Author: RJ Allen

6 Takeaways from NWSL: Week 10

Posted on by RJ Allen

This week in the NWSL, we saw two teams start to pull away at the top, and a shakeup at the bottom of the table. There were comebacks, a rare straight red card, and a few (maybe unexpected) shutouts. With four midweek games to look forward to this week, here are our takeaways from Week Ten

Nadia Nadim Meets with TAPS Family after Washington vs. Portland – Jordan Small

After Saturday night’s loss to the Washington Spirit, Portland Thorns forward Nadia Nadim walked over to the side of the field to meet with a group of fans that had been escorted down onto the field. The group was from an organization called TAPS. The Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors, or TAPS for short, is a program that offers resources and services to those who have lost a loved one while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

A young lady who lost her father in Afghanistan presented Nadim with a bracelet following the match. Nadim, whose father was also killed in Afghanistan, took the time to talk with the family and take a few pictures. This was just another reminder that life is so much bigger than sport and that win or lose, a simple gesture such as a bracelet or a small conversation can have a greater impact on someone’s life.

Does Portland Have Too Much Star Power? – Jordan Small

Looking at the Portland Thorns roster, it is incredible to see the amount of talent that they have. As a team, they have combined for over 625 caps for six different national teams. Against the Washington Spirit, they had 62.7 percent of possession. What do they have to show for all of that? Getting shutout on the road for their second straight loss. Against a team that’s only just barely broken away from the bottom of the table over the past few weeks.

In 10 games this season, the Thorns have scored 12 goals while only giving up nine. Not bad all things considering. But when you look at the goals, three have come via the penalty spot and two were own goals. Sure they are scoring, but they aren’t creating many opportunities for themselves. Against Washington, Lindsey Horan, Allie Long, and Christine Sinclair were nonexistent on the field. Amandine Henry was subbed out at the half and won’t be around for much longer because of the upcoming EUROs. Is Tobin Heath coming back from injury the answer to this struggling Portland attack? I’m not so sure. But I do know that they are going to have to figure some things out if they want to be in the hunt for a playoff spot come September.

Dash Put it Together (at Least for One Week) – Luis Hernandez

As unlikely as it seemed, the Houston Dash bounced back from the four-goal drubbing at home to enact payback against the Orlando Pride this weekend, taking home three points on the road for their effort.  Head Coach Omar Morales made several key adjustments while taking advantage of the lackluster performance from Orlando. Perhaps the post-match comments from Carli Lloyd last week also lit something under her teammates as she took the field in just her second game back from the UK.

The Dash rolled out a new combination on the backline, the sixth different version of the season, to clamp down on the Orlando attack. Limiting the Pride to three shots on goal allowed Jane Campbell to bounce back for her second start of the season, a much better showing from the rookie even with the few shaky moments she had in the beginning of the match. As the Lifetime game of the week, Houston proved to the national audience which team wanted to win more. The result moves the Dash out of last place on the table and puts them in ninth, sitting just above the Boston Breakers, who they’ll host in their midweek game on Wednesday. Houston is positioned to give themselves some separation from the Boston while gaining confidence for the weekend showdown at FC Kansas City.

Missed Opportunity for FC Kansas City on the Road – Luis Hernandez

If you had told Vlatko Andonovski on Friday that his team was going to leave Seattle with a point on the road, he would have been happy. A point would have been a great result in the first of two road games for the Blues after already drawing against the Reign the week before. However, Seattle were left with just ten players on the field after Lauren Barnes was issued a straight red card in the 4’ for an armbar of striker Shea Groom. Kansas City took advantage of the imbalance early on, making Seattle pay in the sixteenth minute with a goal from Brittany Ratcliffe. However, FCKC couldn’t hold on to the lead, and the Blues leave the Emerald City dropping two points.

The draw keeps Kansas City one point behind Seattle, and barely keeps Orlando at bay. As FCKC go into the midweek match at Portland, they will have a challenge getting a result at Providence Park. If FCKC fail to make the playoffs, will they look back at this game as one of the reasons they miss the postseason, dropping two points when they had the clear advantage from almost the very start.

Sportsmanship – Elizabeth Wawrzyniak

Living just over an hour outside of Chicago has its benefits, and one of those is the ability to schedule a trip down to Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL, to catch matchups between the Chicago Red Stars (my “geographical” faves) and Sky Blue FC (my “absolute” faves). Last year’s trip down was actually my first live, in-person, soccer game ever, and it was an event to remember (and one that ended with a selfie with one of the greatest players of the game, Christie Pearce). This year I was looking forward to another good matchup, and the chance to see Kelley O’Hara play with her club team. She’d been on NT duty in 2016, and though I’d seen her play with them in Chicago and again in Minnesota late last year, club play is different, and brings out different sides of a player’s game.

Unfortunately, O’Hara didn’t play on Sunday, either suffering from a slight injury or being rested in anticipation of a midweek match-up against the Orlando Pride. But them’s the breaks and with any luck, I’ll get to see her play with Sky Blue at Toyota Park next summer.

The thing I noticed, though, that I want to call attention to, is just how much of a leader O’Hara is on and off the field. Sitting on the bench in trainers, she was coaching and offering tips to the younger members of the backline who were out there on the field. Before the game, during the slight break when Chicago’s GK Alyssa Naeher was down on the field and the Sky Blue players came to the sideline for some water, at the half, and so on, O’Hara was demonstrating how to defend against Chicago’s attack, reassuring her teammates, helping them out.

With the news that this year is almost certainly Christie Pearce’s final season with Sky Blue FC, it’s good to see that the backline and the team will have someone as focused on teaching and leading as playing. And most of all, for all the little girls and boys in the stands, for all the grown-ups in the stands, it’s an important and visual reminder that an athlete’s work doesn’t begin and end on the field, and isn’t simply the accumulation of their physical talents. How a player performs on the bench is maybe just as important as how they perform on the field.

And I just felt like this is a good moment to acknowledge that.

Tears and Tears – Elizabeth Wawrzyniak

We need to talk about ACL tears.

