Four Star Takeaways from Chicago Red Stars: Week 3

Posted on by RJ Allen

It’s a new season, folks, and one ripe for some hot new takes. And that’s why this year I’ll be writing a new column for Backline Soccer, and providing our readers with Four Star Takeaways from Chicago Red Stars every week. Be sure to follow along for some post-game takes and match-day quotes!

Week 3: A Thorn of a Time in Rose City [Portland Thorns 1 – Chicago Red Stars 0]

Chicago Red Stars collected three points against FC Kansas City in their home opener back in Week 2, and looked to build upon that success in Portland during Saturday’s Game of the Week on Lifetime. Coming into Week 3, both teams were tied with with one win and one loss.  And with Portland once again without team MVP Tobin Heath, Chicago was looking for their first win against the Thorns since 2013.

It was another game with strong possession and moments of opportunities for Chicago’s offense, which was able to break through gaps in the home team’s backline early on. However, some interesting officiating in the game took center stage instead of Chicago’s tactical game plan to press high on Portland’s center backs. Chicago lost the game 1-0 on an unfortunate hand ball penalty that Portland’s Nadia Nadim converted in the 27th minute.

✶ Battle of the Mids

Last week against FC Kansas City we saw Julie Ertz in midfield as an attacking mid. And her performance last week earned her the start in position again this week against Portland.  And Ertz did well in just her second appearance in the Chicago midfield, providing some dominance against a Thorns midfield that featured fellow NT player Allie Long. Head Coach Rory Dames spoke about Ertz and helping his player adjust in the early weeks: 

“One of the bigger things that happened in our preseason was Julie not being in it for the most part, which was a choice we made. I’ve felt all along that the first three of four games would kind of be similar to preseason to working her in and figuring out how we were going to be and how we were going to do things.”

✶ Samantha Johnson, Weekend Warrior

With Ertz playing higher up as an attacking mid, her absence in the backline has given players like Katie Naughton time in the center back role, where she’s been partnered with Samantha Johnson. Both defenders worked on their game this offseason, traveling together to play in Australia’s winter W-league. “Sam and Katie have both been excellent. They both worked on their game in the offseason overseas and both look really good, even better than they did last year,” Dames said, acknowledging the benefit that their offseason play has brought to Chicago this year.

However, it’s veteran Samantha Johnson who has been having an impressive first three weeks. From an open tryout invitee in 2014 to an anchor in Chicago’s backline for 2017, Johnson has worked hard to get where she is, and made several strong impressive challenges this season against the offenses of Houston, Kansas City, and now Portland. Johnson had to be subbed off at the half due to an injury, and when Coach Dames was asked about her condition after the game, he explained that:

“Sam wasn’t a substitution by choice. She took a knock to the quad and had to come off because she felt her knee locking up on her.” He elaborated more on her contributions to the team this season, remarking that, “[Johnson] is part of the reason we are able to move Julie [Ertz] higher.” 

Hopefully Johnson can make a return to the pitch in Week 4. 

✶ Shine Bright like a Diamond

The last three weeks have seen the Red Stars play in a traditional 4-4-2 diamond formation but during the second half against Portland, we saw Chicago push for the equalizer in a 3-back form to free up their attacking players. Moving ahead to next week, Coach Dames will continue to work with his team but doesn’t put blame on formation for lack of finishing, saying that:

I think it depends on who we’re playing against and what their shape is. I think we we’ve been pretty good in the 4-4-2 all three weeks, and I feel like we’ve been the better team in all three games. Unfortunately, credit to Houston and Portland, because they won games and are both very good teams. So, I don’t know that we would change our shape, just to change our shape. And I don’t think our shape is the issue that we’re having. I think our quality in certain areas has to get better. Our decision making in certain areas has to get better. And we’re not ruthless enough in front of goal.”

✶ A Coach that Loves His F-ing Team

If you couldn’t watch Lifetime’s game of the week last Saturday, you probably heard about it. During the game, Christen Press had a big collision with Thorns goal keeper Adrianna Franch in the 26th minute. The hard challenge could have been called as a penalty in the box, but was not. The no call was further heightened when four minutes later a hand ball was called against Chicago in Portland’s box. A call that some have said is controversial, as Press’s contact with the ball appeared to be unintentional, and the USSF advises referees to use the rule of thumb that “it is handling if the player plays the ball, but not handling if the ball plays the player.” As far as we could tell, Christen Press was clearly played by the ball, and not other way around.  

Head Coach Rory Dames took to Twitter after the game when the visiting coach was not interviewed for comment, and he was obviously upset with the quality of the refereeing. Later, Backline Soccer was able to speak with Coach Dames about the match, where he continued to express his frustration on the no call.

“It’s a stone-cold penalty kick, and arguably, a Red Card. Casey plays the ball in, Christen takes the ball high, the goalie goes low, takes her feet and wraps her up. She’s [Franch] the last defender who prevents her from scoring. So, no question, it’s a penalty kick and arguably a red card.”

 We feel you, Coach Dames, we feel you.

Ahead in Week 4

The Red Stars will face the Houston Dash at home in Toyota Park on Saturday at 3pm CT. The match will be featured as Lifetime’s Game of the Week.

Route Two Soccer – Sky Blue 1 – 0 FCKC: Vlatko Struggles to Compensate For the Loss of Rodriguez

Posted on by RJ Allen

FC Kansas City entered 2017 with high hopes. With both Amy Rodriguez and Sydney Leroux returning from pregnancy, the biggest problem with the 2016 squad—a lack of goals—looked settled. And for the first hour, everything seemed to be going according to plan. But from the moment Rodriguez went down with an ACL injury, KC’s 2017 success was put in doubt.

There are few players in the league more crucial to their team’s chances than Rodriguez, whose ability to play the central striker in a front three was the linchpin of the team’s whole setup. Without her, the goals have dried up as Vlatko Andonovski has struggled to pull together the pieces into a viable lineup.

The problem isn’t necessarily a lack of attacking talent. While Sydney Leroux does not seem fully back to match fitness after her own return from pregnancy, she’s looked lively enough. And although Shea Groom missed this weekend’s match against Sky Blue due to a rib injury, she should be back soon. The deeper problem, though, is that for all that Leroux and Groom are excellent strikers, both do better in a supporting role, as a slashing attacker arriving from the wings or from a deeper-lying position. Without a player like Rodriguez to lead the line, neither will flourish to their full potential.

This problem is compounded by a deep weakness in the midfield, with Mandy Laddish out for the first several months due to injury and Erica Tymrak either injured or out-of-favor. Those absences combine to produce an enormous hole in the attacking spine.

A forced return to the 4-2-3-1

The weakness in the central midfield wouldn’t have been a huge problem if KC could play in their preferred 4-3-3—which uses Rodriguez as the fulcrum of buildup through the center, while pushing much of the attacking movement out toward the wingers and fullbacks. But having lost that player who could link the lines, Andonovski moved back to last year’s 4-2-3-1 against Sky Blue this weekend.

The shift makes sense, particularly given the absence of Groom and the return of Desiree Scott. Anticipating a lack of goals, Vlatko wisely chose to bolster the midfield, deploying Scott and LaBonta to disrupt play and hold possession against the press. Using two holding players would also help to fill gaps and prevent the defense from being broken apart by Sky Blue’s fluid attacking structure (with Kelley O’Hara’s movement producing constant micro-tactical shifts throughout the match).

And it basically worked. Sky Blue found little space in the final third, and were mostly stifled on the night. For all the possession they held, there were very few genuinely dangerous attacking moves.

But the move didn’t come without costs. And the problem with their 4-2-3-1 is as simple as it is unsolvable: Sydney Leroux simply isn’t well-utilized as a lone forward. Her best qualities are her slashing runs, her physicality, and her intelligent movement off the ball. In those departments, she is world class. But with her back to goal, attempting to link up with an understaffed attacking midfield behind her, not so much. She certainly put in the work last night, but just isn’t a consistent enough player to really excel in the role.

