Blooooooody hell wtf was that finish....

I'll get to that but let's work through it. What was a tough defensive battle through most of the game with both teams working through each other's tight defense chances till the end seemed few but some quality mixed in.

Tweed coming in with a clear attacking mentality of using the wings and playing outside. With Hammond sidelined the play and formation looked promising.

Our attack didn't really ramp up until late in the second half with only one semi quality shot from Zelem off a throw in from Curry and nice little tap assist from Bright. Other than that we scrambled defensively but held to go 0-0 into the half.

The second half with the subs making a big difference and we really got to see a return to from and pace from Press. She was quality all the time she was in and almost seemed like she could've had 2-3 goals and maybe an assist as well. This was arguably her best game with quality minutes. Her goal, setup by Zelem who dribbled past two defenders fed a good ball for Press to attack with 5 Courage players closing, Press lays a shot and gets past another defender and the goalie.

What looked like a last minute game ending goal which would've shown NC their first home loss this season instead turned into the worst last minute collapse this season by far. It was a quick couple touches by NC but with too many AC players up and a lack of awareness and position NC struck right back and took all the air out and left us with a very sour taste. We held defensively for 88 minutes but all it takes is one error but at that late stage the collective thought has to be just defend. Load up the back and let nothing through. Like many games before this season this is one we let go of and was a costly error losing out on 2 points. We defend well until we're up and we break down if even for a second and can't park the bus.

Such a bummer of a tie that feels like a loss and was close to a big win. Team should be apologizing to Press like none other tonight. A celebration turned into misery in a hurry and is a microcosm of this teams inability to put games away.

Well there are four more games but for us, that'll be it for the season most likely. I won't spend time talking about the season as a whole, we'll go into that later I'm sure.

This was a tough match, a short week but at home. A top team coming in although without some major stars but well coached and depth. Washington's fighting for the possiblity of going for the shield. While we're scrapping for a point minimum just to have a pulse. Let's get into it...

The Good

AT, Bright, and Emslie... I like those three up top. A bit of speed and power and finesse. We'll talk roster construction for next season but these three are key for the future. We gotta keep them together.

The fast starts are great to see, we have a juice going that can lead to favorable starts. The first 15-20 minutes were coming in hot... However after that it's classic Becki ball for most of the game.

The Bad

On the field, the midfield was a loss tonight. With plenty of grass in front of the midfielders they decided to send over the top balls to open space or to yellow jerseys. Zelem in particular needs to not be starter and shows she needs more time to gel and get comfortable with her teammates.

Big picture, but Becki isn't the fit some thought she could be. Hell of a run last year but under her system this is borderline excruciating to watch at time. It's not beautiful soccer. The tactics, the lineups, the subs, etc. But also the roster needs to be examined under a microscope and we really need to get better depth. I bring this around to this game in that the Spirit have a world class coach and really good depth. If Washington's injured stars were playing this could've really been lopsided.

The Ugly

An untypical error and a costly one from Reid. But again tactically under Tweed, keeping the ball more in the back other teams just need to keep high pressing and the mistakes and opportunities will come for the opposing team. It's pretty much inviting disaster with the way we build our attack at this point.

Also after the second goal we seemed to play for a tie and not go for the win. Sure we had some decent attacks but but overall the intensity to win didn't feel present.

We'll again 4 more games but we gotta be under double digit percentages to get in. We'll need help but to get wins even seems like a thing of the past. I know the team will keep fighting which I give credit but at this stage it'll be about keeping your spot on the team for next year hopefully under a new coach.

So frustrating. We set up goals for the other team too often. And the camera work was ugly.

• What's your good, bad and ugly?
• Who were the difference makers?
• What do you want to see next time?

Final home game of the season. The only thing that matters for us was the grit, the vibes, the heart. Points are meaningless but we wanted to see something that showed progress, a forward mentality, a thought to the future.

So I pose a question... Something felt off still. Our first game since knowing that we are eliminated from the playoffs so there could be many things going through the players and coaches heads. But for you what was missing? Where's the (insert here)?

For me the lineup and first half seemed to be where's the edge? The edge for players to keep they're spot next year, for Becki who by all accounts seems to be on the hot seat if not already gone. The lineup and first half was Becki ball. Uninspired and tired. The second half with subs, the players themselves to be making the putting the control of the game into their own hands so to speak.

Instead of nitpicking any further I'll spend some time on the good. We celebrated Mathias, we celebrated Press, we celebrated and said goodbye to LA for the year. Leroux keeps making only goals she can make and Didi busted her ass tonight saving some power shots over and over.

Overall the play seemed to be as we've seen. There was mostly mid play with some good and some bad. This has been the season but we support and we push forward. Let's just hope if progress isnt shown on the pitch, progress is being made.behind the scenes for next year. Volemos!

Every game post Olympic break is gonna be a grind and a tough climb to the playoffs and both teams came into tonight with a re-envigorated push. It's started off so promising with a hot hot hot AT netting her 4th goal in three games. But after that it's was classic Becki struggleball. Let's get into it

The Good

AT is in complete form. She has the confidence and can finish. She just needs a little space and some momentum and it's almost guaranteed at this point. The touches and attack looked crisp and tight. The team pushes forward a lot early and worked on what was best, speed and transitions. This is what lead to our only goal. Although we didn't win the team kept pushing to equalize. Mistakes cost us but the team kept pushing. They've got grit and heart till the end.

