I'm assuming in order to make the deal happen and keep ALL USWNT allocated players in Chicago, the Red Stars had to give up a player equal in status. That would be Yuki the only other National Team Player (Japan).
I doubt that Louisville would have entered into this deal unless Nagasato already has bought into it, the same with McCaskill. You all have been posting about Nagasato, but I think McCaskill is a significant loss too. And, good for the Red Stars for getting out front on this.
As a Macario fan, I wonder if these same financial considerations maybe make a trade for the #1 pick more desirable for the organization. She will probably need allocation money this year, but then going forward she will probably be paid by USSF for the next decade or however much longer the USSF-NWSL agreement exists.
You are right about the buy-in. McCaskill IMO, is a good player, but her issue is in her head. If you remember last year's Championship game, Kerr lost her nerves with her. She just never seemed to fit in the flow. She played hard, tough, went for every ball, but Red Stars midfield with Brian, Colaprico, DiBernardo is a finesse midfield. Up front she didn't quite jell with any of the forwards consistently and times she would go off on her own tangent outside of the shape the team was trying to keep. I don't know that's what I saw. Hopefully she will do well and find her niche in Louisville. I would like to see her do well.
My question is what plan do the Red Stars have to get a new goalscorer on the attack? Because McCaskill was starting to look like that person, but now she's gone.
Well, Watt will be the go to forward unless they get another star forward. Sarah Luebert seemed to do well up front with Watt. IMO, with Kerr gone there was no need to keep Yuki. Watt requires a different type of partner up front and with that midfield and Ertz possibly moving up to midfield with Davidson healthy, there may not be be room for Yuki in midfield either. as Brian Colaprico, DiBernardo play a certain style. But you are right. Red Stars need a forward that can score consistently.
This article describes what and why it happened with the trade. A couple things I already pointed out: https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/20...days-big-chicago-red-stars-trade-announcement
Little nugget I just picked up re the Red Stars trade. Full roster protection includes none other than Sam Kerr, whose #NWSL rights the Red Stars retained when she moved to Chelsea. So for those in the "Red Stars gave up too much" camp, food for thought— Dan Lauletta (@TheDanLauletta) October 30, 2020
Nice Chicago Sun Times article on Alyssa Naeher. https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports...a-naeher-went-from-wnba-dreams-to-no-1-keeper
I have been meaning to say for a while that MRAD12, it has been nice to see you active here on BS over the recent months. I hope you are well, as am I.
Thank you my old friend! So far so good. Glad you are doing well. Trying to do all the right things. Let's all take this serious, stay safe and meet again at future games!
I haven't seen it mentioned here, but did anyone read the article talking about the new KC onwers where Arnim said that he was seeking another owner to help with investment and that an announcement should be expected in the new year? I remember hearing from a Fire insider shortly after they changed ownership that their new owner (Joe Mansueto) was looking to buy the Red Stars too. Now, just recently, there as a leaked redesign of the Fire logo that apparently looked kind of similar to the Red Stars logo. I'm really wondering now if Mansueto has bought at least a part of the team.
No one has any thoughts on the Mal Pugh trade? I like it. Fringe uwnt player so maybe does or doesn't take up a national slot on the team but still has the cache and potential to live up to that. Alyssa, Short, Ertz, Brian, Dibernado, Watt, Pugh... Not bad. Needs a little more playmaking I think but pretty good imo