Tijuana awful - playing a high line with no pressure on the ball and no athleticism at the back, thank you - but that was fun. McKenzie was intriguing, made some smart runs. Bummer OKW only played a half; I'd like to see more. Hope nothing serious with Obaze.
Izzy and Dias' finishing, yikes. Especially Izzy. That's your calling card!
Izzy will find herself playing elsewhere if she can't start converting sitters.
Tijuana awful, but similar in style to other Liga MX clubs. They just don't play much defense. Everything is about offense and a wide-open game. Problem is, TJ doesn't have the talent to play that way.
I don’t want to speculate too much - this was a REALLY poor opponent - but I’m a bit encouraged by the good movement, passing, and intelligent coordination we saw today. I frankly expected Ken to try and play Smith hero-ball without Smith. He didn’t, and we saw a free flow and creativity we haven’t seen a lot of.
Yeah, okay, try that against full-strength Orlando, I get it. But…baby steps, maybe. Plus fun to see the left-behinders enjoy a fun day and celebrate.
I don't know that any of the Liga MX teams would- They'd compete and have a chance for sure, but I'd still bet on the NWSL team with confidence every time.
Also worth noting that every single NWSL side put out a stronger 11 (at least from a midfield and attack perspective) than the Thorns did tonight.
I don’t think Seattle or Spirit started many more starters than we had tbh…Spirit did start to sub them on throughout, though. But both teams had a p rotated XI to start. But yeah, most teams’ rotated midfields and attacks are kinda better than ours anyways bc ours are all injured or away.
Apparently Xolos came in 11th most recently, though. They reaaally aren’t a good team. I saw a tweet from Theo Lloyd Hughes about them that said something of the sort…
Seattle played Utah though, not a Liga MX side. The Spirit had similar lineup to ours, but really struggled comparatively. As I've mentioned elsewhere, the gap between Tijuana and say, Chivas -- who the Spirit played-- is barely anything.
Anyways, my point isn’t that this was a particularly impressive win relative to competition or even that it signals good things in the future, just that it was a very well-handled game relative to other NWSL teams this weekend given who we had on the field.
Yeah, but if you rewatch that game it was not even at all lol. I remember coming out baffled we could lose a game to such a poor opponent...despite who we had on the field. Their keeper was good though!
Ridiculous fourth goal off a sweet back post D’Aquila header that came off 1) their keeper and 2) one of the defender’s arms before spinning loose onto Dias’ boot. Thought for sure the handball killed off the run of play.
Well, that and it matters to stockpile goals. Only 4 teams advance. Thorns should win their group, but they're also going to have to overwhelm on GD to be sure to make it into the final 4.
They’ve executed a couple of nice big switches to exploit their pace (and our fullbacks) and if they’d had the discipline to push an attacker up the weak side to pot the resulting cross might have created a bit more danger. Not a very good team, but we’ve given them a look or two. Still, solid outing from our B side.
I thought our reserves had some pretty nice buildups. Opponents quality aside, we still have to connect the passes and move to space, and that’s happening…
She needs to stay onside - three or four times when she could see the line and was still off. And she had the beating of both CBs, so didn't need to play that close to the line. She's far from the first player with that problem, but still.
McKenzie was rated higher than every pick after Wade-Katoa on most draft boards. Maybe they have some skills there to be developed. Curious to see what data points (if any) they get from this game.
I always wonder if there’s a way to normalize the skill level in opponents. Given that Tijuana is effectively the equivalent of a lower-league side my guess is the coaching staff has to kind of prorate their evaluations? Dunno.
No no I just meant it was more just one-way traffic. TJ were so so bad. A little clunky at times but given a new shape and a ton of new players and others in different positions, I thought there were tons of good buildups and good creativity. I’m doubtful it goes as well against even Seattle or Utah, but hey I love being proven wrong!
Yeah it read to me as an unplanned sub. Maybe she was only gonna go 45 or 60, but she left the field and went straight back with the trainer…just seems like a nagging injury. My guess is we don’t see her vs Seattle, which ain’t good if we’re planning Nally for 90mins in the center of a 3-back.
This was so similar to the shot she took at the end of the 2017 semi, and in both cases she just barely missed. I so much want Kling to score before her run w/ this team finally ends; it'd be such a great capper for the spiritual heart of the team.
None of the Liga MX teams I've watched play much defense. It's an up-and-down, attack-focused league. Makes for fun viewing. But when it's also a bad defense? Ay carumba!
