Tidbits from Media Day at the NWSL Final
I got the opportunity to participate in Media Day for the NWSL Final. Most players were made available for the media and I got the chance to talk to most of them. Here are the highlights:
“I think the emotions might even be higher this time,” was the response when I asked Red Star defender Arin Wright about the big stage being in her home state. Earlier this year she said she was moved to tears playing in Lynn Family Stadium for the first time as a professional. Here is Mayor Fisher chatting with Arin as her son Grady plays close by. Aww!!!
Upon hearing tbe news that ticket sales had reached 10,000 all of the players I talked with were excited to be able to play in front of a large crowd. Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan was especially excited for the crowd in such an “intimate” setting stating, “There's nothing better than playing in a stadium that's full.”
Chicago arrived Wednesday and had the early practice at Racing's facilities at Lynn Family Sports Vision & Training. Washington flew in on Thursday and went to training pretty much right after the flight landed.
After Media Day ended, the Spirit players and staff received a tour of Churchill Downs (the Kentucky Derby Museum hosted media day) and got to see a race.
Three Spirit players received NWSL awards and were presented them at Media Day: Trinity Rodman-Rookie of the Year, Aubrey Bledsoe-Goalkeeper of the Year, and Ashley Hatch-Golden Boot. Rodman on what winning thr award meant to her: “Throughout the season that's the goal I've been striving for. Being named Rookie of the Year…the biggest thing is improvement and I think throughout the season, that's what I've done and my team has definitely helped me improve.”
Cincinnati native Aubrey Bledsoe bought 40 tickets for her friends and family, so expect a large cheering section for her.
Several players asked who I would be rooting for. I didn’t commit, but did say I could be swayed by sitting so close to the Spirit's bench.
For me, the key match-up will be Rodman v Wright. Not to give too much away, but Wright definitely has a plan on how to play against her.
Red Stars coach Rory Dames and I talked tactics a bit. Chicago has been successful playing without the ball all year. According to Dames, “There's spaces where we want the ball, and spaces where we're OK not having the ball.” It was interesting to hear him say that the goal at the beginning of the year was to possess the ball more, but obviously the strategy evolved to fit the team. That is something not all clubs, ahem, are willing to do.
More coverage to come on Friday.
