Respectable performance marred by few individual errors. This is the first time I think I’d really criticize Gale’s approach to the game. He didn’t start the right players. Sinc should have stayed home. She’s got no business in Orlando heat and humidity, especially if we need to be quick in transition. Our lack of pace at both ends of the pitch left us exposed at the back and Beckie isolated up top. Our passing was a bit off too, even Coffey. May have had something to do with trying to conserve energy and not move off the ball too much.
We’re lucky Hogan didn’t see red. Banda would have been within her rights to be tripped. Hogan has improved but I am curious about Alvarado. I’m really happy for Izzy, especially because I didn’t think she had it in her.
Linnehan has made a case to start over Beckie IMHO, though her being better defensively makes some sense as a sub if we assume we are going to try to hold a lead. Beckie needs to work on her composure and decision-making in the box, though she was often double or triple-teamed without outlets.
I don’t know what Fleming is supposed to be doing. Apparently she completed some passes but I don’t know if they were progressive or chance-creating. I rarely or barely notice when she’s playing. That’s gotta get fixed. So far it seems more like a favor to team Canada to sign her than about building a balanced Thorns roster. She’s got Hina, Moultrie, and sometimes Sinc at least competing for what seems to be her role. Hina and Moultrie as kind of pivoting 8/10s seems the best choice most of the time but Liv has some off games. Sinc gets mostly charity minutes, which is unfortunate and unprofessional IMHO.
Obaze and Payne might have been better choices than Hubly and Reyes for this one. Hubly and Reyes have both been returning to form/improving and maybe Obaze and Payne are still settling in and finding chemistry, but I think they are faster and I haven’t noticed the same mental lapses.
Gale has been doing well so far but LeBlanc and Norris set him up with an unbalanced roster. Some of that is due to us sticking with some older players for consistency during this transition period and to allow them to have honorable send-offs in front of the supporters. Offseason should help if they can make better decisions and not just use Thorns as the Canadian national team’s farm team. I kind of like being honorary Canadian and appreciate the value of cohesion and chemistry, but the club comes before country.
Would have preferred Linnehan and Beckie on the wings, Liv and Hina pivoting in midfield above Coffey, and probably Dias up top. Was valuable to have quality, pace, energy, and creativity off the bench though.
Perhaps a different game without Soph -- and you have to remember that the Thorns are already missing Weaver -- but we already know Sinclair and Moultrie in two of the front 3 positions doesn't work!
First half against Seattle: .17 xG, 1 goal
First half against Orlando: .22 xG, 0 goals
There's not enough dynamism, there's not enough speed, and the team isn't tactically set up well enough to go away from home and have 60, 65% possession (which is the only way that kind of front 3 can work).
The Thorns strength under Gale has been counter-pressing and then quick counter-attacks. Can't do that with the lineup they had last night.
The encouraging thing is he quickly made adjustments, but Gale's been wedded to using Sinclair a bit too much IMV when it doesn't match what the Thorns are good at under his coaching. Interested to see how they respond next time.
"Same problems as always. I’m not sure why she seems so disconnected from her teammates, but Fleming is too expensive for the value she’s currently providing. Not sure if a better coach might unlock her? But she played under a pretty good gaffer at Chel$ki who couldn’t, so…"
So the headscratcher is: is this on the coach? the system? the player? the surrounding talent? the role (or lack thereof) she's being asked to play? something else? all of the above?
She looks really slow to me. She easily gets run down / passed on plays. Maybe that's why she isn't involved with many plays during a game? I always thought her reputation was as a fast player. Is she dealing with an undisclosed injury? She's definitely small and is outmatched against bigger and more physical players. Just my observations.
Well, Emma Hayes agrees with you. Back in 2023 she said Fleming had struggled to adjust to the "physicality" of the WSL. When I read that, I thought "Then how the hell is she going to deal with the physicality of the *N*WSL?"
Um, UCLA has won two college cups—same as Santa Clara. I wish they hadn’t since their last one in 2022 was against my team — UNC; painful to watch (I was there) but facts are facts.
Well, she's failed to prosper under two (or three, if you break Norris and Gale out) club coaches, so you kind of have to look at her first. Not sure how much all the other possible factors play in, but as the saying goes, if you leave the house and meet an idiot, you met an idiot. If EVERYone you meet is an idiot, maybe YOU'RE the idiot.
Despite the awful first half and not having Sophie, the Thorns fought back well. Do not underestimate the effect of the high heat and humidity. I lived there for decades. And I worked outside in my teens and early 20s. It was brutal — and the weather is hotter now compared to a half-century ago.
Last season, the Thorns wilted in the second half against Orlando. Same at Houston. There's more grit this season.