I also remember her in her prime, but there’s no need to insult her when she scored, which is what you and others constantly want from her week in and week out. Criticize her when she does something wrong, but there’s no need to be snarky when she’s done a good job.
Neither will start over Arnold, but I’ll admit I’ve been wanting to see Alvarado just because she seems like a “likely starting keeper” yet we have seen nary a minute of her, leaving the unfortunate impression there’s some sort of problem. I can’t buy that, but today will at least give us a look.
Tijuana awful - playing a high line with no pressure on the ball and no athleticism at the back, thank you - but that was fun. McKenzie was intriguing, made some smart runs. Bummer OKW only played a half; I'd like to see more. Hope nothing serious with Obaze.
Izzy and Dias' finishing, yikes. Especially Izzy. That's your calling card!
Izzy will find herself playing elsewhere if she can't start converting sitters.
Tijuana awful, but similar in style to other Liga MX clubs. They just don't play much defense. Everything is about offense and a wide-open game. Problem is, TJ doesn't have the talent to play that way.
How can this club win 5-0 and still display *brutal* finishing issues?
Def should have been like 8-0 easily lol. Lots left on the table, despite the onslaught. Can you imagine if we had Weaver and Moultrie healthy?
I don’t want to speculate too much - this was a REALLY poor opponent - but I’m a bit encouraged by the good movement, passing, and intelligent coordination we saw today. I frankly expected Ken to try and play Smith hero-ball without Smith. He didn’t, and we saw a free flow and creativity we haven’t seen a lot of.
Yeah, okay, try that against full-strength Orlando, I get it. But…baby steps, maybe. Plus fun to see the left-behinders enjoy a fun day and celebrate.
Muchismas gracias, Xolos!
Valdez looks a bit promising. Even playing less than 20 minutes, good cameo
Valdez college highlights: https://youtu.be/4y6yzIwMncY?si=Xxvfv1HEN-_cuR78
solid highlight reel!
Good scouting from the football club
Could have easily been 8-0 there but good game overall.
I was today years old when I learned that you can win 5-0 and still have a finishing problem
Apparently Izzy doesn’t have a left foot
Diaz either
Hahahajajaja omg Izzy
I’m happy that she got the one cause holy shit I bet she’s killing herself rn lol
Should’ve had a hattrick like for real bc she missed 2 absolute sitters
Kling has been lights out for 90. Respect.
I was just thinking how underrated she is - what an amazing player for so many years.
Both our seniors have done well today; Sinc has been damn useful, too. But agree that Kling has killed it. Cut above.
Sauerbrunn too. Her good positioning and good 1-v-1 defending were on full display.
Don't think of Thorns as a speedy team but tonight they are putting on a track meet.
Did we draw the weakest Liga team?
Yeah they are the worst of the bunch. Tigres would prob beat our B/C team honestly
I don't know that any of the Liga MX teams would- They'd compete and have a chance for sure, but I'd still bet on the NWSL team with confidence every time.
Also worth noting that every single NWSL side put out a stronger 11 (at least from a midfield and attack perspective) than the Thorns did tonight.
I don’t think Seattle or Spirit started many more starters than we had tbh…Spirit did start to sub them on throughout, though. But both teams had a p rotated XI to start. But yeah, most teams’ rotated midfields and attacks are kinda better than ours anyways bc ours are all injured or away.
Apparently Xolos came in 11th most recently, though. They reaaally aren’t a good team. I saw a tweet from Theo Lloyd Hughes about them that said something of the sort…
Seattle played Utah though, not a Liga MX side. The Spirit had similar lineup to ours, but really struggled comparatively. As I've mentioned elsewhere, the gap between Tijuana and say, Chivas -- who the Spirit played-- is barely anything.
Anyways, my point isn’t that this was a particularly impressive win relative to competition or even that it signals good things in the future, just that it was a very well-handled game relative to other NWSL teams this weekend given who we had on the field.
> Also worth noting that every single NWSL side put out a stronger 11 (at least from a midfield and attack perspective) than the Thorns did tonight.
We left nothing on the bench, though...
Yeah we emptied our coffers…
They are not good. Impressed with Tigres on Friday.
And that was Tigres *without* Hermoso.
Tigres might be the only ones to challenge an NWSL side.
Rayadas prob could also beat some B sides…but they aren’t great.
Rayadas hung with OL for about 35 minutes that summer too.