And while the two holding midfielders both performed well, the same can’t be said about the attacking trio. On the right, Katie Bowen was good at times, demonstrating an awareness of space and anticipation of movement, but looked a bit sluggish in transition. The quality is there, but she’ll need more support around her. In the center, Maegan Kelly did her best but simply looked outclassed. She is a useful player, but simply doesn’t have enough skill on the ball to orchestrate the central midfield of a playoff hopeful. And on the left, Brittany Ratcliffe was tireless and aggressive and managed to get behind the defense a few times in nice slashing runs. But (as with Kelly) the final quality was simply a cut below what is needed to sustain a viable attack from such a short-staffed unit.

Both Kelly and Ratcliffe are good players and certainly can contribute for KC this season in supporting roles. But neither made the initial roster—each being added only a few days before the season to cover for injuries—and there’s a reason for that. That also means that (in just the third week of the season) fully 50% of KC’s attacking quartet started the season off the roster. That’s not a recipe for many goals.

Sky Blue’s weak backline, and KC’s difficulties exploiting it

With Christie Pearce out, the oldest player in Sky Blue’s back five Sunday night was Erica Skroski, who just turned 23 and was being played out of position as a center back. While there is enormous talent there, it’s also a unit that was ripe for exploitation. And in fact, under modest pressure, they lost the ball far more often than Christy Holly will have liked to see (including a misplaced pass from Sheridan that Ratcliffe pounced on and sent forward to Leroux who put the ball in the net—only to be called offside). But given their setup, and the need to keep numbers back in defense, KC simply couldn’t afford to press aggressively.

Moreover, given Leroux’s limitations in transition, they also found little success in quick transitional counterattacks—another missed opportunity.

Still, KC’s attack wasn’t completely helpless. They seem to have diagnosed two other potential weaknesses in the Sky Blue defense and targeted them aggressively.

First, a tendency to get drawn forward and lose defensive structure. Mandy Freeman in particular likes to step forward to close down the ball, creating space behind her into which an attacker can run to receive a through ball or dinked pass over the top. With Pearce, or a player of her quality, on the backline, that space might have been less exploitable, but Skroski has several decades less experience and (understandably) failed to provide cover in every case. And KC certainly sought to attack this vulnerability. Leroux earned herself a golden chance in the opening minutes this way, but failed to get her foot through it, and her shot was easily saved. Then in the 36th minute, a lovely through ball from Kelly found an onrushing Ratcliffe who bundled her shot straight at the keeper.

Second, a lack of strength in the air. It’s not that Sky Blue is weak in this department, but they did suffer a few minor communication breakdowns and missed clearances—precisely the sort of thing you’d expect from a young defense. Christina Gibbons, in particular, delivered a few excellent crosses, one of which Ratcliffe put into the net only to have it (perhaps incorrectly) ruled offside, and another in the 42nd minute that Leroux just missed converting. And on a late corner, Sauerbrunn was left unmarked at the back post and almost scored.

So, on the one hand, there were some positives for Kansas City. They were held scoreless, yes, but they did put the ball in the net twice (even if neither counted) and produced a half dozen other good chances. On the other hand, they won’t face many defenses this year as inexperienced as Sky Blue’s on Sunday, and for all the chances they created, none of them produced a goal.

Is the 4-2-3-1 hopeless?

So what does this mean? Should KC abandon the 4-2-3-1? Not necessarily. After all, it does come with real advantages, and Leroux isn’t terrible in the role by any means. It’s certainly not her best usage, but she is talented enough to convert a limited set of chances into goals at a reasonable rate.

Moreover, once Groom returns, that might allow for a slightly more effective variation, bringing Bowen into the center in place of Kelly, and letting Groom rampage down the right flank. And once Laddish is back (and if Tymrak ever comes back into favor), they’ll have other decent options for that central role—allowing some additional flexibility.

Still, even at its best, given the available personnel the 4-2-3-1 will remain a basically conservative option: stifle the game, produce a few chances, and hope for a 1-0 victory. But against the stronger attacking teams in the league, that may not be enough, so they’ll need to consider other options.

One alternative would be to move to a 4-4-2 diamond, with Leroux and Groom as forwards, bringing the midfield in more tightly, and relying on the fullbacks for width. And over the course of the season, that might be their best setup. Gibbons has shown flashes of her excellent attacking qualities at left back (see the discussion of her crosses above) but has also looked raw in defense and prone to getting pulled out of position. So for now, it would probably be a mistake to put too many of the attacking eggs in her basket.

Given the solidity of their defense—with arguably the best back five in the league—and the ability to deploy two high-quality disruptors in the holding midfield role, FC Kansas City is going to be tough to beat this year. But if they can’t find a way to restore some voltage in the attack, they’ll find it difficult to score enough to really challenge for the playoffs.

6 Takeaways From NWSL Week 3

Posted on by RJ Allen

Week 3 in the young NWSL season is at a close, and the standings are a bit unexpected. Do we believe the top five are the best of the best this season? Or will one of the current bottom-dwellers be able to right the ship and turn their season around? Verizon’s go90 streams aside, it’s been a sweet season so far, with plenty of action and upsets. (Sorry, Pride fans, but hey, at least you had #MartaWatch.)

Here’s what we took away from the matches going into Week 4.

The Dash Bounce Back in Washington — Jordan Small

Last week, the Houston Dash fell to the Seattle Reign 5-1 and for a ninety painful minutes, it seemed as if we were seeing the Dash of old again. With multiple starters out and a rookie goalkeeper making her professional debut, it was not the best performance from Houston.

One week later, they put in a stronger performance against a struggling Washington side. The backline of Cari Roccaro, Bruna, Janine Van Wyk, and Camille Levin was solid and eliminated most of the danger before it got to goalkeeper Lydia Williams. A goal from captain Kealia Ohai in the 28’ gave the Dash the lead and ultimately the 1-0 win. If the Dash can continue to have a consistent defense and constant production from Ohai and Rachel Daly, Houston will continue to pick up points. This is a very talented Dash team that can win on the road and at home.

 

Lack of Goalscoring is Crushing the Spirit in Washington — Jordan Small

Through three games this season, the Washington Spirit have only given up three goals. That seems like it would be few enough to pick up a couple of points for the Spirit. But if you thought that, you would be wrong. The Spirit have only earned themselves one point through three matches thanks to a lack of scoring.

Last year, the Spirit relied heavily on Crystal Dunn and Estefania Banini to carry the scoring load. With both of them heading overseas to play, Washington was left without a pure goalscorer. This has come back to bite them in the butt, especially with all of the injuries that are piling up. Goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé and the backline of Estelle Johnson, Whitney Church, and Shelina Zadorsky have remained positive through the whole process, despite the heavy workload they have had to take on. While they are one of the stingiest defenses in the league, the lack of finishing in the final third is a real problem for the Spirit.

North Carolina Courage Aren’t Just a Flash in the Pan –Luis Hernandez

Okay, I’ll admit it. I didn’t think the Courage would replicate the success from the end of the 2016 season going into 2017. I was sure they would be good, just not the best team in the league. Yes, two of the three wins are against the current ninth and tenth place teams, but it’s how North Carolina beat Washington and Orlando both times yielding possession and making the most of their opportunities.

The Courage have an identity and stick to their game plan. Orlando’s mental miscues allowed the cool, calm and collected Carolina side to put away easy finishes. The Pride attacked the Courage with individual effort all match long, so the NC defense was a bit relaxed, and allowed Orlando to score the first goal against them in team history. Had Orlando been able to attack with greater numbers, we might have seen a different result. North Carolina were never really under any pressure, and looked comfortable allowing Orlando to be ineffective against D’Angelo in net. Hopefully, the match against the Breakers will test the Courage better. The defending champs have not looked uncomfortable for any stretch of time this season, and Boston would be wise to do what they did to Seattle at home against the Courage. Otherwise it’s four-in-a-row for North Carolina.

 

FC Kansas City Still Figuring Things Out After Injuries –Luis Hernandez

The injury bug hasn’t been kind to the Blues. The Amy Rodriguez injury is still a sad point in the NWSL season, and I’m not even a fan of FCKC. In Week 3 Shea Groom joined her on the injury report with a broken rib, so Coach Vlatko Andonovski turned to the 4-2-3-1 for the first time this season with Sydney Leroux as the lone striker, away from the 4-3-3 of the two previous matches. Unfortunately, FC Kansas City couldn’t manage any goals while Raquel Rodriguez managed to get one past Nicole Barnhart, and FCKC now sits at 8th on the table going into Week 4.

