Match Discussion Thread: Thorns @ San Diego

[Thornando]

"Was Monday’s draw enough to spark a turnaround?"

No.

[Thornando]

**I'm reposting this great work from PDXElls earlier today. This should go along with Phuoc's piece.**

I spent 45 minutes looking at Karina’s time as GM. And oh my goodness it’s a lot. This is just looking at things she can control as GM. In summary it’s a lot of turnover, loss of depth ,bad roster construction, staff leaving , and bad HC hires. To sum it up the thorns need to clean house .They need stability and someone that knows how to do their job. I’m sure I missed a few things

Late 2021 - 2022:

➡️Rhian Hired As HC

⬅️Salem Retires

⬅️Horan goes on loan to France

⬅️Celeste Boureille left

➡️Sam Coffey ( drafted by Parsons) starts her rookie season

➡️Hina Sugita Signed ( in the works from Parson era)

⬅️Charley traded

⬅️Lussi traded

⬅️Westphal traded

⬅️Ali’s right traded

➡️Signed Janine Beckie

➡️Traded for Tegan McGrady

⬅️Traded Po to SD

➡️ Vasconcelos Signed

Draft picks:

↙️Not signed Sydny Nasello FWD :FO didn’t do their due diligence before picking her

➡️Signed Gabby Provenzano DF:

➡️Signed Natalie Beckman FW

⬆️ Becky signs for a year

⬆️ Sincy signs for a year

Offseason mess

⬅️Rhian quits after she loses the locker room due to inappropriate relationship with a player

⏺️Players go to the league to get guidance about Rhian / don’t trust KK

⬅️ Pierre fired ( Head Athletic trainer aka Mr Dunn)

⬅️ Sophie Clough fired after investigating

⬅️Abby Smith leaves

2023:

⬅️ Traded Yaz Ryan to Gotham for 5th pick + 250k

🟰Hired Mike Norris after “world wide search”

⬆️Hannah Betfort new contract

⬆️Michele Vasconcelos 1 year+ option

⬆️Tegan McGrady 1 year + option

⬆️Meaghan Nally 2024+ option

⬆️ Shelby Hogan 2025 + option

➡️Rob Gale brought in as assistant Coach

➡️ Katie Quinlan Assistant coach

➡️ Vytas assistant coach

Draft class:

➡️Reyna Reyes signed

➡️ Izzy D’Aquila signed

↙️ FW, Lauren DeBeau drafted but not signed

➡️ Lauren Kozal drafted+ signed

➡️ Adriana Leon signed on a loan through World Cup (Played 81 minutes of regular season)

⬆️ Olivia Moultrie’s option for 2024

⬅️Adriana Leon left club

⬅️Lindsey horan transferred to Lyon

➡️Rikke Sevecke signed for rest of season + option

⬅️Nadine Angerer left the club

⬅️Crystal Dunn left club

⬅️ Michele Vasconcelos left club

⬅️ Taylor Porter Left club

⬅️ Tegan McGrady left club

⬅️ Katie Quinlan Assistant coach left

⬅️ KatieSimons leaves club

⬅️ Natalie Beckman left club

⬅️ Emily Menges Traded

⬅️Hannah Betfort Traded

🔼Sugita extension to 2026

2024:

⏬️Rikke Sevecke Retires

⬅️Natalia Kuikka left club

⬅️ Rocky Traded to ACFC

➡️Sarah Lowdon added to Coaching staff

⬆️ Becky one year contract

⬆️ Kling one year contract

⬆️ Sinc one year contract

▶️Isabella Obaze three year contract

➡️ Marie Muller signs 2025 with option

➡️ Jessie Fleming joins thorns 3 yrs

➡️Nicole Payne joins on loan

➡️Ana Dias signed

2024 draftees:

➡️ Payton Linnehan drafted + signed

➡️ Olivia Wade-Katoa drafted + signed

↙️ Kelsey Kaufusi drafted but not signed

➡️ Kat Asman drafted + signed

↙️ Katie Duong drafted but not signed

➡️ Marissa Sheva signed

➡️ Mallie McKenzie signed

⬅️ Mike Norris fired as HC

🔄 Mike Norris hired as “technical director” 4/16

➡️Rob Gale interim HC (4/16)

➡️ Emily Alvarado signed ( 4/20)

Summer moves:

⬆️ Nicole Payne transferred + extended (7/2)

➡️ Mackenzie Arnold signed 7/10

🟰Rob Gale announced as new HC after a “world search” (7/19)

⬅️ Waived Nally (7/26)

➡️ Alexa Spaanstra signed 8/19

➡️Reilyn Turner traded to thorns( 8/21)

⬅️ Traded Janine Beckie to Louisville 8/21

⬅️ Emily Alvarado waived ( 8/15)

⬅️ Ana Dias transferred to Tigres

⬅️ Lauren Kozal loaned to Tampa Bay

➡️Sophie Hirst added from Houston (9/5)

[ABell4]

How do we pin this? Thank you for your service PDXElls...this is excellent! Nailed everything and made it easily digestible. This should be pinned to every thread from here on out....

