It's been fun watching Soph come (even more) into her own, together with Mal and Trin (clearly I'm on nickname basis with all three). At times lost in the whole "is Alex still good enough?" debate was the opportunity cost of not getting these three young women as much time together as possible. As long as Morgan was in front of them they would always be somewhat at odds, fighting not to be the odd woman out. But now, it's hard not to imagine these three running rampant for the next ten years, only getting better and more comfortable playing as a unit (still 23, 26, and 22!).
[note to Emma Hayes: When Cat (age 24) gets back, please don't bump Soph; just play her at the 10 in place of Rose. KTHXBYE]
Not only are a lot of current Thorns playing in the Olympics, there are loads of former Thorns too. Just in the USA-Australia game today:
Sophia Smith
Sam Coffey
Crystal Dunn
Lindsey Horan
Emily Sonnett
Mackenzie Arnold
Steph Catley
Ellie Carpenter
Caitlin Foord
Hayley Raso
Clare Polkinghorne (bench)
That's 11 players, enough to field a team. In fact, if Crystal Dunn plays midfield (totally plausible), it works out to be a 4-3-3 - including a goalie!
It's been fun watching Soph come (even more) into her own, together with Mal and Trin (clearly I'm on nickname basis with all three). At times lost in the whole "is Alex still good enough?" debate was the opportunity cost of not getting these three young women as much time together as possible. As long as Morgan was in front of them they would always be somewhat at odds, fighting not to be the odd woman out. But now, it's hard not to imagine these three running rampant for the next ten years, only getting better and more comfortable playing as a unit (still 23, 26, and 22!).
[note to Emma Hayes: When Cat (age 24) gets back, please don't bump Soph; just play her at the 10 in place of Rose. KTHXBYE]
Not only are a lot of current Thorns playing in the Olympics, there are loads of former Thorns too. Just in the USA-Australia game today:
Sophia Smith
Sam Coffey
Crystal Dunn
Lindsey Horan
Emily Sonnett
Mackenzie Arnold
Steph Catley
Ellie Carpenter
Caitlin Foord
Hayley Raso
Clare Polkinghorne (bench)
That's 11 players, enough to field a team. In fact, if Crystal Dunn plays midfield (totally plausible), it works out to be a 4-3-3 - including a goalie!
I won't have a +1 tonight if anyone wants to say hi:
Section 116
Row D · Seats 21-22