slower, if anything!
Attacking players are only getting better, and, more numerous in this league. Can't really get away with having 'meh' defenders unless you wanna sink fast (looking at you, KC.)
Thorns should make a phone call to Mykkia Minniss
Was she a CB? I haven’t seen her play, to be honest!
It’s the mindset that’s worrying. This squad lacks ruthlessness. There’s no way AC should have been close.
If ruthlessness equates to better finishing, sure, but it’s not like Angel City put much pressure on the whole second half- the first goal was a nice finish and the second one was Thompson absolutely rinsing both our backup CBs.
Thorns controlled the second half and had both more and higher quality chances.
One possible strategy: draft a player named Ruth. For your consideration, Lauren Ruth of Delaware.
https://bluehens.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/lauren-ruth/22420
Be Ruthless no more!
OTOH I thought the proportion of hard shots was pretty good, not the soft rollers right to the keeper that show up on the stat sheet as "on goal" but never had a chance. Izzy hurt the crossbar, for example. Once centimeter lower it's bouncing in and I want her shooting it 10 times out of 10 opportunities. (Talk about making the best of her first start.)
And still needed a dose of starters and an injury time goal to pull this out. “Controlling” is an odd way to describe letting a team like AC level when, as you pointed out, they had nothing m.
Starters, backups…they all seem to have trouble hanging onto a lead. I don’t think it’s Thompson vs Nally so much as what’s going on with the whole squad. I think there’s some sort of headspace issues.
They keep fighting, mind, I’ll give them that.
I don't know... The equalizer was a PK that most of the time the goalie gets a hair of the ball and it's not a PK.
I think Thorns lost the battle of the subs but won anyway. We were deep into the bench this game. For entertainment purposes only.
Needed the starters to pull it out, tho…
A thing of beauty from Sinc to Weaver!
Holy fuck Morgan where did that come from lmaooo
Amazing goal but that keeper should have caught that ball. Very poor.
That ball dove on her.
You're a nice person
I just didn't know Weaver had that kind of stuff in her bag of tricks.
Oh, she read it wrong too, no doubt, but it dropped down fast.
This is the big leagues.
I regret that Betford sub now.
On the team. Same old; don’t convert chances and switch off on back. BTDT…
It’s the Provenzano sub I regret haha
He made a lot of Hey We're Ahead subs.
Oh Christ, it’s HErtz. Ugh.
she is a thug, only positive I can say is at least on uswnt she is ourr thug
Aaand here comes Soph
That's a bad miss Liv.
Wonder what the combined xG of the two Izzy chances and that Moultrie miss are.
D’Aquila was onside and could have stuck a boot out, too.
Just coming in to watch at the 65th minute. Among the non-regulars seeing action tonight, who is playing well and who is not?
Moultrie's been good except for that last shot. She got a little cute with it.
Vasconcelos was awesome, Moultrie has been good, Izzy has had her moments but has missed two golden chances.
Provenzano/Nally mostly bad.
Poor Nally is struggling again. D’Aquila looked great until after the hour.
Weaver for Vasconcelos.
From a laugher against ACFC to a tie match. Where I have seen this before?
Gonna happen when ya got Thompson against Gabby and Nally lol
I saw Provenzano warming up at the half and Menges with some of her gear off and I was like OH NO. I mean, I get it. Menges is just coming back from a long injury, and is also sporting some tape...and we have a big game this weekend. Playing her 90 is prob a bad idea. But, like maybe he could've given Hubly 45mins and swapped both starting CB's out if he wanted Provenzano out there. Hopefully he learned that lesson.
Getting reeeeeeally old.
D’Aquila had two great looks before that, too; got stoned on the first, crossbarred with the second.
This will change whatever sub plan Norris had. Gotta get some firepower on.
Not at the cost of Seattle away, IMO…
I don't know how this competition is valued by the club but there's not that much time left. Thorns need to win things.
All square at 2.
Yeah have to agree with that one. Tough one though.
Scary. Good hustle by Hogan.
Might be a PK, tho…
Yep, PK foul on Hogan
But you know what? I love Hogan's play on that whole sequence. I'd like to see more of her in goal.
Thompson initiated that contact, imo.
really tough call. Hogan definetly dove at ball and seemed to dive before could see Thompson. she is just so damn fast got her toe in before hogan got there.
It was her nick of the ball that won her the call.
Izzy is in the game to finish the two chances she just missed. And that’s probably a PK
Ooo. They got a little static.
Hell of a shot to pull one back for AC.
Gotta think who between Liv and Sinc come off first probably starts in Seattle
But what about they both went 90+ lmaooo. No way they start the 40 yr old every game in a three game week, right? RIGHT?!
Thompson running at Provenzano and Nally is a terrifying thought
Re-upping this lol
Izzy has an assist + goal.
ETA credit Liv.
I don’t think Moultrie actually got a touch on that. I bet the scorer changes that after review.
It's the Horan special against Louisville a couple of years ago.
Free kick specialist
Beauty!
Vasconcelos is absolutely *wrecking* the ACFC RB tonight lmao
right! and then weaver upped the ante and just embarrassed Spencer for the remainder
I don’t think anyone in the box actually touched that.
Natu!
Kinda wish Norris’s given Natu the night off…
They needed to give either Reyes or Kling a half off tho....especially since Kling was injured.
I get it. Still…Seattle. I could care about this; put Bixby on for Kling,..
Lol Betfort on. Norris does not care. Leon only getting a half is weird.
Like Kuikka for Kling tho, Kling is needed this weekend.
Like what I'm seeing from Reyes tonight. Focus, hustle, huge range on the field.
AC was showing signs of life in the last 10 minutes. I’ll be interested to see how the second half starts off.
Wonder if we see Ertz and/or Leroux relatively soon
Depends how bad they want this. Their league match isn’t til Monday, tho, so they’ve got some time to rest.
I wonder what Coach Norris' substitution plan is for the night.
Seattle thrashing SDW 0-2. If the players are still craving the CC cash I think the Thorns can jump both AC and SD if these results hold…
3 now
Brutal.
Kling has played 3-4 absolutely terrible balls towards Izzy/Vasconcelos tonight
That last D’Aquila header, tho? All the time and space in the world and the tamest of tame bloops.
Yeah she had more time than she thought, though it’s nearly impossible to put much power on the ball she got (tho it was a nice one from Sinc)
AC with some teeth the last couple of minutes or so.
Reyes is much, much better on the left than on the right.
She is- It’s hard to be a FB playing in your opposite side. Wouldn’t say she’s been dreadful tho, she’s had a few nice moments. Overall encouraged by what I see from her.
Ouch. Nally just got pantsed again.
She is....just not very good
In a disciplined unit she’s adequate, no more. In a pickup game like this she gets exposed much worse. Reyes was walkabout and she got skinned 1v1…but, no. She’s no more that deep depth.
This is her second start on the right and she has looked pretty bad.
I think you are too quick to judge someone with so few game minutes. I thought she was good as a starter on the left last game. Still a rookie.
I think he was referring to Nally on the “deep depth” thing. I actually think Reyes has been alright, but she’s clearly more comfortable on the left.
Nally is depth. I think Reyes has looked fine, both tonight and in San Diego. She shows me a lot of promise.
My mistake. I agree re Nally.
She’s like the tin man laterally- Just moves so robotically, which is a real issue against someone like Thompson.
Crazy. I was watching some pointless passing around our backline, looked down to type something, and there was a goal.
Credit Vasconcelos man, I thought she was cooked after that disaster start in preseason but she’s looked pretty good every time she’s come on.
(And maybe Izzy IS a winger ;)
What. A. Pass.
WTAF?