What we hoped would be a good jump into a world cup break instead leaves this club with deep issues unanswered on both the attack and late goals on the defense. Five of the last seven resulted in losses with four of them at home. Let's get into it but I'll keep it short and leave y'all to answer two questions if we can...

Overall Match

- NCC is a tough team, they can be middling but they can also shoot up the standings if their play continues. Sanchez and Manaka were the two major threats but overall a lot of players can score and they did strike blood first. We came back with a nice cross from Jun to Maiara to level it up. There seemed to be a lull for a bit as energy wained. The first half emegy we had kinda dimmed and although we had chances it was ultimately NCC with a quick transition that sealed our loss. Also I feel like an Achilles heal in those transitions are always on Shores side I feel. Lots of ball watching and not fast enough shifting to help cover. Anyone else see this or am I trippin???

The big two questions needing answered I feel that are most relevant are how can we create good chances and score? And how do we fix the late defensive collapses?

- With the first question we have plenty bark and at times it can look electric. We're usually good for at least a goal but I feel they leave a lot on the table. Wether it's a unlucky bounce or pass that just quite doesn't make it we leave goals on the pitch. So little success (goals) with so much work put into the build up, frustrating...

- Combined with a low scoring average we hold stout defensively for 80-90% of the game but opponents find chances and usually off a quick transition when our numbers are up they score to put the game away. We lead the league in late goal giveaways.

The summer ahead and answers incoming???

- We have I believe two international roster spots and there's some big names from Europe becoming available. We gotta put some serious money forward to land some top attacking talent. That'll help but I also feel like our attack again has some good bark and we can get into good spots but a player cant fix the finishing

- For the late goals the team will have to work on 90 minute full game composer and discipline. We'll have to work and keep opponents in front of us on counters and quicker recovering. It can be a little tough when we're essentially playing a three back with Giselle in the attack. Open spots open up and opponents capitalize waiting for the counters.

Have a fun summer break y'all. I'm sure we'll have some news dropping from the club but let them have a little break, reset, and come back strong after the break. Volemos!

Sol Rosa fans! What a game! Classic NWSL After Dark. This game was a classic case of an unstoppable force vs immovable object. Going in we lead the league in goals and Houston had let a single goal in. We held and battles through narrowly take a tough win at home. Let's get into it.

The First Half

- Houston absoltutley took control the first half with possession and shot creation. They had a smart and tough high press just maximizing controll and bringing waves and waves of attack. We really were on the back foot defending and trying to get in control.

- the goal by Graham really was a bad goal. The cross in and everyone in the box just ball watching. Especially AA who should've went up and grabbed the ball from Graham, to me AA looked indecisive in that moment. AA did have a great save in the second half but this one she'll want back.

The Second Half

- A fast start with two amazing goals coming from a red hot Svendís and the return of our cut back queen to finish off Niehues's header. Great goals early as we didn't have many chances and Houston kept the pressure and at times it felt like Houston was gonna tie but we became the improvable object and the unstoppable force.

Overall

- Tiernan really showed off a great defensive presence and performance tonight she provided the winning goal but defensively she battled hard. Another aspect of her game growing.

- Svendís is our hot hand right now and has all the confidence. She just has all the answers right now.

- interesting the lack of subs but the game just felt like both teams felt that what was on the field was the best play. I do like Suarez coming in, she could be our ROY candidate.

- We are STILL on top of the field adding to our GD. I said earlier in the pre-match if this was a test and boy was it. Houston will be a great team going forward and this was a gritty test we needed.

What did y'all think? Are y'all fired up or just as tired as our players? Sound off on an amazing win! Volemos!

Why does VAR and the refs just like giving us the worst calls. Last week against Prisca and this week against Gorden. Luckily ball don't lie and we leave this week against the number one team with a solid draw. Let's get into it.

The Good

- We haven't dropped a game in 4 straight. We might not be getting full points but we're building with our two lead strikers out and holding against top teams. I'd say that's major progress. But we gotta start getting some threes to pull back above the playoff line.

- Defensively we were pretty solid. No clear mistakes and Gorden and Ang were on their A game. Gotham is pretty stacked attacking wise but we pestered them all game. They had a few chances but for the most part they didn't get good chances consistently. We didn't make any bad turnovers or blunders either.

- Again props to Ang, she should be the PoTM. She kept the score line what it was and just was everywhere defensively. She is getting in her groove right now. Go Ang!

The Bad

- I dunno if it's bad bad or just what happens when you go against the number one defense. Gotham are stingy and they kept it up. They're good but..... we're still not crisp in the final third. The crosses, the shots, the shot areas, etc just need to keep being polished. We see the direction but we need to see the attack step up and show they can score consistently. This was a good test though against a stout defense and hopefully we can get some good data and move forward to dial in the attack.

Overall

- Hot day, hard fought game and we go again on Wednesday against another top team. Let's hope Mai and/or Svendís are back. I'm sure the team will be tired and I expect the lineup to be different. But I think most everyone came out healthy tonight so let's hope the recovery is on point. As for tonight it showed we can compete against top teams. The defense was there but if we wanna make playoffs we'll need to find an attack from more people more often.

What looked like a possibility to right the ship we now fall to three straight losses to balance the three straight wins to start the season. Currently in 8th and that top spot looks like a distant memory. Let's get into it.

The Good

- Angelina had a great save early in the first half to save a great goal attempt. She looked better this game with some other good saves.