Watching the game, it was interesting to see the dynamics on the coaching bench. I was watching every time they showed Emma, who was mostly sitting next to and/or talking to Denise Reddy, who very much appears to be her top assistant. Twila looked kinda on the outside or isolated from the other assistants. I know Emma brought a hand full of staff over from Chelsea who she's known and worked with for years (or decades.) Not trying to overly read into anything, but I wonder if she feels a little bit like the 3rd or 4th wheel now. She's still a pro of course, but she may feel ready to move into a more prominent coaching role after the Olympics.
If the Thorns continue to be a service station for the CWNT, then maybe Priestman would be a good fit- she keeps winning internationally with players that are barely even startling quality when they wear PTFC jerseys.
Whoa, I sure hope Priestman wouldn't bring the CWNT brand of soccer here, at least the CWNT as they play against the USWNT. It got Canada an Olympic gold but it was dreadful to watch.
I'll take Priestman if she brings a Tim Horton's to Portland. If we can have In-N-Out here, I don't see why we can't get some decent Canadian crullers and an Iced Capp on the regular. We're closer to BC than SoCal, after all.
I def agree. I feel like watching Canada the last many years has been the equivalent of like plain oatmeal. Or watching paint dry. Ie...stale and/or incredibly boring or forgettable. I would be pretty pretty bummed. I just think, with who we have in charge, I wouldn't be surprised at all.
Poor bay. Remember when they were slated to become the most elite team in the league before the season even started? Reminds me of another Californian team…
I agree that Smith was needed. The team got better after Sinclair was pulled but Orlando was without Banda at the same time. If Smith is back, and the Thorns back line is full strength I think that we'll see a different outcome in October.
On the bubble: Dunn, Albert, Krueger, Morgan, Staab, Yohannes, Sonnett, Murphy, Campbell.
I feel pretty good about Dunn and Sonett making the roster given former's history with Hayes and the versatility of both on a small roster. That leaves two spots. They need a midfielder and although I'd prefer Yohannes (she's better than Albert already and also not a loon), I think Albert goes. I'd guess the last spot goes to Morgan.
I tried this fool's errand myself. I think Dunn and Sonnett are in, because they're vets and Swiss Army Knives.
I think the hardest call is at Naeher's backup. Murphy saw a lot more action today than Campbell did on Saturday. I don't think you can go wrong with either keeper.
I didn't think Krueger looked great today. She made a pretty big mistake and got bailed out in the 1st half when she in fact was the player who committed the foul. So I'd agree that she's gonna get voted off the island.
Yohannes made a pretty strong case today. If it's really between her and Albert, I'd lean toward Yohannes. Not sure Hayes will agree, but she gave Emma a tough decision here.
I would assume Macario goes, but it's based entirely on promise/potential rather than performance to date. She's making her way back and is nowhere near what she'll be. Having her size and physicality, and obviously skill, is a great benefit.
I wouldn't mind seeing Staab in that mix somehow, though that means moving Dunn to forward and/or Sonnett to midfield and leaving off someone like Macario or Albert/Yohannes.
Incredible how fast Sam has locked dow the starting six position on the freakin USWNT as a relatively older newcomer to the pool. Dictionary definition of "taking your chance."
Just finally watching the post-game interview with Gale after the Orlando game and was surprised to hear him say that in hindsight he still wouldn't have changed the lineup (he was asked specifically about the front 3.) Not quite what you'd hope to hear...
My guess is he didn’t to throw shade on any players in public, which is probably the right way to go. But he has to know after seeing what happened that the lineup he put on the field was a monumental error.
Yeah, as I mentioned above as well, I think that's a possibility I hadn't considered. Regardless, I hope he actually does see the issues even if he doesn't say so because I very much question his decision-making if not.
Probs doesn't want to throw the players under the bus when his whole schtick is Mr. Vibes, but I'd hope he saw the problem. Not that it matters, we've been riding this bus with Sinc for almost 5 years now; it's not going away until she retires or they hire someone with some juice from the outside.
Yeah that's a good point that I hadn't considered. I guess he could've found a round about way to take responsibility for game decisions without throwing players under the bus. I think a good coach can figure out how to do both...regardless, I DO hope that's the case because there was A LOT wrong with his decision-making.
When I saw the starting XIs thought somebody should do a welfare check on Malfoy and see if Norris weren't back, stuffed into a conspicuously tight sports coat. As close to a Surrender Lineup as I've seen from him.
You're not suggesting that Norris used polyjuice potion to transform into Malfoy are you? Come to think of it, was that Moaning Marta out on the pitch?
Yeah, I kinda thought I had Norrisball dejavu also. Reverting back to poor set-ups or having no idea what to do without Sophia, and subs that aren't game-state related at all. Sinc for 60...in Florida? After that first half!?
I was disappointed with his response except when he said he was looking forward to meeting them at PP. Competitive response, but don’t use that first half lineup again, Please!!!