Obviously, we’re all tearing up about Kealia Ohai’s unfortunate injury over the weekend, or the fear that we’ll hear the same news from Danny Colaprico after she went down in Sunday’s game against Sky Blue FC. ACL tears are tearing up the league this season, and we need to talk about why that is.

Here’s the thing about this kind of injury.  It’s three times (3x) more likely to happen to a female soccer player than a male one. And this year, it’s taken down a number of players in our league (or former NWSL players), starting with Amy Rodriguez and Joanna Lohman over opening weekend, Kim Little over in the UK, and Yuri Kawamura. (Did I forget anyone?) And Diana Matheson, Cali Farquharson, and Kelsey Wys are all still in recovery for injuries suffered late last season or during off-season play.

It’s no secret that the focus in sports kinesiology and physical therapy is imbalanced, that most teaching, studies, and practical therapies and preventative techniques are based on the male body and the way the male body reacts to usage and stress of joints, ligaments, etc. But the male body is not the universal norm, and there needs to be more attention given to the physiological differences of female bodies to male ones, differences that don’t make women weaker or inferior, but ones that requires us to pivot differently, shift our weight differently, run differently, than our male counterparts.

And women’s teams (and leagues like the NWSL) need to make it a priority to find and work with trainers and therapists who understand the different needs and abilities of female athletes.

Who understand the science of playing like a girl.

Well, that’s what we took away from Week Ten as we head to a slew of Wednesday matches. Give us your biggest takeaway in the comments or let us know where you disagree with us. Until next time, fair readers.

Kealia Ohai to Miss Remainder of 2017 Season

Posted on by RJ Allen

The Houston Dash announced today that forward and captain Kealia Ohai suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Orlando Pride this past Saturday.

Ohai initially went down in the 67′ after trying to make a turn against Pride defender Ali Krieger, returning to the field after being checked over by Houston training staff. She went down again in the 74′ and had to be assisted off the field.

After a medical evaluation, Ohai was diagnosed with a Grade 3 ACL sprain and medial meniscus tear in her left knee.

“I am devastated but so excited to start my recovery and get back on the field,” Ohai said in a heartfelt post on Twitter.

Losing Ohai is a major blow for a struggling Houston team, who have three wins and seven losses on the season. Interim head coach Omar Morales had this to say about losing Ohai:

“The injury to Kealia is a big hit to the team, not only on the field but off the field due to the leader that she is. With her being the captain, you are losing a big piece of your team. We have to stay strong for her, push for her, win some games and build on the momentum from Saturday. We will keep her in mind because she has done so much for us this year.”

The Dash have confirmed that Ohai will be placed on the disabled list for the remainder of the season.

 

Off the Bench with Backline Soccer: 2017, Week 10

Posted on by RJ Allen

Backline Soccer Recap:

Quick Fire Week 10 Game Previews:

We have arrived at Week Ten of the NWSL, not necessarily unscathed, but seeing plenty of parity between several teams in the league. Let’s dive into this week’s previews. 

Game 1: Orlando Pride vs. Houston Dash

Orlando Pride record: 3-3-3
Position: 6th
Total Points: 12

Houston Dash record: 2-7-0
Position: 10th
Total Points: 6

After last week’s dominant performance, (minus the last 10-15 minutes,) the Pride are coming into this week confident, really needing to start honing in and perfecting the little things. Big picture this week sees the Pride most likely coming away with the three points, if last week was any indication, but they will need to work hard on closing out games and remaining consistent. This week that will be their focus. They have seemed to have settled on a starting XI, at least until Alex Morgan is inserted back into the line-up in a few weeks. But their biggest enemy this week will be themselves. With Marta assisting in or scoring all four goals last week, the Pride will look to her for another solid performance. But they will also need to see others step up, especially defensively, to close-out the game. The last minute goals last week came at the cost of a goalkeeper and a defensive mistake. 

The Dash struggles continue and look to continue for the foreseeable future. I have mentioned this a few times in my previews, but even seeing the return of Carli Lloyd, who, while not scoring, had some strong moments in last week’s match, they just do not seem to have much idea of what to do, or what game plan they want to have at any given moment. This was apparent last week, especially as the players seem to fatigue well before the second half began. Their key, even if they do not win games, is to find consistency amongst each other this week. Their defensive game plan should be their first step. The team needs to find a way to get everyone working together, especially as the Pride have started to find their groove. They may have lucked out not having to face a combination of Marta and Alex Morgan quite yet.

Game 2: Boston Breakers vs. North Carolina Courage

Boston Breakers record: 2-5-2
Position: 9th
Total Points: 8

North Carolina Courage record: 7-3-0
Position: 10th
Total Points: 21

Boston has a lot to figure out this week but I do not know if we will see much more of an improvement against a Courage side that has been playing pretty consistently this season. The Breakers have also been plagued with injuries and it was just announced that starting goalkeeper Abby Smith is out this week. We will most likely see the first start for rookie and 2017 NWSL draftee, Sammy Jo Prudhomme. While she was a great goalkeeper in college, going up against an attack like the Courage’s, she will be tested early and often. Boston’s main focuses this week are to not give up the early goals and find a way to curb the Courage attack. The Breakers also re-signed Libby Stout during the week, a former GK who made 9 starts and 42 saves for the Breakers in 2016.

The Courage were without a few key players last week with Lynn Williams and Jess McDonald injured, but the team was still able to churn out a quality product. If both players return to the line-up this week, the Courage won’t need to make many adjustments in what they have been doing. Their key is to stay patient and shore up their defense because the Breakers’ attacking side only needs a little bit of space to make the Courage pay. Look for the hopeful return of the injured players to the line-up and the continued solid performance against a struggling Breakers side. 

