Tag: NWSL

The Unused Sub: August In Kansas Is A Hot Seat?

Posted on by RJ Allen
Kelley Piper

Hi.

UNPOPULAR… BUT SURELY A PROVOCATIVE OPINION
Most of the time I look past whenever people are playing the occasional hashtag game on Twitter. However taking part in #ConfessYourUnpopularOpinion, our very own fearless leader RJ Allen tweeted something that sure was provocative.

https://twitter.com/CaptainWOSO/status/894381935807561732

Full disclosure, what I am about to say here is based on limited knowledge about the team as in I don’t have day-to-day access/insights to them, what their fans are saying, etc. And while their biggest victories came at the expense of the team I am a fan of, I am very much a fan of Vlatko Andonovski. That said …

I disagree with the idea Andonovski should be dismissed after this season, but I sure see why RJ thinks he should be. And likely others are thinking the same thing but don’t want to admit to it. It has been a problem for them to find a solid goal scorer not named Amy Rodriguez. Unfortunately, the cruel bastards that are the Soccer Gods deprived us (and them) of her, and now FCKC can’t score for the life of them. You might be saying: well, it’s on the coach to adjust his plan to handle the situation dealt, but it’s really easier said than done.

Look at the Seattle Reign FC last year. Simply put, teams figured out how to play against Seattle. And it took Laura Harvey and the squad pretty much the entire season to come up with something new. In fact, they’re still in the midst of that process. The 2017 NWSL has no room for error and will not hesitate to punish a team that’s still looking to make adjustment. For Kansas City, the strike force going into the year looked good. But once Rodriguez went down, it’s been rough going. Sydney Leroux’s successful comeback from 2016 was reliant on Amy Rodriguez doing her thing. Can’t count on Shea Groom, when she is being chief instigator more than the chief creator. And Brittany Ratcliffe and Maegan Kelly are fine players, but they’re still wet behind the ears as far as getting comfortable with the pace of the NWSL. Kelly played two seasons overseas after being drafted by KC in 2014 and Ratcliffe is only in her second season as a pro.

I remember when FCKC were up here in Seattle a couple months ago. It was the game where Reign defender Lauren Barnes was issued the straight red four minutes in. Kansas City should have won that match, being up a player the whole game. But they couldn’t get it done. After the game, Andonovski said that it was just too risky to go all in on Seattle, even with the player advantage, knowing how tough they are at Memorial Stadium. No one is going to dispute that, given Andonovski’s prestige in the league.

But even without a full assault, they had plenty of chances. They just couldn’t do anything with them. Largely because, of all things, they kept sending crosses into the box hoping, apparently, that Leroux had suddenly become a target forward who could get a head on the ball. But if Leroux was ever that player, she sure isn’t now. And there was no way Shea Groom was going to bail her out when she basically had her right arm in a 90-degree angle all match. A friend post-match was wondering the same thing: “Why are they sending crosses into the box like Syd can get to them? They blew this game.”

We know Kansas City has a solid defense, with Becky Sauerbrunn there and Nicole Barnhart in goal. They just can’t score, and it’s upsetting the whole balance of the team. Still, I don’t think it warrants Andonovski getting his walking papers at the end of the season. Maybe it’s a silly thing, but I think winning your league’s championship puts some credit in the bank, and it takes more than one lost season to squander it.  Yes, a playoff format means that the NWSL functions a bit like a Random Champion Generator, but still … winning two in a row is some feat.

In 2017 FCKC won’t be making the playoffs. Once the season is put to rest, we’ll all look back and wonder “what could have been?”  If Rodriguez didn’t tear her ACL and if the team could have built around her. Would Leroux have looked better in her more natural role? Would Groom have been able to play off the other two more easily?

Andonovski certainly won’t try to shift the blame. He’ll tell you that the bad results are his responsibility. But I think his resume is solid enough that he deserves some benefit of the doubt. Maybe there were some mistakes, and maybe they shouldn’t have relied so heavily on Rodriguez. Maybe they missed out on an international signing or a trade that could have turned the ship around earlier. But that’s all speculation. What we know from the record is the Vlatko put in an earnest effort, and sometimes things go wrong. A big injury to a key player can ruin a season. But he deserves a chance to show what he can do in the offseason.

So, while I don’t think Vlatko Andonovski should lose his job at the end of this season, the seat will definitely be hot come 2018. Not like the dead man walking situation of former Houston Dash head coach Randy Waldrum this season, but plenty of eyes will be on Andonovski to show that those championships were for real. For me, I think the key is to get a forward with a proven resume of goals at the club and international level to compliment Rodriguez. Get that done, and FC Kansas City is back in the mix come 2018. Imagine if Kansas City pulled a coup and got someone like Jodie Taylor fresh off her Golden Boot-winning campaign from the Euros.

