It’s a Friday night lights showdown in Texas, as the Thorns seek to extend their unbeaten run with another win over the Dash. Come chat through it in the match thread!
You know where Fleming would thrive? Utah, with Henry. She'd have all the room in the world to do everything they need someone to do and that she is capable of doing, and she'd have a world-class teammate who knows how to play alongside her.
Not giving up on her, but I do wonder if she's the kind of player who needs to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond?
Or it’s that international football is a lower standard than the NWSL, Champions League, and WSL, and Canada play in a reactive style of play that makes discipline and athletic qualities most important.
I'm seriously at a loss. The best she's looked in months was that 2nd half against Brazil in the Gold Cup, when she did EVERYTHING, and Canada absolutely needed her to do so because they were lifeless through 50-odd minutes. First, she helped keep Canada in the match defensively, then she turned around and helped them equalize and shifted the pressure onto Brazil. She was all over the pitch, and she was without doubt the most consequential player out there. The thing is, though, most nights Portland won't need her to be that or do that.
Yes, we will need to see the best of Jessie Fleming in this game because the midfield will be key to denying Banda the midfield support she needs. We have good fullbacks and pretty fast fullbacks, but Banda is a combination of fast and very strong. She was an Olympic level boxer as well as soccer player So…...
Banda right now is the biggest threat to Soph winning the Golden Boot and MVP. I am really hoping for a great game from Moultrie, Fleming, Coffey and Sugita. Orlando is good as their record shows and Banda is not the only threat, but right now she is on fire. Hopefully we will see some of that fire that Jessie displayed against Brazil in the Gold Cup.
Briefly kicking the tires of third place. Even if it won't last the weekend it's comfortable and has that new leather smell. Put the deposit down and tell the salesdude you'll be back to take delivery.
Catching KC in goals scored was not on by bingo card. Speaking of, they're still 5-0 at home and undefeated overall, can you maybe do something about that, Gotham?
NCC, whom I continue to hate with considerable vigor, are also 5-0 at home and oddly, 0-5 on the road where they evidently can't lace their shoes, much less tie them. While they dominated Utah last night in possession, they seem largely toothless in play. Weird.
VAR review from last week up. VAR crew didn't do their job properly. They did not see it bounce off the leg first and focused in on the behind the player angle that looked like it went straight to the arm. When the CR got another angle and said doesn't the ball touch the foot first, the crew said I don't have the ball touching the foot first. CR took their word over his eyes and eventually gives the PK.
I've been watching these reviews weekly because it's interesting to see the behind-the-scenes.
This week was probably worst example of it, but it just continues what seems a trend of arrogance from the VAR official- presenting their view as "fact" when it's often not clear and obvious- that bullies the CR into a call/no-call.
Also, for the Thorns and Reign, it just goes to show how these bad calls happen, and tend to even out in at least the very-long-term. Thorns should remember this one the next time a bad call goes against them, just as Laura Harvey should remember the bad late PK call against Angela Salem at PP a few years ago that allowed Megan Rapinoe to steal a win from the Thorns at home.
Horrific from the VAR. Center ref didn't want to give it and she convinces him to do so with errant reasoning.
And, the PRO guy then says pretty much exactly what I *thought* the rule was supposed to be based on the wording of the law in that "the placement of her arm is justifiable for the movement."
- Good teams beat Houston and keep a clean sheet. We are now officially a good team.
- Houston was up for this game, probably an after-effect of their dramatic win last week. But they do not have the depth to keep it up for 90. Ultimately, we wore them down and prevailed.
- The ref calls that tripping of Moultrie as a foul 100% of the time outside the box. So why wasn't it a PK? She split two defenders, the trailing one tripped her, it's a PK. A strange reversal IMO - the replay showed exactly what the ref called in real time. Houston got a gift horse. But they looked in its mouth anyway so in the end the result was not affected.
- Aside from that, the ref was quite good. I'd be happy to see her with the whistle in the future.
- Dias' play shows that credentialled Euro-players aren't necessarily all that wonderful (nice goal though). Fleming, however, is the gold standard example - another bad to middling shift from her. I don't see why our FO wanted to drop a big dime to get her here. A non-solution to a problem we didn't (and don't, when she's not playing) have.
