#angel city vs houston dash | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

sonnshine93 · 3 years ago

Text

2022 NWSL Expansion Draft: Dash mock-protection list 2.0

By THEO LLOYD-HUGHES

Dec 3, 2021 • 9:43 AM

Story Highlights

The NWSL will hold an expansion draft on December 16 for new clubs Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC.

The Houston Dash can only protect nine players on its roster from selection by the California clubs.

Keep up-to-date on all the Houston Dash's offseason moves with our roster tracker.

In just one week, the Houston Dash’s nine player protection list will be revealed. On December 16 in Los Angeles for the 2022 NWSL expansion draft, Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC will select one player each from Houston’s roster outside of those nine players.

For a refresher of the 2022 NWSL expansion draft rules, check out our explainer here, and find everything you need to know about the current Dash players' contract and roster statuses here.

It has been three months since I last took a crack at predicting what head coach James Clarkson and his staff will decide, so I thought I’d give it another shot with this second edition mock-protection list. My selections have been made using a mix of insight on 2021 performance, offseason decisions by the Dash, conversations with Clarkson and some unsubstantiated hunches.

Protected list:

1. Jane Campbell

2. Nichelle Prince

3. Rachel Daly

4. Shea Groom

5. Katie Naughton

6. Megan Oyster

7. Gabby Seiler

8. Haley Hanson

9. Maria Sanchez

No. 1-5: The no brainers

I am almost 100% sure that the first five players on the list will be included. All of them have been integral to the team for multiple seasons now, and of that group, only Katie Naughton is yet to sign a contract extension confirming their future with the Dash.

From the moment the NWSL announced the news that teams could only protect one allocated U.S. national team player, every Dash fan knew that one of Jane Campbell or Kristie Mewis was going to go unprotected. Considering that Campbell’s contract extension has already been inked, then it appears that Mewis will either be selected by a California club on December 16 or perhaps we’ll see her traded away before the expansion draft.

Last month, Clarkson teased that the Dash could potentially trade for the Kansas City Current’s draft exemption. But now that the Missouri club has signed Kristie’s sister Sam Mewis — bringing the Current’s number of U.S. national team players up to two — it would appear that deal is off the table.

No. 6-8: Core group about to hit their peak

This is the complicated part of the protection list. Clarkson’s decision comes down to whether he wants to retain more experienced players or less experienced players, as well as whether to cling on to a whole position group.

On my list, I believe that Megan Oyster, and her relationship with Naughton, is too important to pass up on. The logic behind keeping Gabby Seiler and Haley Hanson is that neither player has reached her peak yet, while already performing excellently for Houston. They could be the future of the team over the next few seasons.

In contrast, there is also a good chance that Clarkson opts to stand by his most experienced players who have consistently performed at high levels since he became head coach in 2019. Sophie Schmidt has been one of the leaders on this Dash team. She has played some of the best soccer of her career in the past 18 months and carried herself as a composite professional. However, Seiler can play Schmidt's position at the base of midfield. Do you begin transitioning or bring back a proven winner?

One could argue that Canadian international Allysha Chapman is more irreplaceable than Seiler or Schmidt in the short term. Over the 2021 season, the Dash failed to slot an effective deputy in that position when the left back was away in Tokyo. Perhaps Chapman gets protected, along with Hanson and Oyster, and the Dash can then go into 2022 with an intact back line.

It's been ALL defense so far in Canada vs Sweden. Case in point: Allysha Chapman somehow catches up to Jakobsson here 👀 pic.twitter.com/fitASXjIea

There are two final things to keep in mind here.

One is that the two expansion clubs have already acquired some defensive pieces. Abby Dahlkemper and Tegan McGrady have been traded to San Diego, while Angel City has picked up Julie Ertz and Sarah Gorden. Leaving more defenders unprotected could be advantageous. Oyster’s UCLA connection will keep Dash fans sweating if she goes unprotected.

Two is that the Dash can only lose one player from each position group. So hypothetically, if the Wave were to select forward Veronica Latsko, then all other forwards on the roster would become protected from Angel City.

No. 9: The Sanchez dilemma

I think it’s happening. I believe that Maria Sanchez will become a Houston Dash player in January 2022. There isn’t too much concrete evidence to go off right now and Clarkson declined to give any confirmation of her arrival when we spoke last month. But all the context clues would appear to be pointing in that direction.

EXCLUSIVE: James Clarkson gives update on NWSL Expansion Draft, María Sánchez and 2022 off-season

Assuming that Mewis is not going to be a Dash player in 2022, then locking in Sanchez is essential. Mewis’ contribution when it comes to confidence, technique and skill on the ball is close to unmatched but Sanchez, who is also left-footed, is about as close as you can get.

There are some caveats. Sanchez played just three matches for Houston in 2021, appears very happy at UANL Tigres and will be gearing up for CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers with Mexico in 2022. Luring her back to Texas is no simple task. Clarkson could also double bluff, and predict that neither California club would take the risk of selecting Sanchez without the confirmation that she will be coming back and play in the NWSL. The best case scenario for the Dash is that Sanchez is left unprotected and is not selected by one of the teams — but in my opinion, that outcome is too risky.

.@Maria17_7 tuvo que salir custodiada, pero esta aficionada - que la esperó a la salida - por fin consiguió un autógrafo en su playera de @HoustonDash pic.twitter.com/GVmF2ZyPI5

Probable drafted unprotected players:

Kristie Mewis, Allysha Chapman, Sophie Schmidt, Veronica Latsko, Makamae Gomera-Stevens, Jasmyne Spencer, Joelle Anderson and Bri Visalli.

Going off my mock-protection list, two of this group that could be leaving Houston.

Mewis would be a must-select by either team if she is still on the Dash’s roster and is unprotected on December 16. Similarly, Schmidt is a huge player to have anchor a brand-new midfield. Spencer would offer similar leadership skills and NWSL experience.