Is it guaranteed that Andonovski will turn it around? Nope. And will he definitely get the chance? Maybe not. Perhaps the KC ownership will make a change. That would be a little unfair, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world. He certainly wouldn’t be unemployed for long. And if it did happen, at least there would be some chaos in the game, which is only more fun for us media folks–from the fully established folks all the way to yokel bloggers like me.

What RJ tweeted probably is incredibly unpopular, and I disagreed with it, but I also understand why she thinks it. And disagreeing about contentious things is ultimately what this thing is all about, right?

WEEK 16 PREDICTIONS

The race for the playoffs is on.

Washington Spirit and Boston Breakers play to a DRAW.

  • Washington clowned Sky Blue last weekend. Orlando clowned Washington on Tuesday. Boston is rested but they’re still Boston. I still think Boston can jack up one of the teams hoping to get into the playoffs, but this weekend it’s going to be a meh match between these two.

Sky Blue FC and Orlando Pride play to a DRAW.

  • I think should there be a winner and a loser in this, yet I struggle to think which team could get the full 3 points. Orlando has momentum after taking care of Washington. At the same time, Sky Blue got humiliated by Washington last weekend and wants get that out of their system. If anyone does lose, their campaign is close to over, so there might be a lot of fear about getting that L and falling out of contention. So I’m going to be lame and say it will be a draw, with both teams taking the point and struggling on to the next battle.

Chicago Red Stars OVER Portland Thorns.

  • One Chicago player who wore the number 23 made mincemeat pie out of a Portland team so many years ago.  I think the current Chicago player wearing the number 23 will do much the same this time.

Houston Dash and FC Kansas City play to a DRAW.

  • This is a game that the Dash should win because KC is bad and can’t score to save themselves, yet they’ll somehow hang with Houston and the Dash will rue not getting the full points.

Seattle Reign FC OVER North Carolina Courage.

  • It won’t be a fireworks spectacle like the last Reign FC home match, but they’ll get the points to keep their playoff hopes alive. Memorial is still a fortress. It’s the road games that will make or break Seattle’s season.

Here’s this week’s music video break.

Song: “Adventure” | Artist: Cheat Codes

Unsung Hero of the Week: LaBonta Playing With Confidence

Posted on by RJ Allen

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In this weekly series, I will be highlighting a player from the weekend who was their respective team’s unsung hero, win, lose or draw. 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 FC Kansas City midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta.

The 24-year-old playmaker seems to have found a home with the Blues. After a solid college career at Stanford, she was drafted 37th overall by Sky Blue in the 2015 College Draft. After making six appearances for the New Jersey Club, the California native was let go, only to be signed by FCKC in 2016. Now in her second season in the Midwest, LaBonta has earned a starting position with head coach Vlatko Andonovski utilizing her at forward, holding mid and now at attacking mid. LaBonta has played and started in 13 games this season, quietly improving while at the same time finding her confidence.

Kansas City 2-2 Boston:

Right off the bat, LaBonta worked her way onto my radar in the sixth minute. Commanding the middle of the field, she took the space racing towards the Boston box and slid a perfectly weighted ball to Shea Groom. Groom, in turn, got a toe-poke in but the ball went just wide of the goal. I love the energy LaBonta started the game with, showing on this particular play that she can make those kinds of passes in tight spaces.

One minute later, LaBonta and Groom connected once again, a partnership that would be on display all night. In the final third, Labonta dropped a ball over the top of the Breakers defense, in a spot that only her teammate could get to. Groom’s attempt went wide for the second time, but the two players were already setting a tempo for the game, which is important for any team to do, especially when on the road. The tiny and talented midfielder’s passing is an area of her game that is a joy to watch, and her vision has been a key part of her continuing development.

In the 17th minute, LaBonta fought for the ball, daring the backline of Boston to step in, make a decision, and take a risk. She won possession against Julie King just 20 yards from the Breakers goal, and somehow managed to provide service from a wide position. Her effort found Brittany Taylor, whose shot, unfortunately, went wide. At this point, Kansas City was getting all the right opportunities but not finishing the way they need to. Still, LaBonta was on fire, and the fight against King and service into Taylor was a nice example of LaBonta’s aggressiveness and ability to pressure an opponent and win the ball anywhere on the field.

That pressure paid off for Kansas City just a few minutes later, when Christina Gibbons found Maegan Kelly, who tapped the ball in for the go-ahead goal in the 20th minute.

