The only moment at which I can say "I saw it coming" was when Smith subbed on, but that's only because of how the Thorns were playing and I knew Smith would be determined to get a goal. But it was just as likely that that wouldn't happen, or that they wouldn't be able to hold the lead if they got it.
The only moment at which I can say "I saw it coming" was when Smith subbed on, but that's only because of how the Thorns were playing and I knew Smith would be determined to get a goal. But it was just as likely that that wouldn't happen, or that they wouldn't be able to hold the lead if they got it.
What I sure as hell did NOT see happening was Betfort's gorgeous goal off Moultrie's equally gorgeous pass which brought them to level in the 41st, after all the crazy stuff that happened 25 minutes earlier.
Soph really wanted that second one. If she'd been a little less committed to getting a second goal, I think we would have scored at least another one because there were plenty of opportunities where a pass would have been a smarter choice.
I totally agree on this. I have seen Smith working to find teammates more this year, and while the results aren't really there (too often the pass hits a defensive player) she seems to be trying to make it happen. I believe its going to come, but its got to be a change for a player whose likely has been the best option where ever she has played.
Up 2-1 last night and Soph tried to thread a pass in the box to someone coming down the right...can't remember who, and it hit a defenders leg. If it slips through, we were in on goal and probably up 3-1. In the past, I'm not sure she even tries that ball. She is figuring it out right in front of us. She's gonna be the best player in the world in a year or two, I have no doubt.
It was Moultrie who was going to be able to dribble into the empty net if that pass found her. And it was close - like a couple inches. Who is the best player in the world now, in your opinion, if not Smith?
Best player? Bonmatí was the best player at the World Cup, a level or two above any player from the Americas, but people who watch more Euro soccer than me have been picking Putellas (who didn't play much at the WC).
Last season does she make that pass to Weaver or try and thread it in herself? I think the second. And Weaver, left-footing it back to Soph perfectly. Murphy was frozen.
Well, she has five assists on the season (tied for second in the NWSL, after Coffey with six) so I think it's already coming. She said after the game that she hadn't been scoring so she was hungry for goals. Hopefully she will quickly settle back into the scoring *and* assisting machine that she was earlier in the season.
Yeah I think the issue is less her willingness to pass, and more that she’s just not a very good passer technically at the moment. I want someone of her ability to have a little bit of tunnel vision, but I would like to see her technique improve when she does make the pass....particularly on through balls.
The only moment at which I can say "I saw it coming" was when Smith subbed on, but that's only because of how the Thorns were playing and I knew Smith would be determined to get a goal. But it was just as likely that that wouldn't happen, or that they wouldn't be able to hold the lead if they got it.
What I sure as hell did NOT see happening was Betfort's gorgeous goal off Moultrie's equally gorgeous pass which brought them to level in the 41st, after all the crazy stuff that happened 25 minutes earlier.
Soph really wanted that second one. If she'd been a little less committed to getting a second goal, I think we would have scored at least another one because there were plenty of opportunities where a pass would have been a smarter choice.
Agree. This continues to be one of the primary areas for her to work on.
It's where Kerr still has an edge on Smith. But give Soph time.
I totally agree on this. I have seen Smith working to find teammates more this year, and while the results aren't really there (too often the pass hits a defensive player) she seems to be trying to make it happen. I believe its going to come, but its got to be a change for a player whose likely has been the best option where ever she has played.
Up 2-1 last night and Soph tried to thread a pass in the box to someone coming down the right...can't remember who, and it hit a defenders leg. If it slips through, we were in on goal and probably up 3-1. In the past, I'm not sure she even tries that ball. She is figuring it out right in front of us. She's gonna be the best player in the world in a year or two, I have no doubt.
It was Moultrie who was going to be able to dribble into the empty net if that pass found her. And it was close - like a couple inches. Who is the best player in the world now, in your opinion, if not Smith?
Your mileage may vary, but for me it’s either Putellas or Kerr. I think it’s just a matter of time before Sophia surpasses them, though.
Best player? Bonmatí was the best player at the World Cup, a level or two above any player from the Americas, but people who watch more Euro soccer than me have been picking Putellas (who didn't play much at the WC).
It's Bonmati and it's not super close for me, even without the WC recency bias.
(My semi-hot take is that she's better than Putellas ever was even before her ACL injury)
Last season does she make that pass to Weaver or try and thread it in herself? I think the second. And Weaver, left-footing it back to Soph perfectly. Murphy was frozen.
Well, she has five assists on the season (tied for second in the NWSL, after Coffey with six) so I think it's already coming. She said after the game that she hadn't been scoring so she was hungry for goals. Hopefully she will quickly settle back into the scoring *and* assisting machine that she was earlier in the season.
Yeah I think the issue is less her willingness to pass, and more that she’s just not a very good passer technically at the moment. I want someone of her ability to have a little bit of tunnel vision, but I would like to see her technique improve when she does make the pass....particularly on through balls.