Mewis sister reunion in KC? https://t.co/zA4MSQ56pu

Latsko has been a really consistent player for Houston — selfless, hard-working and versatile across the frontline. Considering how young and inexperienced Gomera-Stevens is, I think it’s more likely that Latsko is taken from the forward position.

Pepperdine senior forward Joelle Anderson is one to watch. The San Jose, Calif. native is coming off the most productive NCAA season of her career, where she scored 11 goals and assisted eight more across 21 matches in 2021. It might hurt some Dash fans to see a young talent depart before she’s even arrived, but it wouldn’t be a loss of continuity in the team for 2022. That’s maybe a net positive if the desired goal is to keep Clarkson’s core intact.

Bri Visalli — who also attended Pepperdine University — could be another native Californian looking to make the move to a club in her home state. A fan favorite in Houston, Visalli has shown over the past two seasons that in the right system, she can be very effective. Casey Stoney’s penchant for high-pressing soccer could make her a good fit in San Diego.

Who do you think gets left unprotected? Drop your selection in the comments.

#houston dash #kristie mewis

16 notes · View notes

pleaserelaxfc · 3 years ago

Text

Pregame: Gotham vs. Red Stars (September 4)

Background and Momentum:

Gotham

After an unexpectedly strong start to the season, Gotham has now gone six games without a win, managed only two draws in that entire period, and lost their last three consecutive games.

They have gone through a significant amount of upheaval off the field over the last couple of months as well, with their GM being fired in July, and their head coach departing for Angel City.

This will be the first game since Freya Coombe's departure - Scott Parkinson and Bev Goebel Yanez were named as Gotham's incoming head coach and first assistant coach, respectively. Scott Parkinson comes from serving as the first assistant coach at this week's opponent, the Chicago Red Stars. It seems that he will not be present for this week's match for personal reasons, so Goebel Yanez and second assistant Becki Tweed will be taking charge.

Gotham's defense has been notable throughout the season, particularly early on, but in recent weeks, Coombe had been trying to implement a three-defender structure, rather than a four-defender structure. Given recent results, and the availability of both Imani Dorsey and Caprice Dydasco, I would not expect Gotham to continue that experiment following Coombe's departure.

Gotham has been missing three of their usual starters with injury for the last several weeks - first losing Paige Monaghan, their left winger, after their match against the Pride on June 20, and then the following week Mandy Freeman, who had played 90 minutes at center back in every game up until then. However, probably their most significant absence has been Margaret Purce, who typically played as a wide forward, but could also play as an outside back - she was injured during the game against the Houston Dash on August 1, and while Gotham held on for a draw in that match, it was the beginning of their six-game winless streak. All three are still out this week.

In the absence of their usual wide forwards, as well as both Carli Lloyd and Evelyne Viens, two of their typical center forwards, to the Olympics, Gotham relied heavily on the immensely talented Ify Onumonu. Onumonu scored every goal that Gotham managed for the three and a half games following Purce's injury. Lloyd and Viens' return should take some of the pressure off of her (and Lloyd did score one goal in her second game back with the team), but it also pushes Onumonu wide, away from the central position where she plays most naturally.

Red Stars

The Red Stars, on the other hand, started their season slowly and have recently built into it, including with a convincing 3-0 win over Kansas City last weekend.

Although Scott Parkinson has departed for the head coach job at Gotham, it seems to have been on good terms, and with Rory Dames being one of the longest-serving head coaches in the league, Parkinson's departure shouldn't affect them too much.

The Red Stars have struggled to find goals throughout the season, but they did score three in their previous game, so they will be looking to build on that. Watt and Pugh, who are both fairly new to the team, with Pugh in her first season with the team and Watt in her second year if we count 2020, seem to have settled into the wide forward roles with the Red Stars. They provided all three assists and I would expect them to start this match and keep up their momentum.

The Red Stars have both Tierna Davidson and Casey Krueger back from the Olympics. While they are still missing Julie Ertz and Alyssa Naeher, Davidson and Krueger are key pieces in the defensive line, and will likely cause some headaches for Gotham's attack.

While Danny Colaprico remains on the injured list, Vanessa DiBernardo is back off of it. A long-time Red Stars midfielder, her return will likely give Chicago some flexibility.

Head-to-Head

Gotham and Chicago have met twice so far: a 0-0 draw early in the season, and a 2-1 win for Gotham, which was their last win before their recent downward spiral.

Predictions:

Scoreline: Gotham 1-1 Red Stars

Gotham XI (4-4-2):

GK: Sheridan

4: Dorsey, Johnson, Lewandowski, Dydasco

4: Long, Lee, Cudjoe, Lloyd*

2: Sheehan, Onumonu

Red Stars XI (4-2-3-1):

GK: Boyd

4: Wright, Gorden, Davidson, Krueger

2: Gautrat, Woldmoe

3: Watt, Johnson**, Pugh

1: Hill

Warm-ish Takes and Full Disclosure:

Gotham is one of the two teams that I root for (along with the Spirit), so I might not be...completely objective here.

Both teams need a win here, but Gotham needs it more - although they have a game in hand on the Red Stars, they are currently three points behind, and currently sitting out of playoff position. Their game against KC, which had originally been scheduled for next week, has also been delayed until October, in the middle of an international break in which the US, Nigeria, and Cameroon all have games scheduled (as do Korea, Bosnia, and Ghana), so we could see three or four of the starting lineup out for a game that Gotham would have otherwise have expected to be a fairly easy three-point grab. Given that schedule change, this will be Gotham's last game for three weeks, and they will want to take some momentum into that break - but Chicago is the team coming into the game with momentum.

There are about five teams currently in striking distance of the final three playoff spots. Gotham and the Red Stars are two of those five - another two, the Pride and the Dash, will play each other later this weekend. These games could be crucial for the outcome of that playoff race.