Game 3: Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns

Washington Spirit record: 2-5-2
Position: 8th
Total Points: 8

Portland Thorns record: 4-2-3
Position: 4th
Total Points: 15

The Spirit are coming in this week with a new weapon in their arsenal. Estefania Banini, who was their leading goal-scorer last season, as returned to the Washington roster. There has been no word if she will be available for this match but the signing alone is good news for a team that’s been struggling. After holding the Red Stars to a draw last week, the Spirit will once again have their hands full against the Thorns. The Spirit are starting to put a few more pieces together but are still missing what Tori Huster brings and also may be potentially be without Mal Pugh again as she continues to recover from an injury suffered during the FIFA break. Washington will be looking for another consistent game from Steph Labbé, who has saved their butts on numerous occasions this season. But in order to get past the Thorns this weekend, the Spirit will need to keep the pressure and attack at a high level.

The Thorns are coming in this week after a loss to Sky Blue last week at home, a subpar performance that left them disappointed and maybe a little embarrassed. Look for them to want to bounce back very quickly this week. The Thorns are starting to show where the injuries are hurting them, mainly with a gaping hole left by Tobin Heath, who has experienced a setback with her back injury and looks to be even longer now. The weaknesses of Franch were exposed last week as well, so she will need to make sure her decision making is on this week as anything can happen against the Spirit. While also suffering more injuries than just Heath, if the Thorns can bounce back quickly this week, they should see a different result.

Game 4: Seattle Reign vs. FC Kansas City

Seattle Reign record: 3-2-4
Position: 5th
Total Points: 13

FC Kansas City record: 3-3-3
Position: 7th
Total Points: 12

The Reign have been quite the puzzling team this season. They started off the strong but have seemed to level out and been a bit inconsistent with their play. They really need work on closing out games and finding a bit more consistency defensively. While the backline is set and we have seen some great play from Haley Kopmeyer, it has been inconsistent. While FCKC won’t be a huge threat for them, with their inconsistencies, the attack from their post-season nemesis could cause some problems. Seattle needs to get back to their previous form and find a way to make their team gel better. If this means a shake-up in the line-up, then so be it. Granted, even though a few players such as Diana Matheson and Larissa Crummer, who they had planned on for the season, are still injured, they have several key pieces that coach Laura Harvey could move around. Jess Fishlock will need to become a little more dominant in the middle if Seattle is going to have a better chance at moving up the table.

FCKC has also been a bit puzzling this season. With Amy Rodriguez no longer a part of the picture, the FCKC attack has seemed to start to find the light of their rhythm. Sydney Leroux seems to be coming into her own a bit more, which is really the key for them, especially going up against the Reign, who have been a bit unpredictable. With FCKC fairly solid in the back with the Nicole Barnhart holding it down, if FCKC can spur their attack, they should see success this week.

Game 5: Chicago Red Stars vs. Sky Blue FC

Chicago Red Stars record: 5-2-2
Position: 2nd
Total Points: 17

Sky Blue FC record: 5-4-1
Position: 3rd
Total Points: 16

Chicago will have its hands full this week with Sky Blue. With a somewhat disappointing performance against the Spirit last week, there will be some things they look to improve on come Sunday. They’ve faced difficulties connecting their passes or in their ability to string them together, and the Red Stars will need to work on that against Sky Blue this week. The backline will also be fully tested with Sam Kerr, as most teams have been this season. She had herself a game last week against Portland, so Chicago will need to contain her throughout the game. If Chicago can connect more passes and be more consistent this week, this should be a great match-up to watch.

Sky Blue will want to continue their climb towards the top with another dominating performance this week. Look for them to rely again on Sam Kerr to spur the attack and get them on the board in Chicago. The biggest thing for Kerr, however, is consistency. She can have dominating games like she did last week and then be unable to buy herself a goal in the next. So working on her consistency, especially this week, will be key. Christie Pearce has also had to work all season with a young backline and, for the most part, they have been able to handle the tests of the NWSL play. But this week, with the Chicago attack led by Christen Press, Pearce and the rest of the backline will be tested frequently. Where Kelley O’Hara plays this week will be anyone’s guess, but if she causes as many fits on the field as she did last week, Chicago will have their hands full.

The Scouting Report:

We went live on Tuesday night with our weekly TSR. A reminder that you can catch TSR live every Monday night at 8pm EST on our YouTube channel. Make sure to follow the podcast on Twitter @ScoutingPodcast.

In case you missed this week’s episode, catch up here:

The Unused Sub: I Stand With You

Posted on by RJ Allen

Don’t mind me as I am just thinking out loud, but I think I want a Sam Kerr jersey. I wonder who do I know that can make such arrangements happen. Hmm…

Hmm…

IT’S A NO-BRAINER BECAUSE IT IS IMPORTANT
On Tuesday afternoon, I attended a press conference hosted by Athlete Ally in collaboration with the Seattle’s professional sports franchises, the Seattle Reign FC, Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Storm, Seattle Mariners, and Seattle Seahawks. The goal of the presser was to show the broad community of sports in Seattle all united, standing in solidarity with the LGBT community and to affirm their shared commitment to advocacy and inclusion in sports through education and other public outreach.

It was a good day for the city of Seattle. It was a fun day for the city of Seattle. But it was also just plainly an important day for the city of Seattle.

When I received the press release last week about it, I was in awe. I was in awe because it is pretty much unprecedented for someone to gather the sports franchises of any major US city and have them unite on a message that is essential. Much less a message like this one. This was a direct clapback to that tired “stick to sports” adage people like to throw around on social media when an athlete expresses an opinion about politics or society. 

Seattle isn’t having any of that. Nope, not these sports franchises and the athletes that put on the jersey that represents this team, this city, and its people. Not with the platform of the public eye they have and the power of influence they wield with it. The effect sports has on a community and society is like that of an artist with a mound of clay. You can mold and shape it however you want it, whatever you want it to be.

For someone like me who came to America, who wasn’t born here, the spectacle that was professional sports was my introduction to American culture and how diverse it is. It didn’t start out that way for sure, but as I grew up I learned stories of those athletes who dared to challenge the status quo and change the world, with their athletic skill and with their public actions. People who advocated and effected change because they were aware of the power and influence they held. And it was from this history, American sports history, I understood what sports can do for people. How it can mold and shape people and their society.