- Jane Cambell is very good. A mystery why she can't crack the USWNT. Maybe she doesn't want it? Too aggressive?
- Marie Müller was featured (with Morgan Weaver) in a couple Alaska Airlines ads. Even as a non-scoring defender it didn't take long for her become "Portland-famous". Deservedly so.
I think Jane Campbell is just stuck behind Naeher. As long as Naeher is there, Campbell is #2 or #3.
I don't mind starting Dias last night. I like that we enough quality of depth/depth of quality to beat an opponent after wearing them out, and that we won't be absolutely screwed by an injury here or there. This run of form has taken place mostly without Weaver. But, I do think Linnehan looks like the better option out there.
Speaking of Weaver (and Muller), did you notice that the Alaska ad is absolutely FILLED with corporate logo placement, including both Nike and Adidas? Obviously, the relationship between Alaska and the Thorns is strong. How is it these days between Alaska and the Timbers?
Fleming.... well, she was brought in last night to see out the win, which meant defending and covering a lot of field, which she did. But, so far I've been right about this -- we're now 10 matches in, and it looks like she's playing at replacement level or slightly above. She's too skilled and too versatile for that to continue. It probably won't, as what we're seeing is that the lineup can change from week to week and we're still winning. I expect her to be important, if not necessarily a starter, in the Orlando swamp.
The VARed PK, I do think it should have been awarded and not taken away. Wasn't clear and obvious that the initial call on the field was wrong, and you're absolutely right that that warrants a direct kick if it happens just outside the box. Glad it didn't figure in the final outcome. But more than anything, I was thrilled to see Moultrie create that off of those touches and be that aggressive. Moultrie finally looks right to me again. I do wonder if that ankle turn during the Gold Cup (?) might have set her back more than we initially thought.
Still agnostic on Fleming but do think it was interesting that she was given a new contract ahead of last season and then Hayes just…stopped really playing her unless it was a big off the ball game. Maybe that should’ve been a red flag.
I don't think it has to be an either/or here. There might be some players who names are written in pen unless they're injured, and there might be others who platoon or who start or sub based on the matchup, opponent style, etc.
I still believe in her talent and frankly believe her and I’d prefer she play over Moultrie, but Liv has scored two games in a row (even though she wasn’t good in the Seattle game outside of that finish).
Fleming needs to step up. She’s been the least impactful of the four free agent signings and that is surprising
Yeah I was just thinking about how ALL of our starting/first sub midfielders and forwards have scored…except for her. I think she may have one assist? That’s really not good enough of a contribution for the price tag and cap hit of having her on the roster. There are midfielders in sim positions in this league with better output who are brand new rookies (Herschfelt) or just even replacement level honestly…if this is what we’re gonna get, I don’t get why we didn’t just keep Rocky. I’m not ready to give her the boot but I remained pretty unimpressed.
I should say that I still think our coaching could be improved and maybe/probably that would help her, in particular. There’s large chunks of time during every game that Gale has coached where we cede possession and our whole midfield kinda disappears, except maybe Hina who just hunts the ball. Our midfield is too slow to chase the ball…we’re much better when we dictate play, and I haven’t seen that for the majority of any of the last games that we’ve won. I think our defense has looked a lot better, but I still think our midfield looks messy for small or large chunks during games…regardless of if we win.
I will take Moultrie. Flashes of brilliance, with generally very good play, one game I can remeber was flat. Fleming occasional flashes of good but generally mediocre play. Until she can show otherwise and have a next level performance, she should ride the bench in support of liv.
I am mostly a lurker and a liker because I see no reason to comment when someone’s comment is almost exactly what I think. However, yours is a really thorough comment Richard! However, I am hoping that Jessie finds her mojo, but right now Moultrie should be the starter.
Hogan looks much more comfortable and confident. Also making good decisions. Seems as though she hasn't been tested too much during this run, so it will be interesting to see what happens when she is. I think getting Hogan the most games possible under her belt is the best strategy, at least for now. Also developing chemistry with the defense where there's been some turnover since last season.
