I know the season has been a complete shitshow, but everything off-field that's happened since the Bhathals have taken over has been really, really encouraging:
- Moultrie extension
- Smith extension (and the faith that her signing amidst said shitshow indicates)
- Academy investment
- Focus on training facility (though they'll need to do more than talk)
- Quick action on getting rid of Norris once it became clear the situation was untenable
- Staff expansions
- Promising young international signings
Really excited to see what they can come up with coaching prospect wise. I hope we hear about potential candidates cause I'd love to know what pools they're swimming in and what type of profiles they're looking at. Exciting times!
Re: new coach talk....I should say though, that even if I don't think that SW is in the realm of possibility here, I very much appreciate the Bhathals saying "why not Portland?" just like Kang said with regard to Jona and the Spirit. $$$ and vision can go a long way and I appreciate they are really going for the top.
I imagine they recognize this is their big chance to make a huge splash for their new team. The first giant hire that will tell a lot about their ambitions. I imagine they're also looking at all the new ownerships coming in and really swinging for coaches. Chicago- took a big swing. Spirit- took a big swing. Gotham and KC- have recently taken big swings. Even SD when they were new- took a big swing. All of these teams have done well, or have started this season well. I imagine the Bhathals are paying attention. They have meetings with all of these FO people for each team, and I'm betting the league is also very supportive of aiming high because it does so so much for the league. I just saw that they had another BOG meeting a few days ago (maybe yesterday)....so I imagine they were able to ask questions and advice from other clubs about their coaching searches. I just don't see them coming away with Sarah Lowdon at the end of this...no disrespect to her.
The situation in Houston, which leaves me no choice but to call the dirty Sanchez (go ahead and cancel me), is exactly why it doesn't bother me that Soph only signed for a year. If Soph wants to leave tomorrow, this season, or next year, then she will leave. Signing her is encouraging but the NWSL's star players have more power than their teams. Which is probably how it should be.
When the new owners declared their goal is to field the best women’s team in the world, I suspect the hire will be top-notch and expensive. And want to build their own staff.
Anyone know what the technical director will be responsible for? It almost sounds like a promotion. I get he's a nice guy and players/staff seem to like him, but some of the responsibilities noted - player development and scouting - make me a little nervous. One of the most glaring weaknesses of the team since he took over seemed to be fitting players into the right spot given their profiles. Maybe he will be better suited with more focus and a head coach with a clearly articulated vision.
I sure hope global search means more than looking immediately north. I feel like we've been over-reliant on the Canadian connections and have likely tapped that out. Fresh perspectives, please!
Gotham-Spirit also a delightful game, Rodman is absolutely toasting that Gotham line high line. Cassie Miller is giving the Gotham FO a big fuck you with some of the saves she's making 1v1.
Anyone who wants to watch my dear adopted Orlando Pride dominating a full strength SD without Adriana, Gautrat, Banda, or Rafaelle can do so on Amazon currently.
OT: remember how the KC Current social media team was killing it a while back? Their PR person just announced she's leaving the Current- she's from here, a former Oregon Duck- PTFC, snap her up!
I know the season has been a complete shitshow, but everything off-field that's happened since the Bhathals have taken over has been really, really encouraging:
- Moultrie extension
- Smith extension (and the faith that her signing amidst said shitshow indicates)
- Academy investment
- Focus on training facility (though they'll need to do more than talk)
- Quick action on getting rid of Norris once it became clear the situation was untenable
- Staff expansions
- Promising young international signings
Really excited to see what they can come up with coaching prospect wise. I hope we hear about potential candidates cause I'd love to know what pools they're swimming in and what type of profiles they're looking at. Exciting times!
Nice guy, good guy, company man, would love to have a pint and talk footy with him.
The Bhathal era has officially begun, and Karina is on the clock.
Re: new coach talk....I should say though, that even if I don't think that SW is in the realm of possibility here, I very much appreciate the Bhathals saying "why not Portland?" just like Kang said with regard to Jona and the Spirit. $$$ and vision can go a long way and I appreciate they are really going for the top.
I imagine they recognize this is their big chance to make a huge splash for their new team. The first giant hire that will tell a lot about their ambitions. I imagine they're also looking at all the new ownerships coming in and really swinging for coaches. Chicago- took a big swing. Spirit- took a big swing. Gotham and KC- have recently taken big swings. Even SD when they were new- took a big swing. All of these teams have done well, or have started this season well. I imagine the Bhathals are paying attention. They have meetings with all of these FO people for each team, and I'm betting the league is also very supportive of aiming high because it does so so much for the league. I just saw that they had another BOG meeting a few days ago (maybe yesterday)....so I imagine they were able to ask questions and advice from other clubs about their coaching searches. I just don't see them coming away with Sarah Lowdon at the end of this...no disrespect to her.
Week 4 Recap, featuring:
- Houston's mad hatter [derogatory] of a manager
- Washington's new-look front three and an A++ 2024 draft class
- Sam Coffey as Jon Snow
- Orlando ARE COMING BABY
https://www.theeaststandnwsl.com/post/nwsl-week-4-recap-it-s-defcon-5-in-houston
Uhhh...hi Phuoc. :)
I know there's a lot going on lol, but didn't you say the Thorns were expected to have another signing before Friday? Any updates there?
The situation in Houston, which leaves me no choice but to call the dirty Sanchez (go ahead and cancel me), is exactly why it doesn't bother me that Soph only signed for a year. If Soph wants to leave tomorrow, this season, or next year, then she will leave. Signing her is encouraging but the NWSL's star players have more power than their teams. Which is probably how it should be.
FINALLY!!!! Our team has deserved this for a LONG time. 🌹
More news about to drop…. Don’t know what tho 🤷🏽
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39946072/olivia-moultrie-paved-way-nwsls-youth-movement
When the new owners declared their goal is to field the best women’s team in the world, I suspect the hire will be top-notch and expensive. And want to build their own staff.
Anyone know what the technical director will be responsible for? It almost sounds like a promotion. I get he's a nice guy and players/staff seem to like him, but some of the responsibilities noted - player development and scouting - make me a little nervous. One of the most glaring weaknesses of the team since he took over seemed to be fitting players into the right spot given their profiles. Maybe he will be better suited with more focus and a head coach with a clearly articulated vision.
I sure hope global search means more than looking immediately north. I feel like we've been over-reliant on the Canadian connections and have likely tapped that out. Fresh perspectives, please!
Gotham-Spirit also a delightful game, Rodman is absolutely toasting that Gotham line high line. Cassie Miller is giving the Gotham FO a big fuck you with some of the saves she's making 1v1.
(Until Bethune scores again lol)
Anyone who wants to watch my dear adopted Orlando Pride dominating a full strength SD without Adriana, Gautrat, Banda, or Rafaelle can do so on Amazon currently.
Haha unexpected considering what else has happened today, but Emily Alvarado to Portland.
https://x.com/theolloydhughes/status/1781469757276930428?s=46&t=Xqcn-ILJiYl3NWCnoazg7A
OT: remember how the KC Current social media team was killing it a while back? Their PR person just announced she's leaving the Current- she's from here, a former Oregon Duck- PTFC, snap her up!
https://www.reillywadsworth.com/
Finally, a consistently informed studio show for the NWSL, here discussing the Norris reassignment and what to expect against Houston.
https://youtu.be/BtXdc3Uddoc?t=202