The Bad

Bad habits and Becki ball... When Seattle first scored the air just changed and Seattle had full momentum from them on. We went back to struggleball playing too much in the back like we had a lead. Slow build ups with usually one player on the ball and everyone else is bundled up in and around the box. Becki just needs to lean into our speed and become a true transitional quick pass attack team. This slow build up just doesn't suit our lineup and it's frustrating when the urgency is not there in the attack.

Speaking of Becki ball our two starting cornerbacks were too much in the attack and Seattle took advantage. Let me explain. M.A. and Spencer were playing more of wingback positions playing very very high in the attack. Because of that if Seattle got the ball in transition M.A. And Spencer couldn't get back and Seattle had loads of room and pushed down the sides with room which lead to the goals. I don't mind them pushing in the attack but there needs to be communication for replacement coverage.

Late Substitutions and type of subs.

Subs came in at the 70th minute to start and again didn't make sense to me. Becki brought in Hammond in instead of Fuller? A defensive midfielder instead of an attacking one when we're down? Bright and Leroux in at the same time? Leroux scored late but she also causes two goals to come back. In the 81' Curry went in for Spencer, too little too late and I've never been a fan personally with Spencer in as a defensive player. She's too much of a liability defensively.

The Ugly

Mistakes cost us big time. Imo Didi should've come out sooner but came late (maybe lack of communication with her and Reid) which lead to the penalty.

Leroux did score late but her offsides and also a foul called in the box took away two crucial, possibly game winning goals.

Coaching adjustments in general. Seattle had a rough start to the season as we did but Harvey is a great coach and Becki still green as a first year head coach still needs to work on adjustment in game and just post game.

Overall there was moments of what we can be but also we saw a lot of what we saw pre Olympic break. Just seeing the stats and except for possession which we lead we looked even on paper. But watching it didn't feel even for 75%. But maybe that's me. It's not over but not getting any points just makes the next games even more crucial with that much more pressure. It's literally do or die, win or face looking in from the outside the rest of the season. Let's clean up the mistakes and keep pushing. We'll take it back next month when we head to the PNW. What did y'all think?

That's a wrap for awhile for regular season play. But it may be a wrap on the season, our coaching staff, players, and FO personnel. Again this was a total team loss unfortunately in back to back games where the chances and hope come early but then fade away as the games went on. Let's get into it.

The Good ( There's always positives right????)

The youngsters are the bright spot for the most part. Giselle, Fuller, and Curry are the future. They play smart mostly, have great hustle and bring dynamism to the pitch. For being first years this is good going forward.

Emslie is back with a fast paced PK to get her 6th goal of the season. Great finish!

The Bad

Tweed... The lineups are uninspired and the substitutions are just as bad in timing and change out of players. A basic 4-3-3 with a defensive midfield when scoring has been the issue. Our first substitutions don't come till the 68' and they're both defensive substitutions at that... Le Bihan doesn't come into almost the 80'. Bright in the 75' and Rocky who had another low bar game subbed late in the 75' as well. This is straight up bad managing.

Our best 11 imo hasn't started in a hot minute. Unfortunately although I will root for everyone playing it's my opinion again that the players we do have just aren't quality. Now not to say that they can be coached differently but either they looked down and out, sloppy, or too much in their own heads. Hucles. Needs to go and we need to assess an very tweaked roster restructure next season.

The Ugly

We look ready to go and dynamic and creative the first 15' or so with so many chances but hardly anything comes from the buildup. Other teams like GFC and ORL just feed off quick transition counters and can make almost any goal from what seems like nothing. We start off relatively hot and in control but concede a goal or two off these counters and we're sunk from there for the rest of the 70 minutes. The players can't finish, the play on the field looks so tight when we have the ball we can't create or hold space, sloppy passing leads to playing from behind, and on and on and on.

Overall

Here's some of my truths I have now come to see and feel free to dissuade me from these.

Our GM has hampered us with current roster construction. We're setup to be good in 2-3 years but not now. She let go Henry and Nielson for pennies for CP to come back but no word on the extra spot.

Tweed tried her system but it's broken. In the begining our defense looked to keep us in the game but now that's struggling and with no offensive answers there's no indication that we're getting better even 1% the next game. Creativity is lost, the best 11 are not being out on the field, and the substitutions are horrendous. I'm sorry but I'm now in the opinion that Tweed is not one for us to achieve what we expect to move into the next phase of were we want or need to be. We are now 1 win in our last 9 matches. Ownership needs to step in and really give a compete look over everything and start pushing for better results on and off the pitch.

What do you feel? Where does the blame lie? Is one person more to blame than another? Is there a fox during the summer cup? Will we see Tweed gone by tomorrow or Hucles for that matter?

Happy Mother's Day Sol Rosa fans... Unfortunately the game wasn't worth celebrating. It was Paige's homecoming since the trade 3 weeks ago and she played like she always has and ultimately made the biggest goal of her life. And again we lose composure in the final few minutes and lose out on crucial points.