The upcoming match for the Blues could be just what the doctor ordered, as FCKC hosts Orlando at Children’s Mercy Victory Field. The Pride have yet to figure things out this season, and the possible return of Groom and more time to practice in the 4-2-3-1 could provide FCKC some momentum in the first of a two-game homestand. Kansas City can’t afford to get mired near the bottom of the table after such optimism entering the season. Was A-Rod’s injury just a premonition of how the season was going to turn out? We’ll just have to see.

Boston is a Little Scary —Leigh Nieves

After defeating Sky Blue FC last week in a less than convincing win, Boston came away this week with an impressive 3-0 victory against Seattle. Yes, you read that correctly. Boston is now on a two-game winning streak, and both of the games were shutouts. Rose Lavelle scored her first professional goal against Seattle while Dowie and Leon put away two more to secure the win. While Seattle wasn’t playing their best game and made plenty of mistakes defensively, Boston is becoming more and more convincing as a potential middle-to-top of the table team.

I’m not saying that I told Rose Lavelle after I interviewed her in February that Boston was going to prove people wrong this season, but I told Rose Lavelle after I interviewed her in February that Boston was going to prove people wrong this season.

 

Do We Actually Miss the YouTube Streams? –Leigh Nieves

It’s Week 3 and we have yet to have a weekend where something hasn’t gone wrong with go90 or Lifetime. Whether it’s continuous commercials about quarterbacks, a black screen, or a random movie with Viola Davis interrupting our starting lineup, the whole viewing experience of Season 5 has been less than pleasant. We understand that there are kinks that need to be worked out from time to time, but is it time we, in a Carrie Bradshaw-esque way, ask ourselves: Do we actually miss the dependability of YouTube streams?

Of course Youtube had its flaws: the poor video quality, sound issues, etc. But, every week we at least knew that we would be able to see the games we wanted. While the production quality of the new Go90 and Lifetime streams are much better, their ability to deliver a consistent product each week leaves us a little less than confident.

There you have it, folks. Our big takeaways from Week 3 are starting to heat up like the weather heading into the summer on a four p.m. kick-off. We want to hear from you on these and any thoughts. Consider leaving us a comment, and we’ll see you for Week 4.

Off the Bench with Backline Soccer: 2017, Week 3

Posted on by RJ Allen

Welcome to Week 3 of Off the Bench. Next week we will be switching the format to previewing games instead of recapping as our podcast, “The Scouting Report,” will provide you with all of your game recapping needs.

Backline Soccer Recap:

We introduced another new weekly series, Four Star Takeaways from Chicago Red Stars, as well as a goalkeeper rankings series that will be updated throughout the season.

We also introduced our new Backline Soccer Forum. Join us to talk about the NWSL games and all things WoSo.

And don’t forget to check out our Backline Soccer Shop. We have team-inspired merchandise and much more to fit your WoSo wants and needs.

NWSL Week Three Game Recaps:

We’re already through three weeks of the NWSL season and so much has already happened. Let’s take a quick look at the outcome of each game.

Game 1: Portland Thorns 1 vs Chicago Red Stars 0

Portland Thorns record: 2-1-0
Position: 3rd
Total Points: 6

Chicago Red Stars record: 1-2-0
Position: 7th
Total Points: 3

Attendance: 14,471

Lifetime’s Game of the Week with the Portland Thorns and the Chicago Red Stars started off the weekend’s slate of much-anticipated matches. The game started right off on the gas pedal with both Alyssa Naeher and Adrianna Franch forced into early saves. Christen Press was trying everything she could to find the back of the net but just couldn’t quite make it happen. In the 21st minute, Press was taken out by Franch which, on replay, should have been a PK as she seemed to get hold of the foot of Press, effectively stopping her from potentially scoring a goal. Then in the 27th minute, Press was called for a handball and Nadia Nadim converted a PK, which would end up being the only goal of the match. Sofia Huerta had a huge opportunity in the 49th minute taking on three defenders, but she hit the side netting. Naeher came up with a pouncing save in 67th minute and Chicago continued to fight but in the end it was not enough. Portland took home the win 1-0.

 

Game 2: North Carolina Courage 3 vs Orlando Pride 1

North Carolina Courage record: 3-0-0
Position: 1st
Total Points: 9

Orlando Pride record: 0-2-1
Position: 10th
Total Points: 1

Attendance: 4,586

Saturday’s second game featured the first-ever meeting between the North Carolina Courage and the Orlando Pride, broadcast via the go90 app. This was always going to be a tough matchup for the Pride, taking on the Courage’s dominating attacking frontline, and sure enough, the Courage started off the goal scoring early. In the 6th minute, Ashlyn Harris made a great punch out save to deny a sure-fire goal by Lynn Williams but there were no Pride players to clear and Jessica McDonald banked home the rebound, putting the Courage up 1-0. Jasmyne Spencer had a big opportunity in the 14th minute but her shot went over the bar. She has had many missed opportunities to score goals through the first three games and the Pride may benefit from starting Danica Evans in her place next week.

Ashlyn Harris came up with a huge save in the 21st to deny Debinha a rocket of a goal. Finally in the 27th minute, Camila sent a rocket past the Courage’s keeper to even the game at 1. She has been a workhorse for the Pride through the first three games and will be one to watch moving forward; it’s nice to see her efforts pay off with a goal. But a handball on Laura Alleway in the 33rd minute gave Sam Mewis a chance to convert the PK and put the Courage up 2-1. In the 39th minute, Spencer played a beautiful cross to Marta but Sabrina D’Angelo comes up with a huge save. On replay, however, the ball looks like it may have crossed the goal line. Ashlyn Harris had a big miscue in the 70th minute that led to the Courage’s third goal of the night, and Lynn Williams’ first of the NWSL season. Harris played a poor ball out which the Courage intercepted, and Williams’ shot bounced hard off of the crossbar and went in. This sealed the game as the Courage continued their undefeated season with the win 3-1 over the Pride.

 

Game 3: Boston Breakers 3 vs Seattle Reign 0

Boston Breakers record: 2-1-0
Position: 2nd
Total Points: 6

Seattle Reign record: 1-1-1
Position: 5th
Total Points: 4

Attendance: 2,315

The next game saw the Boston Breakers taking on the Seattle Reign and what a different Reign team took the pitch this week! Gone was the dominating performance last week against the Dash, and instead the Boston Breakers took home three points and added three goals to their differential. The Breakers started off early with a supreme goal from Adriana Leon in the 11th minute. She pulled off some cheeky moves and caught Kopmeyer off of her line. Four minutes later, in the 15th minute, Rose Lavelle banked her first NWSL goal past Kopmeyer to put the Breakers up 2-0. In the 50th minute, the Reign almost found the back of the net, but were denied. Last week’s Boston hero, Natasha Dowie, then came right back in the 52nd minute, off of a beautiful assist from Adriana Leon, and put the Breakers up 3-0. The Reign looked to be struggling for most of the game against the Breakers, who have started off this season very strong. Boston, on the other hand, are seem to be making a name for themselves this season, and moving past the disappointments of previous seasons. They took home all three points with the 3-0 win over the Reign to put them just under North Carolina in the league standings this week.

 

Game 4: Washington Spirit 0 vs Houston Dash 1 

Washington Spirit record: 0-2-1
Position: 9th
Total Points: 1

Houston Dash record: 2-1-0
Position: 4th
Total Points: 6

Attendance: 3,154

Saturday’s last game, on simultaneously against the BOSvSEA match, was the season’s first meet-up between the Washington Spirit and the Houston Dash. This game was a tale of two halves. The Spirit came out in the first 45′ lacking fire, unable to make much happen. They’re currently a team lacking depth due to numerous injuries, and they played like it. Kealia Ohai made them pay in the 27th minute with a goal to put the Dash up 1-0. But come the second half, the Spirit looked like a different team. They took more control over the play and style but still could not come up with anything to show for it. Stephanie Labbé continues to be a dominating force for the Spirit in goal and is a huge asset for them this season. She was forced to make many saves during the match and handled pretty much all of them very well. Estelle Johnson, being underappreciated, also continues to show her worth to the Spirit side with all of the work she is doing on the field this season. Their massive injury list certainly does not help but this team still has fight in them to try and get results. They just weren’t able to connect and finish in this match, giving Houston their first-ever win in Washington.