Also when I first typed that it autocorrected to “God has faith in Jonah,” and without knowing the Biblical source material, I’m going to assume is a fitting similitude.
Yeah she doesn't play there a lot, but they've thrown her in the middle occasionally to add some stability. Essentially replacing and eight with another six.
Liv mentioning the freedom to rotate across the front five first thing in her interview. It's clear that Gale lets the front line do that --they have to in order to get Soph central-- but it's pretty cool how quickly they've picked up on the movement piece.
I loved her mentioning that it’s like a pickup game because I’ve said that to my partner about their interchanges in the past! It’s fun that I know that’s what they aim for now and that it’s intentional. I love goals by committee!
Really solid performance given the circumstances! Needed to at least three out of the humidity road trip and this was always the most likely game. Would happily take a point in Orlando.
Shout out to Liv and Beckie. Thought Reyna and Hubs were mostly solid too especially in the second half.
It's less that for me-- Sinc is on the field and Soph is still on the wing anyways so it's not like it's really that much different than it was in the first half-- but yeah, I'd like to see the three of them start. Think the Bay game was the only time that's happened.
It’s both for me lol. It feels like it’s been just like a tale of two halves for every Gale game we’ve had so far. I can’t explain why it’s working honestly…but it’s been confusing lol. It could partly be the quality of the opponent, although I do think things do look a whole lot better than Norris when they’re on, no doubt. Defense is better. But, it’s still never been a solid 90 from this team. And I still think the midfield hasn’t been solved. It’s so clearly been two different teams each half for the last 6 games and I’m not sure how to dissect it lol (and I’m not gonna try!) I’m not trying to be a downer after a win in a tough atmosphere given the circumstances…but it’s just seemed like it happens every game that I’m not sure if they’re actually just being coached this way tbh…and I don’t really like how much they have been sitting back in the last several games. Not pressing high. I guess it’s strategic and it’s working, but it looks poor and/or messy for a large chunk of the game when we’re just chasing after a bad team like Houston for 60+ minutes. We’ll see how it evolves…
Yeah I think both were kinda off and couldn’t really find the game. Weird for Houston to dominate so much unless it was intentional. I didn’t think Hina had a particularly great game until after like minute 60 or 70. This was a weird one…I’m gonna have to watch it back. I don’t think the midfield looked cohesive tonight..
Yeah she’s looked the best of the midfield tonight, huh? It’s taken me by surprise a bit lol, but hey I’ll take it! It’s gonna be fun when we can get them all clicking at the same time.
I kinda disagree with the prevailing sentiment that it was a poor half. Lots of chances created and not a ton of danger from Houston. The lack of finishing and the overturned PK means there's a decent chance we get some typical Houston shenanigans, but that's really my biggest complaint outside of Dias' play.
Pretty lethargic with some wasted chances. Beckie has been a spark plug but hasn’t been patient with the ball and/or her shots. Hoping for Linnehan in and Dias out with Soph moving central. I wanna see those 3 up top because Janine is creating chances…don’t really wanna see Sinc in this game. We need higher pace in the second half, not more of the same sort of messy lethargy. And we need Soph central. MOVE THE GOLDEN BOOT LEADER INTO A SCORING POSITION CLOSER TO GOAL PLEASE. She will win this team games against poor opponents when they aren’t playing super well.
Not really as very good half at all...but I've gotten used to that sort of thing in Houston home matches, more-or-less regardless of opponent. Sloppy football that becomes increasingly listless at the half wears on is just what the game _is_ there.
Really should be 2-3 up. Everything good is coming through Soph and Liv in the middle, so I'd like to see Linnehan for Dias at HT. Need to see more from Hina and Sam. Great half from Liv and Janine.
You know where Fleming would thrive? Utah, with Henry. She'd have all the room in the world to do everything they need someone to do and that she is capable of doing, and she'd have a world-class teammate who knows how to play alongside her.
Not giving up on her, but I do wonder if she's the kind of player who needs to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond?
Utah? Why do you hate Jessie Fleming, did she take your puppy?
Hey, those Cracker Barrel Biscuit Beignets aren't gonna eat themselves! I don't care how much butter pecan guzzling sauce they serve with em.
