Louisville 2 Washington 2 Post Match Thoughts
Falling behind two goals inside 35 minutes wasn't the start that Louisville wanted, but a change in mentality and belief compared to last season meant that it wasn't a hill too steep to climb.
However, you’ll recall that Louisville did get a 2-2 draw on the road against Washinton last season. The big difference here is that Washington thoroughly outplayed Louisville in the first half of that match and Louisville were frankly lucky not to be down more than two goals at half. They also rescued a point late on a Nadim brace with the second goal coming in the 89th minute. That draw felt like a win, where this one probably really felt like and deserved to be a draw. Louisville had 25 minutes to try to get the full 3 points and had the better of the chances. Coach Björkegren will take the draw, but still probably wonder if on a better weather day if the full 3 points were there for the taking.
I asked both Björkegren and Erceg after the match how much the wind really played into things and they both agreed that it was the main factor in the match. I also asked Coach Kim if there is even any value in looking at game film from a match like this. He said that there are some things that he can still take away, but I think you probably just need to toss the game film away from a tactical perspective.
Elli Pikkujämsä had a terrific match in a climate much more like her home in Finland that the environment she faced last week in Houston. She had the chance to drop back into the back four when Howell made a late cameo, but she really showed something in midfield on the day. The first half run where she was physically dribbled though some pretty rough contact to come away still in possession was a highlight of the match. It will almost be a shame when she takes up her natural position in the middle of the back line, but Louisville lucky to have Howell to take over that spot.
Ary Borges scored a terrific goal, but even without it was probably still the player of the match. She led the team in touches along with Erceg, and made some really good turns with the ball. I was always going to reserve judgement on her until I saw her in action. Many fans were excited about her on reputation only, and it looks like that reputation is well deserved.
Erceg scored on her home debut for Louisville with a very assured header on an excellent ball taken from the corner by Wang. If Louisville are to make a run at the playoffs, I feel like it will be on her back. She brings so much experience and poise that it is almost impossible to overestimate her value to this young team.