Falling in love with soccer and convincing myself that I can somehow string a few words and sentences into something someone else will read has made me into a far more social person than I could ever imagine when I was a five-year-old foreigner fresh out of an airplane in some strange land called the United States of America. I saw Michael Jordan literally dunking on fools and was enthralled. Or when I was nine years old going on ten and the only world I ever knew was turned upside-down because my parents got a divorce. America’s past-time, baseball (specifically the Cinderella run of the 1995 Seattle Mariners) soothed the fracture of the divorce and my mom and I found something to share that helped us through that painful period of our lives. Or last year when I was celebrating my birthday (don’t ask for the number, I’m old, simple as that) and finally I got my parents to attend an NWSL match and they saw it. They got it. They understood why taking an interest in the beautiful game and covering specifically the women’s game became my thing. It was pure happenstance, but they understood that this was my hobby, my passion. Something to give me an identity and with it opening myself up to more different walks of life, different life stories, different world views, that they are proud to say have made me a better person.

It was a privilege to witness the press conference first-hand and to then have some small one on one conversations with those involved.  Some might say it is controversial. Some might say it is uncomfortable. However, the bottom line is, it is the right thing to do. It is the important thing to do. Who I am and some values of what I hold dear as what makes us good, decent people have been influenced by sport and how it brought me to connect with an individual or a group of people.

It’s through bringing people together with through sport, that maybe, just maybe, the communities we live in can become better places for all, regardless of color, religion, sexual or gender identity, or any other of the beautiful things that make us each entirely our own unique individuals.

I believe we can be better and this is something I do not hesitate to stand for and support those that feel and do the same.

DID YOU KNOW JUNE 21 WAS NATIONAL SELFIE DAY?
Now that it is officially summer (June 21 was the official Summer Solstice day), it’s time for: Sun’s out, NWSL hotness out. Here’s this weekend’s predictions.

  • Orlando Pride OVER Houston Dash. (They might show better fitness or something, but Houston still isn’t winning.)
  • North Carolina Courage OVER Boston Breakers.
  • Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns FC play to a DRAW.
  • Seattle Reign FC OVER FC Kansas City.
  • Sky Blue FC OVER Chicago Red Stars.

And here is this week’s music video break.

Song: “Keep Shining” | Artist: Shad

The Crown: Growth of a Young Supporter Group

Posted on by RJ Allen

As a big fan of Orlando soccer, I was looking forward to last Saturday’s games. It was an important weekend for both the men’s and women’s team coming out of the international break, and soccer in Orlando was getting back into the swing of things.

The Orlando Pride were in Houston, taking on the Dash at BBVA Compass Stadium there while Orlando City SC, the franchise’s MLS side, was hosting the Montreal Impact at home. As a season ticket holder for both teams, I was all set to man The Wall, the standing supporters’ section on the north side of Orlando City Stadium. Unfortunately, in doing so, I would miss the Pride’s game in Texas, but as Orlando City was set to honor the 49 victims of the Pulse shooting as part of the one-year anniversary of that horrific event, I felt it was important to show my ally-ship for that memorial and my support for the men’s team.

This wasn’t the first tribute to the Pulse victims of the season. The Crown, the supporters’ group for the Orlando Pride, had started the tribute to the victims at the women’s previous home match against the Boston Breakers, raising a special tifo in memory of those lost. And the supporters’ groups for the men’s side also had a special tifo planned for their game.

But just as I was set to head out to the men’s match, I checked Twitter one last time, and this tweet caught my eye.

Since I wasn’t able to experience matchday with the Crown, I thought it would be a great time to get out and enjoy the company of the team’s supporters. Being a member of the Crown in good standing, I have felt disconnected from the group because I don’t use Facebook, the primary means of communicating within the group and because I don’t live close enough to engage when it’s not match-day. So I was excited at the chance to attend this watch party and chose to head to the Crown’s event instead of going to the Orlando City game. 

I arrived early to Ocean Sun Brewing, where a chalkboard sign welcomed Crown members for the watch party. Nobody was there yet, but I wasn’t concerned since I was there an hour before the scheduled start time. With the Orlando City match playing on the big screen, I settled in to grab a bite and watch the BroSo match while I waited for Pride fans to show up. I even killed some time with a post on Instagram hyping the watch party.

 

As time passed, I was getting more jazzed to cheer with my fellow Pride supporters. The Crown even liked my Instagram post and commented on it. But as time ticked closer to the start of the match, nobody was there. I was feeling puzzled, and I was getting a hunch the watch party was going to be impacted by the City match. It made sense that there could be a low turn-out to the watch party since a traveling group of Crown members had made the trip to Houston and many of the passionate supporters were also supporters for the men’s side, but I was getting concerned this watch party could be a bust. The bar manager didn’t have a way to play go90 on any television, and I was concerned I might be stuck watching the Pride on my phone.

I felt slightly better once my group of friends (Jay, Sammy and Michelle) arrived, but they were as puzzled as I was. The four of us turned out to be the entire watch party. One of my friends, Jay, has also brought her son to enjoy the Pride play since her son loves soccer but hadn’t embraced NWSL so far. This watch party experience certainly wasn’t helping. She ended up leaving while the rest of us sorted out a way to watch Orlando Pride for this “Crown watch party.” Thankfully, Michelle had her laptop with her, so the three of us gathered around the MacBook like a fire on a cold night.

It was disappointing to go to a planned watch party unable to see a four-goal performance on a television. I couldn’t understand how the supporters’ group could advertise this on the group’s social media without any participation or even a tweet canceling the event. The bar manager told us that if we had the appropriate AV cable, he would let us connect to one of the screens, but we didn’t know this ahead of time, and no one had brought any.  It just reflected a lack of planning and, perhaps, more concerning, a lack of leadership and engagement from the official supporters’ group that neither any representatives of The Crown’s organizers or any Pride fans showed up to the event. 

Establishing a supporters’ group takes time, building a culture like the more established groups have done–Rose City Riveters, Spirit Squadron, or Cloud 9, for example–takes time. The Crown does do a great job to enhance the gameday experience, and the tifos they have created this season have been stunning statements of dedication. But it’s a bad look to publicize an event and not have anyone show up to run it, and this type of thing detracts from what the Crown is trying to accomplish. It felt like the watch party didn’t really matter or it was more of an afterthought. I am hopeful, however, that this night was just a one-time miss, and not something more, as it is a challenge to grow support for a newer team.