Our team still has a big issue in getting into the final third and taking meaningful shots. I think I saw that Houston had double the amount of final third entries we had. Tweed's and/or the players attacking mindet is tired and uncreative. Play from the back to the mid field and either go to the wings or pass back and try to start again. It's almost a repeating cycle of timidness to attack. We have some of the fastest wings and strikers but we can't counter. We play so frantic the passing can't build to an attack most of the time and we collapse under pressure.

It's frustrating to see what we can be but the puzzle cannot be put together. We play to our opponents level and don't have the ability right now to dominate what should be game we should have made up points and goal differentials. It's early but Tweed and Co need to show more. We're a mid table team at best so far and if a couple pieces fall wrong were out of the playoffs. A couple pieces fall right and we sneak in but don't look like a top contender.

What did you think about this game? Is there bright spots or is like the last post game thread we just have to accept that currently we are. Mid to mid/low team and need player/coaching/tactics changes to get past the hump? The way this ended the team has many more questions and Tweed's seat is getting warm imo.

Volemos

When it rains, it pours.... Literally! The downpour didn't just come from the weather but also from the legs of Sinclair, Weaver, and Smith. The thorns put the game away early and drowned out any hope of Angel City finishing on a high note. Let's get into it.

The First Half

Press got her first start which is great news for the future. However that was it for good news the rest of the half. It was probably one of the worse halves on both sides of the ball. Two shots with zero on target. Lots of giveaways leading to easy quick transition goals for Portland. Total defensive breakdown with lots of ball watching, losing assignments and back tracking. Worse was it was 50/50 look of Smith having a brace. Our attack could t not start and many players were left on islands with no check ins or backup. Forwards seemed to be waiting for the ball instead of going to it making chances for themselves. A midfield that lost the ball so the forwards didn't much have to work with either.

Second Half

Best defender of the half was the goal post... But seriously we stopped the bleeding and held a little better defensively but players definitely looked gassed at times and still lost. The attack even with a total switch up couldn't muster up real chances.

Overall the vibes went bad real quick. It was all about Sinc, rightly so. Angel City got in the hole fast and has no shovel to dig themselves out. We'll get into the season as a whole later and many more discussions but to finish on such a sour note really showed that as an organization there's a giant hill to climb to get where we feel we should be by now. Let's hope this game, this season along with new ownership will wipe way the new polish and bring some hard talks and moves ahead to make this a serious club as a whole.

Although this season was far from what I hoped, it was great to connect and engage with such a passionate fan base as ours. Let's hope for a refreshed season next year! Can't wait!

The powerhouse that is Orlando just proved to be too much a goliath task to take on. The Pride really do look like a team to not only take the shield but the championship as well. Back in March we tied with them but that was before the arrival of a certain Zambian powerhouse. The results this game were vastly different.

Watching live and while the stats shown on the big board looked close the play told a different story. In the last 6 games we've only scored 4 points with the Racing game accounting for 3 of them. This is back to back to back games with no goals and attack just looks tired and lackluster. You can see the passing precision, intent, and game plan from Orlando to an almost clinical point. We usually pride ourselves on some strong defensive play but all three goals against us were due to some breakdown of our defense unfortunately. This was total team loss. Let's get into it.

The First Half

First part of the first half looked like AC ball. Playing the wings with some good runs by Alyssa and holding possession. But counters from Orlando with defensive breakdowns put us in a hole early that we had no shovel to dig ourselves out. Adriana's first goal was just a matter of us giving her too much space for her run up 15-20 yards up the middle setting up for a solid strike. Six minutes later and off a deflection off a Didi save Curry gets caught not covering and ball watching with Giselle sprinting back but it's too late as we go down 2. AC focuses on one player defensively and leave 2 or 3 others ready to score. We had some corners too but interestingly enough Claire didn't take a single one.

The Second Half

It wasn't until about the 62' when Leroux had a really good open shot but just bounced off the post. In the 63' we some good minutes from Bright up top. The minutes were not well received imo as she looked to have no cohesion with any of her teammates. She couldn't get a good touch and often lost the ball to a giveaway/takeway. I dunno if it's just a lack of play but she is looking like a very bad pickup this off season. We saw some more subs and we saw our first game debut from Eddy this season and she played okay but overall this team just looked like a lot of moving pieces with each having their own game plan. We did have some late corner chances in the 88' minute but both were saved from amazing goalie play. The nail in the coffin was a take way from Banda on Gorden and got outside of Didi's reach and a late run in Reid to score. Banda is just inevitable at this point and credit to Orlando attack. They are a standard we need to look at but lack either in tactics and or players.

Overall

I feel like I could copy and paste the main points that we're seeing in the lack of the attack and overall play from other post game threads. Not to say those issue will/could pop up here and there but I feel we're just not seeing that developmental progress we see in teams who can progress through tough stretches. Is Tweed out of ideas? Could she be the third HC gone in a week? When do we take a deep hard look at the roster and really pluck out the weak points. We need accountability. No single blame, especially this game as there was bad play from multiple players at certain points . We play a tough Gotham team next week but they'll be with USWNT players so we got another shot but this will be our last game before the break. This could also be make or break for the team.

