NWSL by Team Portland - Franch, Heath, Sonnett, Horan, Long, Klingenberg Seattle - Solo Kansas City - Sauerbrunn, O'Reilly Orlando - Morgan, Harris Chicago - Naeher, Press, Johnston SkyBlue - Rampone, O'Hara Houston - Brian Washington - Krieger, Dunn WNY - Mewis, Hinkle Boston - Engen Not effecting the League - Lewandowski, Lavelle, Pugh Portland donates six...wow
Really hoping we get to see Rose play, she can't match Japan's technical ability...let's watch them go at it. also nice to see Jill giving Lewando another shot...although we haven't had much opportunity to see her play, she competes with the best in Germany. Let's also give Naeher the start...backups need some more experience. I wouldn't mind seeing a midfield of: Brian, Rose in center with Heath and Dunn on the wing. Dunn's been passing well/assisting in NWSL play. Morgan and Press up top... wait, i forgot about Pugh.....too many options.
Id be surprised if u see Lavelle because CM is still a spot Ellis is sorting out. I guess with Lloyd out u might get a cameo tho
Amazing that Japan didn't make the Olympics,and it apparently wasn't even close. The article I read described them being out of contention with a game left to play. Their attractive style of play and excellent sportsmanship will be missed in the Olympics.
Oh if I had a nickel for the times prematch that I tried to pick my starting lineup......then realized, oh wait thats 13. Given the recent play of the newcomers (that I would rate from borderline spectacular to pretty darn good) am getting spoiled and want to see more new blood....but I still want to see the veterans...UUUUuuuuuurrrrrrgghhhh. D*MN IT, NEW RULE....we get to play with 13. And I've held off long enough.....308 hours 21 minutes to Kick in Commerce City.
Since Boxx, it seems that a ball winning destroyer type holding midfielder (6) has fallen out of favor. Horan may be big and strong, but not sure she is mobile enough. I would like to see Brain as the 8 and Lavelle as a creative 10. I would really like to see the US find a creative 10 because I personally enjoy watching exciting creative players performing unexpected feats of magic. Her physicality is a bit of a concern. I think she is pretty slight. Her height is less of a problem for me since Dunn, Pugh, and Kling seem to be able to manage. Not sure Lavelle is ready yet, but I like her as an option because Japan won't be as physical as many teams they will face. If she can't get it done against Japan, I fear she won't be able to against Germany, France etc...
Not going to say Horan has arrived, but in watching the Thorns games lately, she has clearly improved in the mobility department.
Christie Rampone has declined her invitation for camp and these friendlies. She said that she is not physically up to the demands of competing in camp or in these friendlies and that she is going to focus on Sky Blue, for now. No new call--up will be made to fill her spot.
Yes, very interesting and somewhat of a surprise. I thought she was hanging in there for one last Olympics appearance. Sorry to see her go (if, indeed, she is going), but time waits for no one. Thanks, Christie!
Mannnnnn, I hear ya. - Not the fastest - Doesn't jump the highest - Not the quickest But she always seems to totally control the action in the 5 yard radius around her.