After the event, I reached out to the Crown for a comment for this story. This was the statement received:

Hi Luis, I apologize as there was a mix-up. The person who normally runs the watch party wasn’t available at the last minute. He called Ocean Sun and they said no problem they will put it on thinking that it was on Lifetime. For future matches, we are purchasing the brewery a Chromecast so they aren’t relying on anyone to bring a laptop and HDMI cord.

TBH – if you want to get a true representation of the group the best time to connect is our tailgates. The watch parties are very hit or miss dependent on the MLS schedule, time of the match, and who is traveling to watch live. You are always welcome out to Broken Cauldron!

Of course, home games and home game tailgates are more fun. But a supporters’ group needs a strong base of involvement and engagement at home when the team is away as well. A strong base celebrates together home and away, and The Crown has demonstrated that although they are an enthusiastic supporters’ group, they still have room to grow as they mature into one at the caliber we see in other NWSL cities across the league. 

Unsung Hero of the Week: Fantastic Freeman on Display

Posted on by RJ Allen

In this weekly series, I will be highlighting a player from the weekend who was their respective team’s unsung hero, win or lose. A player who does the dirty work, does the little but important things in a game and someone who didn’t exactly fill up the stat sheet but found other ways to contribute.

This week I’ve chosen Sky Blue FC defender Mandy Freeman.

The 22-year-old was taken 10th overall in the first round of the 2017 College Draft by Sky Blue. Fresh off a NCAA Championship with USC, Freeman jumped right into the NWSL, so far starting in all 10 games for the New Jersey side. In her first season, she has the opportunity of a lifetime: to be paired next to Christie Pearce. What a mentor to have, huh? Going into the season I wasn’t sure if Sky Blue would be able to start strong, but 10 games into the year we find them in third place and really starting to find a groove.

Sky Blue 3-1 Portland

Sky Blue got off to a perfect start, scoring the opening goal just 24 seconds in. Officially it was given to Raquel Rodriguez (after a lovely pass from Sam Kerr) 25 seconds in, but I have watched it several times and it’s clearly in the back of the net at the 24 second mark–which would make it the fastest goal in NWSL history.

But I’ll move on from that and get down to specifics.

The first play worth talking about from Freeman was in the 11th minute. #22 had darted forward to intercept a pass intended for a Thorn player at the halfway line. Freeman got it to Kerr, who charged forward and put herself in a dangerous position in the middle of the park. Emily Sonnett eventually won a tackle, stopping Kerr just before she entered the 18-yard box. But it was a wonderful attacking move which started with Freeman winning possession and then quickly finding Kerr moving forward.

Now, it’s certainly no easy task to rattle to Portland … at Providence Park … in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 16,736. Also add in the fact that the Thorns had not lost at home since July of 2016. Quite an impressive feat, but in the first half Sky Blue were playing like they were the home team, executing their game plan to a tee.

Freeman wasn’t only doing her defensive duties, she wanted in on the action at the other end too. She awaited the service of a Kelley O’Hara corner in the 17th minute, volleying it towards goal where forward McKenzie Meehan sent it just just over the crossbar.  Obviously, Sky Blue drafted her for her defensive abilities but at 5’8″ Freeman could sneak onto the scoring sheet eventually. In her college days at USC, Freeman did find the net twice and earned eight assists as well, so it’s not a completely foreign land to her.

The next big play came in the very next minute. Portland patiently strung together a series of passes, working their way deep into the Sky Blue end. At the end of it, Sinclair turned Mills away with a cute stop-and-go on the right side of the 18 and found Raso, who was in the middle, with a point-blank shot. Or so she thought. But instead, Freeman comes lunging forward with such graceful desperation, putting her body in front of a ball that was on its way to being blasted upper 90 for the equalizer. Freeman once again read the play, reacted in the right way and preserved the lead for Sky Blue. It was a crucial moment. With Portland’s pressure growing and the game moving at a frantic pace, an equalizer could easily have turned the tide on the night and shifted the momentum. Freeman’s clutch stop gave Sky Blue some refuge and let them restore some order to their game plan.

As every team in the NWSL knows, containing Portland is extremely difficult to do. With the likes of Nadia Nadim, Christine Sinclair, Allie Long, Amandine Henry, and Lindsey Horan, Sky Blue and their balanced defense managed to do just that. Balanced meaning two veterans and two rookies keeping the line very organized. Freeman deserves individual plaudits for her containment of Sinclair–a player who has proven capable of escaping from the world’s best defenders. In maybe her best game of the season so far, Freeman kept Canada’s legendary forward in check and off the score sheet.

In the second half, Portland didn’t start well but in the 64th minute, they could’ve had a quality chance on goal if not for Freeman. Building from the back, the Thorns found Meghan Klingenberg out wide, looking to serve the ball toward Long in the box. Once again, Portland were inches away from a goal, but somehow Freeman burst in to steal the header from Long and deny a golden scoring chance.

One last play to highlight Freeman came in the 88th minute with Portland desperately searching for a bit of pride back and a consolation goal. Henry won the ball near the midfield and surged forward, leaving two Sky Blue players in the dust on her way to goal. Freeman came over to support, stood tall against the French playmaker and took it away from her. Then she had the awareness to slot it to Madison Tiernan in the midfield, who sent a long searching ball to a certain Aussie (who beat the entire Portland backline) and raced 15 yards before faking out Adrianna Franch for the cool finish and a brace.

Freeman had to deal with some incredible talent on the night and taking the ball away from Henry and starting the final goal-scoring sequence had to feel good for the rookie as it capped off a fantastic game for her. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this game, it was end-to-end action. And in my opinion, Freeman made the difference for her club on the night.