No, I'm not looking to run Fleming out of town. If anything, I'm trying to help her get off the milk carton.
But I am trying to think through perhaps why seems to be a bit lost here and why she got lost at Chelsea, but isn't lost playing for Canada.
Or it’s that international football is a lower standard than the NWSL, Champions League, and WSL, and Canada play in a reactive style of play that makes discipline and athletic qualities most important.
I'm seriously at a loss. The best she's looked in months was that 2nd half against Brazil in the Gold Cup, when she did EVERYTHING, and Canada absolutely needed her to do so because they were lifeless through 50-odd minutes. First, she helped keep Canada in the match defensively, then she turned around and helped them equalize and shifted the pressure onto Brazil. She was all over the pitch, and she was without doubt the most consequential player out there. The thing is, though, most nights Portland won't need her to be that or do that.
Yes, we will need to see the best of Jessie Fleming in this game because the midfield will be key to denying Banda the midfield support she needs. We have good fullbacks and pretty fast fullbacks, but Banda is a combination of fast and very strong. She was an Olympic level boxer as well as soccer player So…...
Banda right now is the biggest threat to Soph winning the Golden Boot and MVP. I am really hoping for a great game from Moultrie, Fleming, Coffey and Sugita. Orlando is good as their record shows and Banda is not the only threat, but right now she is on fire. Hopefully we will see some of that fire that Jessie displayed against Brazil in the Gold Cup.
no hatred. win win for everyone.
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40160407/explaining-portland-thorns-wild-swings-nwsl-2024-season
Kassouf gives it some pondering.
Hello, Manchester constables? I'd like to report a murder at Old Trafford.
Manchester United 0 - 6 Chelsea.
Emma Hayes decamps for the States on a high note.
I'm curious where Fran Kirby is headed.
Take a bow, Phuoc.
"Prediction: Portland 2-0"
Briefly kicking the tires of third place. Even if it won't last the weekend it's comfortable and has that new leather smell. Put the deposit down and tell the salesdude you'll be back to take delivery.
Catching KC in goals scored was not on by bingo card. Speaking of, they're still 5-0 at home and undefeated overall, can you maybe do something about that, Gotham?
NCC, whom I continue to hate with considerable vigor, are also 5-0 at home and oddly, 0-5 on the road where they evidently can't lace their shoes, much less tie them. While they dominated Utah last night in possession, they seem largely toothless in play. Weird.
https://youtu.be/P__u5btSDeo?si=XPHlvs1tZi4VuoVT
VAR review from last week up. VAR crew didn't do their job properly. They did not see it bounce off the leg first and focused in on the behind the player angle that looked like it went straight to the arm. When the CR got another angle and said doesn't the ball touch the foot first, the crew said I don't have the ball touching the foot first. CR took their word over his eyes and eventually gives the PK.
I've been watching these reviews weekly because it's interesting to see the behind-the-scenes.
This week was probably worst example of it, but it just continues what seems a trend of arrogance from the VAR official- presenting their view as "fact" when it's often not clear and obvious- that bullies the CR into a call/no-call.
Also, for the Thorns and Reign, it just goes to show how these bad calls happen, and tend to even out in at least the very-long-term. Thorns should remember this one the next time a bad call goes against them, just as Laura Harvey should remember the bad late PK call against Angela Salem at PP a few years ago that allowed Megan Rapinoe to steal a win from the Thorns at home.
Horrific from the VAR. Center ref didn't want to give it and she convinces him to do so with errant reasoning.
And, the PRO guy then says pretty much exactly what I *thought* the rule was supposed to be based on the wording of the law in that "the placement of her arm is justifiable for the movement."
67% fail rate last week. Not promising
Thoughts after sleeping on it:
- Good teams beat Houston and keep a clean sheet. We are now officially a good team.
- Houston was up for this game, probably an after-effect of their dramatic win last week. But they do not have the depth to keep it up for 90. Ultimately, we wore them down and prevailed.
