PBP: 2020 Challenge Cup week 2 (July 4, 5, 8)

The leaning back is a pet peeve of mine. Because it is so obvious when one is watching a game, I am continually discouraged that professionals and high level amateurs who must see it and know better still fall into the same bad habit. I often recommend watching Alex Morgan highlights from the 2012 time frame - her body position when making shots was always correct. I tend to agree player's don't practice correct shot technique because it is hard. I believe the classic long ball instep kick with arms spread wide is a naturally pleasing body position, so players use it and end up leaning back while shooting. The shooting position with body over the ball and landing on the shooting foot is awkward and doesn't feel good when you are learning it, so players don't do it.

 

I suppose; I think I'm just confused by all the focus on Utah's chances. Weatherholt setting up Jenkins wasn't mentioned here until I did, and that was like better than any of Utah's chances. Also, blissett's the only other person who mentioned the PK shout.

 

That is a good example BUT watching makes no difference. Players know better but revert when they are tired or hurried or using their "off" foot or for a number of other reasons that is only cured by a LOT of boring perfect practice and few players at any level are willing to do the boring work to get it right all the time.

From one of the best ever when talking about practice and dedication:
“You must respect people and work hard to be in shape. And I used to train very hard. When the others players went to the beach after training, I was there kicking the ball.” – Pelé
and from another great teacher and player of the game only tangentially related:
“Technique is not being able to juggle a ball 1000 times. Anyone can do that by practicing. Then you can work in the circus. Technique is passing the ball with one touch, with the right speed, at the right foot of your team mate.” – Johan Cruyff
and one more because I can:
“Talent without working hard is nothing.” – Cristiano Ronaldo
And to show some equality:
“Soccer isn’t very social. Plus, if you don’t like someone on the other team, you can do something about it.” – Mia Hamm

 

I usually just use what it stands in for. Hell, devil etc do not fill me with the dread and fear they seem to provide for others.

 

Lineups for tonight's game:

Who's ready for some night soccer?! Lineups are out for #NJvHOU! | #NWSL pic.twitter.com/ZFHUr9WQcc

— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) July 9, 2020

 

I know that few people care but I have received permission to alter my prescribed sleep schedule and my new bedtime is 12:00 - 01:00 and that means that I will be watching the evening matches live as well as the day matches. I made this change because I want to watch the matches without knowing the score before watching and I cannot count at all on CBS getting the replays up before the next match is played. Fortunately my doctor says that the change will not cause any harm and I guess it will be beneficial over all as a 01:00 through 08:00-09:00 sleep period is more in line with others in my life.

Now to the match!!!!

 

I’m going to throw this out there before the game starts. Rachel Daly is making Jodie Taylor irrelevant to England’s National team. Neville knew enough to want her on the squad, I just hope his replacement plays her in the right position.

 

It would have been VERY simple for CBS to fix the glare problem before the tournament started. All the needed to do was mount the TV cameras on the other side of the field. They had plenty of time and anyone with half a brain should have seen the problem and the solution.

They are either too cheap or too stupid or both to care about the quality of the production.

 

We now have witnessed the worst defensive play of the tournament so far and Sky Blue gets a goal effectively as a gift.

 

How about:

He talks like the Dickens.

[Yes, there is a particular person I am referring to.]

 

now for the high point of the match we have a water break. Score 1-0 and nothing of note except the goal.

 

The goalkeeper gifts another goal to Sky Blue. What a HORRIBLE example of goalkeeping ball control. She comes off her line tries to clear the ball and passes it to a Sky Blue player.

When a goalkeeper is that far out and gets to the ball her one thought should be "cheap seats." That is she should kick the ball so far out of play that it is caught be the people WAY up in the stands.

 

It is unfortunate we have a 2-0 half that was poorly played by both sides but more poorly by Houston giving away two very very weak goals.. I do not understand what happened to Houston. Did they all take stupid pills?

These matches are really nothing more than practice games before the real tournament starts next week.

 

Houston makes another horrible mistake in the defense but Sky Blue is equally incompetent and screws up the chance. still 2-0

 

Mewis maks a 60 yard run with the ball but the final pass is screwed up by Prentz? screws up her first touch and nothing happens.

 

Houston players are spending a lot of time watching instead of playing. That could well get them in trouble again.

 

Daly wins a free kick in a strong position and Sky Blue kind of screws up defending but Houston does nothing with it.

 

Houston needs some subs to get off their collective butts.

 

Houston seems to be losing their cool on the field. They need some leadership.