PLAYOFFS?! Portland heads across the country to face off against defending NWSL Champions, Gotham FC in the quarterfinals. Prematch pressers are also available.
Yup! I've also said the same. Unless it's Mike Norris, it seems more likely we get a new HC, though. Will they be a step up from Gale? Well that remains to be seen. The quality of the new GM will determine that!
Yeah def a real concern. Getting the GM right is the most important decision the Bhathals will make thus far. Just hoping KK/Norris has no say in the process...
Would love someone who has a large rolodex of top level folks! Seems like you need the right network to even find those people, though. I hope the Bhathals are ambitious enough to find their way into that bubble....
TBF, it was a great ball from Liv and Berger had to stay home on both Hubs and Reilyn - no way to tell to whom it was going to go. Well done all around!
Tbf she hasn't been very good otherwise in this game and others, but I would like to see her get more minutes to get a rhythm going. Hopefully next year.
On further review (intervening 35 mi bike ride) I have no ill feelings towards the Thorns. They have been poorly &/or nonmanaged for two consecutive seasons. Making playoffs was a fluke and they did themselves proud, on the road. Hearts and guts like that are what makes fans happy.
This roster is stuffed with talent. Does it comprise a championship-level squad, or not? How in god's name can we possibly know the answer with coaching so profoundly inept? One throws objects at one's teevee in despair of not knowing.
Am left hoping the Bathals care about their new toy to take needed steps--opening the vault sufficiently to recruit a front office and coaching staff these players deserve. I realize the team cost basically as much as a primo Lake Tahoe beachfront palace (literally) and now the WNBA sirens call sweetly, but for the love of the game and especially the players, Get This Done.
Well said. I would add "On to the European tournaments and scout some talent. This coming year, don't miss that boat that was missed during the Olympics."
A fair result in my opinion. Almost irrelevant who wins in DC v Bats but a sacrificial lamb is required.
These next few weeks are so crucial. In addition to a GM, and then housecleaning, there is less than no time to identify and recruit half a roster. I am not optimistic about any of these, given past performance. January could be discouraging on many fronts. But the holidays are coming first, so there's that.
So begins a very long, very short offseason filled with questions and changes.
I'm sad but I'm not disappointed. There are many, many good pieces here. It's a matter of adding more of them and determining their best fit into multiple styles and options, albeit with prioritization.
I'm also glad that three of the four quarterfinal matches were competitive until the final whistle. If they weren't all beautiful soccer, at least they kept my attention for the duration.
Last thought: Hard to see those final images of Sinc on the bench as the minutes and seconds were winding down. It's definitely time, but I'm still gonna miss her greatly.
Sauerbrunn does that too. Give her a high ball and she heads it upfield even when she has all the time in the world to chest it down and control it. Drives me nuts.
But yes, it was Hogan's long boot - when she had two or three wide, wide open teammates - that led directly to the goal.
god willing the last time rob gale will coach a game for the thorns
From your lips to God's pink slips.
It really is win-win with this game...
Weaver is all choked up post match but such a loyal Thorn.
They really need to get the GM pick right, and they really need to get it done soon.
Rec 1000+. This is the basis of everything else.
No Canadians, please!!!
Silver lining...last Rob Gale game
How sure are you of that..?
Well, no such thing as 100% sure with that....
But, 2 wins in the last 10, going out in the quarters, new GM....my guess is that he won't be sticking around.
I’m with ag167; I think it’s going to be critical that the GM hire be swift and correct. Everything else stems from that.
Yup! I've also said the same. Unless it's Mike Norris, it seems more likely we get a new HC, though. Will they be a step up from Gale? Well that remains to be seen. The quality of the new GM will determine that!
Depends who the GM is.
if the GM can't get that easy one right then there is no hope
I can't imagine any GM coming in and deciding to keep him on after this season lol. Not unless it's Mike Norris or some other Canadian connection...
That GM decision is huge, though. Hope we hear something soon.
i think it depends on the network the GM has. Which is why i have some skepticism about Parsons. He's never hired a coach, for example.
Yeah def a real concern. Getting the GM right is the most important decision the Bhathals will make thus far. Just hoping KK/Norris has no say in the process...
Would love someone who has a large rolodex of top level folks! Seems like you need the right network to even find those people, though. I hope the Bhathals are ambitious enough to find their way into that bubble....
Increases the probablity.
