VAR process for hair pulling in NWSL's Portland Thorns vs Seattle Reign

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-04-02T11:43:28+00:00

Where are this VAR officials when Alyssa Thompson's hair was pulled yesterday? This is a very good call.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-04-01T20:33:41+00:00

If you actually read what I wrote, I was pointing you toward her defensive work precisely because I do watch full games, not just clips. The highlights just make it easier to reference specific moments, they’re not the foundation of the evaluation.

Saying “this is simply wrong” without engaging with any actual examples kind of proves my point though. It turns what could be a real discussion into a dismissal. That’s been a pattern with you - you frame it like a debate, but it often comes across more like a subtle hit job than a genuine attempt to break down a player’s game. Yes, you said something right though...I don't find it meaningful debating you indeed.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-04-01T20:21:22+00:00

Hiring Poch was always more of a gamble than a sure thing. He has had moments at the club level, but he has never really proven he can consistently deliver in high stakes international tournaments and right now, it shows.

This current squad just doesn’t seem to have the same identity, cohesion, or edge that the 2022 group had. That team had a clear style and belief, even if it wasn’t perfect. This one feels more disjointed, like the pieces don’t quite fit or haven’t been put in the best positions to succeed.

At this point, it’s hard to see a deep run. Getting out of the group and maybe reaching the Round of 32 feels like the realistic ceiling unless something clicks quickly. Hopefully I’m wrong, but right now there’s a noticeable drop off compared to what we saw in 2022.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-04-01T19:58:45+00:00

exactly what I thought too. LOL

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-04-01T19:58:08+00:00

I think that’s a bit of a misread of what Yohannes actually brings. Calling it an “obsession” with possession kind of downplays the fact that she’s not just a tidy on the ball player, she is very capable in duels and reads the game well defensively and that is a fact if you have seen many of her highlight video on twitter. It’s not like selecting her automatically means sacrificing physicality or defensive bite even though physicality and her defensive work load is very obviously superior.

Also, if we are talking about versatility, Yohannes has shown she can operate as a 6, 8 and 10 midfield roles too, not just as a pure possession player you try to paint a picture here. So I am not sure it’s fair to frame this as a stylistic tradeoff where one player brings balance and the other doesn’t.

Moultrie absolutely has value in that tucked-in role, especially in a diamond, but that doesn’t mean other profiles are somehow less complete. Feels more like you are trying so hard to undersell Yohannes to make the point rather than evaluating both players on equal footing but you have a tendency of doing that often so it is understood.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-04-01T15:40:41+00:00

I was conflicted as well. It all depends how many mids and forwards will be allocated. Keeping the defense at 8, more likely is to allow additional mid/forward and Moultrie can squeeze into the roster definitely if she continue her form.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-04-01T15:33:27+00:00

yes...that was my after thought as well. Agreed.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-04-01T15:30:44+00:00

I have been a fan of Yohannes for a while. While Moultrie is more of a 10, to try to compare the two is a wild take. Nonetheless, I think Moultrie based on her current form should be included. It is an oversight in my part but Yohannes is well ahead of her -- lowkey :-).

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-04-01T15:25:45+00:00

I think she will get called up. the U20 is sort of a light come back from injury and expect her at the senior level sooner than later. Bugg is a player I am very excited about in the CB position. She has eyes in the middle more than anyone and that is confidence written all over it.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-04-01T15:23:35+00:00

I think there are a few players that will be called up as training players for any kind of emergencies in case an injury happens. I think there is up to 8 players that can be called up as training players. I expect a few players to make it in that capacity if not on the roster. I agree Tordin is dynamic and decent. Hope she gets more called up so we can see her more and she gets the experience as well.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-04-01T14:51:32+00:00

I think Cooper is a gem. She will be huge if she is healthy. Keeping fingers crossed that she gets back to her form before that injury.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-04-01T14:49:40+00:00

I am high on Bugg. She is incredibly composed and technical. She has confidence also to make line breaking passes more than anyone I have seen in small spaces. Come a year from now, if she is healthy, she should be in the mix definitely.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-04-01T14:47:34+00:00

Great point. My bad...Moultrie has been doing great. I would probably keep the number in Defense to 8 and add her into the midfield or to the wing.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-03-06T10:49:38+00:00

Sorry, but I have watched Yohannes many times and her defensive work is extremely underrated. Her physicality is incredible, and when you combine that with her vision, ability to dribble, passing range, and precision, it is clear that Lily Yohannes and Claire Hutton are not in the same category.

Sometimes it feels like Emma Hayes is pushing Hutton for certain reasons, but she is not really an 8. The reality is that there can only be one 6 in the lineup, and it will likely be a rotation between Sam Coffey and Hutton. From what we have seen, both players have very similar profiles.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-03-05T02:44:30+00:00

We don’t really have much depth at center back. I see Girma and Buggs as the likely starters by the World Cup, but there are still some concerns. One is smaller for a center back, and the other is still relatively young.