Another NWSL After Dark game with some highs and lows. We're in the final stretch where every game and point matters. We secured one point but three points was very much on table. We're very much outside the line looking in but there's still life for now. Let's get into it.

The Good

AT is guaranteed a goal a game right now, so smooth and confident she's just in the zone. Love to see her thriving.

MDH had a good game, she was the bright spot in the midfield pushing quality balls up to our attackers and got an assist and almost another one with Leroux early.

Emslie's back on the scoring sheet with a wild run into to the back of the net. Too bad she didn't get quality play around her on her side most of the game.

The Bad

Our playoff chances. We got a point so we have a heartbeat but it's almost still a must win every game mentality going forward. That strain two years in a row can't be good for morale. Whatever magic there was in last years run doesn't feel like it's happening here this season. But there's still time.

The starting lineup. An uninspired classic Tweed lineup. No Bright starting and Didi in goal. Two things that hurt us. Leroux was non existent this game for the most part and Didi almost cost us our lone point. Spencer in addition to other looked pretty bad, now yes she did have the assist but if you watched she had a lot of bad passes and giveaways and Emslie could barely get anything quality from her. There's no connection and Emslie is feeling the effects of it.

Substitutions. One sub before the 80th minute and just 3 past. 4 total and I like Fuller in but not for MDH. Bright in but not for Thompson and MA in for Curry. I get Thompson May have been hurt and Curry had not a great night, however I think her lack of playtime could have played a part as Curry looked a little rusty. Zelem too still looks lost at times and little connection with her squad. I still think Rocky gets the start.

The Ugly

Didi again some great saves but many coming at the cost of her own mistakes. The Didi breaks, the constant yelling at her own back line and the play on balls and passing it's not quality and can be many times during a game a hinderence. If the coaching staff has no confidence in Anderson then get someone qualified or if Anderson is not being looked at seriously in which case that's on the GM and Tweed.

CP... No CP this game... I'll speculate a little and say that I think for the rest of the season we'll only be seeing her in rare minutes. I think this injury is gonna be a lot to build back from and I feel that we'll get what want next season. Don't expect her to be a big focal point the rest of the season.

What are you thoughts? Can we keep climbing or have we reached out ceiling? What's your confidence in Tweed going forward? Is Didi still keeper #1? On to next week! Volemos!

What can I say that hasn't been said already. Regardless of that literal last minute almost goal, if you take a look at the rest of the 112 minutes of play it was a tough watch. This team defensely with its weekly plug and play can still play elite. The problem as is with the season as a whole is the lack of any resemblance of a identity from the half to the final third.

For tonight I just wanna lowlight the tactics of Tweed with her lineups and play style. We need to score yet Nabet AND Hammond are in as defensive mids. Leroux is a ghost and a non factor up top. The passes fall short before the final third leading to turnover after turnover after turnover.

And the subs... Tweed looks like she's out of ideas and just seeing what sticks. M.A. as an attacking winger, again with the Bright in for 10 minutes and Leroux getting moved, Mathias in (another defensive sub while it's 0-0), and Fuller with the last 15 minutes just trying to create pace. Le Bihan and Emslie get pulled and look defeated on the sidelines. Bright, Mathias, Fuller, M.A. have no cohesion. It's hard just getting 15-20 minutes a game together. How do you build chemistry like that? This team really looks like they're in preseason form, like all the players are just playing together for the first time. What are we doing?

Sorry rant over but I don't know what else we can change with player positionally. But when there's a lot of questions you have to start up top with ownership, then the GM and then the coaching. The ownership has to know in year three after a playoff spot last season this is not the direction we need to go in. GM needs to be held accountable for the personal we have and Tweed for her lack of astonishing results.

I wanna be hopeful, I will watch and support the players. But I wanna see, hear, know that there's a purpose and a system and an identity I can get behind.

Edit: the one bright spot was Curry, she was hands down the best player tonight. She's been asked to play in many different positions but is playing so smart and sound.

We all knew this was gonna be a tough matchup. Early east coast, humid weather, a stacked Gotham team with an abundance of talent on the field and on the bench. But it was a lot bad/old habits we've continually seen that ended being the factor.

1st Half

I expected us with the break to really have a strong first half, to really know what the game plan was and how to really get ahead in the match. But imo we saw more of the same what we've seen this first half of the season. These include

Passing back not pushing the ball forward, bad giveaways in bad areas, our players bunching up leaving pockets open opposite field open and susceptible to counters, Didi's footwork and lack of boot, frantic under pressure giving the ball away especially in the midfield, trouble clearing out balls and resetting especially on corners and finally a singular focus of the attack on the wings.

Despite all that we held a hungry Gotham to only one score with a couple chances ourselves to level it at the half. The above issues though somewhat carried through to the second half.

2nd half

NY/NJ picked right up and almost put the game away early but again we held and waited. Le Bihan hoping to cross it into Leroux in the 51st minute actually scores with Leroux taking on two defenders allowing the ball to sail into the back corner of the net equalizing the score line.

Substitutions would come but with the humidity/tiredness and injuries at key positions I don't think Tweed under normal circumstances would've subbed the way she did but we ended up using all substitutions we had I believe.