I appreciate that also, but man I feel like we could've at least gotten a point out of this one even without her if he didn't set us up so poorly for the first 60-70 minutes.
One swallow doesn’t make a summer and one goal doesn’t make a striker. I’m glad she had a good match, but D’Aquila has a long history of ineffectiveness behind her. I’m not convinced she’s a better option than Dias.
But…she’s gotta be less of a boat anchor than Sinc. So if that’s the choices? Bring on some Izzy.
D'Aquila and Dias both seem to be pretty exclusively 9s, so playing them together makes no sense to me. IMO Izzy hasn't been effective because she's mostly been played wide, and it just doesn't fit her skills. Dias seems like a classic poacher.
D’Aquila looked terrific at both CF and winger in preseason her first year then proved unable to continue that run of form once the season started, unfortunately, including when she HAD to during the two Replacements games.
I’d love to see her change that! But until she does, I don’t see who sits to get her minutes.
She was deservedly behind Betfort last season. I’m all for giving players game time but they have to earn it in training. You can’t give minutes for the sake of.
I'd prefer to see more Linnehan. Game minutes could take her from energetic to dangerous - I don't see that payback from D'Aquila. Also, Linnehan is faster and defends more and better.
Did Beckie come off for her? Honestly might have just been minutes management for her. She was only playing 45’ for the first several games of the season after just getting back from her injury. I still think she’s just slowly building up her game minutes and we didn’t have any other wingers (or F’s in general) on the bench.
Lol well yeah I def agree there. Not sure I love using any int’l spots on subs, but especially not one who is only gonna play minimal minutes w/o much more upside than what we already had.
Seems like they were trying to find a viable Soph sub…bc Betfort wasn’t really it, Sinc shouldn’t be it, and D’Aquila wasn’t really doing much with the chances she did get. Though, I thought Betfort got most of the sub minutes at the 9 (rightfully), but it meant D’Aquila either got put in a position she’s not at all suited for on the wing or she sat.
I’m not sure Ana Dias is a huge upgrade, but I could see what they were trying for lol…(should’ve shot for Ella Stevens in free agency, huh?) We really need a starting RW still imo. It’ll be great to have Linnehan and Weaver competing for the LW start. I think the balance of this roster could be a lot better…
Slightly unrelated but thinking out loud…On my wishlist for wants for starting upgrades next season: RW/RB/CB/GK (not in that order.) We have some decent players in those spots who might start on other teams but I think we’ll raise both our floor and ceiling if we can upgrade those positions and have Beckie/Reyes/Payne/Hubly/Sauerbrunn as first subs.
But won’t Boston join the NWSL in 2026? Right now the most important forwards are Soph, Weaver, Linnehan, Beckie, D’Aquila, Sheva and Dias in that order, IMV. So the Thorns have to protect the top three. Sheva, Beckie and Dias are internationals so I am not sure how that figures into determining who to protect. But even when Weaver is back Linnehan should be seeing a lot of playing time.
What track record are you talking about? My guess is Hogan will likely be the player. Depends on the protected list, but based on Linnehan’s first touches; I believe there is a reasonable argument she might be on it.
Hard to tell given the scarcity of information coming from the club. The pessimist in me says the 45 days post injury date is just the point at which she’ll get a progress evaluation and quite possibly an extension of her rehab period. Hope I’m wrong, though, as we could definitely use her in our group of wingers ready to play.
so, d'acquila comes on in the 9 and looked good, even got us a goal. was making good runs and opening spaces for others. Then they slide her outside where she looked like a fish out of water. Why would you do that? If a player is doing well and looking productive, why would you change it?
I don't even know if that was it, tbh- I think it was more that Dias and Izzy are both natural strikers so one of them had to be pushed wide to keep the 4-3-3 shape. Which isn't a good reason either fwiw.
Is Gale as rigid subs-wise as Norris was? It seems like he's been more adaptive generally, but I could be mis-remembering.
He def is more adaptive than Norris (low bar), and started out not seeming to have preplanned subs…it was the first thing I noticed the first game he coached actually that I liked a lot. When you’re doing subs NOT at very round numbers like 60’, it’s a lot more obvious. He seemed to get subs really right that game, I remember…right Peter’s at the right times.
But honestly, it’s gotten a bit more planned…Sinc at 60’ now basically every game. And now his late game infusion with Linnehan he’s also been doing at kinda the same time every game. He’s settled into some more planned rotations. There are other examples also….He’s still better than Norris for sure but it seems like he’s kinda reverted back to that a little bit. Not only at those round times, but sometimes not for what the game calls for either. It’s not drastic but it has been something that’s caught my attention from the first couple games.
