I can tell you why you're not getting any offense. Gabarra is playing with two forwards and they're trying to cover the entire field. Abby is not a 90 minute player. She is usually out of gas by the 60th minute. Gabarra won't sub her. That's when you need fresh legs. Instead he chooses to abondon his offense and bunker. That may work against some teams, but I doubt that it works against the likes of Carolina or Atlanta. We could lose our last three games. New York is finally playing some good soccer--so who knows. My guess is that we will lose to Carolina and Atlanta and get bumped from the playoffs. I hope I'm wrong, but the stage is set.
Wow, I'm overcome by all the optimism. Jeez. If we lose the rest of our games I will be well and truly surprised. Shocked would probably be the best word. I think Washington is extremely capable of winning the rest of their games this season. Abby's not a 90 minute player? Says you, maybe, but definitely not me. Have you seen her standing around in the 84th minute? Answer: No. She's running around making plays. Abby plays for 90 minutes even if it's completely obvious she's tired. That's an athlete.
Just bumping this information up to make sure it doesn't get buried in the thread. Freedom even included this showing in the e-letter they sent out today. Come on out and enjoy the match LIVE!
From the Freedom site: http://www.washingtonfreedom.com/320809.html Guess that answers one of my questions. From the Washington Post: In New Role, Hamm Is Halfway Home By Brian Straus Special to The Washington Post Wednesday, July 31, 2002; Page D01
From the Washington Times: Freedom seek home playoff game By Ken Wright THE WASHINGTON TIMES From the Durham Herald Sun: Sales pitch: Hamm, Freedom come to Carolina By Jim Furlong : The Herald-Sun jfurlong@herald-sun.com Jul 30, 2002 : 11:51 pm ET From the Raleigh News & Observer: Hamm returns to N.C. Freedom superstar slowed by injuries By J.P. GIGLIO, Staff Writer
I have to agree with Harlan. A loss tonight, accompanied by an Atlanta and San Jose win could really hurt. Lets not forget that both those teams still have one more game to play than us. I too am not a big fan of leaving Abby in for the full 90. WHile there is no doubt she works hard, she clearly gets tired in the final 20-30. I hate how Gabarra wastes his final subs on players like Cook and Zimny who offer nothing when they come in. In Zimny's case she has cost the team 3 points on one occassion and almost did it again last game. I would much prefer us going to 3 forwards when some of these teams start throwing everything forward. Nothing hurts a team more than to give up another goal when they are already down one. WHile I certainly would not advocate putting Milburn in during ther late stages of a game, I would like if Little and Beard were both given more time at the end of the game. Abby has worked hard all year, give her a rest leading up to the playoffs.
Maybe Abby is tired because she is playing with average forwards who do not put in her level of effort. She works as hard as she can for the whole time she is out there and except for injuries, should never come off the field for this team. When Mia comes in, Abby looks even better because someone can run onto the balls she wins and do something with them.
Thank you, GoDC!! Finally, someone helps me defend Abby. I mean honestly, she runs like a maniac for 90 minutes, and wins every single ball in the air. What else is she gonna do?? She's scored three times in her last three games. I mean honestly, why not six goals in her last three games? What a slacker... I mean honestly, people, give the woman her due. She busts her ass for 90 minutes every game. All I hope is we win this game tonight. I don't care how we do it as long as we do it. Go Freedom!!
I certainly don't think Bai is an average forward, and I think she works as hard, if not harder than Abby when she is in there.
I'll just have to disagree with you. When she scores a couple of goals, she will be better than average. She does work hard but spends a whole lot of time picking herself up off the ground.
Bai Jie doesn't put in the same level of effort??? Must... Stop... Laughing Bai Jie has scored twice in limited playing time but has figured in a bunch of other goals (set up Grubb's PK in San Jose and created the havoc that forced the own goal are two examples). I'm not putting down Abby, she's done what's been asked of her, but saying Bai doesn't put the effort out is ridiculous. If anything, she puts TOO much effort out and screws herself into the ground by 70'. She plays at one speed and one speed only.
I agree with the Freedom losing to Carolina (maybe a tie with the Courage) and Atlanta, but I still see them in the playoffs. I look for SJ to finish 5th. My pick for the top Five: (1) Philly (2) Carolina (yeesh...do not like them) (3) Atlanta (4) Washington (5) SJ I expect (okay, hope) ... Philly vs Atlanta for the Cup. However, I think it would be funny as hell if Washington and Atlanta made it to the Cup!! ...Leave the two top runners out in the cold!
My disagreement was with Bai being more than an average forward, not with her effort. I said she works hard. I think she is doing an OK job up there but Abby is carrying this team up from IMO.