I don't have the stomache to talk about the US v Japan game in that thread... or even open that thread.
What did you guys think of it?
Gotta say, I love watching Japan play. Great skill, and such a good tactical understanding of movement and space and so good at linking up play quickly. Made the US girls look amateurish quite a bit (especially the central backs who spent most of the game ball watching). Of course, the US has some fantastic players who also happen to be fantastic athletes, and IMO that athleticism in particular trumped Japan's flowing game.
I wonder though- did the US coach instruct the players to be selfish? Seemed like the key players (outside of Wambach) would get the ball, put their heads down and just go until they lost the ball or forced a shot from distance/poor angles. It was so consistent I have to assume it was part of their game plan. Hell- even on Lloyd's screamer of a goal I was practically yelling at her to pass to either of two players who had made great runs to either side of her and were
wide open bursting towards goal. But no- she dribbles straight at the defense through 3 or 4 players and hits that... well- golaso. Great shot, terrible play.
And that was Morgan's night in a nutshell- don't get me wrong, great player who still had an impactful meaningful game for the US... but just PASS the ball! There were far more goals for the US out there if the extra pass had been made, IMO.
And fwiw- Morgan is a 6 at best. There, I said it.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/08/08/mls-reveals-new-set-standings-tiebreakers-12-season1) Most total goals scored2) Greatest goal differential3) Fewest disciplinary points4) Most road goals scored5) Greatest road goal differential6) Most home goals scored7) Greatest home goal differential8) Coin toss (for 2 teams) or drawing of lots (3 or more teams)
The MLS needs to continue growing and US culture is going to prefer more goals.
completely awesome.
