Was coming here to say the same thing! Makes it sound like all of those listed FA's haven't signed new contracts/extensions yet (not that they won't, but still...)
Also, I'm going to say it: Sam Coffey is better than Andi Sullivan. Coffey is roughly Sullivan's equal on defense and is better in attack.
I say this after Sullivan frustrated me again and again over these two friendlies the way she has before: she almost always passes backwards. When she'd get the ball, I would say to myself, "You can do it Andi! You can pass forward this time!" ... and then nope, backwards it went again. She was where attacks went to die. If she were as much of a wrecking ball on defense as Ertz, I'd be more accepting (Ertz wasn't a very good passer either), but she's not. Coffey isn't an Ertz-grade wrecking ball either, but she's a much better passer going forward.
That is dead on correct. I think it will become clear that Sam is better than Sullivan soon. What I worry about is I think Jaelyn Howell could become the Ertz type wrecking ball at defensive mid. I think by the end of this season it will be clear that Sam is the best D-Mid in the league, but Jaelyn is two inches taller and might be faster. I think both of them could be the future at that position, but Jaelyn is not quite there. She is the Captain of her team and growing rapidly into the league. IMHO Howell is Sam's competition eventually.
No reason Coffey can't play alongside an Ertz type. Julie had a physical presence hard to emulate and was also a critical port of the Nats' set piece game. Sam can't really replicate that and if Howell can,.... IOW I do not see this as an either/or proposition.
US lost a total of three matches Johnston-Ertz started. Phenomenal player.
I’d *love* to see Sam in a double pivot with a destroyer-type 6. Idk if Howell will ever get there, but a Coffey-Howell-Shaw midfield would be super fun.
True true, it feels like Mal’s been around for so long that I forget that she’s still so young! She probably does have that spot locked down if she comes back healthy.
(However, as you can probably tell, I’m extremely high on Thompson, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s pushing for that LW spot in two years, similar to how Soph and Rodman broke through in their age 20 years)
Yeah because she's been out I forget about her in these discussions, but she's one of the best players in the league when she's healthy. I think Thompson could legitimately challenge for that LW spot in 2-3 years, and I could see her utilized similarly to Swanson (except Thompson is faster.)
From a raw talent perspective, Thompson IS gonna be a USWNT mainstay...but I do think she's a bit timid and inconsistent (even at the club level) right now (which is fine, she's an 18 yr old rook.) I do think she's closer to the senior team than Liv, though. But, she's not a guaranteed winger (at least for the Olympics), for me.
If there was one winger spot left and the tournament was in a few months, would you take Weaver or Thompson (provided both had been incorporated and played-in as much as poss.)? I think Weaver has gotten exponentially better since her last (first?) call up, and would love to see how her present skills match-up with the team and with int'l competition. Imo, her current form edges Thompson, but if we're talking longevity I could see why they'd take Thompson.
I like a lot about DeMelo maybe she could become an RB and Thompson has a siter who is a defender so..., but I like your lineup a lot. I am not sure Horan won't still be one of our best midfielders two years from now.
Excited to revisit this Thompson convo in a few years ;)
Nighswonger is a good shout if her defending keeps improving. Not sure I want her as a first choice NT FB, but we’re all kinds of limited defensively unless Madril has a real breakout season.
Honestly, why start our strongest lineup against South Africa? Did we learn anything by dominating the #45 team in the world for 60+ minutes before we started significant turnover? Why not give some less-known players more of a run-out? If we were in the months just before a tournament, yes get the starters reps together (which Vlatko didn't do, but that's another topic). But almost a year out from the Olympics, why not give players like Coffey and Shaw significant minutes?
Honestly my biggest annoyance is she went to camp when she could've stayed in Portland, trained, and probably had a few days off ahead of the last stretch of the season. Like, I don't think had she played much would've been learned anyway and there's going to be a new coach.
And I would extend this sentiment to the two friendlies with Colombia in late October while the playoff teams are getting ready for postseason play. What brainiac did that scheduling?
It’s not even, because you had Champions League qualifiers two weeks after the end of the World Cup. In this case it’s made with an eye to no one, really.
Yeah I'm baffled why you waste a whole ass international window playing the bulk of the same players. We're still relying on Sonnett and Sullivan for our long-term options at the 6? I hope she doesn't come back to Portland with her confidence shaken because she was killin' it before she left. Why is anyone playing full games in two friendlies when the team NEEDS to integrate new players, like, a year ago?
Also wtf is going on with Sanchez? Kinda wild that Demelo kinda jumped her for the sub position...and she doesn't quite look ready for the int'l stage imo.
Sanchez took a pretty hard hit in her last NWSL game, so might not be completely 100%. But even before she was slipping down the sub rotation. I think Kristie Mewis was often getting that AM sub pre-WC more often than Sanchez.
