There’s just not a lot to say about this game. The story of the night was about who wasn’t on the pitch, and not a lot of import happened on it. Sigh.
See other writeups at Midfield Press, Dynamo Theory, Keeper Notes.
Overall, the attacking skill of the Dash in the second half–especially missing Morgan Brian–bodes well for the season, but this has to be looked on as 2 points dropped by them, not 1 point gained.
#THE GOOD
- In a word, Andressa. What a game from the midfielder. She was the subject of a ton of physical attention from Sky Blue all night, and was walking visibly stiffly by the end of the game from a long series of fouls; but she was tenacious, and controlling, and her instincts of when to turn into space and when to move the ball along are fantastic. Three(ish) shots from distance, one of which came close, and, of course, those lovely floating corner kicks.
- Rachel Daly continues to impress with effort, with enthusiasm, and with the ability to get into good positions. Unlucky not to score.
- When Kelley O’Hara has room to run, she is a terrifying force of nature. Easily the best player on the field for Sky Blue, and narrowly missed a free kick to steal the game at the very end.
- Cari Roccaro made the bench, which means her hip injury must be progressing. I still foresee great things for her.
- I thought Sarah Killion put in a good shift for Sky Blue, doing all the dirty work in midfield against a consistently strong Dash attack, especially in the second half.
- Ah, that second half … The Dash played very well offensively, full of attacking verve and energy, and were generally unlucky not to score. Caroline Stanley is getting much of the credit, but it was as much a result of the Dash being unable to place a shot more than a foot or three to either side of her.
#THE UNGOOD
- We all knew that Carli Lloyd was out. But, Amber Brooks missing the game for a personal event and Brian continuing to struggle with her hamstring were unexpected. I had anticipated Brian sliding into the #10 role with ease and flair. Not so much. Cami Privett did fine in Brooks’ stead, so the depth is nice, I guess.
- Chioma Ubogagu struggled again, unable to really make an impact as the point in the attacking trident. Daly and Kealia Ohai seem to be working well together, but I’ve been far more impressed with Janine Beckie in the early going than Ubogagu.
- This game saw Denise O’Sullivan make her debut as her international paperwork was finally sorted. She’s a thin, small woman who looks smaller than her listed height of 5’4″, and while she showed great feistiness and a nice occasional touch, she struggled to really impact the game. She could be a spark for the team, certainly, but she needs to show more than she did today.
- Sky Blue in general was just unimpressive. It’s a team without a lot of spark, and they never showed much connection to the considerable talents of Tasha Kai up front.
- For the first 2/3 of the game, Stanley was struggling mightily with all of her clearances: it almost felt like what happens when a catcher suddenly cannot toss the ball back to the pitcher. Punts spinning out of bounds, goal kicks barely clearing the 18, etc. Unsure if it was wind or just a momentary lapse of reason, or what. But it was noticeable.
#FAVES
Andressa, Andressa, Andressa. And, Daly’s work rate. And that the predicted deluge held off. Little else.