LaBonta would push the ball forward in the 24th minute, taking space once again in the middle of the park, this time drawing two Boston defenders with her. She sprayed a pass out wide to Taylor who sent it to the back post looking for Kelly. For the fourth time in under 25 minutes, the Kansas City shot went wide. It was positive to see the attack clicking but at the same time, not finding the back of the net was giving viewers some serious deja vu.

Boston would respond in an empathic way thanks to New Zealand international Rosie White, who scored a brace in a span of 4 minutes (26’, 30’) to take the lead.

But despite Boston’s quick scoring, the first half was so encouraging for Kansas City, with LaBonta leading the way on the offensive side of things. She facilitated, created opportunities, pressured the backline, and really set the tone for the game.

One of LaBonta’s last contributions was in the 65th minute (she was subbed out in the 70th minute). All night we saw her make magic in the middle but on this play she found space on the wing and took a chance on stretching the Breakers backline one more time. LaBonta received a floating ball from Groom and pushed it deep towards the corner flag but Amanda Frisbie recovered in time to take it away and give Boston possession.

In her 70 minutes, LaBonta was the best player for Kansas City. Her quality really showed on the night, and she did her part in so many ways. It’s clear that she has put in the work in the off-season to get to this level of play and to maintain it as well through. LaBonta has become an important player for the Blues and I have a feeling she will have much more to offer as time goes on.

The Blues did manage to find the equalizer in the 81st minute thanks to Erika Tymrak, whose effort secured a point in Boston. The Breakers sit in eighth place with 15 points while Kansas City are currently in 10th with 14 points.

6 Takeaways from NWSL: Week 15

Posted on by RJ Allen

After all the excitement that was the inaugural Tournament of Nations, the NWSL returned on Friday night. While many internationals did not play, there was plenty of goals, saves, and comebacks to welcome us back. Now, let’s dive into our takeaways for Week 15 of the NWSL.

The Injury that Could Be the Breaking Point for Sky Blue – Jordan Small

In the second half of the Washington Spirit vs. Sky Blue match, Sky Blue goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan went down with an apparent lower leg injury after limping minutes before. The rookie has played every minute for Sky Blue this season and is a big reason for their success this year. While Sky Blue has been injury-ridden all season, this injury could be the breaking point for Sky Blue. The team is just one point out of a playoff spot, but an injury to their star rookie could cost them points down the road. If Caroline Casey is forced to step in against Orlando, it could put even more pressure on an already unstable backline.

The Youth Movement Has Arrived in the Nation’s Capitol – Jordan Small

The past five goals that have been scored for the Washington Spirit have been from players who have played in two or fewer NWSL seasons. Havana Solaun has lead the youth movement in Washington with two goals in the past two games and four overall this year. Against Sky Blue on Friday, Arielle Ship and Meggie Dougherty Howard, both rookies, each scored their first professional goals. Second-year player Cheyna Williams also netted a goal against Sky Blue to give them a 4-1 win. And then there’s Mallory Pugh, the phenom with three goals in her seven games. While there is little left of the season for Washington, it appears as if the younger players have come to life, all fighting to move Washington up the ranks. 

Minimal Impact from International Absences – Luis Hernandez

There was some serious doubt the two tournaments would cause more of a disruption than what was really felt this last weekend. One notable exception, Line Sigvardsen Jensen of the Washington Spirit tearing her ACL while playing for Denmark will have a long-term impact on her club team.  But most players from the Tournament of Nations were able to play with their clubs in Week 15. Sky Blue, though, certainly missed Sam Kerr and Kelley O’Hara. Perhaps Megan Rapinoe could have changed the fortune of the Seattle Reign. The Orlando Pride, the team most impacted from the Tournament of Nations with seven absences, benefited the most from the arrival of Ali Krieger, Alex Morgan, Marta, and Alanna Kennedy while the Chicago Red Stars were missing Casey Short, Christen Press, and Julie Ertz. Those key losses allowed Orlando to take a point for the first time against the Red Stars. The league is starting to come down to crunch time for those fighting for the last playoff spot, and happily, there won’t be any more interruptions for the rest of the season.  

There’s Only One Playoff Spot in Question – Luis Hernandez

Speaking about the last playoff spot, call it premature, but if you ask me, I think there’s realistically only one spot left to be determined. In my book, I’m penciling in North Carolina, Chicago, and Portland for the postseason with the only question being which team falls where. The fight for the fourth spot has Sky Blue and Seattle in tight competition with Orlando and Houston, who are all within four points of the place currently held by the Reign. Who actually ends up in the playoffs will come down, in part, to which team has the more favorable schedule and which team gets hot at the end like the Western New York Flash did last season. I’m not going to say who will wrap up the last spot, but it will be fun to see those team battle it out.