- The ref calls that tripping of Moultrie as a foul 100% of the time outside the box. So why wasn't it a PK? She split two defenders, the trailing one tripped her, it's a PK. A strange reversal IMO - the replay showed exactly what the ref called in real time. Houston got a gift horse. But they looked in its mouth anyway so in the end the result was not affected.
- Aside from that, the ref was quite good. I'd be happy to see her with the whistle in the future.
- Dias' play shows that credentialled Euro-players aren't necessarily all that wonderful (nice goal though). Fleming, however, is the gold standard example - another bad to middling shift from her. I don't see why our FO wanted to drop a big dime to get her here. A non-solution to a problem we didn't (and don't, when she's not playing) have.
- Jane Cambell is very good. A mystery why she can't crack the USWNT. Maybe she doesn't want it? Too aggressive?
- Marie Müller was featured (with Morgan Weaver) in a couple Alaska Airlines ads. Even as a non-scoring defender it didn't take long for her become "Portland-famous". Deservedly so.
I think Jane Campbell is just stuck behind Naeher. As long as Naeher is there, Campbell is #2 or #3.
I don't mind starting Dias last night. I like that we enough quality of depth/depth of quality to beat an opponent after wearing them out, and that we won't be absolutely screwed by an injury here or there. This run of form has taken place mostly without Weaver. But, I do think Linnehan looks like the better option out there.
Speaking of Weaver (and Muller), did you notice that the Alaska ad is absolutely FILLED with corporate logo placement, including both Nike and Adidas? Obviously, the relationship between Alaska and the Thorns is strong. How is it these days between Alaska and the Timbers?
Fleming.... well, she was brought in last night to see out the win, which meant defending and covering a lot of field, which she did. But, so far I've been right about this -- we're now 10 matches in, and it looks like she's playing at replacement level or slightly above. She's too skilled and too versatile for that to continue. It probably won't, as what we're seeing is that the lineup can change from week to week and we're still winning. I expect her to be important, if not necessarily a starter, in the Orlando swamp.
The VARed PK, I do think it should have been awarded and not taken away. Wasn't clear and obvious that the initial call on the field was wrong, and you're absolutely right that that warrants a direct kick if it happens just outside the box. Glad it didn't figure in the final outcome. But more than anything, I was thrilled to see Moultrie create that off of those touches and be that aggressive. Moultrie finally looks right to me again. I do wonder if that ankle turn during the Gold Cup (?) might have set her back more than we initially thought.
Still agnostic on Fleming but do think it was interesting that she was given a new contract ahead of last season and then Hayes just…stopped really playing her unless it was a big off the ball game. Maybe that should’ve been a red flag.
I don't think it has to be an either/or here. There might be some players who names are written in pen unless they're injured, and there might be others who platoon or who start or sub based on the matchup, opponent style, etc.
I still believe in her talent and frankly believe her and I’d prefer she play over Moultrie, but Liv has scored two games in a row (even though she wasn’t good in the Seattle game outside of that finish).
Fleming needs to step up. She’s been the least impactful of the four free agent signings and that is surprising
Yeah I was just thinking about how ALL of our starting/first sub midfielders and forwards have scored…except for her. I think she may have one assist? That’s really not good enough of a contribution for the price tag and cap hit of having her on the roster. There are midfielders in sim positions in this league with better output who are brand new rookies (Herschfelt) or just even replacement level honestly…if this is what we’re gonna get, I don’t get why we didn’t just keep Rocky. I’m not ready to give her the boot but I remained pretty unimpressed.
I should say that I still think our coaching could be improved and maybe/probably that would help her, in particular. There’s large chunks of time during every game that Gale has coached where we cede possession and our whole midfield kinda disappears, except maybe Hina who just hunts the ball. Our midfield is too slow to chase the ball…we’re much better when we dictate play, and I haven’t seen that for the majority of any of the last games that we’ve won. I think our defense has looked a lot better, but I still think our midfield looks messy for small or large chunks during games…regardless of if we win.
I will take Moultrie. Flashes of brilliance, with generally very good play, one game I can remeber was flat. Fleming occasional flashes of good but generally mediocre play. Until she can show otherwise and have a next level performance, she should ride the bench in support of liv.
