Mediaboss Marketing

The USWNT has played its last game before the 2023 World Cup roster is announced in June. (Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

The U.S. womens national team has wrapped up its final international window before the 2023 World Cup roster is named. Between now and June, players are hard at work with their club teams both in the NWSL and abroad.

USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski has made it clear that game minutes matter for roster selection, and he has been actively watching NWSL games, most recently catching two matches in the Pacific Northwest this past weekend.

As player performances and returns from absence become clearer, its time for a second stab at projecting Andonovskis 23-player squad that will make the trip to New Zealand to try to repeat as World Cup champions.

Alyssa Naeher (Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

On the roster: Alyssa Naeher, Casey Murphy, Adrianna Franch

First player out: Aubrey Kingsbury

The USWNT goalkeeping position seemed all but wrapped up going into April, but a few NWSL performances have thrown just a shred of doubt into the mix. Naeher and Franch have each had touchy moments for their clubs in recent weeks. Franch wasnt selected to start for Kansas City in their 2-0 win over the Orlando Pride this weekend, with backup keeper Cassie Miller getting the nod in her place. Also over the weekend, Naehers Chicago Red Stars allowed five goals against OL Reign on just five shots on goal.

Theres enough evidence piling up to make U.S. fans slightly nervous, but probably not enough to sway Andonovski from his pre-determined trio of goalkeepers, all of whom have necessary experience at the international level. Casey Murphy, though, might have a clearer road to competing for serious minutes rather than serving primarily as Naehers backup if she begins to look like the clear frontrunner in form.

Kelley O'Hara (Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

On the roster: Becky Sauerbrunn, Alana Cook, Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox, Crystal Dunn, Kelley OHara

First players out: Sofia Huerta, Emily Sonnett, Casey Krueger

Determining who makes the USWNT defense for this years World Cup is as much a numbers game as it is a reflection of individual quality. If the U.S. takes seven attackers, they can roster only seven defenders, meaning they cant provide cover for every position on the backline. If Andonovski wants four center backs along for the ride, that limits his ability to have a relevant backup for every outside back and vice versa.

There are some things we know. Andonovski has indicated his current preferred starting defense is made up of Becky Sauerbrunn and Naomi Girma in the central defense, with Emily Fox and Crystal Dunn on the outside. That leaves others fighting for rotation spots. Tierna Davidson provides flexibility as a center-back/outside-back hybrid, and Alana Cook has gotten too many minutes in the teams system to be dropped now. The question then lies on the outside, where the U.S. will surely need to rotate throughout the tournament.

The biggest question mark is whether Kelley OHara or Casey Krueger has displaced Sofia Huerta, a crossing extraordinaire in the attack but a player who could struggle defensively against top competition. OHaras has steadily built her fitness back up to full 90-minute performances for Gotham in the early going of the NWSL season, and her experience could win out in crunch time. Emily Sonnett has been playing defensive midfield for OL Reign this season, indicating she might not currently have a foothold in the U.S. defense.

Julie Ertz (Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

On the roster: Julie Ertz, Andi Sullivan, Ashley Sanchez, Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Horan, Kristie Mewis

First players out: Taylor Kornieck, Sam Coffey

Fans have long desired two clear defensive midfield candidates to make sure the USWNT midfield is as balanced as possible at the World Cup, and it seems their prayers have been answered. The USWNT is now likely to take two No. 6s in New Zealand, but they are not the two anybody expected. Julie Ertzs return has flipped the teams midfield dynamic on its head, with the 31-year-old providing a solid counter-option to Andi Sullivan depending on the teams opponent.

The good news of Ertzs return does spell trouble for other midfielders who have been auditioning for various roles, including Taylor Kornieck, who may end up on the outside looking in. Ashley Sanchez doesnt provide as much versatility, but shes clearly Rose Lavelles attacking midfield backup when the veteran isnt available. And Kristie Mewis major tournament experience might be enough to secure her spot as the final midfielder on the plane to New Zealand.

Alyssa Thompson (John Todd/USSF/Getty Images).

On the roster: Alex Morgan, Sophia Smith, Lynn Williams, Megan Rapinoe, Catarina Macario, Trinity Rodman, Alyssa Thompson

First players out: Ashley Hatch, Midge Purce

With Mallory Swanson now sidelined with a serious knee injury, the U.S. has once again had to scramble to make sure all elements of the attack are covered by players with international experience. The good news is that the winger position is one of the USWNTs deepest, with quality forwards still likely to just miss out on a trip to the World Cup.