Yeah, and with Demelo and now Shaw in the mix (and Demelo getting the sub over her since the WC), it makes it seem like there's something about her performance that isn't quite working yet on the int'l level. Lavelle, Sanchez, Demelo, Shaw....we have many 10's and they all won't make the Olympics roster! KM was more of a filler for any midfield role, but yeah, she was still getting minutes over Sanchez.
Vlatko may be gone, but it looks like most if not all of the same old, same old "kick it and run" coaching staff remains. It's less of a team than a clique at this point...and unless some pretty major systemic changes occur, teams like Spain and Japan are going to eviscerate them. We're not keeping up with the changes in the women's game.
Well, except everything else --from roster selection to play style-- has been very different. They’ve given Fishel, Shaw, Coffey, and Vignola call-ups, given Krueger minutes, and are high pressing instead of sitting deep. The contrast is the main reason I think it’s so weird Coffey hasn’t seen the field.
I wouldn't read too much into some of these call-ups. Coffey and Shaw never saw the field. Vignola is a head-scratcher, given how little she's actually played for ACFC (2 matches in 2022, 16 in 2023 so far but only 13 starts and 7 times going the full 90). Krueger and Davidson were previously part of the program. Fishel might be something; time will tell.
Eh, maybe not a huge deal, but it did signal a willingness to bring new faces into relatively meaningless camps based on form, something Vlatko rarely did. It’s more about coaches getting a look at those players and recognizing how well they’ve played for their club than the actual playing time....though I obviously wish Sam had gotten some minutes.
Fwiw, Vignola is the best example of this: She’s been awesome this year (especially since Tweed took over) and absolutely deserved her call-up- There’s an argument that she’s been ACFC’s best player and I’d be surprised if she didn’t make one of the NWSL best 11 teams
If they're relatively meaningless (meaning - they only matter if you lose), then why play some established folks 90 minutes twice in four days while some young folks who are looking for their shot get no time at all?
Yes, there are new ideas on the defensive side of the ball...but I'd argue little has changed on the attack. Still all the tactical sophistication of a U-12 side...
It’s hard to take much tactically from two meaningless friendlies, but they were clearly much quicker to trigger presses and played much faster in attack than they did under Vlatko. It’s not like an interim coach is going to be able to instill an entirely new system for two friendlies that were essentially testimonials.
I can live with Horan getting the minutes because her club season is just starting and because she's the captain and needs to get a feel for others playing around her and vice versa. But I'd like to see everybody see the pitch, at least for a bit.
"The Utah Royals FC and Bay FC will begin play in 2024. Regarding roster selections, the two clubs will participate in the NWSL Expansion Draft and 2024 NWSL Draft. However, Utah will own the No. 1 overall pick in the NWSL Draft, while also picking first in the third round. Bay FC will pick first in the second and fourth rounds. Bay FC will have the first pick in the Expansion Draft."
"Additionally, the Royals selected priority in the Discovery Order ranking, which outlines the order of teams that is used to determine which team receives priority when competing discovery requests are made simultaneously for a discovery-eligible player. The club also elected to receive priority in the Waiver Wire order when two or more teams attempt to acquire the rights of an NWSL player who has been released by their team."
"Bay FC received priority in the Distribution Order, allowing the club to make the first selection among eligible U.S. Women’s National Team players who are not currently in the NWSL, but have chosen to enter the league."
This info has been out there for 3 months, but it's a good reminder of what's ahead.
The clamoring for Crystal Dunn to come back to NY is loud on the internet....
And I am a bit worried that happens. I looked at Pierre's IG and it appears that he follows a ton of NY-based sports teams, from WNBA teams (NY Liberty), to MLS teams (NY Red Bulls and NYCFC), as well as a few other NY-based soccer clubs below MLS level. And it's not like he follows teams from other cities as well (although I did see one LA-based team.) He's friends with Yael Averbuch (the gotham GM) and her husband...among much of the Gotham roster. All the recent NY-based accounts he follows could be nothing, could be something, but I'm sure nervous Crystal isn't gonna be staying...! (Her family also lives in Long Island.) I just hope we don't lose her for nothing...but that's kinda what happens with FA now, right? We either re-sign her, or lose her for nothing?
So you don’t think there’s a chance she leaves? Maybe I’m the only one who thinks it’s a fair possibility…It would be a huge bummer to lose such a valuable player for nothing…esp when it strengthens another team in the league.
As I mentioned, could be nothing, but I think it’s naive these days to think social media couldn’t give insight into future decisions. It happens all the time with players, coaches, teams, etc…
I think it’s very possible she leaves but I don’t think it’s already decided and if it were I don’t think Pierre Soubrier (or Dunn herself) following a ton of New York teams is indicative of anything given Dunn’s connection to New York (you could even argue an Oregon connection is shown by following the Liberty). Which is my whole point: it can be indicative but it can also send you in circles.
When you're dealing with a free agent? There's ALWAYS a chance you get outbid for them. If Gotham puts together a big enough bid? Dunn would be a fool not to take it.
OTOH...the Thorns have the option of matching or bettering that offer. If they do, fine. If they don't...well...