I am mostly a lurker and a liker because I see no reason to comment when someone’s comment is almost exactly what I think. However, yours is a really thorough comment Richard! However, I am hoping that Jessie finds her mojo, but right now Moultrie should be the starter.
So how are we feeling about hogan now? I thought they might start Alvarado against her old team, but it seems they Gale has faith in Hogan
Hogan looks much more comfortable and confident. Also making good decisions. Seems as though she hasn't been tested too much during this run, so it will be interesting to see what happens when she is. I think getting Hogan the most games possible under her belt is the best strategy, at least for now. Also developing chemistry with the defense where there's been some turnover since last season.
Also when I first typed that it autocorrected to “God has faith in Jonah,” and without knowing the Biblical source material, I’m going to assume is a fitting similitude.
I always thought the whole faith thing was supposed to flow the other direction. This changes everything!
Whale of an autocorrect.
https://twitter.com/OptaJack/status/1791690910616719558
This group is very deep. If they can avoid the Disease of Me, they have a chance to be special.
Was Kling’s position when she subbed in just whatever?
She played the same position Hina was.
That’s weird for Kling right?
Yeah she doesn't play there a lot, but they've thrown her in the middle occasionally to add some stability. Essentially replacing and eight with another six.
Probably a decent spot for her due to her lack of pace. To close out games? Sure, why not.
I don't know. Designated Dash Crusher?
Liv mentioning the freedom to rotate across the front five first thing in her interview. It's clear that Gale lets the front line do that --they have to in order to get Soph central-- but it's pretty cool how quickly they've picked up on the movement piece.
I loved her mentioning that it’s like a pickup game because I’ve said that to my partner about their interchanges in the past! It’s fun that I know that’s what they aim for now and that it’s intentional. I love goals by committee!
Welp, it's a wrap. Enjoy the flight and ponder strangling some Pride in a week, Thornies.
Really solid performance given the circumstances! Needed to at least three out of the humidity road trip and this was always the most likely game. Would happily take a point in Orlando.
Shout out to Liv and Beckie. Thought Reyna and Hubs were mostly solid too especially in the second half.
smothered houston in the 2nd half. nice win.
Find you someone that loves you as much as Marie loves that quick acceleration and Cruyff chop-back lmao
I feel like Hina does a version of it quite a lot also.
Hell yeah, F the refs up Sam
Just making Houston run scramble drills for the last 10 minutes
Yeah the team has looked it’s best most cohesive self the last 15-20 or so mins of the game..
Agh SOPHH
Semi on topic- Houston has them, Portland has them. What are the lined boxes outside the field between the goal and the corner?
For VAR
Really seems so easy just to start Beckie-Linnehan-Soph. I guess maybe Gale likes having the pace off the bench?
yep, but it's hard to argue with the results right now. everybody is involved, everybody is contributing.
It’s so annoying to sit through 70 minutes of slog and get a real game for 20 mins. Why not just start that?!
It's less that for me-- Sinc is on the field and Soph is still on the wing anyways so it's not like it's really that much different than it was in the first half-- but yeah, I'd like to see the three of them start. Think the Bay game was the only time that's happened.
It’s both for me lol. It feels like it’s been just like a tale of two halves for every Gale game we’ve had so far. I can’t explain why it’s working honestly…but it’s been confusing lol. It could partly be the quality of the opponent, although I do think things do look a whole lot better than Norris when they’re on, no doubt. Defense is better. But, it’s still never been a solid 90 from this team. And I still think the midfield hasn’t been solved. It’s so clearly been two different teams each half for the last 6 games and I’m not sure how to dissect it lol (and I’m not gonna try!) I’m not trying to be a downer after a win in a tough atmosphere given the circumstances…but it’s just seemed like it happens every game that I’m not sure if they’re actually just being coached this way tbh…and I don’t really like how much they have been sitting back in the last several games. Not pressing high. I guess it’s strategic and it’s working, but it looks poor and/or messy for a large chunk of the game when we’re just chasing after a bad team like Houston for 60+ minutes. We’ll see how it evolves…
Rope-a-dope?
speaking of bay, they just did us a solid and took 3 off of san diego!
I should be more mature than to gloat about a loss to a struggling expansion side...but I'm not, so I will.