Lucky Lussi – Elizabeth Wawrzyniak

Tyler Lussi could be the Portland Thorns’ saving grace this season. The former Princeton player was signed by the Thorns a month ago to help fill in the gaps that the Euros, the Tournament of Nations, and injuries have left on their roster. Lussi has played in a few games so far and scored her first NWSL goal on Saturday against the Houston Dash. The absences on the team have forced Coach Mark Parsons to adjust the look of his team, and in the win on Saturday, he put Lussi up top, where she was a persistent thorn in the side of the Dash defenders. (See what I did there.)  Christine Sinclair played a little more of a supporting role, threading passes through to Lussi, who, more often than not, was making a run in toward goal. Putting Sinclair in a more creating and distributing role than scoring one allowed the speedy new forward Lussi the freedom to roam and seek out openings in the Houston backline. It’s brought a dynamic quality to their attack that the team has been lacking so far this season. And in her few early games with Portland, Lussi has made an impact. Much was made of Emily Sonnett’s first NWSL goal on Saturday, the one that put the team up early in the match, but if you look carefully, Lussi is the reason anyone in red in the box even has a chance on that ball, set up at the far post and heading Klingenberg’s cross in toward her teammates. Then, in the 39′, Lussi notched her own first goal, waiting in the box as Klingenberg brought a pass from Sinclair down the field. She had the presence of mind to collect a deflection off a Dash player, turn towards goal, display a little footwork to throw off the defense, and curl a shot past Jane Campbell and into the net. As their internationals come back, and Lussi settles into the team, the Portland Thorns could be finding their groove this season.

The Times, They Are A-Changin’ – Elizabeth Wawrzyniak

The UEFA Women’s European tournament hasn’t had a new champion since 1995. In the nine times this tournament has been held since 1991 (not counting the other forms it took in the 1980s), Germany has hoisted the trophy every single time but once–in 1995, when Norway faced the Italian hosts in the final and Germany settled for fourth. This year, the German team didn’t make it past the knockout round, and neither did other top-ranked FIFA teams who various Carnac the Magnificents predicted would be contenders for the championship game. No, Germany, France, England, and Norway were all sent home early as #12 Netherlands and #15 Denmark fought their way to the top, with the Dutch hosts eventually winning in regulation after a fast and furious 4-2 victory. 

And then there’s the Tournament of Nations, where four of the top teams in the world–#1 USA, #6 Japan, #7 Australia, and #8 Brazil competed in a friendly tournament, the first of what the US has stated will be a recurring tourney in non-Majors years. And while the US was not heavily favorited to win–especially after their dismal showing at their own She Believes Cup back in the Spring, Australia’s domination of the games came as a complete surprise. The Matildas didn’t drop a single point over their three matches, and by comparison, their opponents really looked like amateurs against the Sam Kerr-led offense. 

The women’s soccer world has been run by a few select teams over the past twenty years, teams whose early investment into development has obviously paid off. But the rest of the world is catching up. And there’s a shake-up ahead–I can’t wait to watch as it all happens. 

 

Multi-Trick Pony: 5 Reasons Christen Press Should Start for the USWNT

Posted on by RJ Allen

If there is one takeaway we can focus on from the U.S.’s performance in the Tournament of Nations, it is head coach Jill Ellis’s experimentation with the USWNT’s starting lineup. To say the experiment went well in their first two matches would be a gross overstatement. But one thing we did learn from it all–nobody’s spot is secure on the United States Women’s National Team. Unless your name is Megan Rapinoe, of course, because the Seattle Reign member is playing at an insane level right now. But there was one standout from the tournament and the NWSL season that I think has earned herself a regular starting spot–Chicago Red Stars forward Christen Press. She expands the mold of what a striker should be and elevates the rest of the team around her. She was the spark that the US needed against Brazil and part of why the U.S. led Japan at the half. And she can do a lot more than just shoot a soccer ball.

Here are the five reasons she deserves a regular starting spot:  

Her Shot

Yes, she is more than just a player that can shoot the ball, but this is one of the main reasons that she should be the starting striker for the USWNT. It’s not necessarily that she can shoot the ball, but rather how she can shoot the ball. Her placement is something to be marveled at, and if you don’t believe me check out that goal she scored against Brazil. Press can find the corners and bend the ball around a goalkeeper with ease when she is in full control. In the NWSL she is in the top five for goals scored. She’s the leader in both shots taken and shots on goal, meaning that Press isn’t the kind of player who waits for opportunities to come to her. She creates those opportunities for herself, which creates a lot of havoc when trying to defend her.

Put simply, she is a constant threat.