Reilyn is fuckin elite in the air lmao
haven't seen a Thorns player do that since Horan
TBF, it was a great ball from Liv and Berger had to stay home on both Hubs and Reilyn - no way to tell to whom it was going to go. Well done all around!
She fills a huge hole in our lineup.
Imagine if we had 90 mins of her lol
Tbf she hasn't been very good otherwise in this game and others, but I would like to see her get more minutes to get a rhythm going. Hopefully next year.
Over Sinclair it's not a hard decision though. She needs minutes. She has tools.
There's also Linnehan and Spaansta.
You know?
Would take any of the 3 over Sinc.
tbh if they weren't starting Sinc i'd want Linnehan
I'd take either! I do prefer Soph in the middle with 2 actual wingers...
You are a better coach than Rob Gale.
On further review (intervening 35 mi bike ride) I have no ill feelings towards the Thorns. They have been poorly &/or nonmanaged for two consecutive seasons. Making playoffs was a fluke and they did themselves proud, on the road. Hearts and guts like that are what makes fans happy.
This roster is stuffed with talent. Does it comprise a championship-level squad, or not? How in god's name can we possibly know the answer with coaching so profoundly inept? One throws objects at one's teevee in despair of not knowing.
Am left hoping the Bathals care about their new toy to take needed steps--opening the vault sufficiently to recruit a front office and coaching staff these players deserve. I realize the team cost basically as much as a primo Lake Tahoe beachfront palace (literally) and now the WNBA sirens call sweetly, but for the love of the game and especially the players, Get This Done.
On to the NCAA tournament. Scout that talent!
Well said. I would add "On to the European tournaments and scout some talent. This coming year, don't miss that boat that was missed during the Olympics."
35 mile bike ride? All in one month???
TBH a LOT of surplus adrenaline and probably our last 70+ degree afternoon of the season. Sure gets dark early, though.
A fair result in my opinion. Almost irrelevant who wins in DC v Bats but a sacrificial lamb is required.
These next few weeks are so crucial. In addition to a GM, and then housecleaning, there is less than no time to identify and recruit half a roster. I am not optimistic about any of these, given past performance. January could be discouraging on many fronts. But the holidays are coming first, so there's that.
Today's matchup: The Bats vs. Labatt's.
Lolol https://x.com/sydneyleroux/status/1855725959233908945
I can't understand why it takes so long to determine something IS NOT "clear and obvious." If it takes that long, it's NOT "clear and obvious."
Thing is, it doesn't matter either way: It's an objective call! Unless you're calling intentional handball, it's never a pen!
Yeah, I simply do not understand what all of that was about.
So begins a very long, very short offseason filled with questions and changes.
I'm sad but I'm not disappointed. There are many, many good pieces here. It's a matter of adding more of them and determining their best fit into multiple styles and options, albeit with prioritization.
I'm also glad that three of the four quarterfinal matches were competitive until the final whistle. If they weren't all beautiful soccer, at least they kept my attention for the duration.
Last thought: Hard to see those final images of Sinc on the bench as the minutes and seconds were winding down. It's definitely time, but I'm still gonna miss her greatly.
All comes because Shelby pointlessly boots the ball up field instead of keeping it. Liv falls asleep, and Shelby dives early for some reason.
Sauerbrunn does that too. Give her a high ball and she heads it upfield even when she has all the time in the world to chest it down and control it. Drives me nuts.
But yes, it was Hogan's long boot - when she had two or three wide, wide open teammates - that led directly to the goal.
Sorry, but I want Shelby to always kick it away. One to many FUBARs with her feet.
Nah, she had a wide open Muller 10 feet from her. You could see Marie and Becky absolutely giving it to her after she played it long
Agreed. No idea why she didn't pass to a wide open Muller.
Her feet are the worst part of her game.
Kind of important for a soccer player, no?
If it takes this long, it's not "clear and obvious."
Well, at least we are spared the Bhathals thinking Gale is a "good playoff coach" or something.
Hopefully there will be Thorns news tomorrow or Tuesday.
Koach Ken transfered to Executive VP of Konsessions overseeing Kanadian Korndog sales
Troubling season even if they did get to play one playoff game. This offseason really matters.
Thank you Thorns.
Bye, Rob.
See you at the imaginary draft.
Yes.
C'mon Sonnett. Give us an inexplicable turnover for old time's sake.
Talk about redemption! Turner makes up for her part in Gotham's goal.