Bay v Racing-1
Racing is nearing the end of its season and running out of runway towards any mathematical path towards the playoffs, but in reality, there has been no practical path for a while. Even if Racing had continued on their four-match winning streak and was on an eight-match winning streak they would still be 2 points shy of the playoff line. Realistically, the team hasn’t been playing for a playoff spot this entire season because their early form doomed them. Therefore, the end of the season can be looked to as a chance to do things differently or continue on the same trajectory.
The game in Bay is a chance to see what Racing has left in the tank for this season. The coaches and players won’t quit, but the effort has never really been the problem. The players that will be on this team next season need minutes, so I would be floored if Sears doesn’t continue to see her minutes limited simply because there is no reason for Racing to risk an injury to her and the in-league transfer window is still open. There are a few players that need to prove themselves over these last six matches. I think Jean, Hase, Weber, Morris and Bloomer need to demonstrate some better form heading into next season. Jean and Hase haven’t been as good this season as they were last season. Weber needs to regain some confidence. Morris needs to find a way to stay fit so that she can demonstrate consistency and Bloomer needs to regain the focus she had when she wasn’t guaranteed a starting role. Philippus needs minutes along with Taylor White. Lardner will likely get hers and McKeen will when she returns.
The difficult part is that everyone that needs to find form or get more experience cannot all be thrown in at once. Racing will have to be better defensively next season, and if Wright in going to be part of next season I am not sure how much tweaking you can do. I think I would rotate at least one defender every match for the rest of the season, just to see what you have from a talent perspective. I don’t think it is a stretch to say that this defensive unit isn’t the solution, but some of the parts may work if you get one or two more NWSL ready defenders.
I know this is what fans do, but I don’t think it does anyone any good to look at this squad with rose-colored glasses. I am glad that fans are supportive of individual players, but we let ownership and management off the hook when we pretend that this roster is good enough. Not having a super talented roster doesn’t let the coaching off of the hook and one could argue that Bev and staff haven’t gotten the most out of this talent. I don’t think this is the case. Some do. They are perfectly allowed to have their incorrect opinions. I look up and down the squad and with a few exceptions, I just don’t see many players that would start for a playoff-level team. Most of Racing’s players are “system players” that fit in Racing’s system but wouldn’t necessarily start in a different system.
Sunday evening at Bay is a chance for players to step up and show their quality in Racing’s system. This is a winnable match, if not an easy one.