Either way, there's nothing we as fans can do to change that.
I believe we only have the right to match offers for restricted free agents. Of which we have none. Full free agents go where they want, for more money or for the same money or less money - it's entirely up to the player.
Yes, this is exactly right. Gotham can offer Dunn half her salary and if she wanted to go, she still could. They can still negotiate to try and entice her to stay, but Portland ultimately has no say if she wants to make a deal with another team.
But, we do have a few restricted FA's. Kuikka is one of those (and she doesn't have a contract beyond this season.) So, from what I gather, she can solicit offers from other teams. Portland can then match those offers, and then elect to keep her (regardless of if she wants to leave.) I know for certain that Kuikka and KK have had contentious contract negotiations in the past, so I'm wondering if Kuikka might try to get some other bids to see if she can pull in a better contract here.
Taylor Porter is also a restricted free agent, though I'd love for us to let her go elsewhere and find a better backup 6. I can't imagine many teams are clamoring for her, though. She had been released from multiple teams before she came to the Thorns.
Totally spaced out on Kuikka (and Porter, but is she ever going to get a better gig than what she has?). Perhaps that's why Rikke S. is here - to nudge Kuikka into staying? With her on the right and Reyes looking good on the left, we finally have some legit depth at fullback. Assuming that Becky S. is done, we may be seeing a slow generational change in the defense. Get us one better-than-Hubly CB and we should be good for a few years, injuries aside.
With the Horan money lying around and a new ownership group coming in, I feel reasonably confident that if they extend Dunn (and this applies to Smith too) it won't be because of finances.
Though I think there's a case to be made that the smarter play would be to go after Lavelle who's 3 years younger, or Maria Sánchez, rather than committing a lot of money to Dunn...
While I'd love a Lavelle on the Thorns, she's only played 3 games for OL Reign this year...and is seemingly always injured. She's a country over club player, which is fine, but I'm not sure I'd want her on my club team. For how much she'd cost, I'd rather get 2 decent players....
Maria Sanchez would be great, but her best position is LW, and Weaver has made herself immoveable. It would be kinda redundant to have two starters there (or have to play one out of position.) I'd rather us fill other holes where we can use a better starter (either RW, or on defense) if we're gonna pay that FA money for someone. I’d love to boost our depth, though! The 6 needs a major boost, but I'm not sure who I'd take on that FA list. Seems a lot of those players start for their current teams already so I'm not sure they'd wanna leave to be subs elsewhere. Would love to get Westphal back, but I know that's silly...
That sounds right...with the caveat that we still have no real idea who's the "new ownership". That said, sounds like the league is insisting on deep pockets, so your point on the "money lying around" (including Horan's fee...) still holds.
A sign-and-trade would be lovely, as Gotham have some pieces I wouldn't mind having (back) here, but there's no reason for Gotham to do that. Unlike in the NBA, theoretically there's nothing more we could offer Crystal than Gotham could.
OT: Hina scored a nice breakaway counter goal in Japan's 0-8 obliteration of Argentina. I realize the latter aren't an elite side, but the Nadeshiko were simply on another level. I was wondering how their form would hold...if it would still be anything like it was at WWC23. The answer? Yep.
The league now has the under 18 rules about no trades without parental consent and required to protect on an expansion draft. Does this 4th year option still have those must protect rules in place even though she is now 18?
It's technically the same contract she was on before. I assume even before the league published those U18 rules, the Moultries had negotiated a 'no trade' clause into that original contract which would still be in effect. Liv was protected last time around too.
I’d love to be a fly on the wall of the Peregrine FO. Even assuming the current GM staff is working closely with whoever-the-hell-the-likely-buyer-is, there’s got to be huge uncertainty there; budget, staffing (who’s next season’s HC?), you name it. I’m glad that Moultrie and Reyes (and presumably others we haven’t gotten the pressers for) are signed.
But signed…by whom? Who’s gonna take over? Will their vision of the squad include Moultrie? This suggests yes, but…still has a real weird feeling.
And maybe more. We won't know until the FO decides to go to press, which may be tomorrow or might be December or might not be until we see faces in training next February...
But, again...it's just weird to see these signings emerging from whatever Oort Cloud the sale is coming from...
Ah thank the lord, extremely happy since I assume Sinc will have gracefully retired to greener pastures next year, and Liv might get the number of starts she absolutely deserves. Now to protect her from poaching by expansion teams, SLC looking at you
I think it's more likely Sinclair continues playing at least through the Olympics next year. Possibly the new owners will be brave enough to have the sit-down talk with Sinc, but I'm not counting on it, and in any case I think she'll be at least a bench player through next year.
if so, she'll be leaving the Thorns a roster-spot short again- not good enough legitimately for the preferred XI, and gone on international breaks when the team needs the 2nd stringers to step up.