*Carly Lloyd traditionally plays as a center forward, but here I have her as the top of a diamond-shaped midfield. I think this could go either way. She has also played a lot of minutes since returning, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Evelyne Viens come on for some minutes tonight in her place.

Given the players available tonight, I think Sheehan is the best choice to start in the attack. Gotham has recently been playing Naho Kawasumi in that role, rather than her traditional midfield, but Sheehan showed some strength during a long stretch of attacking absences, and just based on stamina I think this should go to her.

**With DiBernardo coming back from an injury lasting a bit over a month, I don't think I expect to see her in the starting lineup, so I have put Johnson here, who scored one of Chicago's goals last week. I wouldn't be surprised to see DiBernardo here if her fitness is still intact, however, and would expect to see her come off the bench for a good chunk of minutes otherwise.

Miller has been getting most of the minutes in goal during Alyssa Naeher's absence, but I think it will be Boyd tonight - she has had a couple of solid appearances, and I think the Red Stars will want her to get one or two more before Naeher returns.

As always, I want to see Davidson at outside back, but that one I don't think will happen tonight.

#nwsl #gotham fc #chicago red stars

3 notes · View notes

techcrunchappcom · 4 years ago

Photo

New Post has been published on https://techcrunchapp.com/nfl-playoff-picture-updated-afc-nfc-standings-for-week-12/

NFL playoff picture: Updated AFC, NFC standings for Week 12

Week 12 is here, meaning only six weeks are left the 2020 NFL regular season. Every win becomes a lot more important in trying to lock down division titles or wild-card berths to get into the playoffs, while every loss can further dash those hopes.

The postseason field expanding by one team each in the AFC and the NFC to a total of 14 has brought more teams into realistic contention over the closing stretch Based on the current standings, here’s an updated look at what each conference tournament would look like if the playoffs started now:

WEEK 12 NFL PICKS: Against the spread | Straight-up predictions

(Getty Images) https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/7b/5e/ben-roethlisberger-100820-getty-ftr_1aznof2ebl991ur0x6vw5lg5z.jpg?t=111904293&w=500&quality=80

NFL standings for Week 12

AFC playoff picture

Who would be in?

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-0), first place, AFC North. The Steelers have a precarious game lead over the Chiefs for the top seed and the lone bye. They have a very favorable schedule ahead to follow the Jaguars win in Week 11. They now lead the Browns by three games and the Ravens by four games in the division, with head-to-head tiebreakers against both teams. Remaining schedule: vs. BAL, vs. WSH, at BUF, at CIN, vs. IND, at CLE

2. Kansas City Chiefs (9-1), first place, AFC West. The Chiefs got a much-needed Week 11 road win after the bye to avenge their Week 5 home loss to the Raiders. They now have a comfortable three-game lead in the division. It will probably come down to the wire for the No. 1 seed between them and the Steelers with two tough NFC South road games left. Remaining schedule: at TB, vs. DEN, at MIA, at NO, vs. ATL, vs. LAC

3. Buffalo Bills (7-3), first place, AFC East. The Bills, coming off a bye in Week 11, now have a full-game lead over the Dolphins and a three-game lead over the Patriots, after both teams lost as favorites in Week 11. They also beat the Dolphins and Patriots in the first meetings to hold the current tiebreakers. Their losses against the Chiefs and Titans hurt for potential seeding, but they do get a shot at home against the Steelers. Remaining schedule: vs. LAC, at SF, vs. PIT, at DEN, at NE, vs. MIA

4. Indianapolis Colts (7-3), first place, AFC South. The Colts had to beat the Packers to stay ahead of the Titans, whom they beat in Week 10. The win over a quality NFC opponent in Week 11 also strengthened their wild-card fallback position. The Colts’ key AFC losses are to the Browns and Ravens. They play the Titans again in Week 12 with first place on the line. Remaining schedule: vs. TEN, at HOU, at LV, vs. HOU, at PIT, vs. JAX

5. Tennessee Titans (7-3), second place, AFC South. The Titans got a much-needed win against the Ravens, another wild-card hopeful, to at least get this wild-card position after the Colts followed suit with an overtime win of their own against the Packers. Now they need to focus on splitting with the Colts in Indianapolis this week. The Titans also have a key AFC win over the Bills. They play the Browns, over whom they have a conference record edge, in Week 13. Remaining schedule: at IND, vs. CLE, at JAX, vs. DET, at GB, at HOU

6. Cleveland Browns (7-3), second place, AFC North. The Browns got another gritty cold, rainy weather win over the Eagles at home in Week 11 to get back into wild-card position, thrilled by the Ravens also losing to the Titans to fall one game behind them. The Browns lost to the Raiders but beat the Colts and they draw the Titans in Week 13. They do not play the Dolphins but play the Ravens and Steelers again. Remaining schedule: at JAX, at TEN, vs. BAL, at NYG, at NYJ, vs. PIT

7. Las Vegas Raiders (6-4), second place, AFC West. The Raiders are still here after losing to the Chiefs last Sunday night because they still have a superior conference record (4-3) than either the Dolphins or Ravens. They beat the Browns and also get shots at home against the Colts (Week 14) and Dolphins (Week 16) in December. Remaining schedule: at ATL, at NYJ, vs. IND, vs. LAC, vs. MIA, at DEN

Who can get there?

8. Miami Dolphins (6-4) 9. Baltimore Ravens (6-4)

The Ravens dropped all the way down here after their shocking blown-lead home loss to the Titans as their free fall continues from the AFC’s top seed in 2019. They also are in third place in the North now, too, behind the Browns. That makes Thursday against the Steelers a must-win. The Dolphins’ upset loss at the Broncos put them out of position, so they must rebound against the Jets on the road.

Who’s likely out?

