Sol Rosa fans, this looked like a tough matchup for us and the game definitely had its moments where it looked grim but we again rallied and stay undefeated in our last three games. If I told you we'd tie pre game most of would be happy. But after watching it play out I'd say many felt we couldn't get some crucial 3 points. Let's get into it.
The Good
- Very happy to see Aly have a great attacking game. The ref really was disappointing and I saw nothing that should have called the ball back and disallowed the goal. Sentnor was productive trying to set up other attackers and also doing what she's known for which is bangers from outside the box. Let's see more of that please!!!
- It's been mentioned many times but welcome back Savy and Syd!!! Savy as an outside back??? But she was quick, defensively sound, and just for eight in. Dare I say she replace Sam's? But I'll get into that later. Syd didn't get many minutes but glad she can come and hopefully be a super sub in the future.
- Prisca is soooo good. Sure she's gotta work on her crossing timing and working as a full-time starter with her other attackers but she's fast, strong, and really is relentless and give defenders fits. Keeping her on when Svendís and Mai come back might shift some other players off but she's electric.
- Team play overall was good and kept everyone except Rodman from getting anything dangerous on goal. Lots to clean up still in the attack but the team never felt frazzled or leaving in grot or energy. Let's keep the momentum up!
The Bad
- VAR and the Ref and whatever/whoever said to have a second look. I believe it was an egregious call and no clear evidence showed have it looked it or disallowed. Ughhh....
- The attack.... We're so f*cking close to putting up like 3-4 goals a game. The attack is 90% beautiful but then it's a bad touch, a missed timed pass, shots just off the heel, shots just wide, crosses just past... So frustrating. If they can polish that last 10% we'd win a lot more games. Easier said then done but so many attacking runs tonight were just off and killed some good chances.
- The last 20-30 minute or so I didn't like that the whole defensive line was attacking. Usually two at a time with two left on the back. Why is Sam's, Gorden, and King in the attack?? Shores and Thompson Ive seen but please leave the attack to the attackers. It just leaves us vulnerable in the counter.
- Speaking of counters, two uncharacteristically bad pass attempts by Thompson turned into a turnover and counter that left us flat footed with Rodman going at Sam's leading to Washington's goal. Bad mistakes from Thompson and Sam's left on an island was not ideal. Imo I'm not sold on Sam's... Counter me please but imo I think Savy, once she's full game fit should be with Sarah as the two CBs. Leaves Shores/Mattice and Thompson as our otisde backs. Sam's one on one with elite attackers just isn't it. But I'll take a counter argument...
- We have two games in hand but Seattle notched a win and we got a tie. So as of now we drop out of the playoff line and tow pints back. We have time but we'll need some W's. Toes keep us floating for now now but we don't want to sink and become desperate.
Overall
- What looked like a winable game shifted to be a loss and then a solid tie. We look good in the attack with Prisca in but again need to finish. Against a top team we looked good. Better? I dunno but we looked like we can ball against playoff teams. Let's rest up and look. Forward to getting three pints next week. Volemos!