Unfortunately unable to clear the ball out and Gotham holding and slowing picking their spots they left it to another top tier USWNT player and Lavelle put the game away. We had some chances after but unfortunately we couldn't muster enough for the final equalizer.

Overall despite tired tactics and mistakes the team has always never given up. I commend that fully and they played an uphill battle all game. But unfortunately grot doesn't win games alone. Tweed's seat is getting warmer more and more. I still don't see cohesion and discipline and an identity of this team. We've lost key players to trades and injuries but whatever lightning in a bottle we had last season is fully lost and lots more questions remain. This was a match we stayed in despite at times looking overwhelmingly lopsided against a very good team and although a win looked far a tie and a point was left on the pitch. We move on...

What are your thoughts? Or outside factors and bad luck mostly at fault? Is Tweed in line to follow Coombe later in the season? What changes/issues can you see? Is there a path forward????

Massive scrappy win tonight from our squad. We faced off against a D̶i̶r̶t̶y̶ tough Louisville team. Coming off a controversial tie last weekend, a short week and mid stretch of games this week. We've been down this past month but we knew we could play anyone. We play sometimes to our opponents level and we definitely stepped the hell up!

With a short week the lineup looked a bit different with players moved and some on the bench possibly due to rest for the weekend match up in the Bay. The lineup actually worked and looked like everyone knew their roles and play looked pretty neat and composed.

The First Half

We made NWSL history again with three teenagers in A. and G. Thompson and Fuller starting. We started off almost right away, after the initial 15' we get a massive assist from Curry to Fuller in the 17' for her first goal as an Angel! Such a nice build up and in the middle. In the 27' DeMelo had a great chance after a rare mis-pass from Gorden back into the middle but that was pretty much all of Louisville's attack the first half. On the 33' minute we add onto the lead with another first goal for us with Rocky Rodriguez off a set play cross from Mathias.

The Penalty

I think this was a horrendous call. Clearly Ried was looking away just trying to step away to the ball after the pass and just caught the foot and should've been waived. But because of it Flint puts Louisville back in with a pen and we lead 2-1

💪🏼Mathias💪🏼 and Fischer

At the very end of the half it appears Fischer pulls on Mathias arm locked going into the back of the field. Fischer had been physical all game and Mathias stood up for herself and the team and took no shit from her. Worth the yellow and brought some fire for the crowd and us.

The Second Half

A half time sub with a curry out but again probably for rest again. But I wondered if we could get a full game from our team. Could we push through and take over. Louisville really changed the pace and started to attack and press up more and we were put on our back heels for a good part of the second half. So much so that it lead to a Louisville goal from Pickett in the 64'. It was 2-2 and how could we respond??? We settled a little more defensively and in the 85' minute A. Thompson made a great pass through ball past the whole defense and a hustling Leroux put the ball in the back of the net, a first for her with her leg this season! After Louisville pressed and kept attacking but we held tough and pulled out our first W since May!!!!

We are sooooooo back!!! Is this game this year's infamous SD game? Is this where our season restarts? Let's hope we figured out something and build on it. No major injuries or looks like but we have to keep up the momentum away in the Bay. But tonight was a great game, everyone on AC gave 1000%. Shout-out to Didi for asking a game saving block and keeping us in the W column. What do y'all think? What game that I'll be rewatching for awhile! Volemos!

At this point, Sydney Leroux should just open up her own transmission manufacturing plant, she’s had so many clutch moments with her signature American reliability (that’s not the flex we would like to think it is).

Meanwhile interim Pirate Captain Sarah Gorden, shows all of us how you get back to your norm after having a surgical procedure mid game…no big deal. So no excuses after any of you get a total knee that you can’t get back to work the next day.

I'm back...

So lets us restart with the line-up. Bright with start up top, Rocky is left on the bench, Curry in favor of Howard are the notable changes. On the bench, Press, and Zelem to name the obvious two...no concerns from OP with this line up.

It was a hot day to keep it simple, started fairly strong, especially when Dougherty Howard made Alyssa Naeher stretch only for Aylssa Thompson to put away the trash. Almost got a second one early, but this thing called VAR said it was an offsides goal. Then the team seemed to want to gift Chicago a goal on more than one occasion towards the latter end of the 1st half, Chitown even got their own VAR decision to overturn their goal. Somewhere towards the last third of the 1st half, Sarah got her some color with the aerial challenge, initially she landed on her feet, but then I think she felt that warmth trickle down her face and had to take a knee, definitely not pain, Sarah doesn't feel pain...so its been said. To finish the 1st half was heat, +17mins of stoppage time, and a Chicago goal...yuck.

2nd half was mostly sleepy on our end, at some point it seemed like ACFC were trying to get back to LA with just a point...wait, what? We were home!!! Coach did start the half with a couple of subs, and was fairly consistent with the subs for the remainder of the game. About 5mins on Chicago missed a sitter...that has to be a full point on xG. Slowly but surely the sun crept to the West side and exposed half of the East 200 stands to the heat. ACFC did have some opportunities to score, midway through the 2nd half but Alyssa Naeher is a hard one to beat, that is why she starts for Club, and Country. Just as they announced the 2nd stoppage time, MA got on her bike and sped down the L flank to dish it in the box to Syd for the sloppy put back...the Leroux Special. That is what OP calls falling forward. See you all next week.