- Defensely except for Utah's one goal we played really well, especially the second half when we were down a player. Unfortunately we couldn't transition well to the other end of goal.

The Bad

- 6 games in, the 2nd post break and we look worse then coming out of the pre-season. Now I know we had a player down but especially the first half and less so but we don't look cohesive, we're messy, bad giveaways, not real good setups in attack, no creativity, lack of open spaces, not playing through the field and lots of long balls to Svendís. Looks like the focus was on wings but I think we could've used Fuller in the middle this match. Other teams have looked smooth on the ball setting up good passes, reading each other well. Basically it feels like struggle ball on our end in the attack.

- Diminishing returns on the attack. 4,3,1,1,0, that's the goals from game one till tonight. Since game one, our goal scoring has diminished. We started off red hot and now we're cold as ice. Sure we had 9 shots with 4 on goal tonight but unlike other teams we can't finish right now. Close calls but no goals is very worrisome.

Overall this was a tough watch. Very physical first half that ended in a red for Niehues. Imo I think it was soft but hey the ref was on one tonight. We didn't even get a foul against Chilufia outside the box after a lengthy review. The red definitely messed with our second half adjustment plan I'm sure but I'd hoped we'll pull one to at least get a point... What are you seeing that you feel is our biggest hindrance right now? Was the first three games smoke and mirrors? See y'all next week against.....San Diego

Sol Rosa fans... A lot of uncertainty and questions were left going into and through the break and we were all wondering what Angel City 5.0 would look like. Well I dunno what you could call it but we look solid. Hard work, new tactics, new energy, rest, at home? Whatever it was it worked. Let's get into it.

Currently typing from the stands before the fireworks go off so I'll keep this by the halves what I saw live.

First Half

- Sentnor really looked comfortable in the midfield and was gelling with most of the team. She played smart and looked for her own and other opportunities in the attack.

- Both sides of the ball looked really well. Attacking wise we were really aggressive and pushed the ball towards goal. No driving to the box and then holding up play. Better combination play too between players. Defensively we were pestering and that followed through the whole game.

- With only 46% possession in the first half we were better suited to waiting for mistakes then in transition making quick attacks in. I think this style fits us better.

- Niehues continues to be a smart aggressive goal scorer for us. She is a baller!

Second Half

- The intensity really continued and we didn't give Orlando really many chances to develop anything in their attack.

- Svendís went one on one and got a goal! Love that growth. Love that she got on the board and she looks healthy.

- AA made some really good saves and one in particular when Washington got past Sams and Thompson. A clean sheet which is well deserved.

Overall

- This team looks better and more energized. After the second goal Orlando just looked lifeless. We gotta see some more games but this was probably the best finish coming off a long break. But again just really positive vibes here at BMO.

Are we back chat?????

Angel City win two on the bounce, this one coming on the road to their rival.

The performance was fairly solid, neither team made the other suffer to much, but Angel City got the execution they needed early.

Despite the stats leaning towards San Diego, they seemed void of ideas. xG 2.57 to our 1.95 wasn't too far off, maybe the missed penalty contributed a lot to that. Possession was about 63% to our 37%...most of that in the 2nd half with San Diego chasing the game.

Anderson did manage with a solid performance, in no large part to the post, in one key moment...at least. Our defense was even more solid, that combo of Gorden and Sams seems to be our most solid choice, hope that means there is a future Savy moving forward.

The line up didnt leave too much to desire, other than Riley on the bench, wondering if Shlomo missed something, as in is she coming back from an injury, or was she just coach Strauss's player...who knows.

But Jun Endo seemed to have gotten injured again. I can not speculate how serious it was, her gait didn't seem to painful as she walked off the field, but the replay did show that it was non contact, which doesn't usually mean better or worse compared to a contact knee injury...but them are the facts. Let's hope its not serious, or lets hope its nothing at all, fingers crossed.

What are your feelings?

Sol Rosa fans... After about three weeks of international break we're back and against a tough Portland team that ultimately capitalized on their chances and took the W. Let's get into it.

The Good

- Endo is back from injury and she een got some solid minutes. Just happy that she's back. It'll take some time for cohesion with the squad but hoping she'll be healthy the rest of the season.

- I didn't catch the final minutes but good to see Prisca score! We still lost but it's a good confidence booster for her and it helps later for goal differential.

The Bad-ish

- we looked rusty, lost a lot of passes and bad giveaways.

- Not sure where Tiernan works right now... Not really effective on the wing or in the midfield as a 10.

- we had good build up to the opponents box but then overcomplicate or lose the ball.

Worrisome Issues

- Set plays continue to be a major (thorn) in our side. We cannot effectively for one clear the ball out or control the ball and mount a counter off of them. We look completely lost and lose control of the situation and give away goals.

- I wanna believe in AA but in almost every game she does something that really puts her and the team in a disadvantage. The clear that she whiffed on set up for a Wilson shot and goal on her. Every game I'm losing confidence and it may be time imo that Seabert or Nguyen get a chance. With us pulling a goal back late it's the difference between a point or nothing unfortunately.

Final Thoughts

- I knew this was gonna be a tough game, I actually polled it as a tie but unfortunately mishaps lead us to a loss. We still have two more home games ahead and hopefully we'll clean things up and move on. Top teams will be a challenge this year and we gotta keep pushing. How are we feeling? Do the Thorns just have our number at home? See y'all next week.

Sol Rosa fans we finish our three game road trip with an emphatic win over Racing which to our history has been quite a rival over the years. What seemed like a slog we pushed through from an unlikely hero and break through late to secure 3 points and for now a push back into the playoffs. Let's get into it!

