Starting to think the Red Stars' best strategy to win this match might be to provoke the Courage into committing three red card fouls. Even if I was serious (I'm not), I think NC would be smart/disciplined enough not to take the bait.
I wonder how Portland would have fared in this match. After all, they only conceded three goals to NC in last year's final.
Strangely the most satisfying part of this match for me so far is seeing the spirit of Jess McDonald amping up the crowd after getting subbed out as if they needed it.
Jess McDonald always has a smile on her face, such an amazing presence and asset for anybody's team, plus she scores goals too.
I think the Red Stars need a new coach. Rory just hasn't been getting it done all these years. Also, Sam Kerr doesn't play well in big games, when all the pressure is on her. She's the opposite of Carli Lloyd, who thrives in those moments. Oh, and the NCC are a really, really good team.
HAO retiring on top, thanks for the memories, giving me an autograph, and for answering my twitter question during the Womens World Cup!!
Another well-deserved championship win for the Courage, but I'd love for next year's final to not be another NC blowout. The pattern's already getting a little stale.
Tiernas injury made this a lot less competitive. Ertz looked discombobulated out there. Taking out her own goalie twice, missing clearances, failing to box out. It wasnt all on her for sure but I think Ertz moving out of midfield to centerback really messed with her instincts.
Losing Davidson so late messed up Rory's game plan, me thinks, and he (or the players) didn't have time to figure it out.