Sinc was not protected last expansion draft so I doubt she will be. She’ll very likely tell Utah (or whoever) that she’s just gonna retire. No one would actually pick her, I don’t think. I don’t think Kling was even protected last time either. Same with Becky (who has a house here.) With vets who’ve been here a while you can kinda get lucky because I’m sure expansion teams would contact them first to ask if they’d even consider moving and if they say “nah” they aren’t gonna get picked even if they’re left unprotected. Teams value player choice a lot more now and generally don’t want a player if they don’t want to be there...esp a vet close to retirement . I’ll find the list later, but there were several who were left unprotected last time around that you’d be surprised about…I’m not even sure Hubly was protected last time around. If we only get 9, they should be: Smith, Weaver, Hina, Coffey, Moultrie, Rocky, Dunn (pending FA, ofc), Reyes…. And I’m kinda stuck on the last 1. I think you can gamble with Becky, Kling, and Sinc. They aren’t going anywhere if they don’t retire. I’m indifferent to losing Hubly honestly, and them bringing in Sevecke seems to signal that the FO are also not gonna protect her. I question maybe whether we should protect Menges, depending on her plans…she’s been the best CB overall this year outta the pool besides Becky. Also could see them protecting Bix, but I’m unsure if that’s what I’d do. Kuikka I’m unsure of also. Solid RB…when she’s solid. She’s either really good or really bad, no in between lol. Who else? I don’t think we have to protect Beckie because she’ll be on the SEI list until next season starts. That may be a lucky break because I wouldn’t waste a spot on her…
Yep- The expansion draft is on the way out and free agency is only accelerating that process. I’d imagine anyone the Thorns really want to be here next year will be hear, so long as the feeling is mutual. There’s too many ways to circumvent losing a player who you really don’t want to lose.
(I would be very surprised if they didn’t protect Bixby or anyone who they prevented from entering free-agency- Kuikka included)
Have you heard something about the expansion draft being eliminated? I haven't such things. What worries me is that there are 4 teams adding over the next 3 years.
I don’t think it’ll be straight up eliminated, but I do think it’s going to stop being a real mechanism for player acquisition. Even ACFC and SD barely utilized it, and with free agency growing I imagine it will be even less used. Bottom line is that teams don’t want players that don’t want to play for them.
I’ve been using the Hubly example- I could see her being left unprotected, but I think they’d figure out a way to bring her back. The expansion draft is going to be more for the Tegan McGradys of the world: solid role players that need a new start somewhere else.
But Kuikka did enter free-agency because no deal was made (as far as we know) and now she’s free to negotiate elsewhere, correct? Of course, hers is restricted so Thorns could match other offers and choose to keep her. But I assume that she’s on that list today because no deal was made, right? I know Kuikka and KK had problems during the last contract negotiations, so I’m wondering if Kuikka wants to explore the market and see if other bidders can help her negotiate a better contract here. I’m admittedly perpetually confused by contract stuff, though…
I think she's on the list regardless of whether she's signed or not. The list is of who's eligible, and she is. Whether she signs here or elsewhere, her presence there isn't a marker for her contract status.
Woof, I was really hoping that was the situation with this year’s World Cup, she’s the absolute queen and love her to death, but these days Sinc running is like Frankenstein’s creation chasing a butterfly
Lmao. Every time she runs my partner likens it to a grandpa chasing his grandchild with a “I’m gonna getcha”, while ten steps behind and getting lapped by the kid. Love her legacy here, but we can’t waste a spot on her if we want to plan for the future.
https://x.com/tayvincent6/status/1706730867652280465?s=20
A good data point for the NWSL-released free agency list not including players who had signed unannounced extensions prior to the deadline.
Was coming here to say the same thing! Makes it sound like all of those listed FA's haven't signed new contracts/extensions yet (not that they won't, but still...)
Also, I'm going to say it: Sam Coffey is better than Andi Sullivan. Coffey is roughly Sullivan's equal on defense and is better in attack.
I say this after Sullivan frustrated me again and again over these two friendlies the way she has before: she almost always passes backwards. When she'd get the ball, I would say to myself, "You can do it Andi! You can pass forward this time!" ... and then nope, backwards it went again. She was where attacks went to die. If she were as much of a wrecking ball on defense as Ertz, I'd be more accepting (Ertz wasn't a very good passer either), but she's not. Coffey isn't an Ertz-grade wrecking ball either, but she's a much better passer going forward.
That is dead on correct. I think it will become clear that Sam is better than Sullivan soon. What I worry about is I think Jaelyn Howell could become the Ertz type wrecking ball at defensive mid. I think by the end of this season it will be clear that Sam is the best D-Mid in the league, but Jaelyn is two inches taller and might be faster. I think both of them could be the future at that position, but Jaelyn is not quite there. She is the Captain of her team and growing rapidly into the league. IMHO Howell is Sam's competition eventually.
No reason Coffey can't play alongside an Ertz type. Julie had a physical presence hard to emulate and was also a critical port of the Nats' set piece game. Sam can't really replicate that and if Howell can,.... IOW I do not see this as an either/or proposition.