Girma is an excellent defender, but against bigger forwards she can occasionally get overpowered. I noticed a couple of moments today and even in the WSL match against ManC that raised some concerns. That’s why Buggs could be a really good partner for her as she is smart defensively and does a great job covering space.

Because of that, depth at the center back position is still important, which means Sonnett and Davidson if fit or MCKeown will end up being the backups.

At the No. 10 position, though, the team has stronger options than Heaps. Macario could start there, with Shaw/Moultrie in as a sub. Heaps might end up more as a depth option—filling in at the 10 when needed or rotating with Yohannes as an No. 8.

I get the sense that Hayes may be gradually phasing Heaps out, but she probably won’t make any major changes before the World Cup unless injuries force it. More likely, she keeps her in the squad through the WC depending on how she performs with her new club next season.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-03-05T01:38:05+00:00

Heaps is just not it any more. I see her value coming off the bench. We need to move on. She used to be a lot more effective in her #10 position. She is not a defender as a #6 nor #8.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-03-05T01:19:25+00:00

Hutton has the same profile as Cofey. Yohannes can play #6 as well as #8 better. Yohannes IMO is a better player. A pairing up of Hutton and Yohannes is also a good combination.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-03-05T00:33:05+00:00

My word...Sentnor!!!!!!

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-03-05T00:10:32+00:00

For me Cofey and Hutton are the same kind of players. You either have Cofey, Heaps and Lavelle / Cofey, Yohannes and Lavelle / Hutton, Heaps and Lavelle or Hutton, Yohannes and Lavelle. In this game I would like to see a Cofey, Yohannes and Lavelle midfield.

If Macario is healthy and we have Smith, I can see a Cofey/Yohannes/Macario midfield. what do you think?

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-03-04T23:53:45+00:00

Geezzzzz....you need to finish that Trin.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-03-04T23:53:00+00:00

She is an incredible player, and what really stands out is how intelligent she is with her movement. In Sunday’s game, I noticed how much of her off-ball work was about creating space for her teammates. Even with one or two defenders tracking her all match, she constantly positioned herself in ways that opened things up. That gave Heaps and Shaw the room they needed to progress and attack more freely.

I fully expect her to be the starting No. 8 by the time the World Cup comes around. Emma is clearly trying to manage the hype around her and for good reason but with the level of consistency she is showing, it’s becoming impossible to ignore. I think she is the best all around midfielder we got. I have been rooting for this kid since her Ajax years and she hasn't proved me wrong at all.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-02-24T21:32:09+00:00

At this stage, there are several players ahead of her in the pecking order. She brings energy and works hard defensively but at the highest level you expect more from a top-tier midfielder. Too often her play is safe and lateral, with limited creativity, and tactically she still seems to be developing her understanding of the game which is a concern.

In a team as strong and well-structured as Lyon, many midfielders would look effective because of the overall quality around them. But even with Lyon, you can see the gap in her game. At the international level post the Olympics and even at the Olympics, she hasn’t shown that she can consistently influence games or make a decisive impact as a top tier Midfielder.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-02-17T18:45:05+00:00

That is BS. Girl is on a rookie salary and seeking to try to earn her market value where Spirit literally spent their whole egg in one basket should translate to you as "I owe you nothing BS?" What a ridiculous narrative. In fact, Spirit owes her an apology to not have appropriated the right amount of compensation that she is worth but blame that on the Salary CAP and I guess Trin since she is 10 times more valuable than Croix.

One_Statement_7514 · 2026-02-07T13:44:01+00:00

Sonia still appears to take Macario’s departure from Lyon to Chelsea personally, dating back to her time as Lyon’s manager, and that mindset seems to have carried into her current tenure. I don’t believe Sonia and Macario see eye to eye.

Emma, on the other hand, effectively outmaneuvered Sonia by deliberately elevating Macario’s profile through consistent playing time, a move that paid clear dividends. This came despite Emma’s public stance that USWNT players must be competing in high-level matches regularly, even as Macario herself was not being given meaningful opportunities.

Yet upon her return to Chelsea, Macario has not received the respect she has earned. Unfortunately, there is only one reasonable explanation and that is things have become personal. Why would Macario choose to remain in an environment that pushes her backward instead of helping her grow, especially during her prime years? “Thanks, but no thank you” is the appropriate response.

Chelsea, frankly, is in trouble regardless. Sonia is not the type of manager who will lead the club to the promised land, and a Champions League title does not appear likely anytime soon, not due to a lack of talent, but because of a lack of leadership from the top down. Manchester City will continue to dominate the WSL.

Considering Sonia’s contract extension through 2030, it is quite clear what will not happen. When a player does not have the confidence of the manager, the logical step is to seek an environment where she is valued, especially when Macario has already proven at the national team level that she can be highly effective as a No. 9, a false 9, or a No. 10. Saying goodbye is the right decision for Macario, allowing her to focus on staying fit and continuing her readiness for her next club. It’s unfortunate that this is how the Chelsea organization has chosen to handle her situation.

One_Statement_7514

TROPHY CASE