Andonovski called teen phenom Alyssa Thompson up in the wake of Swansons injury, appearing to place her higher on the depth chart than Gotham winger Midge Purce. Thompson is still a work in progress, but she plays off Sophia Smith well positionally and has a defensive motor the team could need in a close knockout game. Megan Rapinoe has shown her quality on set pieces hasnt abated in the latter stages of her career, likely becoming a candidate to help play left wing by committee in Swansons absence. Lynn Williams, a player built for Andonovskis system, has also only solidified her place with an excellent run of form in the NWSL.

The other unknowable factor in the final attacking decision for the U.S. is the status of Catarina Macario, whose timeline for a return to competitive play gets slimmer by the day. Macario has fewer than five matches left in her club season with Olympique Lyon and hasnt yet indicated a return to full training.

Ashley Hatch, meanwhile, has continued to perform in NWSL, scoring three goals in four games. Despite that, the Spirit forward hasnt seemed to make much progress in playing time with the U.S. At this moment, Im still betting on Macarios promise over Hatchs known qualities, though the balance between the two players shifts further toward Hatch with every passing day.

Claire Watkins is a Staff Writer at Just Womens Sports. Follow her on Twitter @ScoutRipley.

Link:
USWNT mock roster 2.0: Projecting the 2023 World Cup team - Just Women's Sports

Aesthetics are important, said Clifford Miranda. Unless Indian coaches get that, their lament about top jobs in the country being taken up by foreigners would continue, said the interim Odisha FC head coach and the only Indian to win the Super Cup.

Why are foreign coaches with average knowledge or quality coming here and convincing owners that they can run a club? It is because they bring in a wave of professionalism, said the former international midfielder who played 15 years for Dempo when the Goan giants ruled the club circuit in India. It convinces owners to give them a chance because they think this person means business, he said.

By professionalism, Miranda said he meant the way coaches ran training sessions, organised their day and the people around them. This is what we must learn.

It is also why players drift towards foreign coaches, Miranda told Hindustan Times football podcast Kicks For Free. Players are smart: in two days they will find out whether you deserve this position.

Asian coaches are not good technically or tactically because they dont watch enough football and dont do enough analysis, Miranda said he was told by a coaching instructor in Uzbekistan. Even though he said Asians, I felt like he was talking to me. And it was the truth, I felt. That has hampered our chances. This is one part but it is the second part. The first part is: are we professionals?

Will getting Odisha FC ready in three weeks after head coach Josep Gombau left change perceptions about Indian coaches? I am not here to bring in a revolution. I am working to develop myself and the players that I have, the organisation I work for, said Miranda who joined as assistant-coach this season after four years on FC Goas staff. In the process, if I am able to change perceptions, why not?

Only one team, NorthEast United in 2021-22, in the nine-year history of Indian Super League has started the season with an Indian head coach. Five of the top six teams in the I-League this term preferred a foreign coach. Miranda said he hoped that would change some former India teammates such as Renedy Singh, Gouramangi Singh, Sameer Naik and Bibiano Fernandes are good as was NorthEast Uniteds assistant-coach Floyd Pinto, he said but not without corrective measures.

That said, Miranda, 40, is ready for the top job. I will be one, for sure. I just dont know when. He said if he was not ready to be head coach, he wouldnt have taken charge in the middle of the season. That is so much more risky. It shows my confidence and belief and I say this without being arrogant.

If it doesnt happen in ISL, he is willing to move to I-League. But it should be a good project, not necessarily a big or rich one. The club has to have ambition, he said.

Happy calling Odisha FC home, Mirandas focus is on Saturdays knockout game against last years I-League champions Gokulam Kerala FC. At stake is an 2023-24 AFC Cup berth. It would complete a season of firsts for a team that in 2019 got a new identity after moving from New Delhi.

Dhiman Sarkar is based in Kolkata with over two decades as a sports journalist. He writes mainly on football.

Vivek Krishnan is a sports journalist who enjoys covering cricket and football among other disciplines. He wanted to be a cricketer himself but has gladly settled for watching and writing on different sports....view detail

Read the original here:
Indian coaches must convey they mean business: Miranda - Hindustan Times

Two days removed from capturing a 5-1 win in a near-perfect Game 1 performance, the Jets entered The Fortress again Thursday evening in search of a 2-0 lead in their first-round series with the Vegas Golden Knights. They failed to do so, falling 5-2 to a much more engaged Golden Knights squad in a feisty Game 2.