US lost a total of three matches Johnston-Ertz started. Phenomenal player.
I’d *love* to see Sam in a double pivot with a destroyer-type 6. Idk if Howell will ever get there, but a Coffey-Howell-Shaw midfield would be super fun.
A fun two years out team would be:
Lund
?-?-Girma-Fox
Coffey-Howell
Shaw/Macario
Rodman-Smith-Thompson
(We REALLY need some better defenders to emerge)
Swanson as well (definite starter over Thompson for a while), she's still only 25.
True true, it feels like Mal’s been around for so long that I forget that she’s still so young! She probably does have that spot locked down if she comes back healthy.
(However, as you can probably tell, I’m extremely high on Thompson, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s pushing for that LW spot in two years, similar to how Soph and Rodman broke through in their age 20 years)
Yeah because she's been out I forget about her in these discussions, but she's one of the best players in the league when she's healthy. I think Thompson could legitimately challenge for that LW spot in 2-3 years, and I could see her utilized similarly to Swanson (except Thompson is faster.)
From a raw talent perspective, Thompson IS gonna be a USWNT mainstay...but I do think she's a bit timid and inconsistent (even at the club level) right now (which is fine, she's an 18 yr old rook.) I do think she's closer to the senior team than Liv, though. But, she's not a guaranteed winger (at least for the Olympics), for me.
If there was one winger spot left and the tournament was in a few months, would you take Weaver or Thompson (provided both had been incorporated and played-in as much as poss.)? I think Weaver has gotten exponentially better since her last (first?) call up, and would love to see how her present skills match-up with the team and with int'l competition. Imo, her current form edges Thompson, but if we're talking longevity I could see why they'd take Thompson.
I like a lot about DeMelo maybe she could become an RB and Thompson has a siter who is a defender so..., but I like your lineup a lot. I am not sure Horan won't still be one of our best midfielders two years from now.
Horan will be captain for the Olympics I presume. If Nighswonger continues her ascendency I expect she'll get a callup and close look.
Am not yet on Team Thompson, getting a strong Ball family hype vibe here. She's not a top-10 NWSL striker at this point in her young career.
Excited to revisit this Thompson convo in a few years ;)
Nighswonger is a good shout if her defending keeps improving. Not sure I want her as a first choice NT FB, but we’re all kinds of limited defensively unless Madril has a real breakout season.
Over the course of the two friendlies, Coffey, Kingsbury, and Shaw were the only players who never saw the field. That's bad.
Honestly, why start our strongest lineup against South Africa? Did we learn anything by dominating the #45 team in the world for 60+ minutes before we started significant turnover? Why not give some less-known players more of a run-out? If we were in the months just before a tournament, yes get the starters reps together (which Vlatko didn't do, but that's another topic). But almost a year out from the Olympics, why not give players like Coffey and Shaw significant minutes?
Honestly my biggest annoyance is she went to camp when she could've stayed in Portland, trained, and probably had a few days off ahead of the last stretch of the season. Like, I don't think had she played much would've been learned anyway and there's going to be a new coach.
And I would extend this sentiment to the two friendlies with Colombia in late October while the playoff teams are getting ready for postseason play. What brainiac did that scheduling?
FIFA, mostly.
Yeah, the FIFA calendar is made with an eye to the European schedule, not ours.
It’s not even, because you had Champions League qualifiers two weeks after the end of the World Cup. In this case it’s made with an eye to no one, really.
Sure doesn't look like Sam's going to see the field under the interim coach. That's frustrating.
Yeah I'm baffled why you waste a whole ass international window playing the bulk of the same players. We're still relying on Sonnett and Sullivan for our long-term options at the 6? I hope she doesn't come back to Portland with her confidence shaken because she was killin' it before she left. Why is anyone playing full games in two friendlies when the team NEEDS to integrate new players, like, a year ago?
Also wtf is going on with Sanchez? Kinda wild that Demelo kinda jumped her for the sub position...and she doesn't quite look ready for the int'l stage imo.
Sanchez took a pretty hard hit in her last NWSL game, so might not be completely 100%. But even before she was slipping down the sub rotation. I think Kristie Mewis was often getting that AM sub pre-WC more often than Sanchez.
Yeah, and with Demelo and now Shaw in the mix (and Demelo getting the sub over her since the WC), it makes it seem like there's something about her performance that isn't quite working yet on the int'l level. Lavelle, Sanchez, Demelo, Shaw....we have many 10's and they all won't make the Olympics roster! KM was more of a filler for any midfield role, but yeah, she was still getting minutes over Sanchez.
Vlatko may be gone, but it looks like most if not all of the same old, same old "kick it and run" coaching staff remains. It's less of a team than a clique at this point...and unless some pretty major systemic changes occur, teams like Spain and Japan are going to eviscerate them. We're not keeping up with the changes in the women's game.
Answer: Same lack of ideas that showed themselves at the WWC.