In this case though, we have 4 9’s and like no wingers (KK plz bookmark for off-season) so I dunno what other options there were. Honestly would’ve tried Payne on the wing like I mentioned earlier…
And she was a winger that was converted to a FB. There’s prob a reason for that, but she would’ve been a great player to sub-in in that match when we’re down multiple wingers and could use a speedy outlet up front for Hubly’s clearances lol…can’t put her with Sinc though bc it’s just a huge mismatch and her speed would be wasted. With Linnehan and Beckie in the middle it could’ve been fun as hell. Think out of the box a little, RG!
Dias should have not come in. With Linnehan sub the game had already turned and surprisingly, D'acquila was having a great run at the 9. When Dias came in our structure seemed to be disrupted. For me Dias makes Pogarch like a calm and cool character, just brings chaos to the game.
Pretty ugly first half, though the goals themselves were both pretty stupid combinations of sloppiness (Reyes on the first, Hogan on the second), and bad luck (the ball rebounding straight to Banda's head on the first, Hubly winning the ball but going right back to Banda on the second). As I mentioned in the game thread, it was encouraging to see a second half response even if it was partially down to game state and Banda's injury.
As most everyone observed, you can't start that particular 11, and certainly not in a 4-3-3. If Gale was locked in to starting all four of his central midfielders, he needed to change shape. On the same note but looking forward, you can't start all four of the central midfielders in a 4-3-3 ever, because it pushes Moultrie or Fleming out of position, making the whole team worse and out of whack. It's totally fine to pick one of Fleming and Moultrie and bring the other off the bench depending on form. Sinc's godawful miss --truly, that was TERRIBLE-- compounded another totally ineffective stint from her. Please retire. I beg. I can't do another year of this. We're also really missing Morgan who, despite a pretty meh start to the season, is a really crucial piece. Hopefully she's back when her 45 days is up
On the bright side, Liv looks to be on a confidence streak which is great to see. Fantastic, strong, powerful run on the assist to Izzy. Linnehan impresses again. Thought Dias and Izzy both had some nice moments, as did Payne. Looking forward to seeing that group during whatever summer tournament the NWSL has come up with this year.
This team has some real fun players and I'm excited for the rest of the year and years to come. And I'm happy we're not Seattle- Good LORD are they down astronomically.
I read something the other day that said a player becomes cap-tied if they play 3 friendlies with the senior team. (Or of course if they play in a major tournament.) Anyone know if that's correct? I had previously thought you could play unlimited friendlies.
Respectable performance marred by few individual errors. This is the first time I think I’d really criticize Gale’s approach to the game. He didn’t start the right players. Sinc should have stayed home. She’s got no business in Orlando heat and humidity, especially if we need to be quick in transition. Our lack of pace at both ends of the pitch left us exposed at the back and Beckie isolated up top. Our passing was a bit off too, even Coffey. May have had something to do with trying to conserve energy and not move off the ball too much.
We’re lucky Hogan didn’t see red. Banda would have been within her rights to be tripped. Hogan has improved but I am curious about Alvarado. I’m really happy for Izzy, especially because I didn’t think she had it in her.
Linnehan has made a case to start over Beckie IMHO, though her being better defensively makes some sense as a sub if we assume we are going to try to hold a lead. Beckie needs to work on her composure and decision-making in the box, though she was often double or triple-teamed without outlets.
I don’t know what Fleming is supposed to be doing. Apparently she completed some passes but I don’t know if they were progressive or chance-creating. I rarely or barely notice when she’s playing. That’s gotta get fixed. So far it seems more like a favor to team Canada to sign her than about building a balanced Thorns roster. She’s got Hina, Moultrie, and sometimes Sinc at least competing for what seems to be her role. Hina and Moultrie as kind of pivoting 8/10s seems the best choice most of the time but Liv has some off games. Sinc gets mostly charity minutes, which is unfortunate and unprofessional IMHO.
Obaze and Payne might have been better choices than Hubly and Reyes for this one. Hubly and Reyes have both been returning to form/improving and maybe Obaze and Payne are still settling in and finding chemistry, but I think they are faster and I haven’t noticed the same mental lapses.
Gale has been doing well so far but LeBlanc and Norris set him up with an unbalanced roster. Some of that is due to us sticking with some older players for consistency during this transition period and to allow them to have honorable send-offs in front of the supporters. Offseason should help if they can make better decisions and not just use Thorns as the Canadian national team’s farm team. I kind of like being honorary Canadian and appreciate the value of cohesion and chemistry, but the club comes before country.
Would have preferred Linnehan and Beckie on the wings, Liv and Hina pivoting in midfield above Coffey, and probably Dias up top. Was valuable to have quality, pace, energy, and creativity off the bench though.
Onward.
Perhaps a different game without Soph -- and you have to remember that the Thorns are already missing Weaver -- but we already know Sinclair and Moultrie in two of the front 3 positions doesn't work!