10. Denver Broncos (4-6) 11. New England Patriots (4-6) 12. Los Angeles Chargers (3-7) 13. Houston Texans (3-7) 14. Cincinnati Bengals (2-7-1) 15. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9)

Who’s out

16. New York Jets (0-10)

The Jets can now fully focus on edging the Jaguars for the No. 1 pick in the draft. The Broncos are still out of luck despite beating the Dolphins. The Patriots wasted their Ravens victory with a loss to the Texans. The Chargers can keep thinking about what might have been with Justin Herbert with all their close losses, while the Texans already dug themselves too deep of a hole. The Bengals are done with their latest loss and Joe Burrow hurt.

MORE: NFL’s expanded playoffs, explained

NFC playoff picture

(Getty Images) https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/2a/6f/taysom-hill-112020-ftr_7sy0n0pozqwd14sgc139rld65.png?t=-428850003&w=500&quality=80

Who would be in?

1. New Orleans Saints (8-2), first place, NFC South. The Saints’ sparkling conference record (now 7-1) is a big asset after their Week 11 thrashing of the Falcons with Taysom Hill. They have a one-game lead over the Packers, which puts them back on top because they lose the head-to-head tiebreaker otherwise. They are strong favorite to hold this seed for home-field advantage and the lone bye. Remaining schedule: at DEN, at ATL, at PHI, vs. KC, vs. MIN, at CAR

2. Los Angeles Rams (7-3), first place, NFC West. The Rams jumped the Seahawks in the standings with their Monday night win over the Buccaneers following a Week 10 beat down They are just 1-1 in the division, having lost to the 49ers, but they are now 7-1 in the conference overall, giving them the tiebreaker over the Packers for this spot and helping them have a strong fallback on the wild card. Remaining schedule: vs. SF, at ARI, vs. NE, vs. NYJ, at SEA, vs. ARI

3. Green Bay Packers (7-3), first place, NFC North. The Packers hold a two-game division lead over the bye-week Bears, who are fading fast and whom the Packers get to play twice, including in Week 12 at Lambeau Field. The AFC loss to the Colts hurts in Week 11, because it dropped them from No. 1 all the way down here. They also need to root for the Rams and Seahawks to fade so they can work to get back home-field advantage over the Saints, whom they beat in New Orleans in Week 3. Remaining schedule: vs. CHI, vs. PHI, at DET, vs. CAR, vs. TEN, at CHI

4. Philadelphia Eagles (3-6-1), first place, NFC East. The Eagles are pushing it with their lead in the NFL’s weakest division, which almost has evaporate. Their bad loss to the Browns hurts after falling to the Giants after their Week 9 bye. The idle Giants and the winning Cowboys and Washington alll gained ground, to the point, all three were a half-game out going into Week 12, with the only difference being that darn tie. The last six games are tough, too. Remaining schedule: vs. SEA, at GB, vs. NO, at ARI, at DAL, vs. WSH

5. Seattle Seahawks (7-3), second place, NFC West. The Seahawks briefly took the division lead when they beat the Cardinals to open Week 11, but fell down to the top wild-card spot with the Rams beating he Buccaneers on Monday night. The Rams beat the Seahawks in their first meeting in Week 10. The Seahawks have pressured to beat the Eagles to keep pace with the Rams and Cardnals, who both have easier matchups in Week 12. Remaining schedule: at PHI, vs. NYG, vs. NYJ, at WSH,vs. LAR at SF

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4)��second place, NFC South. The Buccaneers blew a big opportunity to become the division and conference front-runners against the Saints. Now they need to finish a full game ahead of the Saints, to whom they lost twice, to take the South. They are in strong shape, however, to fall back on one of the three wild cards with already seven wins. Losing to the Rams at home to close Week 11 didn’t help, however. Their last tough game is at home against the Chiefs in Week 12, before a weak slate after the Week 13 bye. Remaining schedule: KC, vs. MIN, at ATL, at DET, vs. ATL

7. Arizona Cardinals (6-4), third place, NFC West. The Cardinals dropped back four spots to the final NFC wild card with their loss against the Seahawks. They still have a one-game lead over the Bears, but would lose the tiebreaker for now with the Bears having one more conference win going into Week 12. A split of their final games, which is very doable, should allow the Cardinals to sneak in here. Remaining schedule: at NE, vs. LAR, at NYG, vs. PHI, vs. SF, at LAR

Who can get there?

8. Chicago Bears (5-5) 9. Minnesota Vikings (4-6)

The Bears, after starting 5-1, have free-fallen to .500 coming out of their Week 11 bye. The Vikings made a big move back toward contention by beating the Bears in Week 10, ony to fall flat against the Cowboys at home in Week 11. Minnesota still can make a run, but the Dallas and Seattle losses hurt most. The Bears and Vikings pretty much need to think about running the table and also need help.

Who’s likely out?

10. Detroit Lions (4-6) 11. San Francisco 49ers (4-6) 12. Carolina Panthers (4-7) 13. Dallas Cowboys (3-7) 14. Washington Football Team (3-7) 15. New York Giants (3-7) 16. Atlanta Falcons (3-7)

The Lions joined this group with their bad loss to the Panthers in Week 11. The injury-riddled 49ers’ latest bad loss, to the Saints, is part of a very difficult slate ahead. The Falcons and Panthers have proved to be extremely flawed teams because of defense and injuries. That awful NFC East trio still should focus more on the draft behind the Eagles, despite the Giants winning two in a row in the division.

!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window,document,'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', 235247967118144); fbq('track', 'PageView');

#picture #playoff #standings #updated #Sports

0 notes

accessiblefc · 2 years ago

Text

[ID: a video of Maria Sánchez’s goal in the Houston Dash vs. Angel City game on September 11, 2022. The play begins with a Dash corner kick which is taken as a short pass to Natalie Jacobs. Jacobs makes another short pass to Sánchez who dribbles a few times before taking an incredible strike from a few yards outside the corner of the penalty area, the ball flying past a diving DiDi Haračić. The rest of the video shows her team celebrating with her.