 

 

Game 5: Sky Blue FC 1 vs FC Kansas City 0

Sky Blue FC record: 1-1-1
Position: 6th
Total Points: 4

FC Kansas City record: 1-2-0
Position: 8th
Total Points: 3

Attendance: 2,562

The final game of the weekend was a matchup between Sky Blue and FC Kansas City. Sky Blue was without some big names, including Christie Pearce (out on concussion protocol) and Sam Kerr (excused absence).  And FC Kansas City were missing a player as well, with Shea Groom suffering from a broken rib she picked up in Week 2. The game was a little underwhelming, which is unfortunate, because both teams have stellar players. Neither side could really get anything going. We saw some big stops from both goalkeepers, Kailen Sheridan and Nicole Barnhart, in the 36th and 78th minute respectively. But it wasn’t until the 83rd minute that Raquel Rodriguez put one in the back of the net for Sky Blue, off an assist from Kelley O’Hara, that put them up 1-0. In the 88th minute, it looked like FC Kansas City had found the equalizer but were called offside, a decision that had some checking the game tape later, believing the refs had erred in their judgment. The game ended with with Sky Blue winning over FC Kansas City 1-0, for their first-ever victory over the visiting Blues on their home pitch at Yurcak Field.

 

The Scouting Report:

The Scouting Report went live last night with our NWSL Week 3 TSR recap. Make sure to tune in every Monday at 8pm EST to catch our weekly series!

You can find last night’s TSR here:

Come back next week for the next edition of Off the Bench! And don’t forget to check out the rest of our great content created weekly on the Backline Soccer website!

The XI Commandments of the NWSL

Posted on by RJ Allen

Commandment I: Thou Shalt Pick a Team and Love Thy Team Over All Others

In my experience, the fastest way to become deeply integrated into sports is to have a team to call your own. Yes, there are players you might like on other teams. And some teams you might like more than others. But everyone needs a team to call their own. 

Commandment II: Thou Shalt Learn the Players Names

Yes, even the players who aren’t on the national team. Even the bench players. Even that one player who got 15 minutes all season. Learn the names, learn their numbers, and learn what they look like. Make an effort to know who you’re rooting for.

Commandment III: Thou Shalt Not Overlook Consistency

Goals are nice. Flashy goals are nice. But do not turn your attention to flashy goal scorers who manage a good game every three or four matches over that holding midfielder who does their job consistently well every game. You might even find you enjoy watching consistent excellence over momentary brilliance.

Commandment IV: Thou Shalt Not Forget the Importance of Good Defense

Defenders are a needed part of the game. Don’t forget that without at least a semi-solid defense there to keep your team in the game, no amount of goals will save them. And defenders who save goals off the line? That’s about as good as it gets.

Commandment V: Thou Shalt Learn the History

This goes for team and player history. Learn about the team you have pledged your loyalty to. Learn about the players who wear the team colors. Learn about the history of women’s soccer, both local and national. Learn about the past leagues. It’s important to know how much work it’s taken to get here to fully appreciate what you’re seeing now.

Commandment VI: Thou Shalt Remember Time Is a Tricky Thing

Players can have a moment so good that the effects of time on your perception of that player are rendered null and void. That player who did that amazing thing for your team in 2013 might not be the same player in 2017. Just be aware time has tricked many of us.

Commandment VII: Thou Shalt Take Opponent into Account

Beating a last place team by two early in the season when they have all given up by the 60th minute should not be spoken about with the same pride as beating the first place team with two to go when they are fighting for the Shield. Remember to take all of these factors into account when talking about your team both positively and negatively.

Commandment VIII: Thou Shalt Not Forget the NWSL Is Sports

As family friendly, as geared toward being role models, as sanitized as the atmosphere may sometimes be, never forget that women’s soccer is sports. The fan culture needs to grow out of a place of sports first. That means some sections maybe aren’t meant for kids. It means there might be rude language. It means that this should be treated as sports even when the marketing from the league or teams themselves doesn’t always point in that direction.

Commandment IX: Thou Shalt Remember to Be Respectful

Number 8 being said just remember to not cross the line. When talking about players, or other fans, don’t bring up the big 5 subjects to avoid: race, gender, sexuality, family, personal life. You can still give a player shit, just remember to be respectful and to focus on the playing, not the personal lives, of players and you should be safe in the minds of most sports fans.

Commandment X: Thou Shalt Remember This Is Someone’s Job

Something that can get lost in all of the noise of role models and doing it for the next generation is the fact this is the player’s job. They are paid, in some cases far too little, to be on the field. If media writers write critically about a player they aren’t doing it to be a “hater” they are doing it because it is part of their job to look critically at the how a player is doing at their own work. Have enough respect for the players to treat them like professionals.

Commandment XI: Thou Shalt Be Open Minded ... Without Letting Thy Brain Fall Out.

Be open minded when someone is speaking to you about a player they are passionate about. Maybe they are seeing something you don’t. But don’t be so open minded that you take everything people say about a player they dislike the style of as gospel. Stick up for your positions as long as the supporting evidence is there. Have respectful discussions with people you disagree with. Learn from as many people as you can.

Chicago Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames is Here to Remind You He’s Chicago AF

Posted on by RJ Allen

It’s Week 3. And yeah, it’s a bit early in the season. But unless you’re the NC Courage, many teams are still busy building fitness, establishing chemistry, and finding their offensive rhythm. But if there’s one thing other than the sporadic goals to remind us that NWSL is back for season five, the early frustrating officiating is here to help you out.

To refresh your memory, last season in May, several coaches had issue with officiating during a weekend of games. In a rivalry match up that featured Portland and Seattle, things naturally got physical. However, when the contact between rival players increased to the point of potential injury, and Reign FC coach Laura Harvey let her feelings be known in the post-game. Quoted from Sounder At Heart, Harvey knew she would be fined for part the following statement:

“I thought the ref lost control of the game. I think everyone should look at Bev Goebel’s face. I’m not saying anybody went out to hurt anybody. But the reality is that when the referee doesn’t get a hold on the game, like he didn’t, someone was going to get hurt.”

During the same post game, Portland Thorns head coach Mark Parson shared similar sentiments, stating “It sounds like Laura might be getting fined, so I’ll try to take the calm approach.” Parsons further cemented his agreement in making a simple “No comment,” when he was asked his thoughts on the officiating. In the same 2016 weekend, NC Courage [then WNY Flash] Head Coach Paul Riley also expressed frustrations with the officiating.

It truly was a season to remember, but what some recall most are the articles, podcasts, and general conversations about PRO officiating. And this year, the season with the brand new shiny A+E Network Lifetime TV deal, fans got their first dose of Chicago Red Stars head coach Rory Dames joining the officiating critique party. On Saturday,  when the Red Stars faced the Thorns in Lifetime’s featured game of the week, this was Dames’ post-game reaction.

I reached out to Coach Dames for some post-game comments. When I asked him his thoughts on the collision between his star striker Christen Press and Portland’s Goal Keeper Adriana France, Dames shoots it straight from the hip,

“It’s a stone-cold penalty kick, and arguably, a Red Card. Casey plays the ball in, Christen takes the ball high, the goalie goes low, takes her feet and wraps her up. She’s [Franch] the last defender who prevents her from scoring. So, no question, it’s a penalty kick and arguably a red card.”

As the visiting team, in an early season game that could’ve been perceived as a future potential playoff game, collecting a first goal can often be crucial. Chicago is no stranger from having to play from behind, but while trying to grind out a result, one can’t help but wonder if momentum is killed or changed. Dames admits there can be both, while reminding me of one penalty vs no penalty.

