Can we Talk? (With Benton from Vamos Morados)
Photo by Anne Evans Courtesy of Racing Louisville FC
Each week Fleur-de-lis-FC will talk to someone who follows Racing FC in some capacity. This week, Benton from Vamos Morados joins me for a chat.
FDLFC: At the end of the 2nd week Racing were at the top of the league. They currently sit 9th, but tied for 4th on points. What is a reasonable expectation for the team this year?
Benton: Being an expansion side is an enormous uphill battle and has historically resulted in the new team hovering at the bottom of the table. In 2014, the Houston Dash finished last with only five wins and in 2016 the Orlando Pride finished their first season ninth (out of ten teams) with six wins. Realistically, I don’t expect Racing Louisville to be far from those performances. It a tough pill to swallow but asking for them to end up in the top half of the table is likely not feasible. Closer to the bottom is more likely and that hurts to type. With that said, I am optimistic about the vision for the team constructed by Coach Holly and James O’Connor as well as some of their early performances. If pressed for a prediction, I’d say they will land in seventh. This squad is capable of a few upsets, especially at home in Lynn Family Stadium.
FDLFC: Since the sixth club makes the playoffs this year, I think that should be the goal. I looked back over the NWSL standings from previous years and there were a couple of times that the 6th and 7th team were equal on Points. I know it's early, but do you think Racing should have done a little more damage limitation against NC knowing that Goal Difference could be a potential tie breaker?
Benton: I believe that Coach Holly deployed what he believed to be the best eleven as well as his ideal tactical setup. Unfortunately, I don’t believe there was much that could have been done to stop the bleed. Racing faced a top team, with their full roster, firing on all cylinders. As an expansion team, this was bound to happen. This will be a huge learning opportunity for the young team and a source of motivation in upcoming matches. They can see what went wrong in film review and adjust their strategy going forward or work to execute their plan better. That goal differential could come back to hurt Racing but there is still plenty of time to make up for that bad night.
FDLFC: If you've read my post about the last match, then you know that I am a big fan of using a back three when you might be the less talented team. With Gemma Bonner coming in, do you think there is any chance that Coach Holly changes formation now that his best eleven might change? I know a formation change isn't easy especially mid season, but to my eyes Racing has been exposed on the counter, and has been really susceptible to switches in play. What are you seeing on the defensive side of things?
Benton: During one of the Zoom call’s with Coach Holly shortly after being introduced as head coach, I asked him about formation and tactics. He stated that he is a fan of a back three formation but didn’t see it in Racing’s immediate future. I’d venture to guess that we likely won’t see that this season and will instead opt for the team to become more adept with their current strategy (but you never know). Gemma Bonner will certainly help and at a bare minimum provide Coach Holly with more options on the backline, however, I am personally a bit more concerned with the midfield and possession than defense. They are not winning the possession battle and keeping the ball out of their half. Too much pressure and defensive mistakes are bound to happen. Racing can’t expect Michelle Betos to put on a performance like she in their first win. Find a way to control the game a little more and I think there will be more offensive opportunities and a little less defensive pressure (easier said than done though).
FDLFC: Fair enough. To change the subject a bit, have you been paying attention to the NSWL Trading Cards market? I think all of the cards in Louisville sold out on the first day and now the packs that go for $9.99 retail are going for two to three times that on eBay. The creators of the cards, Parkside Cards have also sold out on the website. There seems to be a built-in rabid appetite for products and content. Are you at all surprised?
Benton: Yes, I am a bit surprised at the recent boom in the trading card market. I didn’t expect something that has been around for as long as trading cards to experience the same level of investment by consumers as cryptocurrencies and NTFs. I am happy that the NWSL was able to get into the action at the right time. It's disappointing that some of these cards are falling into the hands of individuals trying to make a quick buck rather than actual fans of the NWSL. Anything the league can do to expand their exposure will help them grow.
FDLFC: Do you have any thoughts about this week's match with Portland? Care to make a prediction?
Benton: Away at Portland has all the making for another long night. They were the 2021 Challenge Cup winners and are the second-best team in the league according to FiveThirtyEight. The thought of trying to contain Christine Sinclair, Canada’s all-time leading goal scorer, makes me nervous. I’m going to guess this match will not be as bad as the NC match. Thorns win 3-1 with Yuki finding the back of the net for Racing.
Thanks again Benton. Benton is contributing writer for The Beautiful Game Network. Check out Benton’s site VamosMorados.com and follow him on Twitter @PurpleSDF.
