The CBs have given up position to an attacker on like 30-40% of the balls into the box. Lack of pass precision by the Spanish is the only reason we didn't concede multiple goals this half. They're not beating us off the dribble or with intricate passing, they're beating us with second-class stuff. That shouldn't happen to a defense that claims to be the best.I think you guys are all a bit dramatic (shambles? Falling apart?) but, yes, Horan not being out there is a big deal.
The hand in the face was a push-off. I can't tell you whether Rapinoe was trying to push her in the face per se, but she was definitely trying to get separation from the defender. Under those circumstances I have no trouble with the call. Paraphrasing luckysox earlier, it doesn't have to be a pole-axing.The problem there was that the US got a big offensive advantage once the Spain defender went down and so I think the ref thought she had to stop play. And the only way to do that is call a foul. And once you call the foul, you kind of have to give the card if you thought it was a hand to the face. If that happens in the defensive zone or the ball goes out of bounds I think it's possibly a play on, but that's just how it goes in footie sometimes.
Everyone looked fine the first game. The talent disparity was so large. I thought she was poor vs Sweden and ruined/prevented a lot of opportunities and I think she's been very bad today. Shots haven't even been on net and failed to touch a fantastic cross right at the 6.She wasn't great vs. Sweden, but was fine in the 1st game and has been good today - just missed that chance near side. It happens.
edit: changed "call" to "booking." No dispute as to the foul, just as to whether it warranted a booking.The hand in the face was a push-off. I can't tell you whether Rapinoe was trying to push her in the face per se, but she was definitely trying to get separation from the defender. Under those circumstances I have no trouble with the booking. Paraphrasing luckysox earlier, it doesn't have to be a pole-axing.
Over 60% possession, not really being threatened and the goal was off a self-inflicted dumb play. So yeah, this game has actually been easy....and this should be the easiest of what could be our 4 knockout round games.
I actually think our midfield has been really effective at getting attacks started, Mewis and Lavelle look really good out there, we're just not doing enough with them.
When she's right, Rapinoe is our most creative attacking player, she's got precise touch on crosses and passes, great vision for it, and is a great shooter. There's a reason she took the PK.Everyone looked fine the first game. The talent disparity was so large. I thought she was poor vs Sweden and ruined/prevented a lot of opportunities and I think she's been very bad today. Shots haven't even been on net and failed to touch a fantastic cross right at the 6.
If it were up to me I'd replace her with Lloyd in the starting lineup.
Yeah, in a league game I don't really have a big issue with that drawing a card, but in a tournament where 2 yellows in a 5 game period means a suspension, that's a pretty harsh one.edit: changed "call" to "booking." No dispute as to the foul, just as to whether it warranted a booking.
I'm more concerned by the other defensive issues than I am about the goal. Anyone can lose their fucking mind on a single play and not see the defender - I'm pissed about it, but it's not real evidence of a larger problem other than "Sauerbrunn hasn't had a lot of reps lately".Over 60% possession, not really being threatened and the goal was off a self-inflicted dumb play. So yeah, this game has actually been easy.
I coach a U10 team, and I spent more time working with goal keepers to "play it wide, don't pass it to the middle - always go to the sides" than any other tactical point.That looked like a U11 team where the keeper doesn't have the leg to hoof it upfield.
and has fresh legsI agree on bringing Press in. She is fast and has a nose for the ball.