“I don’t think it [missed calls] kills the momentum. I think that when he [official] turns around and calls a penalty kick on a ball that’s blasted from a yard away onto Christen’s arm, a ball that Sonnet’s actually kicking away from our goal, it probably would’ve traveled 40 yards towards the half line, and that’s when you decide to take the penalty kick? I mean obviously, it changes momentum in that scoring the first goal in that game was always going to be important. So, either be brave enough to call them on both sides, or don’t call them on either side.”

Both teams faced each other in preseason back in March. The result of that game also came from a penalty kick. However, playing for assessment and playing for a result are two very different things. Dames even took time to elaborate on the positives for a longer preseason,  saying that he thinks “a longer preseason and a longer regular season would be good for the league. But I don’t think what went on in our preseason has any impact on where we’re at in the table right now. But I think everyone would want to have a longer season and preseason if we could.”

Chicago’s head coach since 2011, Dames has been with the team since it was competing in the WPSL. He has been praised for his ability to draft well and help develop players. Coaches are often responsible to help establish the tone and culture of their teams. Since the NWSL began in 2013, Dames has been a key component of making that happen for his teams throughout the seasons. While many famous coaches in other sports have been tied to Chicago through their large personalities or their championships, Dames’ style and approach is tied to the players he coaches. While his hard-nosed techniques might not sit well will some, his coaching philosophies resonate with his players.

Although Dames currently doesn’t have an NWSL championship on his resume, no one doubts his experience, or his honesty. As to whether he expects a fine after his comments this weekend, Dames just said that if one comes his way, he’ll happily take it.

Now that’s a Chicago-style attitude for sure.

 

The Unused Sub: When You Right, You Right

Posted on by RJ Allen

As I write this, I just got home from a happy hour where the place I was at played about six Audioslave songs. It felt like I was back in my college days; fun fact, the place I went to where I got a college degree DOESN’T EXIST ANYMORE! How many people can say their alma marter doesn’t exist anymore? No, the school itself wasn’t wiped off the map by a meteor.

And for the record, I like Audioslave, so I didn’t mind the nostalgia soundtrack while out with co-workers.

Anyways onward with the soccer takes.

SO THE NWSL CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE IN ORLANDO…
…and I will gladly accept donations to get me there in October.

WELCOME TO THE NWSL, JANE CAMPBELL BUT IT WASN’T ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT
Over the course of the Seattle Reign FC’s onslaught of Houston Dash on Saturday, people were talking about if Dash head coach Randy Waldrum should have pulled goalkeeper Jane Campbell. I didn’t have much time to think about it as it was happening live as I was live-tweeting and a post-match conference with Waldrum and a couple days later, I think it would have been worse if he did pull the rookie goalkeeper. I mean sooner or later rookies in the NWSL are going to have those “welcome to the league, kid” games where everything goes wrong and they get straight up clowned. Jane Campbell wasn’t the only Dash player that had a nightmare day in the office on Saturday. That entire back line did Campbell no favors, especially Poliana -garbage time goal be damned. Anyone wearing an orange shirt on Saturday night got systematically bossed by anyone wearing a blue Reign FC shirt and you know what, it happens. Sure it was spectacularly bad given the week before the Dash had a field day against the Chicago Red Stars, but week after week, nothing is a give. Not anymore in the the 2017 NWSL. I thought was was nice to witness was Rachel Daly & captain Kealia Ohai acknowledge that yes they flat out stunk on Saturday night but as the leaders of the team to shoulder the responsibility. They took their medicine this past Saturday and I’m sure will respond in kind this weekend, going forward. The ceiling on Jane Campbell is still pretty high and I think barring some really unfortunate turn of events with her development, she will be fine. As my Backline Soccer colleagues pointed out, Sabrina D’Angelo got shelled by Seattle in 2015. Now look at her.

AND SPEAKING OF THE COURAGE FORMERLY KNOWN AS WESTERN NEW YORK FLASH
The former owners of the club formerly known as Western New York Flash will be presenting the now North Carolina Courage players that won the 2016 NWSL Championship with rings. Good. Those ladies that were in Houston last October to win the league title deserve a memento to celebrate the achievement. It might rub some people the wrong way about the shared/not-shared history of the Western New York Flash, but that is not the fault of the players. I dare anyone to tell Sabraina D’Angelo or Abby Erceg they “shouldn’t” get a ring. Anyone that does, get back to me should you survive a studs up tackle from either one of them.

GUESS THEY’RE NOT ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET FOR ME AT YURCAK FIELD

At the time of writing this,Groucho Marx glasses are $13.90 on Amazon.com. Best I stock up.

I still think Sky Blue FC head coach Christy Holly has some dapper sweaters.

WHICH NWSL SUPPORTERS GROUP DO I ENRAGE THIS WEEKEND

Chicago Red Stars OVER Portland Thorns – ‘sup Rose City Riveters 😉
North Carolina Courage & Orlando Pride play to a DRAW.
Seattle Reign FC OVER Boston Breakers.
Washington Spirit & Houston Dash play to a DRAW.
Sky Blue FC & FC Kansas City play to a DRAW.

So since no one has yet asked me any questions, I’m closing this week’s installment with one to you the readers. What are your TWO go-to karaoke songs. I will opine your song choices choices in next week’s piece, so get to dropping your tunes.

My head hurts. It was that cocktail called Jessica Rabbit that did me in.

Battle of the Keepers: NWSL Goalkeeper Power Ranking

Posted on by RJ Allen

RJ Allen:

Hey Jordan, you wanna talk about goalkeepers?

Jordan Small:

Of course! Who doesn’t want to talk about the best position in the game?

RJ Allen:

So before we started,Jordan and I ranked 1-10 the best goalkeepers in the league. Then we made a joint list I think we’re both pretty happy with.

We’re both pretty happy, right?

Jordan Small:

I think so. We talked about how the middle of the pack could be interchanged right now because of how well everyone is playing so far.

RJ Allen:

Someone has to be number 10 and sadly you and I both put Adrianna Franch in that spot.

Jordan Small:

You know, looking at Portland’s stats this year, people might scratch their head at why we put her at the bottom. I mean she has only given up one goal. But her distribution has been anything but clean. She has really put her defenders in a tough spot and you can see that they are frustrated with her. These mistakes may not have cost them yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens soon.

RJ Allen:

It’s amazing how well she played in 2013 and after some time off because of being hurt, some time overseas, and a year of being a backup, she looks nothing like the player so many thought would be a staple on the national team.

Jordan Small:

Yeah, I mean even in a few camps last year, we thought she would be getting back in with the national team. Now we are seeing why she was the backup to Michelle Betos last season.

RJ Allen:

Number 9 is a 2 for 1 special. We both agreed that because of how the season has gone to rank Lydia Williams and Jane Campbell together.

Which, let’s be fair, drops Williams a few spots.

Jordan Small:

Of course, since they both have played only one game, we thought it was fair to put them together. Obviously Campbell had a rough outing last weekend in Seattle, but I don’t think that is indicative of how Campbell will be at the professional level. On the other hand, you have a goalkeeper like Williams who played very well on opening weekend and picked up the win for Randy Waldrum’s side. It will be interesting to see what Waldrum does this week with his goalkeepers.

RJ Allen:

We’ve seen good goalkeepers have bad games but usually you aren’t starting a rookie over a top 10 international keeper. I think it has to play mind games a bit on both goalkeepers going into this weekend.

Even if Williams is back in goal.

Jordan Small:

Absolutely. I think Waldrum has an interesting situation on his hands.

But like you said, starting a rookie over a top 10 international keeper is not always the smartest decision. It’s even worse when it’s on the road against one of the best home teams in the league.

RJ Allen:

Him picking Campbell was a head scratcher. Starting her in Seattle feels like an even bigger one.

Jordan Small:

Exactly. But now that she has that first game under her belt, I hope she continues to improve.

I also think it was super smart to leave her in for the whole game. Really helps with the confidence going forward.

RJ Allen:

The next place is hard because I think we’re getting into a list of goalkeepers that are playing well but they have to be somewhere so they end up lower than fans will think they should be. So, at Number 8 we put Kailen Sheridan.

Jordan Small:

Sheridan was a wild card for me. I had seen her play in college and for the Canadian national team a few times. I think she has played well this season. The first game of her professional career, she gives up one goal off of a penalty kick. You can’t complain too much with that.