Yeah, but if you rewatch that game it was not even at all lol. I remember coming out baffled we could lose a game to such a poor opponent...despite who we had on the field. Their keeper was good though!
Yep, our PK’s were horrendous lol
Club America has big money;?you’d think they should have a pretty stacked roster…
But I see they lost the first game to ACFC 2-1, so…
I think they were mid-table in the spring season this year so in theory no. But holy Hell they look like Rec League 4 today. No idea.
Sheva with the clinical finish. Five nil and this is officially a beatdown.
So we've had two chances when goals that seemed 100% certain were stopped, followed up by getting a goal a minute or so later.
Ridiculous fourth goal off a sweet back post D’Aquila header that came off 1) their keeper and 2) one of the defender’s arms before spinning loose onto Dias’ boot. Thought for sure the handball killed off the run of play.
I love how they are ALL crashing the box- knowing it is all-hands-on-deck to get each goal instead of … relying on ….. one player …
Well, that and it matters to stockpile goals. Only 4 teams advance. Thorns should win their group, but they're also going to have to overwhelm on GD to be sure to make it into the final 4.
Izzy should have a hat trick but she’s been awesome in every other way. That was a Santa Clara Izzy back post header there
Their keeper had to be huge to keep it out.
Lovely ball over the backline from Sinc to D’Aquila. Their keeper did well to pounce on that touch.
That’s ballgame. Up three? Goodnight Irene…
D’Aquila stoned on a gimme putt then comes back with a sweet far post finish.
Switched into a 3-5-2 with sinc at the ten and Izzy/McKenzie up top. Makes sense to get Sheva some more support
Not sure if that was a great dive or questionable initial positioning. Either way, good on Alvarado to punch that away.
That is a fucking absurd yellow lmaoooo
Softass call.
Sugita perfect on 27 passes.
She is such an amazing player- we are lucky to have her!
Her legs must be made of elastic. She reaches for balls that she should have no chance of getting to, and yet she does, again and again.
And her spine of pure steel, because half the time she gets hacked in the process but never backs down. No quit in her.
Sheva for OWK, aight Hina you’re the only cm in the field now pal!
Picks up the quick yellow…
Missed Sheva for OWK
Looks like no changes at halftime.
Wade-Katoa is my favorite Katoa!
Wish Brun had got in the box and fired off a shot.
I was the only person in our section yelling SHOOOOOOT like a crazy person lol
They’ve executed a couple of nice big switches to exploit their pace (and our fullbacks) and if they’d had the discipline to push an attacker up the weak side to pot the resulting cross might have created a bit more danger. Not a very good team, but we’ve given them a look or two. Still, solid outing from our B side.
Not sure a ton of good football is being played but fun regardless!
Fun outing w nothing at stake
I thought our reserves had some pretty nice buildups. Opponents quality aside, we still have to connect the passes and move to space, and that’s happening…
Liking McKenzie's hustle and ball skills.
OWK taking full advantage of the rare start.
Good afternoon so far.
She needs to stay onside - three or four times when she could see the line and was still off. And she had the beating of both CBs, so didn't need to play that close to the line. She's far from the first player with that problem, but still.
I’d like to see her get some wing minutes just because she was some speed with them long legs
McKenzie was rated higher than every pick after Wade-Katoa on most draft boards. Maybe they have some skills there to be developed. Curious to see what data points (if any) they get from this game.
I always wonder if there’s a way to normalize the skill level in opponents. Given that Tijuana is effectively the equivalent of a lower-league side my guess is the coaching staff has to kind of prorate their evaluations? Dunno.
Yeah TJ was really bad, hard to take much imo
Thorns have played some lovely stuff! Kling and muller inverting from wingback, Izzy and OWK playing well, Hina dominating!
Opponent quality is obviously not the best, but other NWSL teams had a lot more trouble than the Thorns are having this weekend
No no I just meant it was more just one-way traffic. TJ were so so bad. A little clunky at times but given a new shape and a ton of new players and others in different positions, I thought there were tons of good buildups and good creativity. I’m doubtful it goes as well against even Seattle or Utah, but hey I love being proven wrong!
Second nice reaction save by Alvarado.
Her distribution, tho. Hmmm.
Kung Fu moves
Goddamit man, can Obaze just stay healthy pls?
No, something's clearly not right with her. You could see on her face that she's frustrated and something's bothering her.
Yeah went straight into the back. Do not like. Nally at the center of a 3 back against any other team will not end well lol.