[Thornando]

Should also add this into the lore:

Paulson/Wilkinson/Parsons 2021: Won Challenge Cup, WICC, and Shield; lost in Semis

Paulson/LeBlanc/Wilkinson 2022: Finished 2nd for Shield; won Championship

Paulson/LeBlanc/Norris 2023: Finished 2nd for Shield; lost in Semis

Bhathals/LeBlanc/Norris/Gale/Lowdon 2024: Currently 7th, 3 points ahead of 9th and 6 points ahead of 11th

[sd8]

Welp. That was extremely difficult to watch. Becky and Weaver seem to be holding this team together with everything they have, and I feel bad for everybody tbh.

[R4R]

Just had to hit negative GD this late in the season.

[ABell4]

Phuoc, please re-post your article again on the twitters!!

[ABell4]

Need a million of these in the North End for next game: https://images.app.goo.gl/7ud8JxdvSPh5aPED6

[PDXElls]

Maybe posting a bunch of these around PP but with the names of KK, Mike, and Rob will help 🤣

[ag167]

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[Thornando]

"Smithers, are they booing me?"

"Yes, this time they're booing you, Sir."

[ABell4]

They're saying BOOOO-UUURNNNSS!!!

[Timbers and Thorns]

BOOOO-UUURRRNIT DOWN TO THE GROUND!

[Thornando]

Smithers and Rapinoe Mash-Up:

"LET. IT. BOO-URNS."

[R4R]

Maybe it's all just a bad dream *Pinch*

[Jbill83]

I’ve switched to the Timbers game

[Thornando]

I've switched to drinking woodgrain alcohol.

[Jbill83]

Even better

[Thornando]

Another sign of Karina's boneheaded roster construction:

We're playing a 3-5-2 and we only have 3 CBs on the whole damn roster.

[FDChief]

You’ve been Landycaked, Ken! Not good!

[R4R]

Twice!

[Rad Nauseum]

Lately I spend the last 10-20 minutes of every game screaming like Servo

https://youtu.be/u_nPp64OrBc?si=Zw6Tzj4qCP_pnt22

[A Dozen Roses, Eleven Thorns]

Thanks. I needed the laugh. Not quite Mitchell asking for a quart of gin w/ a Ding Dong in the middle, but welcome nonetheless.

[R4R]

Gotta

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIaFtAKnqBU

[ABell4]

Omg a throwback! This used to make me crylaugh like 15 years ago lol

[FDChief]

This dog might be a dealbreaker; I’m not sure I can watch this shit again. I’ve nodded out several times already. What an awful slog.

[Thornando]

If your best chances on the night are two skyballs from 39-year-old Becky Sauerbruun, you're doing it wrong.

[ag167]

Galeball baby

[DebbiMc]

I'm so glad I switched to the Timbers at halftime.

[Thornando]

The good news is that this loss ought to be the final nail in the coffins of Karina and Gale. Just a matter of when it happens. Bhatals won't do it in the midst of Sinclair's farewell tour, but it's now inevitable.

[FDChief]

I agree with your comment below. If the four loss streak wasn’t enough I’m not sure one-point-from-eighteen-on-offer will be, either. To can the pair now is to admit their “worldwide search” was a sham.

I do suspect the coaches and GM get the sack after the playoff loss (or the regular season if we drop below the red line).

[ag167]

They probably should.

“We want to give the team the best chance to end the season on a high note. We want to honor Sinclair’s legacy by putting the Thorns in the best position to try and win a championship, and for that reason we have parted ways with Head Coach Rob Gale and General Manager Karina LeBlanc. [X] will take over for the rest of the season while we conduct a new global search to replace Gale and LeBlanc.”

[Thornando]

Here's why they won't: Karina and Sinc are longtime friends.

The big changes will be announced shortly after November 1.

[ABell4]

KK is also doing speaking engagements as of a few days ago for Revitate, the Bhathal's investment firm. She was their keynote speaker...it's gonna take a lot of loud pressure from fans.

[JChrist]

Oof, that's not a good sign for the immediate future

[A Dozen Roses, Eleven Thorns]

Tonight's topic: "How to Diminish a Brand Name Through Managerial Incompetence."

[ABell4]

Lol yesss

[R4R]

Might take declining attendance to get them to move.

[Thornando]

Time for the annual members to start threatening not to renew.

I'll send my email Monday. Who's with me?

[ABell4]

I already said that to my partner earlier today also!

[ag167]

I’m in. And I’m booing when she walks around.

[ABell4]

Already do, but I'll do it louder.

I hope folks who have any connection with the Riveters tell them to at least not engage with her on her walk-around! She feels entitled because of the attention she still gets at PP...

[Thornando]

I'll offer up a very loud "DO YOUR JOB" from up close.

I wonder if the Bhatals will do their pre-game patio schmooze at the upcoming home games? If so, that's a way to get a clear message to them too.

Perhaps time for some signage from the supporters too.

"LISA AND ALEX: THE FANS AND PLAYERS DESERVE BETTER"

[ag167]

LOOOOOOOOOL

[Polly]

Oh Lord. That's bad.

[Thornando]

Jeezus. We're f@$ked.

