OL Reign 0 Louisville 1 Post Match Thoughts
Elli Pikkujämsä said it was not a pretty match, but the results for Louisville were beautiful. The game was a reminder of the fine margins that exist in this league, but it was nice to see things break Louisville's way for once in this match-up.
Louisville was absolutely gifted the goal and it is the type of thing which poor Sam Hiatt will have to live with, unfortunately for her. Nevertheless, Davis still had plenty to do and took the one really good chance she had with clinical precision. The Reign (I thought rather admirably) stayed consistent in their approach to the cup by starting a heavily rotated lineup. That decision likely cost them a chance at the finals. I do feel a bit sorry for the Reign because a victory would still have meant a trip to North Carolina. Their focus can now shift fully to the playoff race, if it wasn't there already.
The match definitely had a “cup tie” feel. Louisville was visibly wobbly early and they frankly never did look very comfortable in possession. On the opposite side of the ball, the Reign had half chances, but never an absolutely golden one other than Huitema's chance that I think Lund had covered at the near post at least.
Conversely Louisville's defense on the night was excellent. I have to believe that having an experienced leader like Erceg at the back helped the team settle. The last 15 minutes or so could be classified as “desperate defending”, but I think you saw enough energy and desire to keep a clean sheet to categorize it more favorably as “committed”. Pikkujämsä was singled out by Björkegren but the entire back line played really well.
I thought this might have been Lund’s best match of the season. She didn't have to make many saves, but her positioning and decision making were near perfect. Other than an odd bounce that she ultimately handed awkwardly, I can't think of a foot that she put wrong. Much of the credit can go to the defenders in front of her, but this was a towering, confident performance.
The team will spend Thursday traveling to Cary/Raleigh, so this has turned into quite a long week for the players. I thought Demelo looked like her usual self, but Louisville would benefit greatly if Howell can be ready by Saturday to get some minutes. I still don't think she will start, but I do think gving Fischer some minutes will be something to look out for too.