Sky Blue are currently sitting in third place with five wins, four losses, and one draw. If Freeman and this backline can continue this type of electric play, we could see this team back in the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

Roster News: Pride Add Morgan, Waive Burkenroad

Posted on by RJ Allen

The Orlando Pride has added USWNT forward Alex Morgan to the club’s roster today, waiving Christina Burkenroad to make room for last year’s captain, returning from her time with UEFA Women’s Champions League winners Olympique Lyonnais Féminine.

Morgan has been playing in France since January, earning the much-sought French women’s treble with the team as Lyon won the Division 1 Féminine, the Coupe de France Féminine, and UEFA Women’s Champions League titles.

Morgan has been back in the States for a few weeks but has been rehabbing a hamstring injury suffered in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. She is expected to return to the pitch for Orlando in a few weeks. The Pride have been making strong moves in the league table over the past few weeks as Brazilian international Marta seems to have settled in and found a rhythm with her Orlando teammates. Morgan’s return to the field and the possibilities of a Marta-Morgan scoring team have fans eagerly awaiting the moment she dons Pride purple once again.

In order to stay within the NWSL’s 20-player roster requirement, the Pride has waived forward Christina Burkenroad. Burkenroad was drafted to the Pride in 2016 and has made eight appearances for the team. Burkenroad may not be without a team for long, however, as the Orlando Sentinel is reporting that the Norwegian team IK Grand Bodø has expressed interest in her.

 

No Regrets: How Mexican International Katie Johnson is Impacting the NWSL

Posted on by RJ Allen

After a Week 8 match-up against the Chicago Red Stars and earning her first start, Katie Johnson spoke with Backline Soccer about NWSL draft day, rookie life, and making an impact in the league as a Mexican International and Mexican-American player.

During the second round of the annual NWSL draft, after a draft day trade with the Chicago Red Stars, the Seattle Reign held the sixth pick, 16th overall. Katlyn Alicia Johnson Carreon had yet to be drafted, and three of her former USC teammates had gone in the first round. It’s not an easy day, waiting and hoping to hear your name called, but when Seattle drafted Johnson, she immediately made an impact on draft day.

“Ay Dios Mio”

Three simple words translate to “Oh My God.” It was small, but something that connects to some Latino/Latino-American fans who grew up hearing the phrase in our households or from our families. I mostly heard it from my mom or grandma when I was being mischievous and doing ridiculous kid things. Which, was often. But on draft day, for Katie, it seemed to represent a sense of excitement in achieving one’s goals. In that sense, no matter your background, “Ay dios mio” is entirely and immediately relatable.

Reign Rookie

Johnson declared for the draft and had been hoping to stay on the west coast and be selected by the Reign. After finding success at USC, she bet on herself and took a chance and made it known that she was looking for a future in the NWSL.

“I think I came off a pretty good season in college, and I think I made a good name for myself especially throughout the college finals, and scoring three goals. So, I was just confident going in, and thought that I could get drafted and picked in the NWSL draft. So, I took my chances, and Laura [Harvey] believed that I could be a good fit for this [Seattle] team. And I think I’ve done a good job of fitting into the team.”

Making the decision to go pro isn’t an easy one. An athlete’s options might open up with a successful collegiate career. Their options may expand even further if they’ve had international experience. For Johnson, her resume contains both of those very important bullet points. Having spent time with the senior women’s Mexican national team during Olympic qualifying and having a break-out senior season at USC that ended in a national title, Johnson could’ve played soccer overseas. She admits that could always be an option, but is fully committed to Seattle.

“Out of all the teams, the Reign were my number one pick. I’m really happy because my style of play fits in with the was that she [Harvey] likes to play. So, I was pretty happy with that. I was looking overseas before, just with how the [college] season went, just to see if it was an option, it is an option in the future. Right now, I’m just really happy playing in Seattle and I like how it’s going so far.”

A recent injury to Beverly Yanez saw Johnson get her first start against Chicago during Week 8. In earlier weeks, Seattle head coach Laura Harvey had done well to get Johnson quality minutes within games even before giving Johnson her first start. It’s difficult for some rookies to get time on the pitch in their first season, but Johnson is holding her own and has already scored two goals. She admits there is some adjustments from playing on the college level to going pro.

“The speed is a lot faster in the game [than in college]. There’s really not much room for mistakes. There’s less chances for goal but I have to be more on top of just finishing and holding the ball. I don’t think I did nearly as well today [against Chicago], but in past games I think I’ve done pretty well at that.”

Representing More than Soccer

While adjusting to playing in the NWSL, Johnson shared with me that fighting for a spot in Seattle’s starting XI has always been the goal since she got drafted. Her perspective of the NWSL is refreshing, as she emphasizes and expresses her want to be successful in this league. Her desire to have an active role in Seattle took front and center even in the face of the current FIFA break in the NWSL schedule.  

This June, several NWSL players reported for national team duty and participated in international team friendlies. That included a match between Mexico and Venezuela. I mention some disappointment in not seeing her name on the roster, but Johnson tells me that Mexico’s head coach Robert Medina approached her for a call up to national team camps.  Along with not trying to put extra strain on her body, she is actively choosing to improve her game through the NWSL.

“I was actually asked to be on the team, but I just decided that I wanted to stay here [in Seattle] and try to start. Obviously, I got my first one today [against Chicago]. And I’m trying to keep starting and stay with the team and just be focused on that. I also didn’t want to risk injury, it was kind of a late game [June Friendly] so I’m just trying to play it smart and get this season done.”

She emphasizes that she wants to improve on her game in order to be a better player in general as well as internationally with Mexico.

“When it comes to Mexico I’ll be ready to go for qualifiers or for wherever they need me to be. Just trying to play it smart, this time. I didn’t want to go too hard or too much on that, because I know we do double days when we’re out there [training camps] so it’d be a lot of soccer and I’m just trying to pick and choose for right now to be smarter about those things.”