First half against Seattle: .17 xG, 1 goal
First half against Orlando: .22 xG, 0 goals
There's not enough dynamism, there's not enough speed, and the team isn't tactically set up well enough to go away from home and have 60, 65% possession (which is the only way that kind of front 3 can work).
The Thorns strength under Gale has been counter-pressing and then quick counter-attacks. Can't do that with the lineup they had last night.
The encouraging thing is he quickly made adjustments, but Gale's been wedded to using Sinclair a bit too much IMV when it doesn't match what the Thorns are good at under his coaching. Interested to see how they respond next time.
It’s pretty obvious that Linnehan should be starting. Maybe use Sinc at the end where others are worn down and her speed is less of an issue
Match report: https://rivetingpdx.com/2024/05/30/thorns-fc-set-up-to-fail/
"Same problems as always. I’m not sure why she seems so disconnected from her teammates, but Fleming is too expensive for the value she’s currently providing. Not sure if a better coach might unlock her? But she played under a pretty good gaffer at Chel$ki who couldn’t, so…"
So the headscratcher is: is this on the coach? the system? the player? the surrounding talent? the role (or lack thereof) she's being asked to play? something else? all of the above?
She looks really slow to me. She easily gets run down / passed on plays. Maybe that's why she isn't involved with many plays during a game? I always thought her reputation was as a fast player. Is she dealing with an undisclosed injury? She's definitely small and is outmatched against bigger and more physical players. Just my observations.
Well, Emma Hayes agrees with you. Back in 2023 she said Fleming had struggled to adjust to the "physicality" of the WSL. When I read that, I thought "Then how the hell is she going to deal with the physicality of the *N*WSL?"
She's not a mere college player, she's a College Cup winner on a dominant, overachieving team.
We know college success has a modest value predicting pro success, but there are certain colleges that have a high correlation. Santa Clara is one.
IDK where she fits on PTFC, but have a couple ideas.
And an Olympic gold medalist and team captain for one of the top 10 national teams in the world, no less.
What are your ideas?
Hah on me. I had misplaced a comment re. Izzy.
Now, Izzy Fleming is a player to be reckoned with.
(Unlike Santa Clara, UCLA did not earn a College Cup)
Um, UCLA has won two college cups—same as Santa Clara. I wish they hadn’t since their last one in 2022 was against my team — UNC; painful to watch (I was there) but facts are facts.
Well, she's failed to prosper under two (or three, if you break Norris and Gale out) club coaches, so you kind of have to look at her first. Not sure how much all the other possible factors play in, but as the saying goes, if you leave the house and meet an idiot, you met an idiot. If EVERYone you meet is an idiot, maybe YOU'RE the idiot.
Are you saying I'm an idiot? =)
Despite the awful first half and not having Sophie, the Thorns fought back well. Do not underestimate the effect of the high heat and humidity. I lived there for decades. And I worked outside in my teens and early 20s. It was brutal — and the weather is hotter now compared to a half-century ago.
Last season, the Thorns wilted in the second half against Orlando. Same at Houston. There's more grit this season.
With Hayes taking the helm this weekend, Twila Kilgore officially becomes available to the Thorns in their global search for a permanent head coach.
Watching the game, it was interesting to see the dynamics on the coaching bench. I was watching every time they showed Emma, who was mostly sitting next to and/or talking to Denise Reddy, who very much appears to be her top assistant. Twila looked kinda on the outside or isolated from the other assistants. I know Emma brought a hand full of staff over from Chelsea who she's known and worked with for years (or decades.) Not trying to overly read into anything, but I wonder if she feels a little bit like the 3rd or 4th wheel now. She's still a pro of course, but she may feel ready to move into a more prominent coaching role after the Olympics.
Can't shake the thought that Bev Priestman is a distinct possibility.
If the Thorns continue to be a service station for the CWNT, then maybe Priestman would be a good fit- she keeps winning internationally with players that are barely even startling quality when they wear PTFC jerseys.
I can’t figure out why I hope not.
Agreed.
Whoa, I sure hope Priestman wouldn't bring the CWNT brand of soccer here, at least the CWNT as they play against the USWNT. It got Canada an Olympic gold but it was dreadful to watch.
Weekly Pancake Days will be lit.
I'll take Priestman if she brings a Tim Horton's to Portland. If we can have In-N-Out here, I don't see why we can't get some decent Canadian crullers and an Iced Capp on the regular. We're closer to BC than SoCal, after all.
I def agree. I feel like watching Canada the last many years has been the equivalent of like plain oatmeal. Or watching paint dry. Ie...stale and/or incredibly boring or forgettable. I would be pretty pretty bummed. I just think, with who we have in charge, I wouldn't be surprised at all.