Commentary: “They do go short. Second short pass to Sánchez. Sánchez... will shoot! And it’s in the back of the net! Maria Sánchez! From deep... and it’s one-nothing, Houston.”

end ID]

Wow, what a banger by Sanchez🔥🔥

#videos #houston dash #maria sánchez

12 notes · View notes

leveloneandup · 6 months ago

Text

christenpress Still sidelined… but still smiling.

Fam, what are we going to do about Queen Knee? All we can do is keep loving her and keep listening to her.

I miss this game and I miss all of you 🫶🏾

#christen press #angel city fc #angel city vs houston dash

140 notes · View notes

hyperfixationsstation · 8 months ago

Text

there were a lot of really good games this weekend so i’m curious about what your favorite match of the weekend was

#nwsl #angel city fc #orlando pride #racing louisville fc #houston dash #chicago red stars #utah royals #kc current #san diego wave #nc courage #seattle reign fc #portland thorns #gotham fc #washington spirit #bay fc

0 notes

clubsocial-india · 4 years ago

Text

New on Sports Illustrated: Rockets caution that nothing is settled vs. Lakers yet

In the first battle between the Houston Rockets' small ball and the Los Angeles Lakers' more traditional lineup, small ball won.

But Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni and star James Harden were quick to caution that it's only one game.

The top-seeded Lakers will aim to even their Western Conference semifinals series against the fourth-seeded Rockets on Sunday night at ESPN's Wide World of Sports complex near Orlando. The Rockets, meanwhile, will try to push for a 2-0 series advantage.

"The playoffs (are) about making adjustments," Harden said after Game 1. " ... We've got to be even better in Game 2, because the principles and the schemes and all that stuff will ramp up, so guys gotta be even more engaged."

Houston pulled away in Friday night's Game 1, outscoring the Lakers 27-18 in the fourth quarter to lead by as many as 19 points in a comfortable victory.

The Rockets continued to be paced by their committed, scrappy defense that, entering Saturday, rated as the NBA's best during the postseason.

Houston held the Lakers to 97 points, 42.2 percent from the field and 11-of-38 from 3-point distance. The rebounding numbers were even (41-41), a big win considering the Rockets are so undersized. Houston swiped 13 steals and limited the Lakers to 19 free throws (Houston had 27).

Perhaps most important, the Rockets scored 27 points off of 15 Lakers turnovers.

"Versus a team that's a 100-meter dash team, you cannot turn the ball over like that," James said. "It's just that simple. It starts with myself being the primary ballhandler and it trickles down to everyone else. So we gotta be a complete turnaround going into Game 2."

James compared the Rockets' you-can't-simulate-this speed to "The Greatest Show on Turf" iterations of the NFL's St. Louis Rams. Houston certainly did not look like a team that had just wrapped a hard-fought, seven-game first-round series against Oklahoma City two nights prior.

The Lakers, meanwhile, perhaps displayed a bit of rust following a six-day layoff after needing just five games to beat the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round.

Offensively, Harden played like a former MVP and perennial All-Star in Game 1. He scored 25 of his 36 points in the first half, and got to the free-throw line 11 times before the break.

D'Antoni said late Friday that Rockets reserve forward Danuel House, who left Game 1 with a head injury, "seems to be fine" and that he is "hoping (House will) be ready to go on Sunday."

The Lakers' All-Star duo of James (20 points, eight rebounds, seven assists) and Davis (25 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, three steals) largely carried the load Friday, but also combined to commit seven turnovers.

The Lakers, of course, also lost Game 1 to Portland before winning four consecutive contests to close out that series. That's why D'Antoni and Harden were quick to caution that Friday was just one game.

But Harden said his team's confidence is high. He also rejects the "small-ball" label.

"I don't know why people keep saying we're small," Harden said. "I don't care if you're 7 feet (tall). If you don't have heart, it doesn't matter. If you don't have 'dog' in you, it doesn't matter.

"We've got guys that are able to switch and play different positions and guard different guys on the court."

--Field Level Media

September 06, 2020 at 06:24AM Rockets caution that nothing is settled vs. Lakers yet from Blogger https://ift.tt/358INOb

#Blogger

0 notes

rookieforlife · 2 years ago

Photo

drive_x_strike ↔️⚽️ Angel City FC vs Houston Dash

📸: Noel Danseco

#christen press #angelcp #angel city fc #acfc

63 notes · View notes

365footballorg-blog · 6 years ago

Text

This Week in MLS - October 30, 2018

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

October 30, 20186:28AM EDT

The playoff-bound clubs that are playing their kids

Could New York host MLS Cup for first time in MLS history?

Blistering D.C., Knockout Round sides look to defy MLS Cup odds

Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Bracket challenge locks Oct. 31

MLS Cup Playoffs: Knockout Round Notes

The playoff-bound clubs that are playing their kids

New York Red Bulls.

FC Dallas.

Real Salt Lake.

Philadelphia Union.

What do these playoff-bound clubs have in common? They played their kids more than any other clubs in MLS this season, ranking as four of the top five teams in terms of Homegrown Player minutes in 2018.

And while three of those clubs (Real Salt Lake, FC Dallas, Philadelphia Union) will rely on their young stars in Knockout Round action this week, the New York Red Bulls, who started four Homegrowns in the midfield alone in Sunday’s Supporters’ Shield clinching win, secured a first-round bye behind a game-winning goal from Academy star Derrick Etienne Jr.

After leading the league in Homegrown minutes with three-fourths of the starting back line comprised of Academy products, Real Salt Lake will count on recent U.S. National Team call-ups Justen Glad and Brooks Lennon while facing the No. 3 seed Los Angeles Football Club on Thursday (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2 / UniMas / TVA Sports / TSN3). Forward Corey Baird meanwhile is on the shortlist for the 2018 AT&T MLS Rookie of the Year after finishing the season with eight goals, tied for third on the club.

