Happy 2024 Thorns home opener day! Portland seeks to bounce back at home against the defending champs. Can they tally their first win of the season? Come chat through it in the match thread!
On Gotham's goal: In what world does it make sense to leave Esther unmarked at the penalty spot? I get that we play a zone defense, but the zone has to include not leaving a huge open space right in front of goal for one of the best strikers in the league.
Got nothing. Okay, well, got two goals called back--legit? Will grant one. Soph draws FOUR yellows? Something seems off.
Beckie off @ 60 is preordained on account of knee, I get it. Beckie off @ 60 for #12 is throwing in the towel because, what, the Shield doesn't matter, or some nonsense .
This can't happen again. Fix.
Can add Mϋeller is an excellent pickup, crafty, skilled, speedy. Reyes seems okay on the right flank now, and I think this pairing works.
If Norris doesn’t believe she is a 10, put Fleming at the 10 and play Sugita at the 8 or put Sugita on the wing. Either way, she should start and the fact that she’s not is the primary reason I am losing confidence in Norris turning it around. Its an easy decision
This team is aimless right now. Heavy on hopeful balls and short on combinations. There are a lot of good pieces on this team and they should be playing better. The head coach is clearly the result of the Peter Principle. Sinclair comes in at wing ahead of Sugita. Oh Lord, why have you forsaken us.
Portland had five offsides in this game! Gotham had 0. So either the Thorns got hosed by the ref, were not properly prepared for Gotham's defense or Gotham is just very disciplined in their highline defense. Well it could be all three.
Agreed. Was hoping Fleming was answer, but another 70 minutes if invisibility, a very expensive invisibility.. One decent pass , one big foul and after that didn't even notice she was on the field. That's alot of nothing for someone in a position that is supposed to be noticed. Moultrie put in a great shift, Coffey was great and Hina was active in limited time.
I saw a couple of nice things from Fleming today, but I am not sold that she was what this club needed. Especially not if it means keeping Sugita on the bench for the first 75 minutes.
Why wouldn't they? It's the same plan from last year's semifinal match. Worked then, worked today, despite a much better showing from the Thorns this week compared to last week.
I’ve said this already, but Norris needs to show a learning curve this season. Last year he was kind of a panic hire and had to use the troops he was given. This year? It’s his team. It’s failings - and so far they’ve been failings! - are on him.
So let me see if I understand, maybe I am.missing something. You are chasing the game and you put Sinc in up top against a defense playing a highline. Guess we will see
Hubly looked right at her before the cross and wandered back toward Shelby leaving her to Coffey , who, rightfully, had every reason to assume the cb responsible for the cb spot would cover the cb spot. It was abysmal
Much sturdier half, helped by Gotham’s limited speed on the wings with Williams out and Purce injured. Coffey and Fleming still not involved enough, mostly because Norris is pushing Beckie, Moultrie, and Weaver so high that it’s almost a 4-2-4 in attack.
I’d say Portland had the better of the chances that half. Unlucky on the called-back goal. Looking MUCH more composed and collected, too, especially in back.
With the upgrade across the rest of the backline today it makes Hubly look more like she was for a lot of last season; kind of just a step slow or confused.
she is playing smart they are cutting off outside pass rather than forcing it she is playing smart. She has done great picking out the early pwnetrating passes out of the back, will likely good some good counters with gothams high line.
I’m with Trail33; she’s had Weaver open to her front several times but turned inside. Same thing going on w Reyes; for a guy who pushes his FBs up Norris doesn’t get a lot of width out of them.
She’s playing smart, but that shows that maybe she doesn’t quite understand how athletic both Smith and Weaver are to create space. I’ve been impressed with her today. She’s been very good
It feels SO weird to be watching from an ocean away and not from the 5th row in 121, where I was from the very beginning! Been talking on social with my seat neighbor about how odd it seems (well, and about guitars...).
Okay, back to seething about Hina not being in teh 11...
He's got some block about using her centrally. I though he'd overcome that late last season (and it worked), but apparently not.
My Beleza have been kind of stumbling along, staying in touch with the leaders (the usual suspects the last couple years: Urawa and Kobe, plus Niigata this year), but giving away points late in matches too often: 4 draws! Almost did it yesterday v Hiroshima, but managed a very late winner. Fujino-senshu still seems to have a bit of a scoring drought going on, although yesterday that got extended by two brilliant saves. She's still driving the offense, and is being played in her more-natural right winger position instead of as a 9. It's almost as if there are coaches that are able to play people in their optimal position...