Her Friends Get By With a Little Help From Her

One of the best things about Press is that she isn’t the kind of striker that floats up top and waits for the ball to come to her from her teammates. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but Press definitely takes the JFK approach when it comes to playing on a team: she doesn’t ask what her team can do for her, she asks what she can do for her team. While some strikers might not necessarily look to be great orchestrators of a play, that is where Press is different. Instead of always having the need to be fed the ball from the wing, she looks to her surrounding players to see what opportunities can be built from their approaches towards goal. This means that her service to her teammates has to be on point. It also means that Press isn’t always the highest woman on the pitch. But, as could be seen from her assist to Rapinoe against Brazil, it works.

The Orchestrator of Opportunity

Feeding off of the prior two reasons Press should be the starting forward for the USWNT, both her shooting ability and the way she can get her teammates involved in the run of play has created a lot of positive opportunities for the U.S. and reminded the world of just how lethal the #1 women’s team in the world can be. She has used this approach in Chicago, and they are currently sitting in second place in the NWSL. But whether it is for club or country, you can see her on the pitch in between plays shouting out to teammates to move them forward, or to place them in gaps. And we already know that she has created more opportunities in the league than any other player with regards to her shooting, but what is really important about the opportunities she has, or her team has, is that they are capitalized on when it counts. Take, for example, a penalty kick equalizer against the Washington Spirit back in June, or a 1-0 hard fought victory against a tough Seattle Reign side. They both have Christen Press all over them, and even though they were only one goal apiece, they were important goals.

Ball Handling

I’ll call a spade a spade. Christen Press doesn’t handle the ball like a striker. She handles it like a midfielder putting on a clinic. It might be one of her most important skill sets, but often the one that is far overlooked. She has the power to run full-steam into the box, pull the ball back across a defender and then have the poise to pick her placement on net. That is incredibly hard for any player to do, but she makes it look easy, like a walk in the park. No, a defender in front of her is not going to make her back off, but it might make the defender wish they had given her an extra step. Because she isn’t the kind of player that needs a wide-open shot. She just needs the width of the ball.

Old Reliable

One of the greatest things about Press is that you know what you are going to get. She’s a work horse every second of the game, she isn’t one to be bogged down by injuries constantly (knock on wood), and she is a steady constant at what she does. Soccer is just as much a mental game as it is physical and the one thing that Press has is the inherent ability to not let the negative bring her down. She keeps shooting and keeps making runs, and that is more important than just about anything else when the odds feel impossible and a team needs a spark of inspiration to keep going. That’s probably why she has a way of igniting the team when she comes off the bench. Let’s face it, the U.S. wasn’t doing great things against Brazil before Christen Press entered the game. And I am not saying that the comeback was all her, but she definitely played an important role in it. She is reliable at any time in the match, from start to finish, or coming off the bench. The situation doesn’t matter.

Christen Press makes an impact, always.

I don’t think anyone really knows what Jill Ellis is going to do with the USWNT in the future. And I don’t know what role will be given to Christen Press. I do know that she is worthy of a regular starting spot. But I also know that even if she comes off the bench, she is going to play just the same as she would in any other situation–technically, multifaceted, and with her team on her back.

The View from the Sideline: Chicago Red Stars vs Orlando Pride

Posted on by RJ Allen

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Kat Farris snapped some photos on during the Chicago Red Stars vs Orlando Pride game in Orlando.

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Off the Bench with Backline Soccer: 2017, Week 15

Posted on by RJ Allen

Backline Soccer Recap:

Quick Fire Week 15 Game Previews:

After an international break and the Tournament of Nations, the NWSL is back with five matches to kick start the later part of the season. Let’s dive into some thoughts on this weeks games. 

Game 1: Boston Breakers vs. FC Kansas City

Boston Breakers record: 3-7-5
Position: 8th
Total Points: 14

FC Kansas City record: 3-7-4
Position: 9th
Total Points: 13

The first game back after the international break may be without a few notable players.

For the Breakers, they will most likely be without starting goalkeeper, Abby Smith, and also Margaret Purce. Both players did not see minutes in the Tournament of Nations but with a game the night before across the country, the Breakers will probably not see them in action. This may be ok as Sammy Jo Prudhomme did a fine job filling in for Smith while she was injured. Boston will have some keys to look out for against FCKC but may have the advantage here as FCKC will also be without notable starters. The Breakers have some work to do for the rest of this season but there have been some positives the last few weeks. Hopefully, with Rose Lavelle most likely coming back, that will be the boost they need. 