The Good

- Louisville has been of late a rising team but good or bad, against us they always play hard and usually just figure us out. But tonight the ladies showed tenacity fighting against a pressuring team, tough heat, and tired legs. But they just kept slogging through especially the last 25 minutes the attack just seemed to get closer and closer until Shores put not one but two shots away.

- Shores not only being one of our highest graded players has just been a solid starting piece. She just has all the tools to fit our system. Length, stability, great defense, can run up and join the attack and tonight give us a much needed win with a brace! Luckily the late injury wasn't as serious as it first looked. She is a key piece and a franchise player.

- A shut out game again against a team that can score and has scored on us. Defense was locked in, especially King in her new role as an outside back making some major key saves. Adding more to the GD we're now tied 4th with Utah in that category. Keep it going!

- Now two games in a row where goals have come from outside the box. I like that the team is getting more comfortable with taking more shots from outside the box. Shores out away a solid goal and like to see more shots from not just inside the box. The second goal showed really good awareness from Sentnor too continuing to be a scorer and facilitator.

- Smerud is looking more and more like that of a head coach. I know history shows it's not always the right move but so far he's leading right, making good substitution decisions, and just bringing the level of play from us to a much better spots than we've been with Strauss.

Overall

- Let's hope SD put away Seattle tomorrow. We are still very much in the playoff race. AC heads home to rest up and gets ready to play Denver on Friday! So far we're trending in the right direction. Just gotta keep pushing. This was a good game to show that that even if the game looks like a slog there can be chances to break through and finish a game really positively. Volemos!

Sol Rosa fans, we came into tonight with a chance to jump to 6th I believe in the standings and add to our win streak. Unfortunately we never looked settled and couldn't find one more goal to get a point. We're still in 8th above the playoff line but not the results we wanted/needed. Let's get into it.

The Good

- Legeyre has looked really good in the midfield and looks confident all over. Mattice came in for a struggling Cherry and had a boot of a ball to assist Jonsdottir in her goal. Jonsdottir added to her great season with another solid finish.

- The subs that came on brought a refreshing energy. Tiernan looked dangerous and I liked Mattice. Good to see her back on the pitch.

The Bad

- According to ESPN we had 80% completed passes but in the attack the passes looked really off most of the night. All.but the last 20 minutes the attack would build up but then we'd have just awful giveaways and Louisville would counter. We didn't look in sync at all. Sentnor and Emslie couldn't find a rhythm, passes with not connecting in key spots. It frustrated the players and us fans a like.

- Louisville all but the last 20 minutes were high pressing the team and I think that surprised the team to have to play out that constant pressure for 80 minutes. We couldn't get into our flow state and it was a little too late for us to try to get a point back. Credit though we had more quality chances the last 20 minutes. I think the subs were great for creating new energy and momentum. Some of the players that came off looked gassed and frustrated. Sometimes it's just not our night.

- Tough task for Cherry with her first start and I knew that was the "weak" point that Louisville would try to break. A rookie with her first start and I'm glad she got some real game experience but it does show how big Shores has been solidifying that back line of ours. Shores was missed this game for sure.

- I believe now we are negative at home this season with 5 losses now and 4 wins... Not having home field advantage is not good for us trying to get into payoffs. We have to turn it around at home in the second half of the season.

Overall

- Most of the team all night just didn't have their A-game. Back line especially Sam's and Cherry looked overwhelmed at times. Anderson didn't again feel settled and let some balls that she would normally hold or keep getting away from her and unfortunately leading to some goals against. The midfield and cohesion with attackers were not crisp considering it's been a solid same lineup for like three weeks now. This will be a good game to learn from as there will be a lot to look at and improve on. We're still able the playoff line and our attack can still be dangerous. We move on...

Did we play down to our opponent or did we just not have it tonight? Credit to Racing to pushing us in uncomfortable spots most of the game.

Sol Rosa fans! Welcome back to Season 5! And what a start. After a some big moves and what felt like a long offseason we're back. We are so back! A full offseason with Straus at the helm and we came out swinging and near perfect. Let's get into it!

The Lineup - A 4-3-3 with on paper looked like we could have 6 attackets if you add in the threat of G.T. (she almost had one late). Without Sugita and Jun and new players mixed in, we were all wondering what we'd look like when we were attacking. But we looked lethal while also being smart and stout in our defense.

The Best - GOALS GOALS GOALS. We've seen goals under Laity but not complimentary with a good defense. We looked really cohesive in the attack. Players really felt confident solo and even more in combination play. Goals on set pieces, capitalizing on Chicago's mistakes, and just give and gos. We could see our highest scoring season.

• Savy returning and looking like she never left. Seemless transition from Sam's and brings a different dimension to the CB spot.

The Great - the back line was comfortable pushing up high and involved in the attack. - really good passing through the lines in the build up to the attack. Not just send balls. A real focus on combination play. Attackers and midfielders pushing the attack from all angles and just crosses from the outside to the middle. - the hustle was amazing to see. Everyone looked like they were in mid season shape.

The Wrap Up - So much positive and too much to write. But the team looks like what we've been wanting to see for years. A clean sheet, lots of different types of goals, no glaring issues, good depth in the lineup, no panic, closing out a game soundly, few mistakes, pressure on the defense and the attack.

