The whole team was timid until a ways into the second half, as big a part of their defeat as their horrible bad luck in the last 20 minutes. This is the kind of thing a young team learns from, and in this case that's more than the usual "cheer up" fluff people say after defeats. One of the few things this team lacks to be the best team i…
The whole team was timid until a ways into the second half, as big a part of their defeat as their horrible bad luck in the last 20 minutes. This is the kind of thing a young team learns from, and in this case that's more than the usual "cheer up" fluff people say after defeats. One of the few things this team lacks to be the best team in international WoSo is the ability to play through unexpected setbacks, and that's something that comes through a combination of good coaching (check) and experience (not yet checked off for most of them). I feel a bit silly for _still_ not taking that QF result well, but that's sportsball for ya!
Hina needs to start playing at the 10 for Thorns FC...period. She's the clear choice over a washed legend and inconsistent teenager. Blunt...but it's the truth.
You have that right about Sugita. It is such a disappointment that Norris has her playing RW, when the simple switch of her and Dunn could very well unlock more scoring threats on the team. From a coaching perspective you need to put players in a position that makes the team better. And moving Dunn to RW doesn't take away from her ability to impact the game, it balances the team across the board. Kuikka-Dunn is as threatening as Kling-Weaver, and Sugita should thrive playing the middle of the field. I don't think there is a Thorns player as good with the ball at her feet as Sugita. She looks like she is playing futsal out there.
Yeah, I agree. I think Norris would have to change up his whole midfield plan though, in that case. Especially when Sinc is on the field, Crystal plays in more of an 8/10 role and is the one of the two of them that has more of the defensive duties. A straight swap to give Hina that role when Sinc is at the 10 isn't my favorite idea. Crystal and Hina have very different qualities so Norris would have to show some flexibility in his plan, which I wouldn't hold my breath for. But yes, my ideal would be to see Sinc out entirely, with Rocky at the 8, Hina at the 10, and Crystal at that RW. That RW position rotates back into the midfield and has connecting duties as well, so it's not like she'd be a pure winger in Norris' system. Seems unfortunate that a plan so obvious probably won't ever be tried.
I love the solution. But you are right that Norris probably won't implement it. I can understand a first year coach not wanting to rock the boat, but it doesn't bode well for his future. Managing players is the number one responsibility of a head coach, and it won't look good for him to say he deferred to the players in spite of a solution being right there. He better win a trophy, otherwise I don't see him long for the position.
I don’t see him next year UNLESS the club wins out. He had “interim hire” all over him last fall and I haven’t seen anything to suggest he’s changed that. The new owners will - I hope! - want their own hire in here.
Yeah, I agree it was a very muted game for most of the team up until like the 60th or 70th minute. Though not nearly as much, I did sill feel the same way watching Hina play in the group stage. She had some good stretches, but just looked hesitant overall and not super confident at times. She's usually so confident with the Thorns, so it was surprising. I do think it's mostly that position though. It's probably what I'd look like if someone stuck me at CB lol, especially after playing a totally different position (and side of the field!) for half a season just before the tournament.
The whole team was timid until a ways into the second half, as big a part of their defeat as their horrible bad luck in the last 20 minutes. This is the kind of thing a young team learns from, and in this case that's more than the usual "cheer up" fluff people say after defeats. One of the few things this team lacks to be the best team in international WoSo is the ability to play through unexpected setbacks, and that's something that comes through a combination of good coaching (check) and experience (not yet checked off for most of them). I feel a bit silly for _still_ not taking that QF result well, but that's sportsball for ya!
Hina needs to start playing at the 10 for Thorns FC...period. She's the clear choice over a washed legend and inconsistent teenager. Blunt...but it's the truth.
You have that right about Sugita. It is such a disappointment that Norris has her playing RW, when the simple switch of her and Dunn could very well unlock more scoring threats on the team. From a coaching perspective you need to put players in a position that makes the team better. And moving Dunn to RW doesn't take away from her ability to impact the game, it balances the team across the board. Kuikka-Dunn is as threatening as Kling-Weaver, and Sugita should thrive playing the middle of the field. I don't think there is a Thorns player as good with the ball at her feet as Sugita. She looks like she is playing futsal out there.
Yeah, I agree. I think Norris would have to change up his whole midfield plan though, in that case. Especially when Sinc is on the field, Crystal plays in more of an 8/10 role and is the one of the two of them that has more of the defensive duties. A straight swap to give Hina that role when Sinc is at the 10 isn't my favorite idea. Crystal and Hina have very different qualities so Norris would have to show some flexibility in his plan, which I wouldn't hold my breath for. But yes, my ideal would be to see Sinc out entirely, with Rocky at the 8, Hina at the 10, and Crystal at that RW. That RW position rotates back into the midfield and has connecting duties as well, so it's not like she'd be a pure winger in Norris' system. Seems unfortunate that a plan so obvious probably won't ever be tried.
I love the solution. But you are right that Norris probably won't implement it. I can understand a first year coach not wanting to rock the boat, but it doesn't bode well for his future. Managing players is the number one responsibility of a head coach, and it won't look good for him to say he deferred to the players in spite of a solution being right there. He better win a trophy, otherwise I don't see him long for the position.
I don’t see him next year UNLESS the club wins out. He had “interim hire” all over him last fall and I haven’t seen anything to suggest he’s changed that. The new owners will - I hope! - want their own hire in here.
I'd say the only two Thorns _ever_ that were in Hina's league in terms of skill on the ball were Tobin and Vero. Pretty good company...
Maybe he wants Hina's ball retention there to contrast with Weaver's direct play? That's how Vasconcelos has generally played.
Yeah, I agree it was a very muted game for most of the team up until like the 60th or 70th minute. Though not nearly as much, I did sill feel the same way watching Hina play in the group stage. She had some good stretches, but just looked hesitant overall and not super confident at times. She's usually so confident with the Thorns, so it was surprising. I do think it's mostly that position though. It's probably what I'd look like if someone stuck me at CB lol, especially after playing a totally different position (and side of the field!) for half a season just before the tournament.