FC Kansas City will most likely be missing two key components, Becky Sauerbrunn and Sydney Leroux. Both have seen minutes in the Tournament of Nations, with Sauerbrunn playing every minute. This could pose a big problem for an FCKC team that is already struggling to find itself and right the ship as the season progresses. Without these two, FCKC will have to find another person to pair with Shea Groom to create an attacking threat. While Sauerbrunn is not really replaceable, FCKC will have to find someone to pair with Yael Averbuch in the back to stop the Boston attack.

Game 2: Sky Blue FC vs. Washington Spirit

Sky Blue FC record: 7-7-2
Position: 5th
Total Points: 23

Washington Spirit record: 3-8-3
Position: 10th
Total Points: 12

After a crazy almost comeback win against the Reign last week, Sky Blue are hopeful for some more positive news this week. While they are playing the Spirit, who have problems of their own, Sky Blue will be without Sam Kerr and Kelley O’Hara, both key pieces for the team’s success this season. With their defense in a bit of a hard spot with the injury to Mandy Freeman, losing their biggest scoring asset for a game, no matter the opponent, is a problem. Add in Kelley O’Hara, who has played about everywhere but goalkeeper this season, and Sky Blue will need to put some quick pieces together. Sky Blue will be looking to overcome those obstacles and gain crucial points.

The Spirit have been hurting a bit as they sit in last place. Steph Labbé can only do so much with the team she has in front of her. This test against Sky Blue will probably be one of their biggest of the season. Up for grabs is a hopeful chance for the Spirit to get out of last place. They will have Mal Pugh back but on short rest. The Spirit are having issues closing out games. They seem to be struggling in more than just one key place, but mainly, they need to find a way to bolster their attack. Without Franny Ordega currently, and not as much production from Mal Pugh as they would probably like, the Spirit will be hard-pressed to get past a surging Sky Blue even without Kerr and O’Hara. But if they can find a way to exploit the backline of Sky Blue, they may give themselves a solid chance. 

Game 3: Portland Thorns vs. Houston Dash

Portland Thorns record: 7-4-4
Position: 3rd
Total Points: 25

Houston Dash record: 6-7-2
Position: 6th
Total Points: 20

Portland is still struggling a bit to click together as a team, but somehow are still sitting in third place in the standings. The status of Amandine Henry and Dagny Brynjarsdottir after their Euro’s ousting is not known for these games but they will be without Nadia Nadim. And while Lindsay Horan, Allie Long, and Hayley Raso will be back after the Tournament of Nations, it will be on short rest. The keys for the Thorns this week will be fixing some of their inconsistencies of chemistry together and trying to find a way past a surging Dash team. With players on short rest, they will be relying on their bench to help them through. 

The Dash have quite a few players that participated in the Tournament of Nations. While not all of them are playing, they will be on short rest as well. This includes both keepers, Jane Campbell and Lydia Williams, as well as Carli Lloyd, Morgan Brian, Andressinha, and Bruna Benites. With the hard task of trying to get past Portland on their home turf, they Dash will need to see more activity from Rachel Daly up top as well as the expectation of their defense covering for both keepers on short rest. 

Game 4: North Carolina Courage vs. Seattle Reign

North Carolina Courage record: 9-5-0
Position: 2nd
Total Points: 27

Seattle Reign record: 6-3-6
Position: 4th
Total Points: 24

The Courage did not get to play their last game due to weather interruptions so the team has been out of game time for a bit longer than the Reign. This week, they will see short rest from Lynn Williams, Taylor Smith, Abby Dahlkemper, Sam Mewis, and Debinha. All but Williams have seen significant minutes in the Tournament of Nations. The Courage will look to get players like Ashley Hatch and Jess McDonald to bolster the attack. But the defense will be the biggest key against a strong Reign attack. 

The Reign will have Megan Rapinoe and Rumi Utsugi back but both will be on short rest. They will also be without Jess Fishlock again, though Larissa Crummer may finally get back in a game for the first time this season. Rapinoe is their biggest attacking asset and while she will most likely be playing, how much she physically can handle will be determined on game day. The Reign will look fot the attack to come from other players on top of Rapinoe to make sure they can get past the Courage. 

Game 5: Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Red Stars 

Orlando Pride record: 5-6-4
Position: 7th
Total Points: 19

Chicago Red Stars record: 8-3-4
Position: 1st
Total Points: 28

Coming back from short rest are Marta, Camila, Alex Morgan, Ali Krieger, Alanna Kennedy, and Steph Catley, all starters. All will most likely need to start on Saturday to have a shot to get past the surging Red Stars this week but this will be a game time decision. Orlando’s key this week and really what has been a big problem most of the season is consistency. They have the tools and the training to get past the Red Stars, but the little mistakes have cost them many games this season. The key will be to find a way behind Chicago’s backline, which boasts some of the best defenders in the league. Alex Morgan has only seen two 90′ games for the Pride this season, but with just a touch more from her, the gear should click to begin the surefire connection up top and produce some goals. Additionally, expect Marta to continue her season tear and produce a much-needed bolster in the attack. While needing to find a way to score, the Pride will also need to make sure they can contain Christen Press and prevent needless goals from happening. 