Here, well look at five takeaways from all the action.

After holding the Golden Knights at bay Tuesday especially in the third period, where the home side mustered only two shots the Jets were expecting the Western Conference champion that captured 111 points in the regular season to make adjustments and put up a much tougher challenge.

Getting win two will be harder than getting win one. Regardless of who wins that first game, getting that second one is going to be tough, same as getting the third, same with the knockout game. We know how tough (Thursdays game) is going to be, head coach Rick Bowness said Wednesday. This is the top team in the Western Conference for a reason.

The Golden Knights came out flat in the first period and again failed to play to their identity. The Jets had them on their heels, outshot them 17-8, and entered the first intermission up 1-0 on Adam Lowrys third goal of the series.

After four periods dormant, the real Golden Knights finally showed up for the second. They were rewarded for their effort and energy, as William Karlsson and Jack Eichel scored within a five minute span to take a 2-1 lead. The Jets replied before the period was out, with Kevin Stenlund deflecting a Saku Maenalanen centering pass up and in to tie the game.

The Jets entered the third one strong period away from coming home with an unexpected 2-0 series lead, but the Golden Knights came out with more oomph and ran away with things. A net-front Chandler Stephenson banged in a rebound Mark Scheifeles had lost him off the faceoff and Mark Stone followed that up with a tap-in goal off the rush for an insurance marker.

Stone who had a disappointing Game 1 after coming off the long-term injured reserve scored again late in the third to cap the proceedings.

They took over in the second period and clearly they won the third period, Bowness said postgame. Our execution with the puck wasnt very good. We got on the wrong side of them and let them play a lot faster than we want them to play. And we looked slow because of the execution.

Nikolaj Ehlers sat out again despite declaring himself good to go prior to the series after being injured on a dirty hit by the Minnesota Wilds Ryan Hartman on April 11.

The Ehlers injury storyline has been bizarre, considering Bowness publicly disputed the left wingers assertion of being at 100 per cent but also has allowed him to practice in full. Nonetheless, Bowness opted once again to deploy Nino Niederreiter in the dynamic Danes stead.

The Niederreiter, Vladislav Namestnikov, and Blake Wheeler line combined for a goal and six points in Game 1, but were held off the scoresheet in Game 2.

The Jets desperately need Ehlers speed and skill to compete going forward, especially if the top line of Kyle Connor, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Mark Scheifele fails to produce like it did in Game 2.

Ehlers absence has been especially evident on the power play. The Jets could have used his creativity during a four-on-three opportunity when leading 1-0 in the first, where they did a lot of passing along the periphery but not much else.

The Jets 2.0 franchises penchant for losing in Game 2s continued.

With the loss, the Jets now have just a 2-6 record in Game 2s since relocating from Atlanta. They won Game 2 in the 2018 first-round series against the Wild and Game 2 in the 2020 best-of-five Qualifying Round against the Calgary Flames.

They lost Game 2 in the first round of the 2015 first-round series against the Anaheim Ducks, lost Game 2 of the 2018 second-round series against the Nashville Predators, lost Game 2 of the 2018 Western Conference Final against the Golden Knights, lost Game 2 of the 2019 first-round series against the St. Louis Blues, and lost Game 2 in the 2021 second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens.

Losing against the Ducks and Canadiens put the Jets in a 2-0 series hole, while losing against the Predators, Golden Knights, and Blues made each series 1-1.

The only series they ended up winning of those five was the series against the Predators, which went to seven games. The series against the Ducks and Canadiens series ended in sweeps, the series against the Golden Knights ended in five, and the series against the Blues ended in six.

After the Jets put four past Laurent Brossoit on 30 shots in Game 1, there was speculation Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy might turn to veteran goaltender Jonathan Quick for Game 2, who they acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Trade Deadline.

Instead, Cassidy gave Brossoit who went 7-0-3 with a 2.17 GAA and .927 SV% in his final 10 regular-season starts a vote of confidence and another chance to make good. Quick, in fact, didnt even dress as Adin Hill backed up Brossoit.

The bet on the Jets former backup paid off as he made 31 saves on 33 shots in the victory. He had an excellent first period, making a number of key saves that ensured his team entered the first period down only one.