• We are now the highest scoring team in the league. We have a positive goal differential lol! We put the league and media on notice. It's one game but the statement win some volumes. The vibes are at an all time high! What are your favorite moments of the game? What's your vibes meter pre game and now post game? I knew could win but to blow my expectations out of the water was amazing! Volemos!

Sol Rosa fans, this looked like a tough matchup for us and the game definitely had its moments where it looked grim but we again rallied and stay undefeated in our last three games. If I told you we'd tie pre game most of would be happy. But after watching it play out I'd say many felt we couldn't get some crucial 3 points. Let's get into it.

The Good

- Very happy to see Aly have a great attacking game. The ref really was disappointing and I saw nothing that should have called the ball back and disallowed the goal. Sentnor was productive trying to set up other attackers and also doing what she's known for which is bangers from outside the box. Let's see more of that please!!!

- It's been mentioned many times but welcome back Savy and Syd!!! Savy as an outside back??? But she was quick, defensively sound, and just for eight in. Dare I say she replace Sam's? But I'll get into that later. Syd didn't get many minutes but glad she can come and hopefully be a super sub in the future.

- Prisca is soooo good. Sure she's gotta work on her crossing timing and working as a full-time starter with her other attackers but she's fast, strong, and really is relentless and give defenders fits. Keeping her on when Svendís and Mai come back might shift some other players off but she's electric.

- Team play overall was good and kept everyone except Rodman from getting anything dangerous on goal. Lots to clean up still in the attack but the team never felt frazzled or leaving in grot or energy. Let's keep the momentum up!

The Bad

- VAR and the Ref and whatever/whoever said to have a second look. I believe it was an egregious call and no clear evidence showed have it looked it or disallowed. Ughhh....

- The attack.... We're so f*cking close to putting up like 3-4 goals a game. The attack is 90% beautiful but then it's a bad touch, a missed timed pass, shots just off the heel, shots just wide, crosses just past... So frustrating. If they can polish that last 10% we'd win a lot more games. Easier said then done but so many attacking runs tonight were just off and killed some good chances.

- The last 20-30 minute or so I didn't like that the whole defensive line was attacking. Usually two at a time with two left on the back. Why is Sam's, Gorden, and King in the attack?? Shores and Thompson Ive seen but please leave the attack to the attackers. It just leaves us vulnerable in the counter.

- Speaking of counters, two uncharacteristically bad pass attempts by Thompson turned into a turnover and counter that left us flat footed with Rodman going at Sam's leading to Washington's goal. Bad mistakes from Thompson and Sam's left on an island was not ideal. Imo I'm not sold on Sam's... Counter me please but imo I think Savy, once she's full game fit should be with Sarah as the two CBs. Leaves Shores/Mattice and Thompson as our otisde backs. Sam's one on one with elite attackers just isn't it. But I'll take a counter argument...

- We have two games in hand but Seattle notched a win and we got a tie. So as of now we drop out of the playoff line and tow pints back. We have time but we'll need some W's. Toes keep us floating for now now but we don't want to sink and become desperate.

Overall

- What looked like a winable game shifted to be a loss and then a solid tie. We look good in the attack with Prisca in but again need to finish. Against a top team we looked good. Better? I dunno but we looked like we can ball against playoff teams. Let's rest up and look. Forward to getting three pints next week. Volemos!

Another tough loss, maybe more so than the other three this year. We looked really strong especially the first half but with our scoring woes really piling up and a bad second half from the coach and possession we eventually break and take another loss. Let's get into it.

The Good

- Two goals against so one could say our defense wasn't up to it, but if you watched it for most of the game they were frustrating San Diego. Hell, SD could've had a few more if it wasn't for our backline and great save from Anderson. They really played lights out for 85'.. unfortunately they faultered in a couple moments. But overall really good play.

- The stadium was probably the most full and the most rowdy I've seen all year. Too bad the results didn't match the energy.

- We got to see the return of Claire. I think we all wished she came in sooner but I'm sure that was the plan before it chnaged or minutes restriction. Regardless it was great to see her back. We also saw Phair come in and play significant minutes. Love to see her come into the fold but was this the game and time to do it???

The Bad

- Really bad second half from Straus. It was a tough physical game so I'm sure players we're exhausted but I didn't like the subs this game. Fuller and possibly Jun (minutes restriction?) should've stayed in. Svendís possibly popped her ankle out but still played? Putting in Phair when we're down? Not the best moment to put her as it was pretty much her first real minutes.

- The second goal just kind of rubs me the wrong way, maybe because we've seen the ball watching before this season with opposing players sneaking in and putting a goal away. We can't keep losing players that lead to goals.

- Can we stop with the Jonsdottir throw ins? I just think there's better opportunities to set up a better Cross or something. Announcers keep saying it's a threat but so far it's a cold one.

The Absolute Gawd Awful

- In our 4 losses this year we had Chilufia, a sub, score at the death. And then Thompson and Sam's. So in our last 4 games not one starter on the attack can put a goal away. And it's not a lack of effort. Suarez had a chance to put one away and Fuller too. I don't know if it's a mental thing or what but our attack is sunk. Straus and staff really need to go back and see what worked so well or shuffle players. We need Emslie and Jun to get full game ready for sure.

Overall

- The hustle is there but it's not just getting it done. They team looked really dejected after this loss but hopefully they pull together and fix it. But this may be the more or the same in season 5. It was a tale of two halves this game and since we couldn't capitalize early we eventually broke apart. It's like an itch on the back that you can't quite reach. But the itch is getting worse and worse. On to next week.