[ag167]

She can come back to Sinc’s last game if she wants to

[PDXElls]

There’s no need to delay the inevitable. Let Sarah take over and call Parsons and ask if he’s free to help out build a good team.

[ag167]

Do we think Mark comes and visits for Sinc’s last game?

[ABell4]

Was just thinking thiiiiiss. (Keeping some open time around then lol)

[PDXElls]

I dont think he’s employed yet so I would think he makes the trip.

[FDChief]

From your keyboard to the Bhathal’s ears…

[Thornando]

I'll work on that!

[ag167]

The much heralded camp that Rob Gale talked about after the last home game: L, D, L.

[Thornando]

Mini-Camp [Camp Little (LDL)]

[Thornando]

OG Obaze. Thank you, and goodnight.

[DavidK]

Please let this season end.

[Jbill83]

We’re simply cursed.

[R4R]

Bad play compiled with bad luck.

[Jbill83]

Yes we do seem to maximize those two lately.

[ag167]

If I’m Shelby Hogan, I’m wondering how I lost my job. Because it’s not exactly like they’ve spent a lot of time playing out of the back tonight.

[FDChief]

I’m pretty hard on keeper errors, but that was a pretty gross deflection off Obaze.

[FDChief]

Poor decision-making on the first concession, tho, I admit.

[DavidK]

Agreed. Distribution will always be a "nice to have" in comparison to shot stopping.

[ag167]

I mean they’re not even trying to use it is the thing. It’s one thing if it was part of the plan tonight.

[PDXElls]

Arnold. Arnold. Arnold. How terribly predictable. Just shambles

[FDChief]

What an appalling mess of a crap “goal”. Goes down in San Diego lore as “The Sports Bra Goal”.

[Thornando]

And there's your crap goal.

[Jbill83]

Bad judgment by Arnold.

[DavidK]

Was that the most "this season" concession possible, or what?

[Thornando]

Still 25 minutes of this turkey. A little better in the 2nd.

[PDXElls]

Becky has been everywhere trying to do it all . Wish more players were playing like this

[ABell4]

She looked like she was trying to hold the Taj Mahal together with a glue stick and toothpicks…can’t say she isn’t working her butt off!

[FDChief]

A random crap goal could absolutely win this thing. And the way it’s going any goal is likely to BE a random crap goal.

[DavidK]

And there you have it: random crap goal.

[ABell4]

Part deux!

[FDChief]

I is a psychic of crap goals.

[KinchNW]

So far, the one thing that got my attention: Jess McDonalds bicep.

[ABell4]

She has always been ripped!

[FDChief]

The shots are coming, only going…either over the bar or right at Sheridan.

[Thornando]

Sauerbruun gets 3 shots in the last 2 matches, including skying 2 tonight. Crap.

[Thornando]

Fleming shoots at Sheridan: Only Canadians in the Building.

[PDXElls]

Make a sub thorns ffs

[R4R]

Waiting for a side to derp up a goal.

[JoeThorn]

PDX has been Rip City. How about now Derp City.

(Sorry)

[Thornando]

Red Hot-n-Derpin!

Lickety Brindle Up the Middle of the Table!

[Timbers and Thorns]

Bingo Bango Bungle!

[JoeThorn]

Soccer needs a backcourt rule. Someone please take that ball and charge forward.....

[Thornando]

Snapdragon Stadium. Crapwagon Field.

[Thornando]

A little high pressure on the sideline from Sinclair, and a nice ball ahead to Weaver. Too bad it amounted to naught.

[Thornando]

Here's some silver lining: During the first half I brushed the dog, wiped down the counters, scrubbed the toilets, and got out some Halloween decorations.... and I didn't miss a thing.

[DavidK]

I'm sitting in front of the screen, halfway paying attention as I practice guitar. But tbh, I'm really more just self-indulgently noodling than engaging in any actual useful practice.

The parallels with the team are many. But my technique is better... ;)

[Thornando]

Why don't WE get mariachi at halftime???

[FDChief]

Is it me, or was that perhaps the most boring half of “soccer” I’ve ever watched?

[Thornando]

Even the ref couldn't stand another minute of it.

[FDChief]

When ignorant armies clash by night…

[ABell4]

Battle of Mid: https://images.app.goo.gl/FJdpnr6C6v9VJPNu8

[PDXElls]

If they lose we should all spam the thorns accounts. Kk out , Mike out, Rob out. Clean house

[R4R]

Plenty of meh to go around.

[PDXElls]

It’s just a battle of bad coaching out there .

[Thornando]

Mercifully, no stoppage time.

If we get out of here with a scoreless draw, we gain for the weekend.

[Thornando]

Bad soccer and a bad pitch.

[PDXElls]

It’s just bad soccer

[ABell4]

Just not sure how this team scores lol

[ag167]

This is terrible soccer. Truly dreadful.

[Thornando]

Yeah, we got suckered by the better appearance against a bad opponent.

This team might make the playoffs, but only because no one behind them is good enough to knock them out of a spot. They're dead in the water.

[ABell4]

Yeah and only because 8/14 teams make it lol, so stupid...