Official US Women's soccer thread: ***Update- Lavelle banger wins NWSL title for Gotham (5 Viewers)

[encaitar]

I pretty much disagree with most of this.  The bold is all I will agree with.  Any of the teams left have a good shot at beating the US.  IMO they are not as far ahead of the teams left as you want to believe.  Yes we have talent and depth.  A lot of teams have talent, few have depth.  But the US has holes.  And a coach that doesn't know how to adjust in game.  The first true challenge of the tourney was Spain and two soft penalties saved them.  Ellis folded.  The GK showed her issues. They panicked and played frantic.  The world is catching up.

I do have a question for you and any other talking about how good the backup team would be.  What is your #1 lineup and your #2 lineup.  Keep in mind that your anchors like Delkempher & Ertz can only play on 1 team.  Yes Press, Lloyd, Pugh may be a comparable front 3 to Rapinoe, Morgan, Heath, (and Press may be > Rapinoe) but behind them?  Do we even know the #2 GK and if she can play why isn't she starting? Left Back who can't get time before Dunn?

You're right.  I went overboard for sure with a lot of that, but I also think guys like you and Guru are underrating our team due to our lack of coaching.  If we truly had a world class coach right now, I think you'd see a much bigger gap in talent even still.

As for your second question.  I agree that our defensive back line would not be nearly as good without Dahlkemper, Sauerbrunn, and Ertz in the middle of it.  But Emily Sonnet was a finalist for defender of the year in NWSL.  Davidson and Krieger would be nearly a like for like at the FB spots(probably lose a little offense but gain defense).  Press/Lloyd/Pugh is better than any other attack in the tourney outside of our starters(and given how they've played they might be better).  Long and Brian would likely start for any team outside of France, Germany, and the US.  Add whichever of Horan/Mewis/Lavelle that you'd consider our 2nd choice and you have easily a top 3 midfield in the tourney.

Adrianna Franch should be our starting GK.  She's been the best GK in NWSL for the last two years.  Ashlynn Harris is the 3rd GK and she was NWSL GK of the year in 2016.  It's very possible we are starting our third best GK.

Obviously this is all opinion and conjecture, but our team is so deep that when our starters are struggling against a team like Spain and our coach sits on her thumbs until the 85th minute it's beyond frustrating.

 

[B Maverick]

You're right.  I went overboard for sure with a lot of that, but I also think guys like you and Guru are underrating our team due to our lack of coaching.  If we truly had a world class coach right now, I think you'd see a much bigger gap in talent even still.

As for your second question.  I agree that our defensive back line would not be nearly as good without Dahlkemper, Sauerbrunn, and Ertz in the middle of it.  But Emily Sonnet was a finalist for defender of the year in NWSL.  Davidson and Krieger would be nearly a like for like at the FB spots(probably lose a little offense but gain defense).  Press/Lloyd/Pugh is better than any other attack in the tourney outside of our starters(and given how they've played they might be better).  Long and Brian would likely start for any team outside of France, Germany, and the US.  Add whichever of Horan/Mewis/Lavelle that you'd consider our 2nd choice and you have easily a top 3 midfield in the tourney.

Adrianna Franch should be our starting GK.  She's been the best GK in NWSL for the last two years.  Ashlynn Harris is the 3rd GK and she was NWSL GK of the year in 2016.  It's very possible we are starting our third best GK.

Obviously this is all opinion and conjecture, but our team is so deep that when our starters are struggling against a team like Spain and our coach sits on her thumbs until the 85th minute it's beyond frustrating.

Coaching is a big deal.  Not able to make good tactical changes in game and recognize poor play or fatigue is a huge issue  in a major tournament.  Even with a good coach, this team isn't that much better then the rest.  Esp those in Europe.  I don't think the gap is as big as you believe and is getting smaller every day.

It is an interesting discussion when talking depth and if the B team could go far.   

 

[Jobber]

I’m very concerned with Friday’s game. Rapinoe being a bit older will not be fully recovered from this last match. And with Morgan likely covered in bruises that’s not good either. I feel we have only a 50/50 shot at winning unless the coaching drastically improves or we #### a new goalie.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

What are we doing to our new goalie?