Premature Power Rankings ("No Really, It's OK.")
Tier 1: (1) Orlando, (2) KC
Tier 2: (3) Washington, (4) Portland, (5) Gotham
Tier 3 (6) Chicago, (7) NC, (8) SD
Tier 4 (9) Houston, (10) Loovull, (11) AC
Tier 5 (12) Bay, (13) Seattle, (14) Utah
Poor bay. Remember when they were slated to become the most elite team in the league before the season even started? Reminds me of another Californian team…
I thought so at the beginning of the season but the glitzy lineup hasn’t played well together as yet.
Very disappointing starters against a quick team.
Yes. Why start Sinclair and Reyes when you've got Linnehan and Payne?
OTOH without Smith we weren't going to win this game, and without Weaver we weren't going to draw it either.
I agree that Smith was needed. The team got better after Sinclair was pulled but Orlando was without Banda at the same time. If Smith is back, and the Thorns back line is full strength I think that we'll see a different outcome in October.
I think this window has provided a pretty good look at who Hayes will bring:
Locks: Soph, Mal, Rodman, Shaw, Lavelle, Horan, Macario, Coffey, Nighswonger, Davidson, Girma, Fox, Naeher, backup GK (14)
On the bubble: Dunn, Albert, Krueger, Morgan, Staab, Yohannes, Sonnett, Murphy, Campbell.
I feel pretty good about Dunn and Sonett making the roster given former's history with Hayes and the versatility of both on a small roster. That leaves two spots. They need a midfielder and although I'd prefer Yohannes (she's better than Albert already and also not a loon), I think Albert goes. I'd guess the last spot goes to Morgan.
SO:
Forwards: Smith, Swanson, Rodman, Morgan, Shaw (5)
Midfielders: Macario, Lavelle, Coffey, Horan, Albert (5)
Defenders: Girma, Davidson, Fox, Nighswonger, Dunn, Sonnett, (6)
Goalkeepers: Naeher, Murphy (2)
I tried this fool's errand myself. I think Dunn and Sonnett are in, because they're vets and Swiss Army Knives.
I think the hardest call is at Naeher's backup. Murphy saw a lot more action today than Campbell did on Saturday. I don't think you can go wrong with either keeper.
I didn't think Krueger looked great today. She made a pretty big mistake and got bailed out in the 1st half when she in fact was the player who committed the foul. So I'd agree that she's gonna get voted off the island.
Yohannes made a pretty strong case today. If it's really between her and Albert, I'd lean toward Yohannes. Not sure Hayes will agree, but she gave Emma a tough decision here.
I would assume Macario goes, but it's based entirely on promise/potential rather than performance to date. She's making her way back and is nowhere near what she'll be. Having her size and physicality, and obviously skill, is a great benefit.
I wouldn't mind seeing Staab in that mix somehow, though that means moving Dunn to forward and/or Sonnett to midfield and leaving off someone like Macario or Albert/Yohannes.
Incredible how fast Sam has locked dow the starting six position on the freakin USWNT as a relatively older newcomer to the pool. Dictionary definition of "taking your chance."
Personally speaking, I'd be happy for Sam and Soph to rest tonight and get ready for Saturday night's match.
Just finally watching the post-game interview with Gale after the Orlando game and was surprised to hear him say that in hindsight he still wouldn't have changed the lineup (he was asked specifically about the front 3.) Not quite what you'd hope to hear...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20tPqY4VbT0&t=1s
My guess is he didn’t to throw shade on any players in public, which is probably the right way to go. But he has to know after seeing what happened that the lineup he put on the field was a monumental error.
Yeah, as I mentioned above as well, I think that's a possibility I hadn't considered. Regardless, I hope he actually does see the issues even if he doesn't say so because I very much question his decision-making if not.
Probs doesn't want to throw the players under the bus when his whole schtick is Mr. Vibes, but I'd hope he saw the problem. Not that it matters, we've been riding this bus with Sinc for almost 5 years now; it's not going away until she retires or they hire someone with some juice from the outside.
Yeah that's a good point that I hadn't considered. I guess he could've found a round about way to take responsibility for game decisions without throwing players under the bus. I think a good coach can figure out how to do both...regardless, I DO hope that's the case because there was A LOT wrong with his decision-making.
When I saw the starting XIs thought somebody should do a welfare check on Malfoy and see if Norris weren't back, stuffed into a conspicuously tight sports coat. As close to a Surrender Lineup as I've seen from him.
Please do not let bad old habits leak back in.
You're not suggesting that Norris used polyjuice potion to transform into Malfoy are you? Come to think of it, was that Moaning Marta out on the pitch?
Yeah, I kinda thought I had Norrisball dejavu also. Reverting back to poor set-ups or having no idea what to do without Sophia, and subs that aren't game-state related at all. Sinc for 60...in Florida? After that first half!?
