I REALLY hope we are not looking at another 0-0 bore fest. So far there is very little to recommend this game (it is not good enough to be called a match) to anyone. However the NWSL is developing a good collection of insomnia remedies.
I knew OL Reign was without any goals so far, but geez, look at this stat: Halftime:Utah Royals 0OL Reign 0That last kick of the ball (that Barnhart trapped) was technically a shot on goal, the Reign's first in 140 consecutive minutes (no goals scored this tournament).#NWSLChallengeCup— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) July 8, 2020
The half time stats say that both teams have had shots on goal but I only remember a screwed up cross and a nothing shot by A-Rod.
This game is so slow that I could play goal and I am in my mid 70s and slow for that age. You know, I just had an idea. Lets play the next few matches 8v8. More space usually equals more shots. The scary thing is that Utah can move into second place. Maybe that is actually not scary but rather pathetic.
OL defense is so atrocious Utah should actually be at least 2 or 3 goals ahead. Of course Utah's shooters are also atrocious.
Ok, no Rapinoe, no Fishlock, no Press... but, even factoring that and the lack of preparation, if THAT's the level of NWSL I am quite comforted by the level of Nadeshiko League.
Ratcliffe wasn't informed: she basically had a PK-like shot available and she sent it to the moon at 67'. Quite depressing.
Mmm, Del Fava on Smith could have been marginally seen as PK-worthy: that final push wasn't really needed. Soon after, Balcer has the first real shot of the game, saved by Barnhart in corner. I was right that you needed more quality players: Balcer just was subbed-in and her presence is already felt.
In looking at this game and others I have kind of decided that there is too much unselfishness in the league. Some players need to simply attack the defense on the dribble from time to time. As an attacker there needs to be more than a hint of being self centered. Phil Jackson once said to Michael Jordan, "There is no "I" in team." To which Jordan responded, "But there is in win." We need more NWSL players to try to take over a game even if they fail often.
No mention of Weatherholt's quality ball in for a Jenkins' header that went over the bar? Quality shot from range by Balcer.
Didn't think it was that marginal live. She got faked out, and that push completely prevented Smith from getting back on the ball.
The Reign need to work on headers. Great ball in from Momiki, and McNabb with the Reign's second missed header from a great position.
Good assist from Momiki to McNabb, who almost scored with a header. Actually the front-line with Balcer, Smith and Momiki looks so much better that Cruz, Taylor and Spencer...
Holy cows, is Momiki consistently this good of a crosser with her left foot? Another high quality ball in, and this time, the Reign do score with the header from Balcer. Barnhart arguably should have kept it out, but I'm not complaining.
CVD: Momiki curled up another assist in the box and Balcer scored with an header. OL should have started with that front-line, but maybe 10 minutes of it will be enough...
The Reign actually score. Utah's defense looked to be getting real tired. They have been late to everything.