Louisville 2 Chicago 0 Post Match Thoughts
Courtesy Jordan Prather
I think Louisville would sign up to play Chicago every week because they certainly seem to have their number this year. Louisville showed their depth on the night and as the roster returns to full strength it will make selection interesting for the last few matches of the league season.
I don't want to dwell too much on the details of the goals because I think there are more interesting items from the match, but Baggett's outside foot finish was delightful and Monaghan's finish on her goal was lethal. There were other opportunities too, but both goals were well taken.
I really thought that Parker Goins helped Louisville keep its attacking speed up early. Usually when she plays she is a like-for-like replacement for her good friend Davis. I thought she brought something different on the wing compared to Wang. I asked Coach Björkegren about the differences between the two players after the match and he basically said they couldn't be more different. This is a good thing. I think the best use of a sub is to change the pace of the match. Goins played early balls in attack that created real danger. Wang is the more technically gifted player for sure, but Louisville is very soon going to be able to really throw opponents off with their substitutes if they play it right.
The only nitpicking, troubling item on the night was that several times Chicago split through Louisville's defense with a single pass. This pass was usually central and basic “Route One football”. If Mal Swanson had been on the end of those passes the scoreline might have looked much different. It's something to keep an eye on when Louisville plays a team with a more dangerous central striker.
The defensive unit was once again tremendously effective with Chicago never really posing a serious threat. It does seem like it takes them a few minutes to get into rhythm sometimes and Chicago had a half chance early. Milliet was flying all over the pitch, but called into defense more than attack. Conversely, Pickett had a tremendous attacking night finding herself forward on several occasions. Erceg is such a pro that it doesn't seem to matter who her center back partner is on the day. Lester never looked troubled and Lund didn't really have to do more than make routine saves. It seemed to me that Lund kept her concentration up and I thought she put in a good performance even though it was routine. I can't remember her putting a foot wrong other than over hitting one pass late in the match that was of no real consequence.
The Challenge Cup math is almost certainly on Louisville's side now. The chances of them hosting a midweek semifinal in September look increasingly likely. This would obviously be their first true knockout match. I’m getting my hopes up because the atmosphere For knockout matches are just different.