I was disappointed with his response except when he said he was looking forward to meeting them at PP. Competitive response, but don’t use that first half lineup again, Please!!!
I appreciate that also, but man I feel like we could've at least gotten a point out of this one even without her if he didn't set us up so poorly for the first 60-70 minutes.
Without Soph and weaver, and Obaze still on the bench, I was bracing myself for like a 5-0 crushing, so happy that didn’t happen.
Anyone else converted back to team Izzy? She has a ruthlessness that I appreciate.
Would like to see OWK out there.
One swallow doesn’t make a summer and one goal doesn’t make a striker. I’m glad she had a good match, but D’Aquila has a long history of ineffectiveness behind her. I’m not convinced she’s a better option than Dias.
But…she’s gotta be less of a boat anchor than Sinc. So if that’s the choices? Bring on some Izzy.
Mmmmm.... shot of D'Aquila!
D'Aquila and Dias both seem to be pretty exclusively 9s, so playing them together makes no sense to me. IMO Izzy hasn't been effective because she's mostly been played wide, and it just doesn't fit her skills. Dias seems like a classic poacher.
D’Aquila looked terrific at both CF and winger in preseason her first year then proved unable to continue that run of form once the season started, unfortunately, including when she HAD to during the two Replacements games.
I’d love to see her change that! But until she does, I don’t see who sits to get her minutes.
She was deservedly behind Betfort last season. I’m all for giving players game time but they have to earn it in training. You can’t give minutes for the sake of.
I’d like to see Izzy more at striker, yes. I really have no idea why they felt the need to bring Dias in.
I'd prefer to see more Linnehan. Game minutes could take her from energetic to dangerous - I don't see that payback from D'Aquila. Also, Linnehan is faster and defends more and better.
Did Beckie come off for her? Honestly might have just been minutes management for her. She was only playing 45’ for the first several games of the season after just getting back from her injury. I still think she’s just slowly building up her game minutes and we didn’t have any other wingers (or F’s in general) on the bench.
I meant I don’t know why they signed her period. She’s probably better than Izzy, but not by much. Seems like a waste of an international spot.
Lol well yeah I def agree there. Not sure I love using any int’l spots on subs, but especially not one who is only gonna play minimal minutes w/o much more upside than what we already had.
Seems like they were trying to find a viable Soph sub…bc Betfort wasn’t really it, Sinc shouldn’t be it, and D’Aquila wasn’t really doing much with the chances she did get. Though, I thought Betfort got most of the sub minutes at the 9 (rightfully), but it meant D’Aquila either got put in a position she’s not at all suited for on the wing or she sat.
I’m not sure Ana Dias is a huge upgrade, but I could see what they were trying for lol…(should’ve shot for Ella Stevens in free agency, huh?) We really need a starting RW still imo. It’ll be great to have Linnehan and Weaver competing for the LW start. I think the balance of this roster could be a lot better…
Slightly unrelated but thinking out loud…On my wishlist for wants for starting upgrades next season: RW/RB/CB/GK (not in that order.) We have some decent players in those spots who might start on other teams but I think we’ll raise both our floor and ceiling if we can upgrade those positions and have Beckie/Reyes/Payne/Hubly/Sauerbrunn as first subs.
Dias’ seeming inability to play wide makes it a real question mark
Happy to see Izzy play and score. Would like to see more of her and OWK.
Linnehan will end up as a solid forward for Boston next year so hopefully D’Aquila or Dias can contribute in the long run
But won’t Boston join the NWSL in 2026? Right now the most important forwards are Soph, Weaver, Linnehan, Beckie, D’Aquila, Sheva and Dias in that order, IMV. So the Thorns have to protect the top three. Sheva, Beckie and Dias are internationals so I am not sure how that figures into determining who to protect. But even when Weaver is back Linnehan should be seeing a lot of playing time.
I hope not; I’d rather keep Linnehan. Definitely a higher ceiling than the other two IMO.
Thats why she’ll be the one Boston wants and the one KK trades. There’s a track record there :-)
To quote my paternal grandmother: "Oh, don't say that...even as a joke."
What track record are you talking about? My guess is Hogan will likely be the player. Depends on the protected list, but based on Linnehan’s first touches; I believe there is a reasonable argument she might be on it.
Based on the Thorns parting with a future starting forward prospect every time there’s an expansion draft:
Tyler Lussi,
Simone Charley,
Amirah Ali,
Yasmeen Ryan,
Hannah Betfort
I am still feeling bad about Yazmeen Ryan getting picked up, maybe she wanted to leave but would have loved for her to stay.
She just wanted more minutes...I'm guessing she would've stayed if she knew she'd be playing more. She's better than Beckie.
Yes on Izzy and let’s see OWK. We are working Coffey to death let’s get more midfielders in the mix.