Long-recognized as a leader in the youth development landscape, Dallas qualified for the playoffs behind the fourth-stingiest defense in the league, led by 20-year-old homegrown and recent U.S. National Team call-up Reggie Cannon. With current Homegrown Players like Cannon and starting goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez on the roster, along with former Academy products such as Weston McKennie (FC Schalke 04), the club is continuing its run of excellence in the space of identifying, training and signing top players. Dallas and the 10 Academy products currently on its roster will face the Portland Timbers on Wednesday (9:30 p.m. ET, UniMas / TVAS / TSN 1 / TSN4 / ESPN+).

Philadelphia, anchored by the youngest starting center back pairing in the league with 20-year-old Auston Trusty and 19-year-old Mark McKenzie, Jim Curtin has trusted the teenage defense to stop the likes of Josef Martinez, David Villa and Wayne Rooney this season… and they will have to stop them in just four more games if they want to earn a chance at MLS Cup beginning with NYCFC on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET, FS1 / UniMas / TVAS / TSN1 / TSN4).

The No.1 seed in the Eastern Conference, the New York Red Bulls finished second in MLS in Homegrown Player minutes this season, setting a league record with 71 regular season points, and capturing the Supporters’ Shield and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. Tyler Adams, who began with the Red Bulls Academy at age 11, is the latest in a long list of stars to develop in the system and experience success with the U.S. National Team. The 19-year-old anchored the midfield for a Red Bulls squad that saw six different Homegrowns record a goal or assist for the team this season.

Could New York host MLS Cup for first time in MLS history?

Never before has MLS Cup been hosted in New York and with the Red Bulls capturing the Supporters’ Shield on Sunday, the club is only four games away from hosting the championship match at Red Bull Arena in front of their home fans.

But not so fast… how likely is that to happen?

Only seven times in the league’s 23-year history have the Supporters’ Shield winners also been crowned MLS Cup champions. And only five clubs have accomplished it.

While the LA Galaxy (2002, 2011) and D.C. United (1997, 1999) were able to pull it off twice each, Toronto FC most recently accomplished the feat during their extraordinary record-setting 2017 season. The other two clubs include Columbus Crew SC (2008) and the Kansas City Wizards (2000).

The Red Bulls (71 points) have already outpaced Toronto’s 2017 season (69 points), but their MLS Cup ambitions have been dashed in previous Supporters’ Shield-winning years with the team bowing out in the quarterfinals (2013) and the semifinals (2015).

Will the third time be the charm for these Supporters’ Shield winners?

Blistering D.C., Knockout Round sides look to defy MLS Cup odds

D.C. United’s red-hot surge garnered a Knockout Round position in the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs. United and seven other clubs in action this Wednesday and Thursday will attempt to do what just three previous teams have accomplished from this starting point: win MLS Cup.

United players have downplayed their impressive 10-game unbeaten streak (7-0-3) to cap off the MLS Regular Season because the heavy postseason lifting awaits. They hope to join the 2012 LA Galaxy, 2015 Portland Timbers and 2016 Seattle Sounders FC, who won their respective championships – meaning 7.5 percent of Knockout Round teams (3 of 40 teams, from 2011-17) have defied the odds.

This year, D.C. United in the Eastern Conference and FC Dallas in the Western Conference have earned No. 4 seeds – the same position as the 2012 Galaxy and 2016 Sounders, who are the lowest-seeded teams to win MLS Cup. The Houston Dynamo, as a No. 5 in 2012, is the lowest seed to advance to MLS Cup.

Is it hopeless for the No. 5 or 6 seeds, who have never won MLS Cup? Will Columbus SC, the Philadelphia Union, Portland or Real Salt Lake be the first to break through with the title this year?

Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge locks Oct. 31

MLSsoccer.com has officially launched the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge, which allows fans to predict each round of the postseason for a chance to win MLS season tickets or a VIP driving experience at the only Formula One track in the United States.

Participants can build their own leagues, challenge friends, or join a league created by their favorite MLS clubs before brackets lock on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. ET, when the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs kick off with Knockout Round games.

More information is available here.

MLS Cup Playoffs: Knockout Round Notes

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

No. 3 New York City FC vs. No. 6 Philadelphia Union, 7 p.m. ET (UniMas, FS1, TSN, TVA Sports)

The teams met twice during the regular season, splitting the two matches, each winning at home. Cory Burke and Ilsinho netted for the Union in a 2-0 win on Aug. 18 at Talen Energy Stadium, then Maxime Chanot and David Villa bookended an early NYCFC blitz as they rolled to a 3-1 win on Decision Day at Yankee Stadium.

NYCFC are looking to advance in the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time. They have appeared in the Eastern Conference Semifinals each of the past two years, eliminated by Toronto FC (2016) and Columbus Crew SC (2017). They lost their first three postseason games before defeating Columbus in the second leg of their conference semifinal last year, despite losing on aggregate.

The Union are looking for their first-ever playoff win. They have appeared in the MLS Cup Playoffs twice previously (in 2011 and 2016), dropping all three matches played thus far. Their last appearance came in the Knockout Round in 2016, suffering a 3-0 loss at Toronto FC.

NYCFC put an end to a two-game losing slide with the Decision Day win vs. Philadelphia, their first since Sept. 26. They have won their last two home matches.

The Union come into the postseason on a two-game losing slide on the heels of a four-game undefeated run, falling to both New York clubs.

No. 4 FC Dallas vs. No. 5 Portland Timbers, 9:30 p.m. ET (UniMas, ESPN+, TSN, TVA Sports)

The teams are meeting for the second time in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The Timbers advanced 5-3 on aggregate when the clubs met in the Western Conference Championship in 2015, Portland winning the first leg 3-1 at Providence Park, before the teams reached a 2-2 draw in the return match at Toyota Stadium.

The teams met twice during the regular season, playing to a pair of draws. They reached a 1-1 result March 24 in Frisco, Texas, before playing to a goalless draw Sept. 29 in Portland.