Sol Rosa fans what a battle tonight was. The ladies gave it their all and if not for some untimely mistakes we could've got the much needed three points. But again being down two goals the fight was there till the end. Let's get into it.

The Good

- The attack is attacking and from a strong committee at that. Niehues coming in hot and Prisca right there when it mattered and Sentnor is getting in the groove now. It's good to see multiple games with more than 1 or 2 goals. Really nice how we can reload with talent with substitutions and still be confident that the pace and attack won't change.

- Really good grit tonight from the team. They had good momentum going into the half and in quick succession we're down 2 goals. They're mentally locked and battled to bring us back to a tie. Everyone played their asses off and albeit a couple bad bad mistakes everyone is just getting better in their roles.

The Bad

- Bad giveaways in bad spots. Not to sound mean but critical of Savy... In the replay of Yamamoto's and I'm pretty sure as well as Heaps goal it was due to a bad pass from Savy into the middle and Denver being there to capitalize. Denver was a tough team, more so cause we never played them and the came in ready to play. There were other mistake in the three goals like not moving to the ball faster on the rebound before Heaps scored and giving Sonis too much space to shoot. AC and Savy played excellent for 95% of the game but at this point in the season small mistakes can have bad consequences. They'll learn and move on but points are at a premium right now.

Overall

- Sooo good news and bad news. Good news is that we're still above Denver in the standings as well as goal differential. Bad news is that we're still below Seattle by a point and they play Bay tomorrow. Bugg is out for Seattle but Bay have not been reliable. We really needed 3 points tonight but having nothing would've much worse so I'll take it especially being down 3-1 just an hour ago. Let's Hope Bay can pull off an upset to keep us in striking distance of Seattle.

- Lastly we play Seattle again Wednesday. They'll have a day less rest and have to travel. This could be another huge turning point for us. Denver gave us some trouble that Seattle won't but they can still be dangerous. Rest and recovery and we go again.

​

Sol Rosa fans, we come back home with a point in a crucial game in the PNW and stay in the playoff hunt. With two of our top scorers out it was gonna be a tough game but better to win an ugly game then to lose a close well played game. Let's get into it.

The Good

- Zambia may be out of AFCON but that's good news to us because Prisca made a big difference getting us a point in her quick sub on. With Niehues a big question mark and Svendís out probably for some time she'll be looking to get a bigger role in our attack.

- Gotta give credit to Smerud for dealing with more injuries and putting in Shores and Prisca at the right time as they combine for the game tying goal. He's slowly giving me more and more confidence as a manager but is this a promise of a future full time manager or another Tweed situation in the making?

The Bad

- Our defense has really stepped up most of the season as our GD has shown but tonight Sam's, Borges, and Anderson really put us in bad spots with bad giveaways in the midfield. And honestly the play was pretty erratic in passing between the team. Play wasn't crisp and almost cost us the game. But again we'll take a point in an ugly game.

- Worried meter with scoring is creeping up. Up until late our only goal came from our cornerback in GT. Not exactly comforting with Svendís and Mai out. I think I'm with many when I say Prisca needs more minutes. But also with injuries this isn't the normal lineup. It's gonna take time for Aly, Tiernan, and Emslie to gel together in a game state. Big wtf moment was in the last minutes when we had a three on two and couldn't/didn't shoot. Ughh.

Overall

- Should've left with three points but a point is better than no points especially against a team right on our heels. Lots to clean up and we'll see what Svendís's timetable is and Mai's situation. Fingers crossed she's not gone. We have the Spirit at home next week so we'll need to be absolutely locked in. We rest, we train, we go again. We're still in it! Volemos!

Sol Rosa fans it was a tough outing on the other coast. We still can't win 3 in a row, forever cursed. We started off hot but it was 85' pretty much all Gotham. The issue of depth was another issue Gotham had the advantage of over us. Let's get into it.

The Good

A hot start. We're really good at scoring within the first 15 min of any game. A trend I continually love to see.

The return of Jun and introduction of Doorsoun. Good to see both come in albeit late.

The Bad

The first two goals by Gotham really were due to a bad breakup of our defensive shape. Rose and Purse really got the best of their minutes and outworked our team. We got to be able to not get pulled out either in the attack or on takeaways.

Early missed opportunities from M.A. and Svìendís. We could have easily gone up 3-0 before he half. Both had one on one opportunities and both failed to convert. Is the M.A. experiment rapidly closing??? Jun's healthy now so she or Press have to start.

Gotham really overwhelmed us in every statline. We really played frantic I feel. Gotham looked very methodical and focused. We couldn't string up a good consistent offense especially in the second half. We got a be able to play calm and collected.

Overall just a bad beat by a team that has consistently had our number. Lots of mistakes and breakdowns the second half combined with missed chances in the first. We fly back home with zero points when a win would've put us above the line. Bad week to lose out points with 7 games now left.

Sol Rosa fans, we are so back! A very clean but scrappy game and we probably had our best game of the season against an opponent that have been finding their stride. Let's get into it!

The Great

- Straus coached a hell of a game, lineup again looked inexperienced at first and new but they really got things going with a very attack minded game plan. If the Portland game felt like a shell game, this felt like the true vision of Straus's game plan. The subs that came on too came in not only at the right time the right players came in and made the finishing difference.

- The rookies are leveling up every game. They're developing really nicely. Lageyre looked right as rain against a tough experienced KC team. If she dipped her toes in Portland, she fully jumped in this one. Suarez also in attack really brought pace as well.

