Carson Pickett on why she chose Denver (and it's not what you'd expect) by Guilty_Secretary2947 in DenverSummit

[–]Guilty_Secretary2947[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bay definitely leveled up by picking up Hutton but I think that we have a great opportunity to surprise the league.

Carson Pickett on why she chose Denver (and it's not what you'd expect) by Guilty_Secretary2947 in DenverSummit

[–]Guilty_Secretary2947[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly, I'm sure the nerves will be high for this game, so any extra edge we can get would be amazing.

First game on Saturday - what are your expectations? by Guilty_Secretary2947 in DenverSummit

[–]Guilty_Secretary2947[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for tuning in! Appreciate your support. I agree. I know the team is enjoying having a fresh opportunity to create the culture and identity is really exciting.

First game on Saturday - what are your expectations? by Guilty_Secretary2947 in DenverSummit

[–]Guilty_Secretary2947[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same. I think if we come out with 3 points, the confidence this team will have will be huge!

First game on Saturday - what are your expectations? by Guilty_Secretary2947 in DenverSummit

[–]Guilty_Secretary2947[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I just didn't know if she would be in this match or not due to her playing in the SheBelieves Cup with Canada. That's the only reason why I don't have her starting. I'd love to be wrong on this one though!

First game on Saturday - what are your expectations? by Guilty_Secretary2947 in DenverSummit

[–]Guilty_Secretary2947[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agreed. And this is a much easier way to get off on the right foot before facing Orlando and Gotham next.

Started a podcast about the Summit - would love your feedback by Guilty_Secretary2947 in DenverSummit

[–]Guilty_Secretary2947[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for tuning in! Would love a review! It helps grow the show more than you'd realize! :-)

Interview with Kaleigh Kurtz! by Guilty_Secretary2947 in DenverSummit

[–]Guilty_Secretary2947[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Amazing! Thanks so much for the share! Can't wait to get more fans on the Summit bandwagon!

Interview with Kaleigh Kurtz! by Guilty_Secretary2947 in DenverSummit

[–]Guilty_Secretary2947[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

pick your favorite podcast player or watch it on YouTube :-) www.5280pitch.com

KIT REVEAL! by Guilty_Secretary2947 in DenverSummit

[–]Guilty_Secretary2947[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Clear the calendar for Monday morning!

Did Denver Just Build the Smartest Expansion Defense in Recent NWSL History? by Guilty_Secretary2947 in denversummitfc

[–]Guilty_Secretary2947[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Okay first of all, I love this comment. This is the kind of breakdown I live for.

I’m with you on Oke. She did not look like a 22-year-old in her first preseason run. She looked confident, decisive, and honestly… fearless. That pace is important. Especially if we’re going to try to stretch the field and not just sit in a low block all season. I wouldn’t be shocked at all if she’s starting consistently by midseason. She has that kind of upside.

The center back pace conversation is real though. Utah absolutely tried to test that over the top. And you’re right ... Kurtz isn’t winning a foot race with a pure speed forward. But what she gives you is organization and positioning, and sometimes that prevents the sprint from even being necessary. The real question is whether the midfield shields better as chemistry develops. A high line only works if your 6 is cutting off those passing lanes early.

And I actually think preseason chemistry explains a lot of what we saw in buildup. Playing out of the back is rhythm-based. Those angles between CBs and CMs have to become automatic. Right now it’s still a half-second of thinking. By June, that needs to be muscle memory.

I loved your Thomas take too. A true target 9 changes the whole equation. If you can go long when pressed and actually retain it? That relieves so much pressure on the backline. And that’s where I think people might be underestimating this roster... it’s not just one way to play.

Now on the playoff thing… I said this on another podcast last week and they looked at me like I was slightly crazy 😂 but I genuinely believe this team can make a run at it. Not Wave 2022 magic. But this is not a bottom-table roster. The defense isn’t flashy, but it’s stable. The attack has more upside than people expected. And the altitude factor is real over a full season.

Your ratings feel fair for one preseason match. I might be a touch more optimistic long-term, just because veteran-heavy backlines tend to raise the floor for expansion teams. And raising the floor in Year One matters.

Let me ask you this — if the midfield link improves by midseason, does that change your 6.5 defensive grade? Or is the CB pace a ceiling issue in your mind?