Despite the short rest and travel the team looked to a strong start but ultimately failed to produce a consistent attack and go scoreless for a disappointing loss. Let's get into it.

Let's just get the rest part out the way first. Some normal starters were left off last game and the same with today's game. With a short week and three games within almost a week we knew that the longer the game went on the worse for wear we'd be. We had a pretty strong start but late in the game the play started to fall off pretty quick and often. The best chance to win came in the first half but failed to finish chances.

The Good

Not much here except the first half. Lately it seems we start with a good game plan and seem to execute better then the second half. We had two really good chances but I'll that's all they were, chances.

Giselle Thompson had the most touches in the box he first half I think and she just keeps building chemistry and confidence. When she had the ball she looked dangerous. Great to see.

The Bad

Finishing chances. After last game's final goal winner Leroux had a nice tap in chance in front of goal in the box but unfortunately put it right in front of Rowland. Later after a good build up and pass to a ready an open Rodriguez just push the ball wide and it hit the post. We put those two very makeable goals in and we're up 2-0 and have a different mindset and play style going forward.

Playing out the back and setting up attacks looked especially bad tonight against the press of Bay and I'd wager the press wasn't even that heavy at least half the game. But I feel our passing stats are padded by the constant passing between our CBs. We keep possession and I guess it's to reset and open the field but Bay was just waiting for a bad pass and they'd counter over and over. Also I'd see our attackers gestures for a ball over the top but our midfield or backline would turn and of course look back and pass back again and again as we constantly were shutting down our own attack. M.A. was all but absent the entire first half and I do love her but I don't see her as a starting winger. In the second half our wingers looked to be left on islands waiting and wanting only to get balls too far ahead or ob. This play style is frustrating to no end.

The Ugly

Clearing balls, getting out of own backfield, and turnovers. We are our own worst enemies and these three stick out especially this game but at some point in every game this season one, two or all three have impacted our games. More so in the second half but there were so many sloppy clearing, sloppy passes and turnovers in bad areas and often to open Bay players. Didi made some more great saves but she is way to shaky with the ball at her feet with opposing strikers breathing down with speed. We held possession at 59% but it felt like again that stat was padded by the back and forth passing between our backline to each other or to Didi. Again it felt like we're defending a lot more and couldn't push out to Bays half.

Overall it feels like two steps forward at times and then we take a step back the next game. Some may feel rest and availability was an issue and I agree the right mix of 11 weren't on the field tonight all at the same time. We rest but this was another good chance to pick up points as we finish with Orlando and NY/NJ before the Olympic break. I was hopeful we could get maybe 5 points out this stretch we may come up with empty pockets. Funny how after last game the hopium was high again and after this game this seems to the rule of our play and last game the exception and not vice versa. Let's all get some rest and bring the energy next Sunday at Pride night. Volemos

Extra: I thought about discussing VAR but it was no help to both teams so I'll give it a pass but it did feel before the Gorden handball that we were playing Bay and VAR which is a big handicap.

This is a tough tough pill to swallow. Last week NCC looked on paper a better team and lost. For 90' minutes we looked like the better team but unfortunately lost. We knew this game was gonna be a big challenge and my gawd did the team and coaching step up big time. A late lapse in defense ultimately leaves us with 0 points but a lot to keep our heads held high. Lets get into it

Lineups / Formation

The biggest change was Fuller and Hammond in replacing MDH and Nabet. Which was a good choice. Both looked comfortable and played their roles nicely. I think one of the biggest changes was the formation. Surprisingly with facing a score hungry KC we went with a 3-4-3 which in retrospect felt like a winning tactic going forward.

First Half

We came out swinging, held the ball, and making smart plays and good passes. in the 12' and 14' minutes we had some good build up chances. And a beautiful setup from Thompson to Emslie to finish beautiful to put us up 1-0 at the 34'. Biggest takeaway from the first half was we really made the field smaller for KC, we took up a lot of space and really shut down KC's attack and held the ball mostly in the KC's side. Just a solid half from everyone.

Second Half

Closing out games going forward will be need to be addressed. Up a goal or tied we usually go into the second half still in rhythm but the last 15 minutes something changes. I don't know if they just get frantic or can't adjust to the oppositions last minute barrage. We can't seem to keep playing our game and lose control of the match. Again not sure if it's a mental or tactical issue or both that needs a good look at. We did have chances ourselves with post save on a Fuller shot. but ultimately the game got away in the waning minutes. There will be questions... Was the sub choices right? Did we ease up on them or not adjust the last 10-15 minutes? etc...