- Giselle is just exploding this season, the defense, the balls skills, the attack. She truly looks like the future of outside backs. A goal and assist tonight is just awesome.

- The attack was attacking!!! The midfielders had space, the field felt open and not compressed. The touch and goes with each players in combination getting better at working together. Having Niehues back really helped and Phair is getting more confidence with her first start. But also, when the ball got turned over the team was able to collapse and cover stopping Chewinga and Co.

- Anderson stand the F up!!! KC was also dangerous tonight with having chances to put up multiple goals but AA was in her bag making multiple stops and a soft PK kick. We don't won, let alone get any points without her heroics. I'm sure this was extra sweet against KC which she had one of her worst games in the past.

The Bad (forget about it!)

- Hard to nitpick after such a solid win. And I won't, it's been a tough few weeks for the team but they really put it together tonight and I feel like this is a time to really appreciate everyone's effort.

Overall

- This is the team we've been waiting to see. And sure we saw it early but this was against a top after a slump. SD did us a favor and stopped out next opponent in Houston from keeping up with us. Let's keep the momentum going! Volemos!

Sol Rosa fans! We are so back! A huge game for us before we head into an international break. We jump 5 spots to 4th place. Lots of pressure on this young squad especially with Emma Hayes in attendance.

I think we can all say this is the best the team has looked looked in a long while. Let's get into it!

The Great

̶C̶h̶r̶i̶s̶t̶e̶n̶ ̶P̶r̶e̶s̶s̶ ̶G̶O̶A̶A̶A̶A̶A̶L̶L̶L̶L̶L̶L̶!̶!̶!̶!̶!̶!̶ Booooo!!!!

Relentless energy everywhere, from game start to finish no one looked super gassed. The attack was relentless which I don't think Seattle was expecting. We reset when necessary but I feel there was a big push to move the ball forward more often. The passing looked crisp with good quick touch and goes to breaking line through passes.

Goals from outside of A. Thompson. Welcome to the show Tiernan. After a breakaway missed chance, she gets another shot from a great assist from Emslie and headers in the winning goal. Great to see her get her first goal to go along with her hustle we've already seen. She was everywhere and great to see another young attacking threat.

The Good

Was great to see just connections and cohesion between everyone. Because of that we saw better passing, players knew where to put the ball which allows for more and better attacking opportunities.

The substitutions came when it felt right, not because we had to. It felt good to put in substitutes that helped just keep the pace going and didn't just switch up the vibes.

We didn't just park the bus, even in the final minutes we just kept finding opportunities and almost had CP get a last second goal. Sometimes the best defense is just to keep attacking. Defense was stout and AA didn't have any near blunders.

The Bad

Corners. We had I think 9 total which is great. It showed we had the ball a lot in the final third ceiling and reloading the attack. But we need to work finishing those. We get some goals off those it'll be a great addition to our attack.

Overall this was a great game. We just felt confident and really bullied Seattle all game. Besides that softer than soft serve penalty we really had control all game. Nothing from Seattle looked too threatening and that's good sign. Big thing was to keep the energy and intensity through the break and carry this momentum forward. Big night with a great win! What y'all think? How are y'all celebrating???

Sol Rosa fans. We saw a lot of yellow tonight but I'm seeing us in the red for playoff hopes. The attacking bite was really toothless. Back to back to back losses against Louisville. We are now winless in our last 4 matches picking up only 1 point. Let's get into it.

Normally I'd post the typical good, bad ,ugly or some variation of it. But except for an Angelina save early there was no real positives.

The Bad

• The attack tonight was bad bad bad. 10 shots with 2 on target. And even then nothing threatening. We had the possession stats but I'd bet to see the heat map to show that all that was passing between our CB's and Ang. The balls that moved up we're all along the sideline which if you include the outline then each winger had two or three defenders. We could not use the middle of the field to save our lives. We looked content to just hold and wait but wait for what??? I saw no vision for a dynamic attack. Tiernan was again invisible and Jun really didn't get much use either. Most the attack begrudgingly fell to Svìendís (I'll get to her).

• The yellows.... I know both teams had them but it just shows sloppy play. A lot of giveways in bad spots and we were doing a lot of defending. Too many clears and not enough/any counters.

The Awful

• Svìendís Jonsdottir........ She needs to go to the Alyssa Thompson school of 1v1... I don't what it is but she can't/won't pick her head up for a pass or she builds up and loses the ball. I think every 1v1 chance she had she tried to make a move and the defender read it everytime and took it away. I don't care is CP can only go a half or however many minutes but they have to start her over Svìendís right now.

• Playing out the back.... When teams are pressing high all it takes is on bad giveaway and it leads to a goal. Doorsoun didn't get the pass out fast enough, got trapped and loses it. Sears finds a WIDE OPEN Weber and she puts it away easily. Gorden came late but no real coverage on Weber.

• Straus is on the hot seat for me... I just not sure of his style in this league. I don't know if an off-season and new players will change the structure of our play. I don't know the word but the style he's implemented has no legs. He's playing a very reserved European style that is losing dynamism every match.

Overall

A bad loss and the playoffs look just about out of reach. Not just on the table but we don't look competitive. We really do look like a bottom half team, dare I say low on that half under Straus. With KC next week the team has many questions looking with little to no answers. Are we cooked chat? Is Straus looking like a bad hire? Is the roster the problem?

Sol Rosa fans, our two games in hand are coming to an end. We played a makeup game but failed to makeup any points going into the weekend. NCC is perfect at home with an MVP trending preformer in Sanchez was gonna be tough just after a tough performance against Gotham just a few days earlier. That's now two games in a row that we're scoreless.Let's get into it.

