Houston v Louisville Pre Match Thoughts
It's hot. It will be hot in Houston, too. It's probably the first match that Louisville has played in this season where I actually believe that fatigue could be a factor. On the other hand, I played 90 plus the other night and I'm in much worse shape, so maybe let's chill with the fatigue excuse for Björkegren's substitution patterns. I am one of the lone voices that thinks that Björkegren's substitution patterns have been fine this season. Björkegren did hint that the temp would be on his mind on Saturday, but that man is an icicle. Has anyone ever seen him in anything other than long sleeves? Today he sauntered into the press conference in his normal track suit. I was outside for about 15 minutes and was getting very sweaty.
Both Pickett and Howell were wearing much more temperature appropriate gear and talked about the upcoming match. Both said that the team is aware of what's on the line in Houston, but will try to take the match as it comes. Pickett quite possibly has been Louisville's most underrated player this season. She came to Louisville with a stellar attacking reputation, but has helped solidify the back line by being (virtually) ever present. Howell has been key in the last few matches with DeMelo and Borges absent. If you care about such things (I personally don't but understand why players and fans do), you might wonder if Jae should be on the USWNT too. Louisville is much better off by not completely losing its midfield for this international competition. If all three players are still with Louisville the next time a big mid-season international competition rolls around I think they probably lose all three.
As for Houston, they have been playing terribly, but you never know when a team is going to break out of a slump. They are all but eliminated from this competition, but with no other competitions on the immediate horizon it's hard to picture much rotation. Houston obviously has dangerous attackers available, but they have not been scoring enough goals as a team. Louisville on the other hand has continued to find goals all over the pitch. Monaghan has been really good recently. It will be interesting to see if she resumes her regular role as a sub if she continues to score consistently. Nadim's minutes probably increase again, but I'm unsure if that means a start for her. Bloomer and Beall are both still recovering, so I'm sure Lund will go again. I expect Pokorny off the bench again as Björkegren does like to stick to his substitution patterns.