In the Nadeshiko league, Iga obliterated Bunnies Gunma, 6-1. Go Kunoichi!
On Gotham's goal: In what world does it make sense to leave Esther unmarked at the penalty spot? I get that we play a zone defense, but the zone has to include not leaving a huge open space right in front of goal for one of the best strikers in the league.
Make it make sense.
https://www.fotmob.com/matches/njny-gotham-fc-vs-portland-thorns/2gzkmkg4#4414174
So that happened.
Got nothing. Okay, well, got two goals called back--legit? Will grant one. Soph draws FOUR yellows? Something seems off.
Beckie off @ 60 is preordained on account of knee, I get it. Beckie off @ 60 for #12 is throwing in the towel because, what, the Shield doesn't matter, or some nonsense .
This can't happen again. Fix.
Can add Mϋeller is an excellent pickup, crafty, skilled, speedy. Reyes seems okay on the right flank now, and I think this pairing works.
The Sinc thing is legitimately baffling to me. The eye test don’t lie. You have Hina on the bench and you bring on Sinc first?
Sinc wasn't the problem, but I'd definitely find a way to bring on Sugita sooner.
Yeah, given what an unimpressive day both Moultrie and Fleming had starting either one over Sugita seems like a poor decision.
Hina should be on at the opening whistle, period.
If Norris doesn’t believe she is a 10, put Fleming at the 10 and play Sugita at the 8 or put Sugita on the wing. Either way, she should start and the fact that she’s not is the primary reason I am losing confidence in Norris turning it around. Its an easy decision
First ever home opener loss.
https://twitter.com/EqualizerSoccer/status/1772069635883483637
And last week was the first Opening Day loss since 2019.
This team is aimless right now. Heavy on hopeful balls and short on combinations. There are a lot of good pieces on this team and they should be playing better. The head coach is clearly the result of the Peter Principle. Sinclair comes in at wing ahead of Sugita. Oh Lord, why have you forsaken us.
No Sinc comes on in the 9 and pushes Soph wide, lmao…
And has the opportunity to equalize with a header but can’t get up quickly or high enough to reach the ball…
Soph absolutely giving it to one of the Thorns assistants about something post game
Hmmm, didn’t see it. I wonder if she was just venting or if she’s mad about something else…
Probs just venting tbh- She was pointing at the refs while she was doing it lol
If I'm Soph, I'm about out of Fs to give.
Portland had five offsides in this game! Gotham had 0. So either the Thorns got hosed by the ref, were not properly prepared for Gotham's defense or Gotham is just very disciplined in their highline defense. Well it could be all three.
Both of Smith's goals called back were correct calls. The first one was pretty close but still correct. :-(
And Gotham’s vaunted attack looked pretty meek today. They weren’t offside because they weren’t running thru.
True, but man I'd love to have Esther. She's like a fully attack-minded Fishlock. Just a goddamn pest out there.
I think they were mostly unlucky. The two goals called back by offsides were by like 0.25 of a second.
There was maybe 1 where it was just a silly mistake on our behalf.
This is a helluva tough loss. I thought the squad played well enough. Unlucky on the offside calls and one fuckup in back and we’re 0-2.
These are the worst types of games because you lose it by inches.
At the end of the day, there was limited creativity.
Lots of Smith. We need more weapons if we’re going to keep defenses honest.
Agreed. Was hoping Fleming was answer, but another 70 minutes if invisibility, a very expensive invisibility.. One decent pass , one big foul and after that didn't even notice she was on the field. That's alot of nothing for someone in a position that is supposed to be noticed. Moultrie put in a great shift, Coffey was great and Hina was active in limited time.
I thought that except for some good free kicks, Moultrie was kinda invisible. Starting her in a CAM role over Sugita is clueless.
I saw a couple of nice things from Fleming today, but I am not sold that she was what this club needed. Especially not if it means keeping Sugita on the bench for the first 75 minutes.
Flemming, Coffee, and Sugita in the middle. Sit Reyes or Hubby and play Moultrie or on the back line. Or Flemming, a la O'Hara
Agreed. I mean Gotham just showed that if you absorb a bunch of yellows, you're going to neutralize her. And likely injure her to boot.
Why wouldn't they? It's the same plan from last year's semifinal match. Worked then, worked today, despite a much better showing from the Thorns this week compared to last week.
