Racing 1 Current 1 Player Ratings
On the surface, this year’s version of Racing looked a little like the version from last year based on the loss of the possession battle and the numbers of shots taken vs. allowed. However, there were several notable differences which I will get into more tomorrow. The biggest one in my eyes, was that they kept their shape for the most part. That is always a good sign for a team starting in a new system with a new coach.
Lund-7: KC seemed intent on testing her with deep shots, which see very capably saved. She misjudged a cross at the end of the first half, but Pickett could make her pay. There wasn’t much she could do on the goal.
Fox-8: Handled Williams and Hamilton really well when they attacked down her side in the first half.
Bonner-6: Took an extra touch on the ball which led to the McCain goal. It was really good pressure from Williams. She redeemed herself by clearing the second McCain attempt of the line on a last-ditch clearance.
Merrick-7: Having not playing any real significant minutes in over a season, looked a little rusty and tentative at the start, but quickly righted herself and had a solid match.
Martin-7: Nealy looks so solid compared to this time last year that it’s frankly amazing.
Howell-7: Jae is burdened a bit with very high expectations. She looked a little nervous and off the pace in the first half, but righted herself to have an excellent second half. I think her second match will show much more of what she can do.
Olofsson-8 (Player of the Match): Freja kept all of the steel that she gained from playing in a deeper role last year, and also looked bright in her more attacking position.
Kizer-8: Scored another first goal of the year. She is probably the best natural finisher on the team.
Ekic-6: I expected Racing to attack more down the left, but Emina and Fox couldn’t really get their rhythm together in attack. She also switched off a time or two and left Fox isolated on the defensive end.
Davis-7: She had a rather anonymous first half, but was really lively in the second half. A difficult volley late in the match went wide of the net, but the effort to get into space and get the shot off was good.
McDonald-8: She “pled the 5th” on my question about whether we would continue to see long throws. I will have more on that tomorrow too. She was isolated a bit in the early parts of the match, but her ball to find Kizer on the goal was excellent. It was a consummate professional performance.