Very few leave Las Vegas ahead. Most leave behind. The Jets will leave even, which is not bad for a team that went just 20-20-1 on the road in the regular season.

Of course, the Jets would have loved to head back to Winnipeg with a 2-0 series lead, but, as we wrote before the series began, they needed at least a split.

While they cannot be happy with losing complete control of Game 2 in the third, they will have a chance to retake the series lead at Canada Life Centre in Game 3 on Saturday afternoon, where they went 26-13-2in the regular season.

Read more from the original source:
5 Takeaways From Jets 5-2 Game 2 Loss Against Golden Knights - The Hockey Writers

It was dj vu from a year between the Sockers and the Chihuahua Savage in the Major Arena Soccer League Western Conference Finals.

For the second straight year, both teams won games home at their home venue in the first two games of the series, setting up a Knockout Game at Pechanga Arena to determine who advanced to the Ron Newman Cup finals.

It was a back and forth affair for the first 14 minutes of the 15-minute knockout game. The Sockers had a couple opportunities to score as time in regulation ticked down. Midfielder Leonardo de Oliveira had an opportunity to score but was deflected by the Savage goalkeeper, Berna Valdovinos.

As a result, the game went into a 10-minute overtime period, where the first goal scored on either side was going to send that team to the title.

Chihuahua forward Jaime Alejandro Romero was able to get the ball past Sockers goalkeeper Boris Pardo to the upper left portion of the net three minutes into the sudden-death period. The goal ended the Sockers season and their quest for a third straight title.

The knockout game is never easy, said Sockers forward Tavoy Morgan. You dont want to be the ones who get knocked off. Unfortunately, they came, they (did) what theyre supposed to do.

Sockers defender Guerrero Pino added that the Savage came out with a different mentality in theknockout game.

It was it was a hard game, Pino said. I mean, Chihuahua was the second team in the league throughout the season. They came out, they came out stronger on the on the mini-game and they deserved the win. I mean, theres nothing we can say about it.

We just have to prepare better for a better season next year and go from there.

Fridays heartbreaking loss came after the Sockers took down the Savage 6-2 in game two of the series to even the series and force the knockout.

The Sockers had put the game out of reach in the first game of the day as multiple players had the opportunity to get involved in the offense as 10 players recorded at least a point via a goal oran assist. Leading the Sockers was forward Tavoy Morgan and defender Mitchell Cardenas, whoeach recorded a goal and an assist.

Pardo recorded 13 saves in Game 2 and another three in the knockout.

Link:
Sockers' season ends with 'Knockout Game' loss to Chihuahua in ... - The San Diego Union-Tribune

April 21, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS) - Club de Foot Montreal News Release

MONTREAL - Following Tuesday night's Canadian Championship win over Vaughan SC, CF Montral will resume its MLS campaign by hosting the New York Red Bulls this Saturday at 7:30pm EDT at Stade Saputo (Apple MLS Season Pass, BPM Sports, TSN 690).

Montreal's home record against the Red Bulls stands at 7-2-2 with a +12 goal differential. In 2022, the two clubs managed to each steal a road win from the other. On April 9, Montreal won 2-1 at Red Bull Arena, while on August 31 at Stade Saputo, the Bleu-blanc-noir were shut out 1-0 following a lone-goal match-winner from Scottish midfielder Lewis Morgan.

For the home side, midfielder Victor Wanyama, rested on Tuesday against Vaughan, is only two games shy of reaching the milestone of 100 games played with Montreal in all competitions. Since signing with the Club in 2020, he has played in 87 MLS regular season games, three playoff games, one Canadian Championship game, six Concacaf Champions League games and one MLS is Back knockout game. In four meetings against the Red Bulls, Wanyama has one goal and one assist.

Meanwhile, defender Rudy Camacho is just 82 minutes away from reaching the 10,000-minute plateau in MLS regular season play. He will become the fifth outfield player in Club history to reach that mark. He has so far played 114 games since joining in 2018.

As for the opponents, they have also had a rocky start to the season with a 1-2-5 record after eight games. Sitting in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, the Red Bulls collected their only win on March 18 in a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew. Dante Vanzeir scored the winning goal late in the game. Since that result, the team has a -1 goal differential, but has managed to score in three of those four games.

Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

The rest is here:
CF Montral Returns to MLS Action on Saturday against the New ... - OurSports Central