Well, except everything else --from roster selection to play style-- has been very different. They’ve given Fishel, Shaw, Coffey, and Vignola call-ups, given Krueger minutes, and are high pressing instead of sitting deep. The contrast is the main reason I think it’s so weird Coffey hasn’t seen the field.
I wouldn't read too much into some of these call-ups. Coffey and Shaw never saw the field. Vignola is a head-scratcher, given how little she's actually played for ACFC (2 matches in 2022, 16 in 2023 so far but only 13 starts and 7 times going the full 90). Krueger and Davidson were previously part of the program. Fishel might be something; time will tell.
Eh, maybe not a huge deal, but it did signal a willingness to bring new faces into relatively meaningless camps based on form, something Vlatko rarely did. It’s more about coaches getting a look at those players and recognizing how well they’ve played for their club than the actual playing time....though I obviously wish Sam had gotten some minutes.
Fwiw, Vignola is the best example of this: She’s been awesome this year (especially since Tweed took over) and absolutely deserved her call-up- There’s an argument that she’s been ACFC’s best player and I’d be surprised if she didn’t make one of the NWSL best 11 teams
If they're relatively meaningless (meaning - they only matter if you lose), then why play some established folks 90 minutes twice in four days while some young folks who are looking for their shot get no time at all?
Yes, there are new ideas on the defensive side of the ball...but I'd argue little has changed on the attack. Still all the tactical sophistication of a U-12 side...
It’s hard to take much tactically from two meaningless friendlies, but they were clearly much quicker to trigger presses and played much faster in attack than they did under Vlatko. It’s not like an interim coach is going to be able to instill an entirely new system for two friendlies that were essentially testimonials.
Just came here to say the same: why bring her to camp if you’re going to play Lindsey Horan and Andi Sullivan 90 minutes each?
Also: why ARE Lindsey Horan and Andi Sullivan playing 90 minutes in a friendly?
I can live with Horan getting the minutes because her club season is just starting and because she's the captain and needs to get a feel for others playing around her and vice versa. But I'd like to see everybody see the pitch, at least for a bit.
Just flat out bad management.
Great quotes in here from our favorite heel, Pinoe.
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38472120/megan-rapinoe-field-achievements-bigger-uswnt-titles
History of NWSL Expansion:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NWSL_expansion
Very interesting read.
Basics of the 2024 Expansion Draft:
"The Utah Royals FC and Bay FC will begin play in 2024. Regarding roster selections, the two clubs will participate in the NWSL Expansion Draft and 2024 NWSL Draft. However, Utah will own the No. 1 overall pick in the NWSL Draft, while also picking first in the third round. Bay FC will pick first in the second and fourth rounds. Bay FC will have the first pick in the Expansion Draft."
"Additionally, the Royals selected priority in the Discovery Order ranking, which outlines the order of teams that is used to determine which team receives priority when competing discovery requests are made simultaneously for a discovery-eligible player. The club also elected to receive priority in the Waiver Wire order when two or more teams attempt to acquire the rights of an NWSL player who has been released by their team."
"Bay FC received priority in the Distribution Order, allowing the club to make the first selection among eligible U.S. Women’s National Team players who are not currently in the NWSL, but have chosen to enter the league."
This info has been out there for 3 months, but it's a good reminder of what's ahead.
Why does Distribution Order even exist anymore when USSF is no longer paying anyone's salary?
The clamoring for Crystal Dunn to come back to NY is loud on the internet....
And I am a bit worried that happens. I looked at Pierre's IG and it appears that he follows a ton of NY-based sports teams, from WNBA teams (NY Liberty), to MLS teams (NY Red Bulls and NYCFC), as well as a few other NY-based soccer clubs below MLS level. And it's not like he follows teams from other cities as well (although I did see one LA-based team.) He's friends with Yael Averbuch (the gotham GM) and her husband...among much of the Gotham roster. All the recent NY-based accounts he follows could be nothing, could be something, but I'm sure nervous Crystal isn't gonna be staying...! (Her family also lives in Long Island.) I just hope we don't lose her for nothing...but that's kinda what happens with FA now, right? We either re-sign her, or lose her for nothing?
Yeah, free agency means she goes for nothing.
I'm pretty relaxed about the situation as of now. I wouldn't worry about Soubrier's instagram activity, tbh, or anyone's instagram activity.
So you don’t think there’s a chance she leaves? Maybe I’m the only one who thinks it’s a fair possibility…It would be a huge bummer to lose such a valuable player for nothing…esp when it strengthens another team in the league.
As I mentioned, could be nothing, but I think it’s naive these days to think social media couldn’t give insight into future decisions. It happens all the time with players, coaches, teams, etc…
Regardless, hope I’m wrong!
Hope your wrong too, but I could see that happening easily.
I think it’s very possible she leaves but I don’t think it’s already decided and if it were I don’t think Pierre Soubrier (or Dunn herself) following a ton of New York teams is indicative of anything given Dunn’s connection to New York (you could even argue an Oregon connection is shown by following the Liberty). Which is my whole point: it can be indicative but it can also send you in circles.