Johnson says that there is open communication between the Mexican players and current head coach Medina, that sometimes scheduling comes into play when players make decisions regarding camps and friendlies. It’s part of how she was able to compete in Olympic qualifying for Mexico back when Leo Cuellar was coaching. She elaborates saying:

“It was a little last minute the [training] camp, which is another reason why I made the decision to stay with this team [Reign]. You have to think about that, ‘well do I want to go out of my way right now? How will this affect me physically?’ There are some who do have the opportunity to play right now, like with our players who play in Spain [La Liga] right now, their season just ended. So, they’re able to come over here and it’s a bit more convenient for them. Or how back in February [Olympic Qualifiers] when I wasn’t playing [in college] to be able to compete. So sometimes it’s also a clash of schedules as well.”

Johnson and I spoke about the decline in Mexican subsidized players in the NWSL over the years, the few Mexican-American players currently in the league, and how there is sometimes a perception of constantly “having to choose a side.” I ask her if she ever sees herself embracing the role of being a role model. She openly embraces the possibility saying:

“Absolutely. That’s definitely a segway I’d like to go into. I really hope I can be that for people. And hopefully encourage other girls who are Mexican-American, who are young, to say hey I can maybe go a different route. I know Monica Flores has gone through something similar with her sister, so it is having to choose sometimes, but I’m just really happy I made the decision.”

Recently, Seattle Reign were one of the NWSL teams featured on Lifetime’s game of the week against the Houston Dash. Johnson came on as a sub for an injured Bev Yanez, the rookie’s play had earned praise under the Houston heat and even raised questions during the broadcast. Coach Harvey was quoted through commentary that the U.S. would come to “rue Johnson’s decision” on playing for Mexico. When I mention some additional TV commentary suggesting if Johnson had any “regrets” in committing to representing Mexico now that she was getting recognition, I ask Johnson if she wants to set the record straight.

She doesn’t hesitate.

“No. I am so happy I made that decision.”

She elaborates on the good experiences she has with her teammates saying:

“When I go to camps, I don’t really speak Spanish very well, so it’s kind of hard sometimes, but my teammates have always been really nice to me. When I do try, they obviously joke with me about it. It’s always fun though because they’re all so nice to me.”

Johnson expresses that if there is any regret, it’s that she didn’t make the decision sooner to commit to playing for Mexico. After an ACL injury and some guidance from her parents, she began her journey to representing La Selección Tri Femenil.

“I was really happy with it [playing for Mexico]. I feel like I didn’t make it sooner than most players who make those decisions. But I made the choice over these last two years, it was after I tore my ACL. I sat down with my parents, and I talked to my mom about it, and she asked me ‘do you want to do this? We can do this, we can help you with all your paperwork if you want to [play for Mexico]’ So I just kind of made the decision from there and said, ‘Let’s do it!’ so I just kind of went for it, and I am really happy. I’m so proud of being Mexican too.”

The NWSL is five years young, and yet it’s come a long way from having 16 Mexican international subsidized players to zero. Although not currently listed as an allocated player, time will tell the kind of impact a player like Katie Johnson will have on the NWSL. For now, she is doing a good job growing her game within two countries she is proud to claim. 

A US Soccer Legend Gone: RIP Tony DiCicco

Posted on by RJ Allen

The Women’s Soccer world has lost one of its own. The news broke yesterday morning that Tony DiCicco, former USWNT coach, passed away Monday evening.

Tony DiCicco is a legend in the world of soccer. 

The coach led the women’s National Team from 1994 to 1999 and, to date, is the only one to have teams win both Olympic Gold medals (1996) and the World Cup trophy (1999). But the Olympics and World Cup victories are just the height of DiCicco’s far-reaching influence in American women’s soccer.

He began as the goalkeeping coach for the USWNT in 1991 before taking over as head coach in 1994. Under DiCicco, the WNT accumulated 103 wins, 8 draws, and 8 losses, making him the “winningest” coach in USSF history. Beyond the Senior WNT, DiCicco managed at the youth level and coached the US women’s team that won the U-20 World Cup in 2008, a team that included Alyssa Naeher, Meghan Klingenberg, Kiersten Dallstream, Elli Reed, Becky Edwards, Christine Nairn, Keelin Winters, Alyssa Mautz, Alex Morgan, and Sydney Leroux. All celebrated members of the NSWL and most current members of the USWNT. 

DiCicco has played a huge role in the establishment of domestic women’s soccer in the US. He acted as the founding commissioner for the WUSA (2000-2003), and then, after leaving international coaching, he managed the Boston Breakers from 2009 through 2011, the majority of their time in the WPS. Under DiCicco, the Breakers took 2nd place in the 2010 season, their highest finishing ever as a pro-level team. Throughout, he has served on the USSF’s Technical Advisory board, and dedicated time to improving the state of coaching in soccer for women and girls across the nation. 

 

In the final phase of his long career in women’s soccer, DiCicco worked as a broadcaster for Fox Sports and ESPN, offering commentary for international friendlies and tournaments, including the 2015 Women’s World Cup where he saw many of the women he’d coached previously win the most coveted title in the women’s soccer world. Men and women across the nation and world are familiar with his voice, interpreting the game for them as they watch their favorites play. 

DiCicco joined the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2012, having been elected to the honor in recognition of his work and success in the sport. But there can, perhaps, be no more fitting memorial and celebration of Tony DiCicco than the numerous testimonials and remembrances being shared across social media today, as former colleagues, players, and fans join together to mourn the loss of one of US Soccer’s biggest stars. 

RIP, Coach DiCicco. You will be missed. 

 

6 Takeaways from NWSL: Week 9

Posted on by RJ Allen

The NWSL returned from the short FIFA break this past weekend and the action was non-stop. There were a combined 20 goals scored across the league this weekend, some unexpected losses and some big upsets. Honestly, we’re just so thrilled to be watching club WoSo again, all the excitement was the cherry on the top of our sundae. But, golazos aside, not all teams were equally energized by the break, and several players returned with injuries that kept them off the field on Saturday. So, let’s take a look at some of the takeaways we thought were worthy of pointing out as we head into Week 10 of the regular season.