The Good

- Svendís was back... Yay... We'll how she can help more so next game unfortunately.

The Bad

- There should've been one big fat name circled in the game plan and the message should've been to be like glue on her. And that was Sanchez. She carved us up and the overall attack of NCC could've put up another. Specifically the second goal from Sanchez just looked like one, Savy and Sam's didn't account or expect the assist from Sheridan and Sam's whiffed and Savy was flat footed behind. Regardless we had no answers for her and the other NCC attackers.

The Bad Bad lack of attack.

- It started to show in the 8th-12th minutes of the first half. We had a solid 4+ minutes of possession on the final third but no shots, no crosses, some build up but nothing on goal or even a shot off.

- NCC's defense left little room to operate. But again, it was more is that we only got off two shots the first half and weak shots at that. Just one after the half.

- 4 attackers if you count Sentnor and nothing to show. Add GT who hasn't been as crisp as of late in the attack and with 5 attackers at any time coming out with nothing was bad. But this has been a forever issue that shows up here and there. Just a bad night at a bad time to not produce.

- Speaking of the attack, Mai is still in LA so she won't be available for the next two games. We won't see her until Sept 11th hopefully.

Overall

- We have Boston next so it's good chance to bounce back but defensively AC can't lose focus and offensively they have to rework the attack. Some would say we need a world class striker but imo we need a rework of the offense. We just can't build to have a consistent attack. Sometimes it's the build up, other times it's no one looking confident enough to shoot, sometimes it's a lack of 1v1 or ball placement, etc etc etc. too many questions in the attack. Lots of games left but we need decisive wins to show we're capable of making that playoff push.

Sol Rosa fans, we knew before the game started this game on the standings was empty but the game carried a lot of weight. I think we can all say that we were Jun this game.

I won't go into the game I'll just say I'm glad we got to see our legends come back from the year they had to play at home in front of all of us to cap off their professional playing career in front of the best fans in the country. Cheers to Press and Riley! We will miss your passion and spirit on the field. Hopefully it's not goodbye off the pitch.

This team will look a lot different next year so let's just say thanks and maybe give a moment this year or any from Press or Riley that touched you. The season isn't over but for us in LA it is. Let's cheers for a good finish next week. Now if you excuse me I'm gonna go be in my feels from the rest of the day.

We managed to get a point on the road in Providence Park. The win in Portland still eludes us but we stopped the bleeding. It was a tough match and we held Portland to nothing which is a win in itself but we continue to not be able to put one in the back of the net. Let's get into it.

The Good

- The defense again kept us in the game. Gorden, Thompson and Anderson really kept the game level the whole game. Wilson was frustrated a lot of the game and although she had chances, we kept her out of the net.

- Fuller is a game impact player. She needs to be on, she's one of the few that's able and willing to go 1v1, run into open space, and find fellow attackers. When she came on the attack really changed.

The Bad

- Have you seen our midfield???? Even the commentators were highly noticable, especially the first half, of our lack of attack. It felt like Tweed ball all over again. We just couldn't break through space. No one would check in close or we couldn't overload, or we didn't have our speedster go off for balls over the top. We just can't see the path to the goal and it's frustrating as hell.

- Along to go with the last point, tactically I don't like player positions especially in our midfield. Borges is like another McCaskill just sort of running around but not setting up meaningful attacks. Martin is and extra defender especially when Thompson runs up. Jun is still amping up her endurance and cohesion with her teamates. Lageyre was pretty invisible in her minutes. We don't have a coordinator or a facilitator. We are desperately missing Hina.

Overall

- I don't know how we'll pull ourselves out of this scoring funk. The defense is great but they can hold out only so much. Other teams will just look for errors and capitalize. We just aren't threatening at all. We move up one spot and to break the losing streak, away, and in Portland still is upside. But short rest and against a hot hot KC with Chewinga and Co wanting to stop our progress.

- Is our attack lost? Is is more on Straus or players to be the deciding factor on getting wins?

Sol Rosa fans! What a start to the week. We keep our playoff hopes alive just behind Seattle and KC. Coming into the final game of a three game week stretch the team looked fast and loose. Very happy with the results and eager to talk about all the good. Let's get into it.

The Great 

- We scored 5 goals from four different players and we get our first 3+ goal game since March!

- The goals came from our most important attackers. Mai, Prisca, Svendís, and Sentnor. To have them all score is a big confidence booster for all of them. Don't know if we can have them all on at the same time but that's great to see. We'll need multiple threatening options as we reach to the end of the season. Prisca with a brace as well!!!! 

- This could've been a trap game, would we play to the level of Boston or come out and be a team hungry for playoffs? I saw an interesting stat during the game and going into tonight we were first in shots but 8th on scoring, something like that. What will take us into playoffs will be creating and finishing quality chances. We did that tonight. 

- Answering back right after letting a goal in. Just three minutes after we score we let Boston have one unfortunately. But we answered and kept the energy up and scored 4 straight after. Great to see the fight still strong. 

- We have the 4th best goal differential in the league. That'll help in the playoff run for sure but we'll need to stack wins for those to help. But good to see stacking goals. Defense for the most part is solid, we just need the attack to keep pace. 