RJ Allen:

And the Dowie goal I think would have been hard for most goalkeepers to save.

I think she still looks like a young goalkeeper but right now I think she is playing pretty well.

Jordan Small:

For sure. Dowie is a world class goalscorer. Not many people are stoping that.

RJ Allen:

I do think with two rookies, a second-year player and Pearce as lead on the backline, she has to be a little bit more commanding.

Jordan Small:

She definitely does not have it easy in her first year. But I am sure that Pearce has been a great help adjusting to this level. I mean who better to have as your centerback in your first year as a pro?

RJ Allen:

I think if anyone can help her grow to be a stronger leader, it’s Pearce.

Jordan Small:

Definitely.

RJ Allen:

Number 7 is going to get us into some hot water, I think, but we did both agree on this one. Number 7, Ashlyn Harris.

Jordan Small:

She had to end up somewhere on the list. I put her down here because she has made some mistakes that have put her team in dangerous situations. This past weekend against Washington, she had some moments where I was like ‘what are you doing?’

But she has one of the shakiest defensive lines in the league right now, so I think number 7 is a good spot for her.

RJ Allen:

Her decision making has been very much “they can’t do the thing so I will do the thing for them” which, with the backline she has, I can understand. But it doesn’t make for great goalkeeping.

Jordan Small:

As cool as it looks, I don’t think you want to see your goalkeeper performing diving headers at the top of your own 18 yard box.

RJ Allen:

The more the line breaks down the more she has to do things that take away from her own skill set. Which is not going to do Orlando favors in the long run.

Jordan Small:

Not at all. She is a solid goalkeeper but does a little too much sometimes.

RJ Allen:

Number 6 might shock a few people but we went Abby Smith.

Jordan Small:

Abby Smith is a name that NWSL fans should get used to hearing. She is coming off a knee injury that kept her out most of last year, but she has a ton of potential. We’ve seen what she can do in the first two games of the season. The first game against FCKC may not have been the best, but man did she have a great game against Sky Blue. I really think she should have won Save of the Week. That’s a different conversation though.

RJ Allen:

It is but I think it’s one we agree about.

Smith has really looked good in the first town games for a team we both agree will surprise a few teams this year. She has not looked unsure once this season.

Jordan Small:

I think she will be the key to Boston having a better season. If she can continue her great play, this could be a year to remember for the Breakers.

RJ Allen:

How long before you think we see her get a national team call up, or do we?

Jordan Small:

I would like to see her get a call up. I’m not sure we will though.

RJ Allen:

Number 5 is a player I really thought we’d have higher until I started ranking them all, national team #1 Alyssa Naeher.

Jordan Small:

At the time of the SheBelieves Cup, I was calling Naeher the best goalkeeper in the world. I still stand by that. However, she has not looked her best as of late. The first game of the season was not a good one from her. She struggled with positioning a lot in that game. But then she came out in the second game and shut out FCKC at Toyota Park. I know she can play better and I can’t wait to see Naeher back at her best. Naeher at her best is my favorite.

RJ Allen:

Naeher is a really, really good goalkeeper but I have a hard time calling her world class. And if you are the number one goalkeeper in the US I think you need to be world class. And she hasn’t shown that to me this year for country or club.

But I do again her best is really damn good.

Jordan Small:

I think she is in a difficult spot because she has to follow up Hope Solo. I just wish Solo was around to help her transition into the number one instead of just being thrown in there.

RJ Allen:

I do wonder what it says for the future of USWNT goalkeeping, if anything, that all the current goalkeepers in the conversation are 5-10 and none are top 4.

Jordan Small:

I also think that says something about the strength of goalkeepers internationally. But you’re absolutely right, it is a little bit worrisome that they are not in the top 4. However, there is a goalkeeper in the top 4 that you and I both would agree should see time with the national team. Unfortunately, I don’t think that will ever happen.

RJ Allen:

Before we get to that goalkeeper let’s talk about our number 4. A goalkeeper who happens to be the third most capped USWNT goalkeeper, Nicole Barnhart.

Jordan Small:

Man, Nicole Barnhart. The goalkeeper that never seems to drop off. Barnie is a special one. She has been probably the most consistent goalkeeper in the NWSL over the years. It has been no different in year five. She has made some incredible saves that have really kept her team in it. If it wasn’t for her and Becky Sauerbrunn, I don’t know where FCKC would be right now.

RJ Allen:

She is an ageless wonder of soccer. Someone who really is just always there, always knows what needs to be done and always works her tail off to do what she can to get her team the win.

Underrated I think by a lot of fans.

Jordan Small:

I really wish she was able to play more for the national team. Timing is everything at the national team level, especially at the goalkeeper position. But you can’t argue that she is one of the best to ever play in the league.

RJ Allen:

I would argue that if we’re just talking NWSL she is the best goalkeeper the league has seen.

Jordan Small:

I can’t argue that.

RJ Allen:

Let’s talk top 3, shall we? Kicking off the top 3 is a goalkeeper I know you watch very closely, Steph Labbe.

Jordan Small:

Ah, yes. Steph Labbé. Let’s just say that the Washington Spirit are very lucky that she stuck around. She has been incredible for them this season. I mean if you look at the game against North Carolina in week one, she is the only reason that game didn’t end up 5-0, 6-0. She finished with seven saves I believe. Just incredible. But she did get kind of crossed up in the Orlando game on the game tying goal. She could really save the season for the Spirit.

RJ Allen:

She really has looked sharp lately. And she is is getting toward her peak goalkeeper years, later than peak field player years, which is great for both Washington and Canada.

Though I do still worry about her having to over compensate for her backline.

Jordan Small:

I think that this backline will get better in a few weeks now that Caprice Dydasco has been cleared. But if you’re Washington and Canada, you have to be happy with the product you are getting from your number one.

RJ Allen:

Number 2 and number 1, you and I could have swapped and felt pretty good about. But our number two right now is Haley Kopmeyer.

Jordan Small:

Haley Kopmeyer is finally getting her chance at number one. Good things come to those who wait. After waiting for so long behind Solo, she is finally getting her chance. She has looked so good in her first two games of the year. I can’t wait to see what she can do moving forward. I wish we could see her get called into the national team, but I just don’t think that’ll happen. We’ll just have to settle for seeing her lead the team in Seattle instead.

RJ Allen:

I would take her on the national team over just about anyone right now. She has clearly learned from Solo over her time there when it comes to deciding to make a move and doing it. She really looks like someone who could spend the next decade playing at a super high level.

Jordan Small:

I don’t disagree with that.

If she continues to impress this season, maybe we will see her get a call up this year.

RJ Allen:

Shall we talk about the number 1? I believe it’s that time.

Jordan Small:

I think we owe the people that much. So let’s talk about our number 1.

Sabrina D’Angelo has not allowed a single goal all season, so she was my obvious choice for number 1.

RJ Allen:

Going D’Angelo as the number one was pretty easy even with Kopmeyer playing the way she is, yeah.

Jordan Small:

Although I think you could make the case for Kopmeyer to be number 1, D’Angelo has piggybacked off of an incredible 2016 championship game performance.

She wasn’t forced to be very active in game one, but those pesky Portland Thorns really put her to work. She showed why she deserves to be number 1.

Do you think this puts John Herdman in a tough spot when it comes to the number 1 spot in net for Canada?

RJ Allen:

I think it does but I think it’s a problem that any coach would love to have.

Right now if I were Herdman I would go D’Angelo 1, Labbe 2, but I can understand having Labbe start for Canada as well.

I do wonder if she has less of the confidence issues that Labbe has fought in the past too, which can help.

Jordan Small:

I think I would go with Labbé just because she has more experience at the international level. However, with no major tournaments coming up, this could be the time to have a battle play out. It’s a nice situation to be in.

RJ Allen:

It really is. And for North Carolina having her be at the level they are with everything else that’s going for them? They have a shot at the playoffs for sure.

Jordan Small:

I think they are the most complete team in the league right now.

RJ Allen:

We are planning to revisit the goalkeepers in the league a few times this season. Who do you think has the most room to make the biggest jump up the board in that 10-6 range?