 

[El Floppo]

Fwiw, my FIL was instrumental in bringing the Ellis family from England to the US...I think they lived with them for a while at first (year or two?). So even though I've only met the dad (at my FILs funeral), in still loyal to the family and Jill because of it. 

But the moves vs Spain were not good. Nor is the Dunn as a wingback experiment. 

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I don't think we're going to win it.

The men's side would suggest three straight European teams in Europe (France, England, Germany?) is too much to ask.  For whatever reason home-continent is a thing and I bet one of our next three opponents stifles us.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Best thing the US has going for them is that France have inherited Brazil’s traditional role as choke artists in big tournaments. 

 

[otb_lifer]

IN WITH BOTH SQUADS!!





️️️️️️️️

COME ON ALL THE GIRLS! 

glad i locked in yesterday before significant line movement ... England at +110 is looking real good to me, but i am locked into thise props.

LET'S GET THIS DONE, NORNGLAND! (ENGWAY?)!

 

[Capella]

Taking off early tomorrow to watch our gals. Stoked. Seems like most bars are expecting heavy traffic. 

 

[otb_lifer]

Taking off early tomorrow to watch our gals. Stoked. Seems like most bars are expecting heavy traffic. 

France +210 Draw +190 USA +110 

+110 is akin to getting 7/2 odds on Justify in last year's Derby - it has to be bet, no matter who ya think is the better side right now. 

 

[El Floppo]

I don't think we're going to win it.

The men's side would suggest three straight European teams in Europe (France, England, Germany?) is too much to ask.  For whatever reason home-continent is a thing and I bet one of our next three opponents stifles us.

I've been impressed with the european teams this cup- especially those with big men's leagues (England, Spain, Germany, France, Italy). I got the sense there's been a lot more emphasis on the women's pro teams (associated with the men's) over there- and it shows. Hopefully the US college and youth system can keep producing quality players, but europe in particular has definitely closed the gap and will likely surpass us if that pro system is sustained.

 

[Moe.]

I've been impressed with the european teams this cup- especially those with big men's leagues (England, Spain, Germany, France, Italy). I got the sense there's been a lot more emphasis on the women's pro teams (associated with the men's) over there- and it shows. Hopefully the US college and youth system can keep producing quality players, but europe in particular has definitely closed the gap and will likely surpass us if that pro system is sustained.

Eventually more and more of the US Women will go the Horan route and just go straight to Europe

 

[Kafka]

That's SO England...

 

[B Maverick]

I've been impressed with the european teams this cup- especially those with big men's leagues (England, Spain, Germany, France, Italy). I got the sense there's been a lot more emphasis on the women's pro teams (associated with the men's) over there- and it shows. Hopefully the US college and youth system can keep producing quality players, but europe in particular has definitely closed the gap and will likely surpass us if that pro system is sustained.

United started their women's team this past season and if I remember correctly they had been against it for so long due to  most women's teams operate at a loss.  Either the leagues aren't losing as much or maybe the future is bright there, but either way the big clubs supporting a women's side will only benefit their national teams.  It seems to be showing up this cup and the gap is closing.  2023 could see a new tourney favorite or two appear with the US dropping down.

College and youth systems alone can't do it.  An investment needs to be made in the women's pro league. 

 

[El Floppo]

Eventually more and more of the US Women will go the Horan route and just go straight to Europe

unless the pro league here gets it sorted- definitely. play for real Schenectady fc united dynamo... or chelsea/psg/bayern munich/etc

 

[otb_lifer]

That's SO England...

Halfway home!  need some Norway love now

 

[Moe.]

unless the pro league here gets it sorted- definitely. play for real Schenectady fc united dynamo... or chelsea/psg/bayern munich/etc

Yeah now that I am thinking about it that's probably better for all involved. Would make a lot of the pay issues go away I think. I remember reading earlier this year that Horan felt like she had to leave PSG in order to secure a spot on the national team, so they'd have to figure that out obviously. 

 

[Leroy Hoard]

France +210 Draw +190 USA +110 

+110 is akin to getting 7/2 odds on Justify in last year's Derby - it has to be bet, no matter who ya think is the better side right now. 