Beckie and Weaver were hustling…but somehow the three were less effective as a unit than as individuals. I need to watch tape; not sure why.
That's a tell-tale sign of bad coaching - when the sum are less than the parts.
Yep.
I’ve said this already, but Norris needs to show a learning curve this season. Last year he was kind of a panic hire and had to use the troops he was given. This year? It’s his team. It’s failings - and so far they’ve been failings! - are on him.
Shelby’s confidence is at Bixby-esque levels I fear
Poor distribution.
She is really shaky in goal, I feel worse with her than Bixby honestly
I was worried about this going into the season. A whole different ballgame when you're "the woman" in primetime.
She’s had some ugly fumbles today.
All in for Gotham from that ref...yet again.
Here’s where we have the same problem we had last season; depth. We sure could use an impact sub…but who? Who’s available…D’Aquila? Ugh.
Hopefully that will be Dias if they don’t trust Izzy
I wouldn’t. D’Aquila hasn’t earned any trust to date.
I mean who cares if all of Gotham gets a yellow card from stopping Sophia Smith.... it's working.
So let me see if I understand, maybe I am.missing something. You are chasing the game and you put Sinc in up top against a defense playing a highline. Guess we will see
Coaching malpractice.
FFS. So many opportunities wasted (and some dubious ref calls) and then this happens.
And the squad really has played much better than I’d feared. But Hubly switches off for one play and we’re down a goal…
Awful by Hubly
Not starter quality...
Completely unacceptable from Hubly
Hubly looked right at her before the cross and wandered back toward Shelby leaving her to Coffey , who, rightfully, had every reason to assume the cb responsible for the cb spot would cover the cb spot. It was abysmal
She's good for one major derp per game on average. Sometimes get lucky with zero, sometimes get two or more.
And sometimes those derps are goals. Oftentimes, actually.
Yep: central defender derps are the worst, save for GK derps, in terms of leading to goals against.
There’s the dagger. Shit.
Hogan, c’mon. Gotta hold that!
People watching on tv, what’s the verdict on the offside?
Clearly offside.
But was Moultrie involved in the play?
It wasn't Moultrie who got called offside (she was offside but wasn't involved in the play), it was Smith.
Hmmm. I guess I just haven’t seen the right clip yet because I haven’t seen one where Smith was offsides
I don’t get it. Smith had to fight thru two defenders to get clear. How could she be offside?
They were saying Moultrie was offside?
I missed it. But the TV announcers say it's the right call.
Ah wonderful, smith’s goal chocked off and Sinc coming on!
Shitshitshit.
Going from bad to worse.
Holy fuck hahahahahaha she’s unreal
Smith!!!! GOLAZO!!!
C’mon, Norris. This group just needs a tiny little more spark. Sugita? Let’s try it!
Muller giving Ryan five kinds of hell.
What would a Sonnett visit to PP be if she didn't take one right in the face?
Shelby should be pleased with the first half. Solid saves and no spills
Much sturdier half, helped by Gotham’s limited speed on the wings with Williams out and Purce injured. Coffey and Fleming still not involved enough, mostly because Norris is pushing Beckie, Moultrie, and Weaver so high that it’s almost a 4-2-4 in attack.
I'm ready for Sugita. Don't know who I'm talking off between Fleming or Moultrie, though.
Moultrie
Hina for Moultrie.
Neither has been super involved. Dealers choice IMO.
Out of those two, definitely Moultrie, but it’ll be Beckie most likely. Don’t think she goes 90.
Beckie and Weaver working their butts off. Moultrie has been kind of invisible again.
Agree that Reyes has been a beast. Muller, too. Brunn…whole backline looks sturdier w the different cast.
Reyes has been fantastic, btw- Still surprised she didn’t start last weekend.
I’d say Portland had the better of the chances that half. Unlucky on the called-back goal. Looking MUCH more composed and collected, too, especially in back.
Was that clearly offside? Honestly couldn’t tell
Did they ever really show a good slo-mo replay? At first I thought way off, then with the quick replay I was like whoa, that was really close
I think it was her shoulder. Super close. Live it looked miles offside because of house fast she is.
I’m in 118. Clearly offside
I’m up in 203 so I had NO angle and missed the replay. It didn’t look off to me, but, bad angle.
Purce down on a knee. Think she might be done.