I wonder what a realistic expectation would be for Morgan Weaver’s return?
Hard to tell given the scarcity of information coming from the club. The pessimist in me says the 45 days post injury date is just the point at which she’ll get a progress evaluation and quite possibly an extension of her rehab period. Hope I’m wrong, though, as we could definitely use her in our group of wingers ready to play.
That is what I was thinking too, but wondering if I was being too pessimistic.
so, d'acquila comes on in the 9 and looked good, even got us a goal. was making good runs and opening spaces for others. Then they slide her outside where she looked like a fish out of water. Why would you do that? If a player is doing well and looking productive, why would you change it?
Bc they were pre-planned subs and not ones according to game state.
I don't even know if that was it, tbh- I think it was more that Dias and Izzy are both natural strikers so one of them had to be pushed wide to keep the 4-3-3 shape. Which isn't a good reason either fwiw.
Is Gale as rigid subs-wise as Norris was? It seems like he's been more adaptive generally, but I could be mis-remembering.
He def is more adaptive than Norris (low bar), and started out not seeming to have preplanned subs…it was the first thing I noticed the first game he coached actually that I liked a lot. When you’re doing subs NOT at very round numbers like 60’, it’s a lot more obvious. He seemed to get subs really right that game, I remember…right Peter’s at the right times.
But honestly, it’s gotten a bit more planned…Sinc at 60’ now basically every game. And now his late game infusion with Linnehan he’s also been doing at kinda the same time every game. He’s settled into some more planned rotations. There are other examples also….He’s still better than Norris for sure but it seems like he’s kinda reverted back to that a little bit. Not only at those round times, but sometimes not for what the game calls for either. It’s not drastic but it has been something that’s caught my attention from the first couple games.
In this case though, we have 4 9’s and like no wingers (KK plz bookmark for off-season) so I dunno what other options there were. Honestly would’ve tried Payne on the wing like I mentioned earlier…
I agree about trying Payne at the wing. She finds it so easy to up the line, why not?
And she was a winger that was converted to a FB. There’s prob a reason for that, but she would’ve been a great player to sub-in in that match when we’re down multiple wingers and could use a speedy outlet up front for Hubly’s clearances lol…can’t put her with Sinc though bc it’s just a huge mismatch and her speed would be wasted. With Linnehan and Beckie in the middle it could’ve been fun as hell. Think out of the box a little, RG!
Dias should have not come in. With Linnehan sub the game had already turned and surprisingly, D'acquila was having a great run at the 9. When Dias came in our structure seemed to be disrupted. For me Dias makes Pogarch like a calm and cool character, just brings chaos to the game.
Pretty ugly first half, though the goals themselves were both pretty stupid combinations of sloppiness (Reyes on the first, Hogan on the second), and bad luck (the ball rebounding straight to Banda's head on the first, Hubly winning the ball but going right back to Banda on the second). As I mentioned in the game thread, it was encouraging to see a second half response even if it was partially down to game state and Banda's injury.
As most everyone observed, you can't start that particular 11, and certainly not in a 4-3-3. If Gale was locked in to starting all four of his central midfielders, he needed to change shape. On the same note but looking forward, you can't start all four of the central midfielders in a 4-3-3 ever, because it pushes Moultrie or Fleming out of position, making the whole team worse and out of whack. It's totally fine to pick one of Fleming and Moultrie and bring the other off the bench depending on form. Sinc's godawful miss --truly, that was TERRIBLE-- compounded another totally ineffective stint from her. Please retire. I beg. I can't do another year of this. We're also really missing Morgan who, despite a pretty meh start to the season, is a really crucial piece. Hopefully she's back when her 45 days is up
On the bright side, Liv looks to be on a confidence streak which is great to see. Fantastic, strong, powerful run on the assist to Izzy. Linnehan impresses again. Thought Dias and Izzy both had some nice moments, as did Payne. Looking forward to seeing that group during whatever summer tournament the NWSL has come up with this year.
This team has some real fun players and I'm excited for the rest of the year and years to come. And I'm happy we're not Seattle- Good LORD are they down astronomically.
This is kind of an old thread that's a bit hard to find now, so I posted something on the newest thread instead (the Linnehan interview.)
Good to see Sideshow Bob Yohannes out there.
Where's Hal Hollbrook Hershfelt?
Glad Hayes is giving Yohannes minutes cause they have a toughhh (and very important) battle to get her to choose the U.S
(Seriously, she's REALLY freakin good)
I read something the other day that said a player becomes cap-tied if they play 3 friendlies with the senior team. (Or of course if they play in a major tournament.) Anyone know if that's correct? I had previously thought you could play unlimited friendlies.
I believe the rule is three total appearances to be cap-tied, but one has to be in a competitive match.