Kansas City 0 Louisville 2 Post Match Thoughts
Courtesy USA Today Sports Images
Louisville put in its most complete performance of the year so far and in the end won somewhat comfortably by 2 goals. It will be important to keep this momentum going, so there is no time to take their foot off of the gas.
First let's start with Kansas City's performance. It was the type of performance that Louisville was putting in last season and to a degree early in this season. The Current were not “bad” per se, but had an atrocious individual error and gave up a lethal counter attack. I bring this up to point out that the result does and should be the main factor in evaluating a performance. Making excuses for the result of the type of performance KC put in is hopefully now something that Louisville can put in its rear view window. It's the type of match that losing coaches like to complain about and say “we deserved something out of that match.” I say no you didn't and as always…”Deserve got nuthin’ to do with it.”
On the other hand, Louisville were not lucky in the least. DeMelo forced that error and collectively they made that opportunity for the second goal. Louisville forced the Current into its performance. It's even more impressive taking into account that Louisville won in the midweek match as well. Kansas City made the decision to prioritize this match over the cup match and ended up winning neither. Alternatively Louisville had its cake and ate it too.
If Louisville makes the playoffs, Savannah DeMelo will surely be in the MVP discussion. It's way too early to worry about such things, but I can't think of many more superlatives to place on her. Since her red card, she has been unstoppable.
Much has been made of how the players on this team get along and are genuinely good people. However, they are starting to become…let's call it “unpleasant” to play against. Things seemed cordial enough between the teams after the match, but during the match Louisville made no friends. In previous seasons I would see Louisville players pull out of contact against their opponents. That has completely changed and I love it. In my opinion, it's what had been missing from their pressing. Now they have enough of the type of player that isn’t afraid to foul, get carded smartly or time waste when necessary. It's the edge that winners need. I hope Howell unapologetically leads the league in fouls committed all season. In fact, if I were her I would ask my opponents before the match if they would prefer it on the shin, calf, or ankle. DeMelo should enroll in the Megan Rapinoe school of complaining to the officials. However, their midfield partner Ary Borges already has her gamesmanship down pat. In fact, my favorite stretch of the match was in the 85th minute or so, when Louisville let the air completely out of the ball with Kanu a big part of that. The Current had a few chances after that, but by then the match was won.
On the defensive side, for all of the decent to good chances that Kansas City mustered, Louisville had the right number of players back and in good positions. Lester was particularly good in recovery, but it really isn't fair to single any one player out. This particular line is starting to gel. Elli Pikkujämsä may have to really fight to find her way back into this current back 4. Lester could feasibly slide over to right back, but Milliet has done nothing to make anyone think she is in danger of losing her starting job.
The players will now surely get a day or so off, but have to be dying to get back on the pitch Saturday against North Carolina. Pickett and Erceg will have chips on their shoulders which might be good enough for Louisville to finally get something against the Courage.