That draw middle always worries me, but plus money on our ladies does sound like the play.

 

[otb_lifer]

That draw middle always worries me, but plus money on our ladies does sound like the play.

yeah, can't pass up any kinda + odds on USWNT ... no brainer 

... but France is getting some very positive chatter up in this thread from folks who know a whole hell of alot more than i do about female footy 

now, if Norway can pop a second half goal, coupled with an Engkand victory in rt, then im'ma plunk the whole $350 in winnings on our gals, who are up to +115 right now - would return $755. 

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Taking off early tomorrow to watch our gals. Stoked. Seems like most bars are expecting heavy traffic. 

I have a family vacation at a cabin somewhere way up in the upper midwest with another family.  Currently in extensive negotiations and machinations, the result of which will likely be me, my son and a friend driving separately just so we can stop at a bar somewhere and watch the game while the women and kids are frolicking on the lake.  Never thought I'd go to such lengths for women's soccer, but here we are.

 

[otb_lifer]

thanks for (literally!) nothing, Norway 

 

[Christo]

Come on our girls! 

 

[Christo]

United started their women's team this past season and if I remember correctly they had been against it for so long due to  most women's teams operate at a loss.  Either the leagues aren't losing as much or maybe the future is bright there, but either way the big clubs supporting a women's side will only benefit their national teams.  It seems to be showing up this cup and the gap is closing.  2023 could see a new tourney favorite or two appear with the US dropping down.

College and youth systems alone can't do it.  An investment needs to be made in the women's pro league. 

Real Madrid just announced they are creating a women's team. Don't think those guys are doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. Gotta be a profit motive. US Soccer might just piss around long enough that our women abandon the NWSL.

 

[B Maverick]

Real Madrid just announced they are creating a women's team. Don't think those guys are doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. Gotta be a profit motive. US Soccer might just piss around long enough that our women abandon the NWSL.

I am guessing in recent years either the losses have reduced and the profits are coming or they already reached that point and there is money to be made.  But I agree, none of this is good for NWSL.  

 

[Kanil]

thanks for (literally!) nothing, Norway 

Surprising too.  Lots of good chances, just couldn't finish.  Closest 3-0 win you'll see.

 

[otb_lifer]

Surprising too.  Lots of good chances, just couldn't finish.  Closest 3-0 win you'll see.

damn ... was on the road so i didn't get to catch any of it - makes me feel even sicker - 96 ####### minutes scoreless against a side that looked leaky vs the Macaroons?  mutha______

glad i locked in yesterday before significant line movement ... England at +110 is looking real good to me, but i am locked into thise props.

LET'S GET THIS DONE, NORNGLAND! (ENGWAY?)!

the juice was there, gut instinct is usually the best bet, literally. 

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I've been impressed with the european teams this cup- especially those with big men's leagues (England, Spain, Germany, France, Italy). I got the sense there's been a lot more emphasis on the women's pro teams (associated with the men's) over there- and it shows. Hopefully the US college and youth system can keep producing quality players, but europe in particular has definitely closed the gap and will likely surpass us if that pro system is sustained.

Especially when the USSF stops paying the pro salaries of USWNT players.

 

[Don't Noonan]

I have a work meeting in our conference room at work tomorrow with a group of clients, one of which is a huge soccer fan.  I am thinking about turning the game on the big screen but keeping the volume off.

 

[Payne]

So much nitpicking in here. I'm just going to sit back, relax and watch them take care of business.

 

[cheese]

Taking off early tomorrow to watch our gals. Stoked. Seems like most bars are expecting heavy traffic. 

I went to the sports bar for the Spain game and I was pleasantly shocked at how jammed it was for the game. People are coming out for this. 

 

[cheese]

I’m very concerned with Friday’s game. Rapinoe being a bit older will not be fully recovered from this last match. And with Morgan likely covered in bruises that’s not good either. I feel we have only a 50/50 shot at winning unless the coaching drastically improves or we #### a new goalie.

It’s a possible problem that some of the “fixes” they could consider involve some of the most famous/accomplished players on the team. Can they even leave off Rapinoe if they wanted to? Where is the best place to use Ertz to get the best 11? Is Morgan playing anywhere close to 100%?