When you're dealing with a free agent? There's ALWAYS a chance you get outbid for them. If Gotham puts together a big enough bid? Dunn would be a fool not to take it.
OTOH...the Thorns have the option of matching or bettering that offer. If they do, fine. If they don't...well...
Either way, there's nothing we as fans can do to change that.
I believe we only have the right to match offers for restricted free agents. Of which we have none. Full free agents go where they want, for more money or for the same money or less money - it's entirely up to the player.
Yes, this is exactly right. Gotham can offer Dunn half her salary and if she wanted to go, she still could. They can still negotiate to try and entice her to stay, but Portland ultimately has no say if she wants to make a deal with another team.
But, we do have a few restricted FA's. Kuikka is one of those (and she doesn't have a contract beyond this season.) So, from what I gather, she can solicit offers from other teams. Portland can then match those offers, and then elect to keep her (regardless of if she wants to leave.) I know for certain that Kuikka and KK have had contentious contract negotiations in the past, so I'm wondering if Kuikka might try to get some other bids to see if she can pull in a better contract here.
Taylor Porter is also a restricted free agent, though I'd love for us to let her go elsewhere and find a better backup 6. I can't imagine many teams are clamoring for her, though. She had been released from multiple teams before she came to the Thorns.
Totally spaced out on Kuikka (and Porter, but is she ever going to get a better gig than what she has?). Perhaps that's why Rikke S. is here - to nudge Kuikka into staying? With her on the right and Reyes looking good on the left, we finally have some legit depth at fullback. Assuming that Becky S. is done, we may be seeing a slow generational change in the defense. Get us one better-than-Hubly CB and we should be good for a few years, injuries aside.
With the Horan money lying around and a new ownership group coming in, I feel reasonably confident that if they extend Dunn (and this applies to Smith too) it won't be because of finances.
Though I think there's a case to be made that the smarter play would be to go after Lavelle who's 3 years younger, or Maria Sánchez, rather than committing a lot of money to Dunn...
While I'd love a Lavelle on the Thorns, she's only played 3 games for OL Reign this year...and is seemingly always injured. She's a country over club player, which is fine, but I'm not sure I'd want her on my club team. For how much she'd cost, I'd rather get 2 decent players....
Maria Sanchez would be great, but her best position is LW, and Weaver has made herself immoveable. It would be kinda redundant to have two starters there (or have to play one out of position.) I'd rather us fill other holes where we can use a better starter (either RW, or on defense) if we're gonna pay that FA money for someone. I’d love to boost our depth, though! The 6 needs a major boost, but I'm not sure who I'd take on that FA list. Seems a lot of those players start for their current teams already so I'm not sure they'd wanna leave to be subs elsewhere. Would love to get Westphal back, but I know that's silly...
That sounds right...with the caveat that we still have no real idea who's the "new ownership". That said, sounds like the league is insisting on deep pockets, so your point on the "money lying around" (including Horan's fee...) still holds.
A lot more opportunities for Pierre in NY.
A sign-and-trade would be lovely, as Gotham have some pieces I wouldn't mind having (back) here, but there's no reason for Gotham to do that. Unlike in the NBA, theoretically there's nothing more we could offer Crystal than Gotham could.
OT: Hina scored a nice breakaway counter goal in Japan's 0-8 obliteration of Argentina. I realize the latter aren't an elite side, but the Nadeshiko were simply on another level. I was wondering how their form would hold...if it would still be anything like it was at WWC23. The answer? Yep.
Go Hina!
https://youtu.be/F_7WAx9Q33s?si=ZM8iaegx_wLei9VW&t=468
Nice left-footed shot in just the right place.
What language is the announcer? Expected Japanese and it was very not that.
I couldn't tell. There's an official JFA highlight up now, too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvim1JBVPmY&ab_channel=JFATV
I didn't realize at first that the match was played in Kitakyuhsu...so Hina was the home town girl!
No idea on the language. The channels is mostly about cobras so I imagine southern asia somewhere..
"mostly about cobras" is now my top afternoon laugh!
Truly, something for everybody, always.
I just saw that it was also in her hometown?! I love that!!
Isn't that cool! I'd love to have gone...and I WILL catch Nadeshiko games when I can. But I live at the other end of Japan.
The league now has the under 18 rules about no trades without parental consent and required to protect on an expansion draft. Does this 4th year option still have those must protect rules in place even though she is now 18?
It's technically the same contract she was on before. I assume even before the league published those U18 rules, the Moultries had negotiated a 'no trade' clause into that original contract which would still be in effect. Liv was protected last time around too.
Good question. Once majority (18) she is able to sign a binding contract. Younger than that it's a meaningless piece of paper.
I’d love to be a fly on the wall of the Peregrine FO. Even assuming the current GM staff is working closely with whoever-the-hell-the-likely-buyer-is, there’s got to be huge uncertainty there; budget, staffing (who’s next season’s HC?), you name it. I’m glad that Moultrie and Reyes (and presumably others we haven’t gotten the pressers for) are signed.