Marta: Not Overrated – Luis Hernandez

When the Brazilian superstar Marta signed with the Orlando Pride there was a lot of hype from the team, and some people questioned how much of an impact the tthirty-one-year-old could have on the Pride’s performance this season. But ask no more, because Saturday’s match in Houston was a statement, to be sure. In the Pride’s 4-2 rout over Houston, Marta had a hand in all four of Orlando’s goals while leaping to the top of the league’s golden boot race in spite of the fact Marta missed the first match of the season and only played 31 minutes in her debut against the Washington Spirit. In seven starts, Marta has five goals and three assists.

Her influence on the team has already been apparent in the improved play from players around her. Like Jasmyne Spencer, for one. Last season, Spencer scored four goals in 20 matches. In the nine matches this season she already has three goals and two assists. Marta has also been a presence on the defensive end, as she has no qualms dropping into the midfield to track back for a ball, demonstrating a keen desire to lead by example. And, as far as the history books go, Marta scored the first penalty kick goal and goal from a corner kick in Orlando Pride history. With Alex Morgan’s return on the horizon, Marta seems to have the Pride trending in an upward direction.

 

Things Go from Bad to Worse for Boston – Luis Hernandez

It was a tall order for the Breakers to go to Cary and battle a weakened North Carolina Courage. It was an even harder task as they too have suddenly lost Rose Lavelle four to six weeks due to a hamstring injury suffered during the international break. The road woes for Boston continue, as they fell away from home once more. To add insult to injury, Rosie White picked up her fifth yellow of the season, and will miss the next game suspended to yellow card accumulation.

Boston will return to the friendly confines of Jordan Field to face the Courage once more in Week 10 before facing slightly more favorable matchups against Houston and Washington. Matt Beard will have his work cutout for his side as they will attempt to rebuild some of the first month’s momentum. The Breakers rebuilding project still has a ways to go, but at least the team is better than the last few seasons.

 

Seattle Needs a Closer – Elizabeth Wawrzyniak

Five years into their NWSL journey, Seattle’s record of getting into the post-season is 50/50. After their first disastrous season, with fourteen losses putting them in seventh out of an eight-team race, their 2014 and 2015 seasons saw them winning back-to-back NWSL shields and appearing in the NWSL Championship game both years, where they put up a great performance but lost two years running to FC Kansas City.  Last year, with Rapinoe still in recovery from her ACL tear and Hope Solo departing from the team after the Rio games, they finished in fifth, just two points behind the #4 Western New York Flash

At the moment in 2017, they’re sitting in fifth once again, two points behind the #4 Portland Thorns. And though we’re only a little less than half-way through the season, Seattle is going to need to perform the way they did in their second and third seasons if they want to make a return to the post-season and make a play for the NWSL Championship title that has eluded them so far. This season, that means they need a closer. With the departure of Kim Little back to the UK (and another unfortunate member of the ACL club this season) the Reign have been unable to close out games. Their blowout against the Houston Dash in Week 2 has proven to be a fluke instead of an indication of the team’s prowess on the pitch. They can score, no doubt; in fact, they currently lead the league in scoring with 19 goals. But they seem to always be struggling to catch up, to equalize, to get the draw.

They need to play for the win

And some of this falls into the defense and Hayley Kopmeyer, who, though they are doing what they can, have allowed 13 goals, a fact that has eaten away at their early impressive goal differential and their place in the standings. Whether it’s a offensive closer–someone who can take an early shot on goal and sink the ball into the net to get Seattle on the front foot of the game–or a defensive closer–a backline that can problem-solve in the moment and prevent Kopmeyer from having to make the number of saves we’re seeing her complete each week–what Seattle needs is someone who can shut a game down early, and keep it that way.

 

Proud about Pride – Elizabeth Wawrzyniak

This weekend several teams across the NWSL celebrated LGBTQIA+ Pride at their games. Teams spent the international break promoting equality and awareness in a coordinated effort to make it known that fans of all identities are welcome in their stands. More Pride nights will take place in Week 10, for teams on away trips this weekend, but I want to take a moment to say how much it means to me that the NWSL and its teams (not to mention the USWNT and USSF) recognize the importance of creating a welcoming environment for their fans.

Even in some stadiums which will not be hosting official Pride matches, fans and supporter groups are planning to band together to create an experience that supports all players and all fans. Looking across the crowds this weekend, it was affirming and inspiring to see rainbow flags being waved, to see men and women and children in Pride-inspired gear, to know that LGBTQIA+ fans, like myself, are not only invited, but welcomed with open arms.

For more on Pride in the NWSL, see our own Becca Kimble’s article on Pride at the NC Courage game. 

 

Christen Press Shines in Prime Time – Jordan Small

The Chicago Red Stars were down 1-0 to the visiting Washington Spirit with 10 minutes left to go on the Lifetime Game of the Week this past Saturday. So naturally Christen Press scored to steal a point for the Red Stars. In the 81st minute, Press drove into the box where she was met by Spirit defender Shelina Zadorsky. A poorly timed tackle in the box from Zadorsky gave Chicago a penalty kick. Press stepped up to take the penalty kick that she earned to draw the Red Stars even. Very few players in the league have the ability to score consistently late in games for their teams like Press can. Once again, she proved that she should have the ball on her feet at the end of the game.

 

Francisca Ordega is quietly having herself a year – Jordan Small

In her first two seasons in Washington, Francisca Ordega battled injury and lack of playing time due to international duty. Now healthy and with the team full time, Ordega is starting to be the goal scorer that Washington needs. Through nine games this season, Ordega has three goals and two assists. Saturday’s match against Chicago was just another showing of the impact Ordega can have on the Spirit’s attack.

At just 23 years old, Ordega is one of the younger players on the Spirit’s roster. But that does not stop her from playing well beyond her years. Her speed and agile foot work makes her very difficult to defend against. In a match against Sky Blue on May 6, Ordega scored a brace, forced an own goal, and had a well timed pass to Havana Solaun for another goal. Then against Chicago this weekend, Ordega scored the opening goal for the Spirit. She out-ran the Red Stars defense to score her third goal of the year. If they stay healthy, Washington’s main attacking group of Ordega, Mallory Pugh, and Cheyna Williams could be very dangerous in the second half of the year.