That looked pretty serious the way she was reacting
Agreed. She’d been limping after the contact earlier, and she made a clumsy slide over the touchline and tweaked the knee again.
Yep. Yasmeen Ryan on for Purce.
That needs to be a card. Sophia Smith has every right to be upset.
Hubly dallying on the ball on the easy switch for the third time today, results in a Gotham corner. Just play the easy out ball jfc
Yeah. For a couple of those, she was headed in my direction (I'm in 219) and Reyna was ready to go, but Hubs was hesitant.
With the upgrade across the rest of the backline today it makes Hubly look more like she was for a lot of last season; kind of just a step slow or confused.
Her reaction time was never super fast but it’s def gotten much slower over the last few years…
Loafing on that last play, too, to force a clearance and concede the corner.
Muller’s kind of driving me nuts with cutting back inside when pressed instead of looking upfield…
I like that she’s trying to play inside rather than just hunt over the top balls.
But as often as not she’s got Weaver or Smith as outlets, and when she cuts inside Gotham closes her down. At least try a forward pass now and then.
She looks WAY better defensively tho than last week!
she is playing smart they are cutting off outside pass rather than forcing it she is playing smart. She has done great picking out the early pwnetrating passes out of the back, will likely good some good counters with gothams high line.
I’m with Trail33; she’s had Weaver open to her front several times but turned inside. Same thing going on w Reyes; for a guy who pushes his FBs up Norris doesn’t get a lot of width out of them.
She’s playing smart, but that shows that maybe she doesn’t quite understand how athletic both Smith and Weaver are to create space. I’ve been impressed with her today. She’s been very good
Prime example number 1. Sophia Smith can create so much out of nothing
there is no doubt , just not fan of just playing straight up the field, prefer angles, in then back out. Thought Muller was our best FB today.
I’m liking the Thorns forechecking today. Not giving Gotham time to develop.
Amoros switches Purce to the left with Reyna on a yellow
Reyes w a clumsy tackle and yellow.
That contact was all Purce. Bad call, imo.
Looked more professional than anything. Purce would've been off to the races.
No doubt; had to bring Purce down. Might have tried to use a trifle less body english to duck the card…
Purce off?
She’s back.
Gotham playing their usual high line against Sophia smith is certainly a choice!
Man, that was close on that offside call. Looked onside on the replay, but the VAR would have had a better angle.
That was waaaaay closer than I originally thought
Lovely thru-ball tho. Plus good persistence from Smith potting the rebound.
Just an inch offside. Ugh.
New kits look awful on TV
They look bad in person
They look really orange live, too.
In person, I felt like I had no idea I was watching the Thorns.
Need to stop f-ing around with the kits and just give us something good next year.
Amoros playing Dunn on the wing with Esther and Purce. That is….scary!
(Also fireworks at PP? Interesting move Bhathals!)
I am just so happy that they didn’t pull a stupid ass light show lol
We had fireworks for the 2013 opener. Kinda same-same for new owner, no?
Did I miss something? I don’t see Sugita-senshu warming up.
She's shown as an available sub on the list just posted on TwitX. If this in NOT a case of a lingering knock, then Norris needs to go, yesterday.
She’s got her hair pulled back into a little bun. Made a difference when the players were way over on the west touchline.
It feels SO weird to be watching from an ocean away and not from the 5th row in 121, where I was from the very beginning! Been talking on social with my seat neighbor about how odd it seems (well, and about guitars...).
Okay, back to seething about Hina not being in teh 11...
Yeah, given the way the midfield looked in KC I’m not happy that Norris kept her on the bench for this one.
He's got some block about using her centrally. I though he'd overcome that late last season (and it worked), but apparently not.
My Beleza have been kind of stumbling along, staying in touch with the leaders (the usual suspects the last couple years: Urawa and Kobe, plus Niigata this year), but giving away points late in matches too often: 4 draws! Almost did it yesterday v Hiroshima, but managed a very late winner. Fujino-senshu still seems to have a bit of a scoring drought going on, although yesterday that got extended by two brilliant saves. She's still driving the offense, and is being played in her more-natural right winger position instead of as a 9. It's almost as if there are coaches that are able to play people in their optimal position...
In the Nadeshiko league, Iga obliterated Bunnies Gunma, 6-1. Go Kunoichi!
There she is! Changed her hairstyle…
I've already said it elsewhere - the league is good enough that we're gonna struggle to make the playoffs.