But signed…by whom? Who’s gonna take over? Will their vision of the squad include Moultrie? This suggests yes, but…still has a real weird feeling.
Moultrie, Reyes, and Sevecke (altho that's still a 2024 option).
And maybe more. We won't know until the FO decides to go to press, which may be tomorrow or might be December or might not be until we see faces in training next February...
But, again...it's just weird to see these signings emerging from whatever Oort Cloud the sale is coming from...
Ah thank the lord, extremely happy since I assume Sinc will have gracefully retired to greener pastures next year, and Liv might get the number of starts she absolutely deserves. Now to protect her from poaching by expansion teams, SLC looking at you
I think it's more likely Sinclair continues playing at least through the Olympics next year. Possibly the new owners will be brave enough to have the sit-down talk with Sinc, but I'm not counting on it, and in any case I think she'll be at least a bench player through next year.
if so, she'll be leaving the Thorns a roster-spot short again- not good enough legitimately for the preferred XI, and gone on international breaks when the team needs the 2nd stringers to step up.
I agree, but I hope to god we don't use a slot on protecting Sinc. I'm assuming we make deals before the expansion draft.
Sinc was not protected last expansion draft so I doubt she will be. She’ll very likely tell Utah (or whoever) that she’s just gonna retire. No one would actually pick her, I don’t think. I don’t think Kling was even protected last time either. Same with Becky (who has a house here.) With vets who’ve been here a while you can kinda get lucky because I’m sure expansion teams would contact them first to ask if they’d even consider moving and if they say “nah” they aren’t gonna get picked even if they’re left unprotected. Teams value player choice a lot more now and generally don’t want a player if they don’t want to be there...esp a vet close to retirement . I’ll find the list later, but there were several who were left unprotected last time around that you’d be surprised about…I’m not even sure Hubly was protected last time around. If we only get 9, they should be: Smith, Weaver, Hina, Coffey, Moultrie, Rocky, Dunn (pending FA, ofc), Reyes…. And I’m kinda stuck on the last 1. I think you can gamble with Becky, Kling, and Sinc. They aren’t going anywhere if they don’t retire. I’m indifferent to losing Hubly honestly, and them bringing in Sevecke seems to signal that the FO are also not gonna protect her. I question maybe whether we should protect Menges, depending on her plans…she’s been the best CB overall this year outta the pool besides Becky. Also could see them protecting Bix, but I’m unsure if that’s what I’d do. Kuikka I’m unsure of also. Solid RB…when she’s solid. She’s either really good or really bad, no in between lol. Who else? I don’t think we have to protect Beckie because she’ll be on the SEI list until next season starts. That may be a lucky break because I wouldn’t waste a spot on her…
Yep- The expansion draft is on the way out and free agency is only accelerating that process. I’d imagine anyone the Thorns really want to be here next year will be hear, so long as the feeling is mutual. There’s too many ways to circumvent losing a player who you really don’t want to lose.
(I would be very surprised if they didn’t protect Bixby or anyone who they prevented from entering free-agency- Kuikka included)
Have you heard something about the expansion draft being eliminated? I haven't such things. What worries me is that there are 4 teams adding over the next 3 years.
I don’t think it’ll be straight up eliminated, but I do think it’s going to stop being a real mechanism for player acquisition. Even ACFC and SD barely utilized it, and with free agency growing I imagine it will be even less used. Bottom line is that teams don’t want players that don’t want to play for them.
I’ve been using the Hubly example- I could see her being left unprotected, but I think they’d figure out a way to bring her back. The expansion draft is going to be more for the Tegan McGradys of the world: solid role players that need a new start somewhere else.
But Kuikka did enter free-agency because no deal was made (as far as we know) and now she’s free to negotiate elsewhere, correct? Of course, hers is restricted so Thorns could match other offers and choose to keep her. But I assume that she’s on that list today because no deal was made, right? I know Kuikka and KK had problems during the last contract negotiations, so I’m wondering if Kuikka wants to explore the market and see if other bidders can help her negotiate a better contract here. I’m admittedly perpetually confused by contract stuff, though…
I think she's on the list regardless of whether she's signed or not. The list is of who's eligible, and she is. Whether she signs here or elsewhere, her presence there isn't a marker for her contract status.
Sorry should have been more clear- I meant if they end up re-signing her, I imagine they’d protect her.
I think they would (and should) match if she got an offer. She’s had a tough year by her standards, but she’s still a real important player.
Woof, I was really hoping that was the situation with this year’s World Cup, she’s the absolute queen and love her to death, but these days Sinc running is like Frankenstein’s creation chasing a butterfly
Lmao. Every time she runs my partner likens it to a grandpa chasing his grandchild with a “I’m gonna getcha”, while ten steps behind and getting lapped by the kid. Love her legacy here, but we can’t waste a spot on her if we want to plan for the future.