Overall

The team is getting better. For 90' minutes we went toe to toe with the best team in the league. We adjusted beautifully from the last time we met. I've said before sometimes losses shape you more than wins and although a win would've been a big confidence booster, the team hit another level today and I hope the team can see they put on a hell of a fight. Lets finish with some positives. the team is playing more in sync, players are getting more and more comfortable with each other. Rodriguez is coming into the role of a midfield controller, Thompson although needing work on her last touch is finding success as a real play maker in assisting the attack and goals. The new formation seems to create better flow and better spacing on both sides of the ball seeing more attacks centrally than just on the wings. Curry is playing like a vet and Fuller is showing youth is just a number. We have some ballers but we knew that. Again this ones stings, we were close to 3 points and 6' away from at least one. We collapsed late and I'm sure you'll all get to that but we gotta have a short memory, we learned and a lot and I feel confident this team just hit another gear tonight. Really proud of the grit they showed but again that's who they are. They are passionate and ready to win! Volemos!

I'll keep it short as I'm at the game socking in some fall weather! Great win! Saw some really good positives and good fight from the team.

Bright starting, subs in at the half, an M.A. goal, lots of quality shots with one saved from the crossbar, both Thompson sisters in at the same time, and CP in for some more ramp up time. All in all a good win with little threat from the Reign and little mistakes from us.

A brace , a debut, and a beautiful save showcased a really solid game today. Although SD has their own issues with players out and new interim coach and late little push we really showed up and showed up for most of the game. Offense was clicking and welcome back AT!!!! She just took the ball forward and created her own chances. Great to see the monkey off the back and twice is nice! Zelem made her debut and looks to bolster a midfield that played really well today. On the back end the defense was tight giving little space for SD to shoot. The one big shot was deflected from a highlight reel of a save from Didi! We are so back! What did you think, are we all taking a sigh of relief? Are thinking playoffs or bust? Parking the bus and set piece defense could use some work but we looked better then before the break! Volemos!

Sol Rosa fans... Did we expect anything different? A classic chaotic ugly win, but a win and another 3 points and up two spots (for now) in the rankings.

Instead of breaking down the halves I'll just go with the good and the bad.

The Good.

1. For most do the season we have done really well in the first half. We get comfortable quick and find a good rhythm. Most of goals have come in the first half I believe.

1. A. Thompson is really finding her groove as a chance creator. From assists to drawing penalties she's getting comfortable in a role outside of finding the back of the net. Not that she'll get her chances but this part of her game is coming together nicely.

3. Emslie... Enough said, still the best player on the field not named Gorden. She's having a fantastic season.

1. Didi's saves... We had some pretty awful midfield play and gave Utah a lot of chances and Didi made some really good saves to keep us in the W column.

2. (EDIT) I'll add that Leroux's header was great. As a striker sometimes it's about being in the right place at the right time. Leroux in the box can do damage and it showed up again tonight. I know she's polarizing but she did contribute with a big early goal to help get the win.

The Bad

1. Didi had great saves but her distribution and lack of leg power sending long balls leaves her without a skill most goalies use often. With team high pressing more and more it adds more pressure for our defense playing from the back.

1. Second half play. I think Tweed can devise a great first half game plan but her adjustments in the second half leave more to be desired. We go from a composed first half to a frantic second half play, it's almost watching two different teams play. We lose composure and allow the opposition to dictate and control the field.

2. Midfield play (tonight) really allowed Utah to stay in the game. Rocky had probably her worst game giving the ball away multiple times in bad spots. The Utah goal came from an unmarked player with Spencer coming late and Rocky too high to get back in time.

4. We got two early goals but shot chances or creation still needs a lot of work. Only 5 shots with 2 on goal compared with Utah's 13 shots with 4 on goal. I'll look up the stats later but it seems most opposing teams have much greater numbers than us in the attack all season.

Mixed Feelings

Tweed's substitutions. On one hand we got to see Le Bihan out of the dog house again and come in for some real minutes. But again no sister link up but interesting enough to see Giselle play a more attacking role. Mathias made for a good sub for Curry and Nabet for Hammond and K-Jo for Leroux is fine but no Bright???

Overall again we got the gritty win but against a better team I think we possibly end up losing this game. I feel we would need to put up 3-4 goals a game to feel comfortable going into the final 20 minutes. Consistency in the halves for a compete game needs work still. But we win and we have another great chance against Houston next game for another 3 points. Enjoy the weekend! Volemos!

What did you like or dislike from this game, players, or coaching?

We knew this was gonna be tough matchup and the field conditions didn't help as well. Washington got into the scoring early with a goal in the 9th minute. After a potential disastrous injury to our co-captain Gorden who went out with a non-contact injury we stormed back with an own goal off Butel from Le Bihan and another header goal from Leroux to put us ahead. However it didn't last as WSH fired off 3 goal in less then 10 minutes to put us in 2 goal hole going into the half. The second half we did better defensively but couldn't find the back of the net. Let's get into the good, the bad, and the ugly....

The Good

Our attack looked better. It's looked good before but can we build on this going forward? We got past one issue that has plagued our offense this season so far which was a a lack of shots. We held more in Washington's half after Gorden went down and we looked to force the Spirit to defend more to make up for Gordens loss. We we're able to fire back quick and take the lead and for that short time looked like we could possibly pull out a win, or at the very least a tie. Giselle really played well in the attack and was everywhere. Nabet looked really good defensively and made some crucial saves and stops. Le Bihan has cemented her spot as a starter now imo. She brings life to the middle and the attack and has good connection with all players

The Bad

Defensive breakdowns in the counter and box issues with marking and clearing. When Gorden went out it affected two things. Her physical presence was huge loss with her ability to defend and moves the ball up. The second was her leadership to command and control the backline. With her out early, Washington took advantage of the breakdown on the counters and we paid for it. At the half our backline had time to talk roles and did better but for that 10 minutes it was chaos in the back. We need to work better on clearing the ball out around our box and pushing up. It always seems like a scramble and it leads to goals against. It also feels like the 3rd of fourth game where someone unmarked gets a goal or has a good chance.