I bet she was on minutes limit and had to go get checked and iced after. She was moving fine.
But only 35 minutes? Why not at least until halftime?
Yeah it read to me as an unplanned sub. Maybe she was only gonna go 45 or 60, but she left the field and went straight back with the trainer…just seems like a nagging injury. My guess is we don’t see her vs Seattle, which ain’t good if we’re planning Nally for 90mins in the center of a 3-back.
And a Nally derp led to a ratscramble which gave Xolas one of their few opportunities to make Alvarado have to work yesterday.
Yep. Obaze off!
Nally up already?
Damn, Izzy! WTF?
TJ a solid D2 college squad.
Don't mind Thorns having a sunny scrimmage.
Needs more keeper goals, tho. But yeah, nice relaxing day out.
Kling with the crack from distance!
This was so similar to the shot she took at the end of the 2017 semi, and in both cases she just barely missed. I so much want Kling to score before her run w/ this team finally ends; it'd be such a great capper for the spiritual heart of the team.
Their #30 has some serious wheels. She’s already skinned Hubly and Brunn.
Kling is absolutely running this shit from LWB rn
Kling played like a woman who wants a job somewhere next year. She was terrific today. Overmatched opponent, yes, but Kling can still ball, somewhere.
Between her and Sinc this is like The Golden Girls…
And Becky makes the trio. Which one is Bea? Betty? Rue?
Doesn’t hurt that their backline is a chaos engine. But yeah.
None of the Liga MX teams I've watched play much defense. It's an up-and-down, attack-focused league. Makes for fun viewing. But when it's also a bad defense? Ay carumba!
Oh yeah this is not a good team, but she’s found three or four lovelllly passes
Plus just just cracked a 25-yarder that forced a huge save. Nice!
Naughty Muller! Ballwatching is bad!
Kelli has not figured out the back three AT ALL lmao
Wouldn’t mind seeing Marie at RW in the second half when Reyes is brought on
Retro Sinc!
Remember when she could be counted on to do that against good opponents? Ah, thim wuz th’days!
Just enjoy it without the snark lol
Hard to do that. I seriously DO remember when she was that good. It hurts to see her as she is now.
I also remember her in her prime, but there’s no need to insult her when she scored, which is what you and others constantly want from her week in and week out. Criticize her when she does something wrong, but there’s no need to be snarky when she’s done a good job.
Fair enough.
Get some Sinc, then.
Looks like a 3-4-3 instead of a 3-5-2, don’t love that tbh
Yeah it’s weird
Well, it might not matter if their backline can’t do better than that!
Based on warmup, Alvarado׳s distribution appears heads and tails above Hogan’s.
Neither will start over Arnold, but I’ll admit I’ve been wanting to see Alvarado just because she seems like a “likely starting keeper” yet we have seen nary a minute of her, leaving the unfortunate impression there’s some sort of problem. I can’t buy that, but today will at least give us a look.
I’m super excited to see Alvarado show out!
Well, she didn't have to show out, but she looked good in what she had to do.
Love that we have three keepers in the 18. Hey, let’s play ‘em! WTF, we got ‘em…
Don’t love that neither Weaver or Moultrie are. Had hopes to see at least limited minutes to show they’re getting close to match fit.
Keeper wars tie-breaker let's go!!!!
Based on green & gold game, Hogan looks like she could be a serviceable field player inna pinch.
A THREE BACK with Muller and Mallie as wingbacks? Kling-OWK-Hina midfield? Izzy and Sinc up top? I love it! Way to get weird Rob!
The league website says 4-2-3-1 with Hina and Kling as the DMs and Sinc as the lone striker.
It’s definitely not that, but it does look like a 3-4-3 instead of a 3-5-2
Just thinking that from the players on the pitch.
But the stadium screen has a 4-4-2. Go figure.
I wish he would’ve gone with Dias over Sinc, but I’m guessing she’s the sub. Otherwise, fun stuff!
Who bad does Dias fell to not break the b-team starting 11, ouch 😳
Life’s easier when you just accept its inevitabilities my friend
That’s where I’m at haha, our attacking core is basically two rookies and a 41 yo LFG
Glad you figured it out. I had no idea what the hell he was doing with this.
Mind you, we might need 120 minutes to score.
I mean I hope I figured it out cause if he’s jamming this lineup into a 4-3-3 it’ll be pretty hideous lol
Perhaps getting his ticket permanently punched has let Ken’s tactical freak flag fly!