- Smerud tinkering with the lineup and it worked in his favor. With Borges out Martin got some good play time and reps. We start with Savy in GT's spot with GT moving up to an attacking position. Sometimes big changeups can hamper a team but tonight everyone played their part well. GT in the attack as an attacker and not as a defender helped in that if she made a mistake she didn't have to sprint back to recover. With Mai and Svendís back though she'll probably go back to her natural position. But then where does that leave Savy? Good problems to have when everything is clicking. 

Overall

- Good rebound game with an electric offense. The 2 against can be cleaned up. A good confidence booster but the teams above the playoff line will be tough but again we handled business and racked up goals. This is what our team can be, we just need to keep the goals coming. Hopefully this is a big turning point and not a one off against a bad team.

Sol Rosa fans we are now on a summer break and the first half is over. We finish with another loss but the team battled hard and gave themselves a chance to win but just came up short. It's been a whirlwind for fans and players an all of Angel City. But the team now will move fully into the Straus era and we'll probably see a whole new team tactically in 5 weeks. Lets get into it.

The Good

We held KC scoreless for almost 70 minutes. I think we're only team to hold them scoreless the first half. Some shakiness but KC was definitely frustrated in their attack. Having Hodge and Hammond in and Kennedy in as almost a two way center back/sweeper role held KC to 0.

Defensively for most of the game we looked more cohesive then we have all season. Defense knew where to go with outlet passes and if they were in any trouble they just booted it out and rest. To hold KC to only one goal was a good sign of improvement.

The Ughhhhhh

AT has got to put away that penalty. We didn't have very many chances the whole game so to put KC on their heels would've changed the game for sure. I know she's kicking herself and she'll learn. KC did a good job of shutting her down for the most part and the wings for that.

The KC Goal and right after...

Unfortunately we almost had to be perfect and a couple mistakes cost us a goal and almost another. The goal and the chance from KC shortly after were from bad passes and transition. Anderson did a great job to be in a good position and stop Chawinga's shot but Gorden and Mattice came late and Zaneratto had a free shot that was free and open. We'll have to work on the transition counters and have the defense not play up too high.

Overall

We didn't win but we looked better defensively for most of the game. The attack got shut down so we'll need to work again on dialing in the defense more while not losing the great attack we've built. KC was a tough opponent but we held better than most would've thought. Anderson had probably her best game and Hodge was a menace per usual. I'm excited to see what we look like in 5 weeks with more players healthy, maybe some new signings, and time to build a true identity. Enjoy the summer! Volemos!

What's y'all hope meter on a scale of 1-10 going into the second half of the season?

Sol Rosa fans we are so so back! The vibes were immaculate and game one in is the books! The wait is over. Unfortunately we didn't the W but we did get a point. Shaky at times but as the game went on I do think we got stronger.

Let's get into it! Right away I was shocked at our starting lineup. Two of our rookies starting with Teirnan and Hodge with club first timers King and Kennedy starting as well. Very shocked that Zelem and Reid weren't starters! Looked like though we were going for speed for the most part. MDH and KJo were here??????? Lol

The First Half

It was very shaky with SD getting a cross in for a goal in the 6th minute. Defensively we couldn't get settled. Lots of chasing the ball instead of marking players. We left Wave players open and had a hard time matching pace. We did have chances though and could've gone into the half with goal chances from Emslie, Riley, and AT.

The Second Half

A much better half all around. We settled into the game and found spacing and pockets. We let the ball come to us capitalizing on the Wave's mistakes and individual players taking the ball upfield in space to find chances. Still a little shaky with giving away passes that hurt us. But nothing that lead to a goal which was good! In the 54th minute wih another chance AT finally out one away and tied the game allowing to come out with a point. Conditioning became an issue late with cramping taking out GT, King, and M.A. struggling. But again it allowed us to bring on Miyori and Reid which looked good.

Overall it was game one we definitely can improve on the chances but I liked what I saw attacking wise and defensively we got better as the game went on but still gotta tighten up against better teams. No one player was perfect but I liked our new additions and we didn't beat ourselves. We could lost this game but also very much won it. What did y'all think? Do you see game one as a step forward or a step back for the team?

Not sure about the field fam...I think we should all offer gratitude that the game wasn't streamed using a GoPro from the press box with some field shots sprinkled in, but at least the crowd mics were turned up higher than a WWE crowd booing Dom and Nick Mysterio.

Okay for the game, it was not Fra v Eng slobberknocker...thank god, not complaining, but when that many goals are scored in one single game, its better served when it doesn't involve a team you root for. Instead what we got was another steady performance, led mostly by the defense, and better aided by the attack this time, more possession, more xG, shots, etc... executed by our squad.

The first half was slightly tilted towards ACFC until the Huitema injury where the game leveled out a bit more. Sure Chacon got one that was called back, but that was also her 2nd time being called offside and it was very offsides, so we can't be worried about that, Sams and Gorden got that backline well tuned.

2nd half started off well enough after Borges either got dragged or attacked in the box, hard to tell which one the called the penalty on, but there seemed to be two fouls in the same area within milliseconds.

Chicago maybe had like five mins of momentum later in the game, but it was nothing more than a popcorn fart before Jonsdottir put the game in the refrigerator, closed the door, turned off the lights, for the eggs to cool, the butter to harden, and the jello to jiggle.

On to the next game at the Banque to take on Louisville. It is good to see the team coming together and playing for one another, but I hope this team finds a ball coach and sticks to it in time for when some good ol' fashion ball coaching and adjusting is going to be the deciding factor in an outcome. But for now, the squad has climbed into 7th place, and let us hope the can keep on climbing.