Chicago will also have some key players back from short rest; Alyssa Naeher, Christen Press, Julie Ertz, Casey Short, and Sofia Huerta (who could not play). Chicago has been on a tear and will look to continue their streak and hold onto the top spot. Chicago will work to contain Marta and Alex Morgan to stifle the biggest threats in the Pride attack. They will also need to get Christen Press involved as much as she can, finding pockets in behind the backline and getting on the board early. In their previous contest, Orlando left Chicago and particularly Press plenty of room to move and do what she does best, so if the same space is available again, expect Press to take full advantage. In their last matchup, Orlando was able to run most of their plays through the Chicago midfield as Ertz had not started the game. If she is unable to start against the Pride, they will need to make sure their midfield is up to the task to help out as needed.

The Scouting Report:

We went live on Monday night with our weekly TSR as well as last Friday night with a special 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 the two episodes, catch up here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=V4CdZchpVUU

The Unused Sub: Hey, We’re Back

Posted on by RJ Allen

As I write this, the Pacific Northwest is in the middle of a crazy heat wave. It’s hot in the room I am typing this and my brain has melted.

NWSL ALL-STAR GAME? SURE WHY NOT
I just finished watching the 2017 MLS All-Star Game in which the league’s best players took on Real Madrid – maybe you’ve heard of that upstart team from Spain. Yes, the game had the significance of navel lint and I’m sure I could have spent the time better continuing watching GLOW or something. However, it did give thought to maybe someday the NWSL could have an All-Star Game.

I recall asking Megan Rapinoe about the idea for the league to have one after the Reign picked up the win in a bonkers, nine-goal game against Sky Blue FC before the league went on international break. She said she’d like the league to have it and yeah, who wouldn’t? Of course, entertaining the idea of an All-Star Game is a really, REALLY long ways away. There are so many other things the league needs to do in terms of ensuring sustainability, we know this. But let’s say in the distant future, if/when the conditions are met, how could a NWSL All-Star Game look like?

There have been some suggestions that it could be the best of the NWSL taking on a women’s club team from Europe, much like the format the MLS has. It’s not a bad idea. Another suggestion is NWSL East versus NWSL West. Again, not a bad idea. I’m sure what I’m about to say is not an original idea as I’m sure it’s been proposed on Twitter or (shudders) the black hole of WoSo fandom, Tumblr, but what about one team made up of NWSL players from the United States, Canada, and Mexico versus NWSL players from the rest of the world. Being that the league started off with the federations of Canada, Mexico, and the United States – there’s enough talent there to field a starting eleven with adequate subs. Then with the NWSL Internationals, I think we can safely assume that by the time anything All-Star Game related is actually materialized, the league will have grown and be sustainable enough that there are just as many international players in the league as there are from North America. Schedule it around a mid-season FIFA break and in addition to the game, you can have NWSL Skills competition like a free kick competition, have fans vote for say team captains or the final roster spots for each team, and make it a day or weekend of festivities. It could work, right?

So, NWSL North America versus NWSL International. Thoughts?

WEEK 15 PREDICTIONS
I’m glad the break is over and the league resumes. Here are this weekend’s predictions.

Boston Breakers OVER FC Kansas City.
I don’t know if the break has given Vlatko Andonovski the time to come up with something new so the ball gets to Sydney Leroux or Shea Groom and they’re actually putting shots on target. That’s Kansas City’s problem and I have my doubts they can find the trick. I said before that Boston is going to be a problem for some teams as the push for the playoffs heats up and I think a win here starts that momentum that enables them to look at the playoff contenders with bad intentions.

Sky Blue FC OVER Washington Spirit.
Sky Blue will look to avenge that bonkers game against Seattle before the break, and they will take it out on Washington.

Portland Thorns FC and Houston Dash play to a DRAW.
I have no idea if moving the kick-off time will play an advantage to either side. The extreme heat that’s blanketing the Pacific Northwest is going to result in a game where everyone moves like wet sponges.

North Carolina Courage OVER Seattle Reign FC.
I’d like to be proven wrong in that Seattle will pick up a major win on the road with this one given North Carolina will have the make-up game against FC Kansas City after this before they travel to Seattle for the return leg of this series the following weekend. That said, the side that’s hosting does not lose in this league. Also, who knows if this one will kick-off on time.