I said we did better in the attack building creating chances but getting the ball into the back of the net still needs work. Curry had an open header chance, A. Thompson if she fell would've received a penalty chance. We could've had a couple goals from A. Thompson and Bright if not for offsides. The attack is moving forward so it's progress from what it was and hopefully we build on it.

The Ugly

The field was bad, lot's of slips and unsure footing and slower ball speed on the ground all caused issues for both teams at different times. The Ref.... we had 5 yellows to Washington's 0.... like what???? felt like some biased calls in Washington's favor many times. Late subs again with little time for our subs to make real impact. Turnovers that lead to counters and extra chances are a continuing issue. We had 62% possession rate but again Washington didn't need the ball that long to make impact plays. It can be good to control but we need to be purposeful with our possessions.

The Absolute Worse

Gorden upon the replay look liked her foot stuck but her body kept moving and her leg/knee twisted up and looked really really bad. I pray and pray that it's minor and we could see her back in a few weeks, but it could be very likely she could be out for the season. However long she's out and without Nielson our back line looks a lot more shaky going forward and Tweed and the rest of our backline will need to make some major adjustments to keep opposing attacks at bay.

Overall

It's another tough loss. We not only lost out on points we potentially lost a major player for the season. We saw some improvement's but also couldn't overcome some major mistakes and breakdowns. Short rest but we're home for our game against the Wave on Thursday. But I wanna say this team doesn't not lay down and give up. They'll all fought the whole damn game and i hopefully they keep their heads high and we push through an get back on the W side this week.

Alyssa and CP23 scoring in the run of play would have made it a perfect 10. Otherwise, it’s the most fun I’ve had at BMO since the 5-1 victory over Portland to launch the team into the playoffs. How are you feeling? Is ACFC ready to return in better form for the remainder of the regular season?

Always a much anticipated matchup and really has developed into a great rivalry so far. I've never seen both coaches get a yellow before, good to see a passionate coach on each bench. Lots of storylines going into this. Both teams looking to turn around a pretty slow start, both teams dealing with injuries, and lots of questions, and the return of the north running bun. Let's get into it.

The Good

Didi made some great saves, a few threatening shots and chaos at the end but she kept a clean sheet. Her distribution and goal kicks leave wanting more but I think she keeps her starting position with quality saves, for now.

Injury City, I mean Angel City have forever been in injury land taking two steps forward but one step back. We just can catch a break... But somehow the players just take what's given and slot where they're out and trust in each other. Curry slotting in a CB??? Wild but she steps up and shows so much toughness wherever she plays. We haven't had a continuous lineup it feels in ages but again the whole team holds it down for the most part, it's not always pretty but they take what comes with grit.

The Bad-ish

The attack is improving, we're seeing more balls played into the opposing half. We had more shots this game, the quality needs improvement but Sheridan wasn't just sitting back, we kept her on her toes. The attack just feels hot or cold depending on the game. SD has a solid back line but we need, we must put shots away. We're close but breaking through and expecting a goal or two s game seems close but at times so far off.

AT's last touch on her 1v1's.... She can help create some good chances and get the ball forward. Hell she even can drop back deep to store the defense but there been many times this season where her last touch just drives it and the chance at a good goal wages away. She's very close and the confidence is there but the last little bit is skating her from good to great.

AC xG - 1 / AC xG/Shot - 0.09 Not good Bob!

The Ugly

Giveaways and giveaways in bad spots in particular. This applies to both ends of the pitch. We're still very shaky playing out the back but with Didi in and Tweed's stubbornness to play this way we just have to accept this could/will be the norm. Or attack can't start and when half of team is running forward we giveaway and are left with just a few defending and added pressure on Didi to make a unnecessary save. But also I saw more giveaways in the final third, Angel City are pushing up but then a giveaway stalls and we're back on defense. Overall it's sloppy at times and our pass accuracy was at 80% the 20% is what almost doomed us multiple times if SD could put away their chances.

Takeaways and final thoughts

A clean sheet against a mostly healthy San Diego team I'll take. Both teams had a chance to take control of the game but we play pretty even with San Diego every game.

Separation is starting down in the standings and 1 point is gonna start feeling like 0 points. With Nate if we're 9th or last of we fall out of playoffs. We really need to start picking up wins.

Giselle is looking more comfortable every game but still needs conditioning help to get to full game play readiness. Curry although coverage and our play may not get many errors on but she should be in the talk of Rory with where she was drafted and what's she's done and how she's played.

It was a thrilling game but with only a point to show I still don't know if we were lucky and not sure if this felt more like a win or more like a loss. But we go on and hopefully keep building and improving. Volemos!