The Timbers have not won in Frisco since 2014, their only road victory in the league series between the clubs. The last two matches at Toyota Stadium have ended in draws.

FC Dallas comes into the postseason riding a three-game losing streak, after their 2-1 loss to the Colorado Rapids on Decision Day. Maximiliano Urruti’s goal early in the match put an end to a 218-minute shutout streak.

The Timbers saw a two-game winning streak come to an end on Decision Day, falling 2-1 to Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place.

Thursday, November 1

No. 4 D.C. United vs. No. 5 Columbus Crew SC, 8 p.m. ET (UniMas, FS1, TSN, TVA Sports)

The Knockout Round match renews what was once one of the most heated playoff rivalries in all of MLS – though United and Crew SC have not met in the postseason since 1999. The clubs met in three successive seasons from 1997-99, D.C. United advancing on all three occasions, including back-to-back wins in best-of-three series in the Eastern Conference Championship in ’98 and ‘99.

D.C. United are making their first appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs since 2016. They have lost their last three postseason matches, suffering a 4-2 loss to the Montréal Impact at RFK Stadium in the Knockout Round in their last playoff match.

The teams met twice in the regular season, three weeks apart early in the year. Crew SC took a 3-1 win March 24 at Mapfre Stadium, then United made the lone goal stand up for the entire match after just 43 seconds of play, for a win April 14 at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, Md.

Crew SC reached the Eastern Conference Championship a year ago, falling 1-0 to Toronto FC on aggregate, after getting past Atlanta United on penalties in the Knockout Round, then New York City 4-3 on aggregate in the semifinals. Crew SC have not scored a goal in their last 270 minutes of postseason play.

Crew SC put an end to a two-game losing slide and three-game winless run on Decision Day, defeating Minnesota United FC 3-2 at Mapfre Stadium. Gyasi Zardes scored the first hat trick of his professional career, accounting for all the Columbus goals.

D.C. United concluded their regular season with a 10-game undefeated streak (7-0-3), ending with a goalless draw with the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park on Decision Day.

No. 3 Los Angeles Football Club vs. No. 6 Real Salt Lake, 10:30 p.m. ET (UniMas, ESPN2, TSN, TVA Sports)

LAFC are looking to become only the second expansion team to win a game in the MLS Cup Playoffs. One of five expansion clubs to reach the postseason, the only one to actually win a game in the playoffs was the Chicago Fire in 1998 – coached by Bob Bradley. The Fire won all five of their games in the postseason that year (two by shootout), on their way to winning MLS Cup.

Real are making their first appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs since 2016. They have been eliminated by the other team from Los Angeles – the Galaxy – on each of their past two playoff trips, including a 3-1 loss in the Knockout Round at StubHub Center last time out.

The teams met twice during the regular season, and LAFC won both. Diego Rossi became just the sixth player in MLS history to be involved in five goals in a single game, scoring two goals and assisting on three in leading LAFC to a 5-1 win on March 31 at Rio Tinto Stadium. Christian Ramírez netted both goals in the LAFC win Aug. 15 at Banc of California Stadium.

LAFC saw a three-game undefeated streak put to an end on Decision Day, falling 2-1 to Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park. Carlos Vela netted his 14th goal of the season.

RSL had Decision Day off, their regular season coming to an end Oct. 21 in a 3-0 loss to the Portland Timbers at Providence Park.

Series:

Topics:

hr.top-border-fade {background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) linear-gradient(to right, #ffffff 0%, #dfdfdf 50%, #ffffff 100%) repeat scroll 0 0;margin:20px 0 0 0;clear:both;border:0;height:1px;color:#dfdfdf;} .merch-block { background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) radial-gradient(50% 30px at 50% 100% , #ebebeb 0%, #fff 110%) repeat scroll 0 0; /* border-top:1px solid #ebebeb; */ padding:15px 15px 22px 15px; } .item, .copy {display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;} .item {line-height:0;} .item img {line-height:0;} .page-node .copy p {margin:0;} .page-node .copy p.merch-block-text {font-size:1.0em;line-height:1.40em;} .page-node .copy p.merch-block-title {font-size:1.4em;margin-bottom:3px;font-family:’din_regular’,’Helvetica Neue’, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;;} @media screen and (max-width: 730px) { .item {margin:0 15px;line-height:0;} .item img {width:100%;height:auto;} .page-node .copy {margin:20px 0 0 0;} .wide {display:none;} } @media screen and (min-width: 731px) and (max-width: 1120px) { .item {margin-right:20px;line-height:0;} .item img {width:120px;height:auto;} .page-node .copy {width:70%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 1121px) { .item {margin-right:20px;line-height:0;} .item img {width:165px;height:auto;} .page-node .copy {width:70%;} .page-node .copy p.merch-block-title {font-size:1.3em;} }

<!–

Stay connected: Get access to breaking news, videos, and analysis from North America’s best soccer reporters via “This Week in MLS” newsletter or using our FREE mobile app.

–>

Stay connected: The all-new, completely redesigned, FREE official MLS app is your best mobile source for scores, news, analysis and highlights. Download: App Store | Google Play

#block-block-188 {padding:0;} #stay-connected {border-top:1px solid #ebebeb;margin:20px 0;} #stay-connected p {margin:0;color:#4d4d4d;line-height:1.5em;} @media screen and (max-width: 730px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:100%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 731px) and (max-width: 1120px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:100%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 1121px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:708px;} }

MLSsoccer.com News

This Week in MLS – October 30, 2018 was originally published on 365 Football

#2018 #October #This #week

0 notes

pleaserelaxfc · 3 years ago

Text

Pregame: NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Orlando Pride (August 29)

Background:

Gotham had an unexpectedly strong start to the season, winning the Eastern side of the Challenge Cup and taking Portland Thorns to penalty kicks in the final, and then taking only one loss in their first eleven games of the regular season. However, they seem to be coming back down to earth now, losing three of their last four games, and are now smack in the middle of a seven-team group vying for essentially four playoff spots. Off the field, they have also been going through it a bit - their GM, Alyse LaHue, was fired in mid-July, and then last week it was announced that Angel City, an NWSL expansion team, had hired their Head Coach, Freya Coombe. Initially it seemed that Coombe would be staying with the team, but shortly thereafter it was announced that she would be leaving the team, apparently to avoid any conflicts of interest as she prepares for an expansion draft. Gotham's defensive power throughout the season has been spectacular, with Estelle Johnson and Caprice Dydasco becoming particularly crucial players this season, but a few more injuries than they were expecting, along with the loss of their Olympic players for a few weeks, have caused the team to struggle to get results.

