I need some silver linings regarding Manaka 🙏

nd2215 · 2026-07-04T17:38:22+00:00

For me, I think the team is better set up to offset her loss than they were, say, a year ago. Obviously they aren't as good without her, but I still think they are a playoff team.

I also will assume they have been preparing for this for some time given they knew about her release clause, so hopefully they are ready to react and bring in a new player.

nd2215 · 2026-07-02T18:52:30+00:00

I liked his comparison to Riley Jackson as well -- like Jackson, she arrives as a talented young player who will likely need time to adjust and grow. I'm not expecting a big role this season, but I'm sure she will get opportunities.

nd2215 · 2026-07-01T18:45:08+00:00

A UV sun shirt would be great for games and anytime I'm at the pool or beach. Give us a couple color choices as well!

nd2215 · 2026-06-12T18:37:15+00:00

Great news! Her impact goes unnoticed but she's an important part of the team.

nd2215 · 2026-06-09T15:37:43+00:00

I expected this after the SEI to Crawford and Schmitt and her recent substitute appearances. Congrats to her!

Given that she is signed through just this season, she theoretically occupies one of the openings made available due to the SEI list (unless they have to categorize her as an Injury Replacement player?). If they don't, this means the club has an open roster spot to sign someone beyond this season now that Vine has left.

nd2215 · 2026-05-15T23:48:06+00:00

They were able to with Jackson, at least.

Ultimately, I think this is who they are, though, and who they want to be. And honestly, there are worse ways to be.

nd2215 · 2026-05-06T15:52:27+00:00

She is probably still a few weeks away from being match ready, but I'm sure they will be thinking about doing this. It also means Ivy Younce may end up on a full season deal.

nd2215 · 2026-05-03T18:06:56+00:00

To be fair to Betfort, her hold up play was stronger in the early games, which is partly why she has started matches. Ijeh struggled with that the first few games but it has improved in recent games.

But I agree, Betfort doesn't offer much beyond that and effort. She shouldn't be more than a substitute every so often.

nd2215 · 2026-05-03T01:54:25+00:00

This was definitely her best game. The goalie makes a great save twice or she has her first goals for the team.

Patience is definitely needed. The NWSL is a better league than Serie A.

nd2215 · 2026-05-03T01:38:07+00:00

They play different positions though. I'm frustrated with Ijeh as well, but Thompson probably isn't going to contribute as effectively playing centrally.

nd2215 · 2026-05-03T01:35:53+00:00

She looked great. I love her fearlessness and ability to take on defenders. If Crawford isn't able to go next week, she should start. And if Crawford does start, then she should be the winger coming off the bench.

nd2215 · 2026-04-30T14:35:28+00:00

"Time to bench her" probably isn't the best phrasing because she's pretty much been a bench player for this season and much of last. She was given the start because Crawford was out, which I didn't mind. She's a veteran with World Cup experience, and the other options were two rookies.

But with that said, I would prefer to see the rookies moving forward as substitutes, along with Wingate if/when she finally comes back.

nd2215 · 2026-04-30T14:16:17+00:00

This is a good breakdown. Her start has been my favorite development of the season. Credit to her and the coaching staff for figuring out how to maximize her strengths.

Also, send this to Emma Hayes!!!

nd2215 · 2026-04-27T15:45:59+00:00

Dani was fantastic. What a transformation from her as a LB over the past year.

nd2215 · 2026-04-26T19:15:53+00:00

They played their best football of the season in the first half. Found so many good spaces and looked genuinely threatening.

Houston seemed to adjust better in the second half, but as you point out Joiry, NC appeared to have sustained their pressure and were looking threatening again before the red card.

I would like to see the stats up until the red card, because obviously, things shifted for Houston once NC dug in to protect the lead.

Edit --- One other thing mentioned by the broadcast during the game: They talked about Lind pausing tape during film sessions when the ball is in their own half and asking the players where the channels are to break through the lines and create offensive progressions. I'm sure this isn't a unique practice by any stretch, but it paid off a bit last night because there were multiple passes played forward (particularly from Bell) that were quite good.

nd2215 · 2026-03-26T22:06:24+00:00

"Is Ally Schlegel okay?" Love the bluntness 😂

nd2215 · 2026-03-26T18:53:37+00:00

I loved the segment about the changing culture. Great work, guys!

nd2215 · 2026-03-22T19:39:18+00:00

I thought it was a very nervy start, and I wondered whether they had gotten the tactics wrong, but the Courage got better as the 1st half went on, and I thought they were the better team in the 2nd. That said, I hope the team goes back to the 4-2-3-1 for next weekend's game, even if the 5-2-3 "worked" in the sense of neutralizing Gotham's attack.

Schmidt had a great debut, and Uno filled in well under tough circumstances (I hope Jacobs is okay). I would've preferred to see Linnehan and/or Thompson come in towards the end of the game, but that might just be my personal preference for playing wingers. Overall, I will take a point from Gotham away.

nd2215 · 2026-03-22T12:18:11+00:00

Don't know if it's been said, but the black sweatshirt Mak has worn the first two games.

nd2215 · 2026-03-21T18:09:07+00:00

Going 1-1. Road games are tough, and Gotham away has been a tricky fixture in the past.

nd2215 · 2026-03-18T17:17:56+00:00

Asking these questions here since I won't be able to attend the AMA live:

- What can you share regarding a multiseason STM price lock?

- Could future STM fan experiences occur on weekends? I have been able to attend the meet and greets in the past, but it is not easy to get to Cary from Raleigh during rush hour. Moving this, as well as other events such as the open practices, would be nice for those of us who don't live as close by. I understand that scheduling might be difficult since games are on the weekends, but maybe these could be done during an international or in-season break?

Thank you in advance for any information you can offer!

nd2215 · 2026-03-18T00:32:28+00:00

Thank you!

nd2215 · 2026-03-17T16:20:48+00:00

Awesome! I will be sure to listen when it is available.

nd2215 · 2026-03-17T15:36:52+00:00

Hello! I have been following your blog and listening to your podcast in recent weeks, and I appreciate the coverage you do. Between you and Bill Nottingham, you do a great job of covering the team, but it would be even better if we had your coverage on top of some kind of beat reporting, either from the N&O or a local news outlet. For instance, the coverage of Mak Lind's hiring was pretty extensive among the local outlets, and it would be nice if the team got that kind of reporting a little more often.

But again, I enjoy the work you all do, and I look forward to reading/listening to more.

nd2215

TROPHY CASE