SD really on the struggle bus…or the Stoney bus, maybe it’s the same bus lol.
So, what to make of the slow starts from SD and Gotham?
In Gotham's case, I think they're finding that it takes time to get all that world-class talent to mesh.
In SD's case, maybe it's the same thing, or maybe it's Stoney fatigue.
damn linnehan is FAST
Great recovery Kelli!
(And damn, thought Sinc blew out Soph's knee there for a sec!)
Has Sinc even touched the ball yet lol
Just kidding, that shot from Soph lmao
Weird game from Sam and Hina. Both really struggling to control the midfield like they should against this Houston midfield two.
Yeah I think both were kinda off and couldn’t really find the game. Weird for Houston to dominate so much unless it was intentional. I didn’t think Hina had a particularly great game until after like minute 60 or 70. This was a weird one…I’m gonna have to watch it back. I don’t think the midfield looked cohesive tonight..
And now Fleming in. Great time for the substitution to put it away. Linnehan on for Beckie too. Love it.
Beautiful by Beckie. Rocket by Moultrie.
Have a game Liv! Hell of a run!
Yeah she’s looked the best of the midfield tonight, huh? It’s taken me by surprise a bit lol, but hey I’ll take it! It’s gonna be fun when we can get them all clicking at the same time.
what the hell was muller thinking there?
nice job by hogan.
So Soph Smith winger era I guess lol
Yeah, unless it's Linnehan and Beckie that's what it looks like until Weaver is back.
i guess linnehan might come for beckie eventually.
what about fleming somewhere?
Guessing we see both of them in 15.
sinclair for dias?
Bachmann hurls herself to the pitch at every single passing bit of contact. Tiresome.
Agreed. But I think I depleted my reserves of incredulous disbelief re: opponents diving last weekend at PP.
Whata tackle Janine!
She’s def been playing more defense (the entire team actually), and I love it!
Is Beckie trying to set a record for shots directly to Campbell?
She needs a bit more patience and focus in the final third...it’s been a little wasteful.
Reading lips there
Yay Dias, not her best showing but can’t argue with her first goal
dias goooooooooooool!
I take it all back Ana!!
Liv workin hard defensively!
(and this ref is just guessin lol)
Takes away that quick throw why?
Christ ladies, wake up!
yeah, rough start. glad hogan is awake.
I kinda disagree with the prevailing sentiment that it was a poor half. Lots of chances created and not a ton of danger from Houston. The lack of finishing and the overturned PK means there's a decent chance we get some typical Houston shenanigans, but that's really my biggest complaint outside of Dias' play.
Pretty lethargic with some wasted chances. Beckie has been a spark plug but hasn’t been patient with the ball and/or her shots. Hoping for Linnehan in and Dias out with Soph moving central. I wanna see those 3 up top because Janine is creating chances…don’t really wanna see Sinc in this game. We need higher pace in the second half, not more of the same sort of messy lethargy. And we need Soph central. MOVE THE GOLDEN BOOT LEADER INTO A SCORING POSITION CLOSER TO GOAL PLEASE. She will win this team games against poor opponents when they aren’t playing super well.
Not really as very good half at all...but I've gotten used to that sort of thing in Houston home matches, more-or-less regardless of opponent. Sloppy football that becomes increasingly listless at the half wears on is just what the game _is_ there.
Really should be 2-3 up. Everything good is coming through Soph and Liv in the middle, so I'd like to see Linnehan for Dias at HT. Need to see more from Hina and Sam. Great half from Liv and Janine.
wow, another lighting fast build led by soph. much better pass to moultrie that time.
Nice build. Ball was a little slow/soft, but I wonder how much that was about the wet grass.
When I say Soph needs to work on her passing focus and technique? Yeah, that's what I mean lol
Dias out at HT pls, she's just not doing anything well and is getting bounced around.
I assume we'll see Linnehan, Fleming, and maybe Sinclair somewhere in the 2nd half.
Sorry, Portland, you only get one handball like that a year, and that was last weekend.
I am fine with the no-call. But last week vs. the (insert random city name here) Reign shows how inconsistent that call is.