The Orlando Pride also had an unbelievable start to the regular season, holding onto the top spot in the league through late June. Nobody expected this result from them, including themselves, and shortly after their results started declining, it was announced that their head coach would be departing the team to coach in England at Manchester United. Ashlyn Harris has been outstanding in goal, and Syd Leroux has been on a scoring tear all season, but nearly everything in between the two of them has shown moments of shakiness over the last couple of months. They are also in the same seven-team group that Gotham is (both coming into this week on 21 points, although Gotham has a game in hand), but it isn't clear what their plan for shoring up their weaknesses over the remainder of the season will be.

Momentum:

Both of these teams had very strong starts to their seasons, but much weaker results in recent weeks.

Gotham has lost three and tied the other two of its last five games. While some of these results aren't surprising - losses to the Courage and the Thorns are pretty much expected at this point in the season, for any team - some of them absolutely were, including a 3-2 loss to OL Reign, during which Gotham had come out with a 2-0 lead early on, and draws against the Houston Dash and Racing Louisville, currently 8th and 9th in the league.

Gotham has played significant minutes in its last three games in a 3-5-2 formation, as opposed to its typical 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. However, in the second half of their last game (a 2-1 loss against the Thorns), they moved back to a 4-4-2 and showed much more resistance, so I would expect that to be the case here, particularly with Erika Skroski (their third center back in the 3-5-2) out with injury.

Gotham has also had a slew of injuries that they probably weren't expecting, and they coincided with the Olympic stretch. Going into that stretch, I would have expected Gotham to be in one of the better places for teams in terms of losing players, but it did not turn into results, particularly with Paige Monaghan getting injured before the stretch, and Margaret Purce getting injured during it. Gotham has been struggling to find their attacking power, and with those two out, as well as Carli Lloyd and Evelyn Viens gone for the Olympics, it has largely fallen to Ify Onumonu to keep them afloat in recent weeks (and to her credit, she has done more than her share of that). With Lloyd and Viens back, as well as Imani Dorsey back to get at least some minutes at left back after a few weeks of injury, Gotham will be hoping to get things back on track here.

The Pride lost last week against the Washington Spirit - after Marta scored a truly incredible goal late in the match, the Pride defense seemed to switch off and allowed Ashley Hatch an easy tap-in, and even after the defense regrouped, Ashley Sanchez, not to be outdone by Marta, scored an absolute banger. They did earn draws against the Courage and the Thorns, as well as a win against the Red Stars, in the three games before that, so they will be hoping to make the game against the Spirit an anomaly.

Predictions:

Scoreline: Gotham 1-1 Pride

Gotham XI (4-4-2):

GK: Sheridan

4: Dorsey*, Johnson, Lewandowski, Dydasco

4: Long, Eddy, Cudjoe, Thiney

2: Lloyd, Onumonu

Orlando XI (4-3-3):

GK: Harris

4: McClernon, Turner**, Krieger, Riley

3: Dougherty Howard, Jonsdottir, Kornieck

3: Leroux, Taylor, Marta

Warm-ish Takes and Full Disclosure:

Gotham is one of the two teams that I root for (along with the Spirit), so I might not be...completely objective here.

*Imani Dorsey has been out with injury for a few weeks. She was cleared to play 30 minutes against OL Reign a week ago, and 45 against Portland on Wednesday. Gotham fans will be hoping she's cleared for more than that today, since she seems to be pretty key to their four-back. If she's not available, I would expect to see Sabrina Flores here (or possible swapped to the right, with Dydasco at left back).

As mentioned above, Gotham has been experimenting with a 3-5-2 in recent weeks. This has not been working out terribly well for them - it does seem to be a response to the number of players they have out injured, and the healthy players seeming to all be midfielders. Gotham's roster composition is a little strange, with a lot of solid midfielders, three natural central forwards, and a decent number of very capable center backs, but very few natural wide players at forward or outside back. The 3-5-2 seems to be the best way to get only their best available players on the field, but it has not been working for them at all. I would expect them to return to a 4-4-2 this week, with Lloyd and Onumonu playing the forward roles and Thiney at the top of a midfield diamond. Particularly with Skroski, who has been fairly solid as one of a three-back, out with injury, I would not expect to see the 3-5-2 experiment continue, and if it does (particularly if it does not work out for Gotham), Freya Coombe will likely be leaving her last Gotham game with significantly less goodwill than she came into the week with.

**Turner, who seems to be slotting into a starting role at center back alongside Ali Krieger, is listed as questionable on this week's injury report. If she isn't fit to play, I would expect to see Toni Pressley here.

Courtney Peterson has been extremely useful to the Pride at left-back this season, but she is listed as out on this week's injury report. Phoebe McClernon has gotten a couple of looks here, and I would expect to see her here again in Peterson's absence, but I don't think that's a lock.

Alex Morgan is out with injury, which, while not surprising, is unhelpful for a Pride team looking to return to its earlier form. Between Marta, Leroux, and Jodie Taylor, the Pride still have a good number of attacking threats. I would also expect to see Taylor Kornieck or possibly Erika Tymrak in an attacking midfield role - both of those players have demonstrated that they can be a threat in front of goal throughout the season.

#nwsl #gotham fc #orlando pride

0 notes