Chicago Red Stars OVER Orlando Pride.
Last time I said Chicago Red Stars would do good and win, Christen Press claimed a brace. So clearly she saw my predictions and went, “I like the cut of this guy’s jib.” Red Stars keep their hold at the top of the table.

Here’s your tunes to send you into the weekend.

Song: “Fever” | Artist: Roosevelt

Backline Soccer: One Year Later

Posted on by RJ Allen

A year ago today, Backline Soccer stepped on to the women’s soccer reporting landscape.

I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t think Backline Soccer would ever make it to one year. The move I made to an independent website, along with some current and some past staff, was made quickly and right before the 2016 Olympics. It was always something we talked about doing but it was never really something we covered the details on.

Until one day it just happened. The site was born as if it burst forward like Athena from Zeus’ head, formed quickly based on the idea, “if not now, when.” Articles were moved over, the podcast was renamed, and the editing and writing staff who knew they could work toward a common goal was reformed under a new name.

I’ve written in detail about how we were formed here, so I won’t rehash the story a second time. Needless to say, when we started, we were a little on the green side.

Over the last year, we have changed staff and changed game plans; changed how we handle breaking news and social media and editing. But at our core, we’re still the same site that emerged a year ago. To quote Chelsey Bush in Introducing Backline Soccer, “Backline Soccer is the perfect place for us to continue to provide insight, analysis, and conversations you can’t find anywhere else.”

It’s not easy starting a site. It’s not easy keeping a site running. We’ve had writers come and go, pieces go out that shouldn’t have, deep internal debates over big questions in the sport, and servers crash. But somehow, even through all of that, we have managed to keep the doors open and the lights on. 

Now it’s time to thank those who have helped me, the site, and often both. 

A giant thank you has to go out to Dan Lauletta. He was one of the first women’s soccer media people I was lucky enough to be able to speak with and over the last year he and I have had many conversations about many things. Sometimes we agree, sometimes we don’t, but I can always bank on learning something new every time we have a conversation. 

To my WoSo Fairy Godmother, Jen Cooper, thank you for all you’ve done for me. From a very long chat in Houston before the final to having me on your podcast to giving a standard for all of us to try for, you have been one of the best people I’ve met along the way. Thank you for everything.

To Susie Rantz, Jason Anderson, Stephanie Yang, all the staff at Sounder At Heart all the rest of the women’s soccer reporters I’ve learned from, debated with, and laughed about the FURT of it all with, thank you for always being up for a chat about the wonders of WoSo. Also thank you to teen wonder kid Caitlin Buckley, for always making me feel old.

To Chelsey Bush and Monica Esenwein, for helping to establish the site and for all of the amazing things we did together. Thank you. Without either of you, the site would never have gotten to see the light of day or been named the way it was. 

To the readers and commenters and TSR viewers, thank you for supporting us and pushing us and sending in questions. Without you, none of this would have lasted a month let alone a year. We hope you stay with us for the future. 

Now to those who make the site what it is. To all the writers, editors, photographers, and social media staff: Thank you. I could not run Backline Soccer without the truly amazing staff I have.

Thank you to Elizabeth Wawrzyniak. Without you this site would not run or look the way it does or be a thing on the internet at all. Thank you so much for all the work you do to keep me sane and make sure everything is prepared before it goes out.

Thank you to Sandra Herrera and  Jacob Cristobal. Without the two of you, there might be only 15 or 20 things posted. It’s your support and ideas and the debates and conversations we have that help me and the site become better all around. 

Thank you to Alanna Fairbairn and Charles Olney for all you do in writing and editing. You both always go the extra mile to make sure things get looked over and edited. And your writing never fails to make me proud.

Thank you to Allison Cary, Berea Jurgensen, Chantelle DeRose, Leigh Nieves, Luis G. Hernandez, Jacqui Porter, Jenn Hayes, Jordan Small ,and Lindsay Schwarz for all the reporting and writing you do. The site needs all of you and I thank you so much for all your ideas, your input, and your words.

Thank you to Adriana Hooper for all of the hard work you put in to make sure things run the way they should. You work hard and it shows. 

Thank you to Alyssa Zajac, Becca Kimble, and Caitlin de Souza for making our social media as fantastic as it is. You all do so much every day and I am so thankful for it.

Thank you to Kelley V Piper, Leanne Keator, and Kat Farris for your wonderful photos that make our site so much better.

The road to one year has not always been smooth. There have been lots of nights where I wasn’t sure the site would still be running by dawn. But somehow we’ve made it to a year. We’ve made it to our first of many years, I hope, and we are only getting stronger.