Jordan Small:

Probably Abby Smith. I think that if she keeps playing the way she has been, she can be a star in this league.

RJ Allen:

Yeah I really think she can go pretty far.

I think Sheridan can make a jump but that is also going to be a lot to do with her backline.

Jordan Small:

I agree with you on that. Sheridan will have to really learn to control that backline.

RJ Allen:

Any final thoughts on the league and goalkeepers?

Jordan Small:

You know, the goalkeeping has been great to start off the year. I think this could be the most competitive year on record for goalkeepers. Nothing makes me happier than great goalkeeping, so this should be fun.

RJ Allen:

I agree. I’m looking forward to seeing some great goalkeeping this year and seeing if any of the non starters get time and who might break in to the league.

Jordan Small:

Is there a certain spot in the league where you could see a non-starter get some time?

RJ Allen:

Portland I think gives the best odds.

Jordan Small:

I definitely agree with that. I think the only question there is when? The 

RJ Allen:

It’s only a matter of time before Franch has a game like Campbell the way she’s playing.

Jordan Small:

I hope Parsons makes the change before it costs them.

I think that’s really the only place we will see a different person in net unless you are looking at someone being away on national team duties.

RJ Allen:

I think we’ll see. Never know what might happen with only 20 goalkeepers on the rosters right now.

Jordan Small:

And that’s what is so much fun about goalkeeping.

Around the World of WoSo: Marta Arrives, Rapinoe Still Has It, Boston Impress

Posted on by RJ Allen

A New Pasture for the G.O.A.T.:

Marta, regarded as one of the greatest women’s players of all time, has arrived in America … for the fourth time. This time she can be found in the National Women’s Soccer League, playing with the Orlando Pride. Marta Vieira da Silva comes to Orlando from Brazil via Sweden, where she has played with FC Rosengard since 2014. Simply known as Marta to many supporters and fans around the globe, she has well-earned her nickname of G.O.A.T. Marta has won the FIFA Player of the Year 5 times (2006-2010), won Silver at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics while representing Brazil, and holds the record for most goals scored in Women’s World Cup play with 15.

The 31-year-old striker and native of Dois Riachos, Alagoas, Brazil certainly has a recognizable name and a superb set of skills to match that. Marta is known for her flair, her blazing speed and her ability to score magnificent goals in the blink of an eye. But she also brings a variety of championship experience, having won at the club level just about every year: Umea IK (Sweden, 2005-2008), Santos (Brazil, 2009), FC Gold Pride (USA, 2010), Western New York Flash (USA, 2011), Tyreso FF (Sweden, 2012), and FC Rosengard (Sweden, 2014-2015). Her remarkable accomplishments may be enough for some but it’s clear Marta wants more trophies.

Marta came on as a substitute for Orlando in their season opener this past weekend against Washington. She may not have gotten on the score sheet but her presence alone had a slight effect on the game; the crowd roared to life when she stepped on the field and eventually Orlando did manage to grab a point out of the 1-1 draw.  It will take a bit of time to adjust to her new city and new teammates, but I am not worried one bit that Marta will find her footing soon enough with Orlando.

 

Rapinoe Scorcher Helps Seattle Win:

Megan Rapinoe has returned to form! Also known as 2012 when she had a standout year for the National team during their run to gold …. Ok, maybe not completely 100% returned, but we certainly saw a flash or two of it on Saturday when Seattle beat Houston at Memorial Stadium. In the Reign’s 5-1 thrashing of the Dash, Rapinoe’s goal was perhaps the most electric. It was the second goal of the night for the Bois of Seattle and it was assisted by another blonde playmaker in Jess Fishlock. The Tiny Dragon placed a neat ball over the top of the Houston defense for Rapinoe to run onto and from 18 yards out she hit a stunning volley into the back of the net.

Rapinoe now has scored in consecutive games for the first time since 2014 when she also netted goals in the first two weeks of the season. Rapinoe has the ability to turn a game around with either a goal or an assist, and in this game we saw a little glimpse of what kind of season she is set to have. She obviously got her name on the score sheet but Rapinoe was active all game up and down the flanks, providing service and creating opportunities for her teammates. It really did seem like I was watching a game from 2012 and that is a good feeling to have as a Reign Supporter.

In front of an underwhelming crowd of 2,727, the Reign certainly put on a satisfying performance, came away with everyone somewhat healthy (Merritt Mathias left the game with a good size bump on her forehead after colliding with Bruna Benites in the 37th minute), and three big points to their name.

 

Lyon Run This City:

In the first leg of the semi-final blockbuster Champions League match between Lyon and Manchester City, it was the French powerhouse that earned a 3-1 victory. Leading up to it, many media outlets tagged it as the Carli Lloyd vs Alex Morgan showdown, but it was bigger than just the Americans playing overseas. The match included a penalty given in the second minute off a Lloyd handball, and continued with Lyon dominating large portions of the game. But maybe, most of all, the game was about Dzsenifer Marozsan and Eugenie Le Sommer dazzling the fans while each scoring a goal in front of a crowd of 3,614.

While the penalty was caused by Lloyd to give Lyon the lead early on, it won’t define her Champions League experience if City can turn it around in the second leg on April 29th. This was Manchester’s first loss since October of 2015. Morgan, on the other hand, had a quiet outing, but it’s her Lyon team who now have the advantage for the next game. To be fair, while both teams are clearly rich with talent, I do think Lyon have the better overall team and should finish off them in the second leg with no problem.

 

Boston Breaks Through:

The Boston Breakers have already won a game and it’s only week two. Not only did they grab the convincing victory, they saw Natasha Dowie earn her fist goal on the season and rookie Rose Lavelle got her first assist as a pro. With the home opener and a 1-0 win over Sky Blue in the books, they showed potential all across the board for the future.

Midfielder Lavelle has brought a dose of trickery and silky-smooth passing, goalkeeper Abby Smith was up for the challenge, making four crucial saves, and Margaret Purce brought insane energy in the 26 minutes she grabbed in the second half. The backline of Megan Oyster, Julie King, Christen Westphal and Allysha Chapman had a bounce-back game after a rough week one in KC. This team showed serious potential and I think they could surprise many people this season if they can put in that kind of effort consistently.

 

PFA Awards Handed Out:

The Professional Footballers Association gave out its annual hardware on Sunday and plenty of big names were recognized in the women’s game. Commonly referred to as PFA, it is an England-based event and this year was no different. Three winners that stood out were Kelly Smith, Lucy Bronze, and Jess Carter.

Smith, who recently retired, was honored with the Special Achievement Award for her lifetime commitment to the game. She brought attention to England that no other had done before and she was an exceptional player throughout her long career. Another player honored was Bronze, who received the Player of the Year award, the first player to do so for consecutive years in the PFA’s 44 years of existence. Quite a remarkable notion and Bronze is deserving of it as her play for club and country have been so enjoyable to watch. The last woman to be honored was Jess Carter, who plays her club ball for Birmingham City LFC and was awarded the Young Player of the Year.

 

NWSL Championship Location Announced:

Get your plans in motion, your friends on notice, and your bank account ready. The 2017 NWSL Championship game will be played in Orlando, Florida at Orlando City Stadium. The date is set for Saturday, October 14th with the time to be determined. The brand-new stadium recently debuted and it can hold over 25k, which will surely be enough seats for the final.

The age-old question soon crept into my mind after it was announced, will this put more pressure on the Pride to do well and make it to the final in just their second season? To answer my own question, I don’t think it puts any added pressure that they don’t have on themselves for this season. They’ve got a talented roster with some key veterans (Ali Krieger, Laura Alleway, Ashlyn Harris) and young kids who can contribute (Danica Evans, Steph Catley, Chioma Ubogagu) and just added the world best player in Marta. They don’t need to worry about the NWSL championship just yet.

Off the Bench with Backline Soccer: 2017, Week 2

Posted on by RJ Allen

Backline Soccer Recap:

Last week on Backline Soccer, we introduced several new series that you can look forward to reading throughout the 2017 NWSL season.