Also, is there no (more defensive) backup plan to Dunn at LB  if they get a lead against a great team like France? 

 

[Weebs210]

Just put money down on France. Easy money since us women's team is Trump cursed.

 

[ChiefD]

Just put money down on France. Easy money since us women's team is Trump cursed.

Yeah. I don't like the cut of Rapinoe's jib right now.

Weird mojo around that woman.

 

[otb_lifer]

Just put money down on France. Easy money since us women's team is Trump cursed.

$200 on both to score at -115, $150 on USWNT rt W at +125 

i may hedge back with a fitty spot on rt Draw at +250 

 

[General Malaise]

Just put money down on France. Easy money since us women's team is Trump cursed.

Man, it wasn't all that long ago that right wing pigeons were foaming at the mouth in anger over anything French related.  Now we've got them backing the French against the USA in sports. 

What a world.

 

[El Floppo]

this should be an epic game. will be listening in and hopefully watching when I can.

I do think France's best players are better than the US's at this point... and they're also seemingly consistent the rest of the way down- not a big drop-off.

I think it'll come down to Dunn vs that French winger and Morgan/Lloyd vs those French central defenders. hopefully Dunn can hang on- if not, it could get ugly. if so, edge to the US, IMO. the US midfield will need to work harder/better (and they're more than capable) to control the passing lanes and limit that winger getting the ball... it's on them as much as Dunn, but Dunn can't play the way she's previuosly played as a LB, getting the spacing all wrong. 

 

[Weebs210]

Man, it wasn't all that long ago that right wing pigeons were foaming at the mouth in anger over anything French related.  Now we've got them backing the French against the USA in sports. 

What a world.

I'm just collecting free money..no need to bring politics into this.

 

[otb_lifer]

USWNT +1000 to win in extra time, +1100 to win after penalties ... France is +1200/+1300 on same, respectively- juicy #### right there.  

USWNT to win in rt, and both teams score +335, USWNT to win to nil +235 

France rt win with both scoring +575 

France rt win to nil +410 

 

[El Floppo]

91 degrees in Paris during a record heatwave in france right now... fitness will definitely play into the game today.

 

[General Malaise]

I'm just collecting free money..no need to bring politics into this.

I.....I didn't. 

 

[Weebs210]

I.....I didn't. 

?

 

[ILUVBEER99]

Both teams are even so I’m gonna take the frenchies to advance due to better odds.  Ain’t nobody got time for betting the 3-way lines during knockout phase.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Man, it wasn't all that long ago that right wing pigeons were foaming at the mouth in anger over anything French related.  Now we've got them backing the French against the USA in sports. 

What a world.

Call them French Fries, dammit!

 

[otb_lifer]

Both teams are even so I’m gonna take the frenchies to advance due to better odds.  Ain’t nobody got time for betting the 3-way lines during knockout phase.

France currently +120 to advance, USWNT -200 for same. 

 

[General Malaise]

?

Uh, YOU mentioned Trump.  Not me.  Is this a bit? 

 

[General Malaise]

Call them French Fries, dammit!

Weebs in simpler, happier times....

 

[OrtonToOlsen]

There is a very popular “greasy spoon” that STILL uses the terms “freedom fries” and “freedom toast”.  I refuse to eat there.

 

[General Malaise]

There is a very popular “greasy spoon” that STILL uses the terms “freedom fries” and “freedom toast”.  I refuse to eat there.

I bet they freedom kiss their cousins there too. 

 

[Weebs210]

Malaise bringing hate into another thread. Not surprised.

 

[Ksquared]

There is a very popular “greasy spoon” that STILL uses the terms “freedom fries” and “freedom toast”.  I refuse to eat there.

Why?  They were brought back to the US by the WWI troops that were stationed in Belgium.  Ask a Belgian sometime, it is one of the things that will send them off the rail....they will let you know they should be called Belgian Fries.  I have eaten them in both Belgium and in Paris.  I do think the Belgians version is different and better.  Too bad we don't double fry them here (there are a few  places I have found to double fry in some big US cities), not a better tasting fries in the world.  Now back to the reason for the thread - Womens World Cup.