  • The Unused Sub – Jacob Cristobal graced us with two pieces in this series last week. The first piece details the introduction of the streaming platforms and where we are at in year five. In the second piece, Jacob breaks down his thoughts on the uproar about Week 1 streaming, curses the Gods for taking Amy Rodriguez and Joanna Lohman out of the 2017 NWSL season with torn ACLs, and more. As always, he asks you to give him your best shot on twitter, @jacobcristobal, for any questions or comments!
  • Route Two Soccer: The Counterattack and Houston’s 4-3-3 – The first piece from our newest addition, Charles Olney, is all about tactics. In this first edition, he breaks down the tactics of the Houston Dash in their game against the Chicago Red Stars. This series is sure to be a hit, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled to our site for the next one.
  • Rising Blues, Falling Spirit- NWSL Power Rankings Week 1 Edition – Jenn Hayes will take you through power rankings each week of all ten NWSL teams. Week 1 saw FC Kansas City claim the top spot after a great opening game but the Washington Spirit, a team who made the 2016 NWSL championship game, found themselves at the bottom.
  • 6 Takeaways from NWSL: Week One – Jordan Small, Leigh Nieves, and Luis Hernandez will take you through their six takeaways each and every week following a weekend of NWSL games. Some highlights for week one included streaming issues, the first game on Lifetime, and the huge game Stephanie Labbé had.
  • Jane Campbell Didn’t Have an Excellent First Start (And That’s Okay) – Elizabeth Wawrzyniak takes a look at Jane Campbell’s first pro start for the Houston Dash. Even with the goals allowed she looks into why Campbell is going to be just fine.

Check them all out on our website–make sure to catch up on last week’s great pieces before diving into Week 2!

NWSL Week 2 Game Recaps:

We have arrived at the end of Week 2 in the 2017 NWSL season! We saw some great games this past weekend, so let’s dive right in.

 

Game 1: Chicago Red Stars 1 vs FC Kansas City 0

Chicago Red Stars record: 1-1-0
FC Kansas City record: 1-1-0
Attendance: 2,153

The first game of the day was the home opener for the Chicago Red Stars against FC Kansas City. Both teams were bringing the heat with some quality matchups, but it was ultimately a goal by Julie Ertz in the 41st minute that decided the game. Yes you read that right, Julie Ertz, our beloved JJ, scored the lone goal and game winner for the Chicago Red Stars! The 49th minute provided a PK to the Red Stars but Christen Press’ shot went wide, continuing the struggles with PKs for another USWNT star. FC Kansas City was noticeably different without the star power of Amy Rodriguez (who is out for the season with a torn ACL) but Nicole Barnhart kept Chicago limited to just one goal with some amazing saves. We’re only in week 2 but she is looking prime Barnie in goal so far.

Game 2: Orlando Pride 1 vs Washington Spirit 1

Orlando Pride record: 0-1-1
Washington Spirit record: 0-1-1
Attendance: 14,452

The Lifetime Game of the Week this week showcased the Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit. This was the home opener for the Pride, the first appearance in their brand new stadium, and also the first game for Marta. A lot of give and go between both teams took us into halftime with no goals but plenty of excitement. Orlando has arguably one of the best backlines (at least on paper) in the league, but some slipups forced goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris into a number of crucial saves. Pride fans will appreciate the saves but I’m sure would prefer to see Harris less busy. She herself has said that a perfect game involves having to make no saves. With the continuing struggles of the front line for the Pride, the addition of Marta should provide a much needed boost. The return of Alex Morgan in June will also be a big help, but let’s hope Pride fans don’t have to wait that long for the team to start finishing their chances.

The Washington Spirit also looked much better this week, with Stephanie Labbé continuing to perform well. Marta made her anticipated appearance in the 59th minute, only to see Line Sigvardsen Jensen notch her first NWSL goal and put the Spirit up 1-0. But it was a stunner of a goal from rookie Danica Evans, her first as a professional, in the 87th minute that tied the game up. Shortly after, Marta came very close to scoring her first  and sealing the Pride’s first win of the season but couldn’t quite find the mark. Both teams come away here with a hard fought point.

Game 3: North Carolina Courage 1 vs Portland Thorns 0

North Carolina Courage record: 2-0-0
Portland Thorns record: 1-1-0
Attendance: 6,298

The Courage were up next in their home opener, the first for the newly relocated team, against the Thorns. In a rematch of the intense semi-final of last season, both teams game out of the gate swinging. Portland started off early as a FK by Nadia Nadim almost found its way to Allie Long for the first goal of the match but we went into halftime still scoreless. On both sides, Franch and D’Angelo came up big in the net to keep this game tight. Finally, in the 81st minute, Debinha scored the lone goal of the night to put the Courage up 1-0. She also came close earlier in the match with a supreme bicycle kick. The game was intensely physical, with the Courage ultimately coming out on top and seeing out the win in their new home in North Carolina.

Game 4: Seattle Reign 5 vs Houston Dash 1

Seattle Reign record: 1-0-1
Houston Dash record: 1-1-0
Attendance: 2,727

The final game of Saturday night saw the Reign take on the Dash in Seattle. The Dash were coming off a hopeful start after a win and shutout for Lydia Williams last week against the Chicago Red Stars but this time they looked like a different team. Jane Campbell made her NWSL debut in goal for Houston, and was put under pressure early and often. Jess Fishlock opened the goal-fest in the 17th minute. From there, it was all downhill for the Dash. Rapinoe launched a rocket in the 26th minute, McNabb followed in the 29th minute, Yanez in the 55th minute, and finally Katie Johnson, (her debut and first professional goal) in the 74th minute. Poliana put the Dash on the board, finally, in the 84th minute, but by then it was too late. Amber Brooks came up huge for the Dash in the 51st minute with a goal line clearance to keep the Reign off of the board but the Dash struggled most of the night against the Reign.

The decision to go with Campbell over Williams in goal was met with skepticism by many, and unfortunately she did not seem to be quite ready for the test. However, she certainly wasn’t helped by a shaky backline which, missing Janine Van Wyk due to illness, looked messy and unorganized. Ultimately, while it wasn’t a great night for Campbell, she should fare better going forward.

On a final note, Merritt Mathias took a hard knock and had to come off after a huge welt formed on her head. Despite the bump, she was seen laughing about it with teammates Haley Kopmeyer and Megan Rapinoe and seems to be OK.

Game 5: Boston Breakers 1 vs Sky Blue FC 0

Boston Breakers record: 1-1-0
Sky Blue FC record: 0-1-1
Attendance: 2,329

The final game of the weekend was the Boston Breakers’ home opener against Sky Blue FC. Not wanting a repeat of last years slow start, the Breakers came out determined to get three points. They looked much better this week and should give their fans a lot of hope. On the other side, Sky Blue also looked different from week 1, but in the other direction. After the dominating performance against the Reign last week, they could not buy a goal on Sunday to save their life. It was Natasha Dowie who scored the deciding goal in the 37th minute, thanks to Rose Lavelle’s first career assist. Kelley O’Hara took quite a beating this match as she was hustling all over the pitch, shuttling from forward to midfield, trying to make things happen for her team and fill in holes as needed. In the later part of the game, she was moved to fullback, in an effort to bolster the backline, but did not seem pleased about it. Both keepers, Abby Smith and Kailen Sheridan, looked dominant all game for their respective teams and should be proud of their output.

The weekend saw the Red Stars, Courage, Reign, and Breakers come away with three points, while the Pride and Spirit each garnered their first point of the season. Held winless and pointless this week were FCKC, the Thorns, Dash, and Sky Blue.

A reminder for U.S. fans that you can catch the Lifetime Game of the Week live and on demand either via TV, computer, or mobile and all other games live and on demand on the go90 app and (as of this weekend) on the go90 website. Additionally, after 48 hours, all go90 games will be on demand on the NWSL website. All international fans can catch every game, live and on demand, on the NWSL website.

The Scouting Report:

The Scouting Report went live last night with our second official NWSL weekly TSR recap of all NWSL games from the weekend. Make sure to tune in every Monday at 8pm EST to catch our weekly series!

You can find last night’s TSR here:

Come back next week for the next edition of Off the Bench! And don’t forget to check out the rest of our great content created weekly on the Backline Soccer website!