Pride v Racing Pre Match Thoughts
By the time Racing takes the pitch on Thursday, they will know exactly what they need to do to qualify for the semifinals of this competition. If they get 7 points AND win the group the job will be done.
On the other side, Orlando will also know if they have a chance to win the group. If they are mathematically eliminated, one might be tempted to fully rotate and get some game film on squad players. That's what I would do, but in this league who knows. Either way, both Taylor Flint and Bev Yanez commented that Racing wouldn't adjust their preparation. It is honestly too late to do that now anyway, but if Racing are put into a position where goal difference is at play, I would expect the substitutes to reflect that.
Everyone seems impressed with Kayla Fischer as the isolated center forward in Racing’s setup for the last two matches. I will reserve judgment on the switch until we get some more games. Initially, it looks like a good move for Kayla. She is much less likely to pick up a silly yellow card in that position. However, she needs to show some goal-scoring prowess over an extended time before I declare Racing’s center forward issue “solved”. It's a different look and I am all for it as an option at least. She does seem to want to press more than anyone else who plays there, so that's definitely a plus in the current system.
Orlando while missing key players is a different system to solve compared to North Carolina. Racing's recent progress will be measured against how they play against different styles. Orlando never looked uncomfortable once they got a lead at home against Racing earlier this season, so the goal here should be to take them out of there comfort zone early.
It was bad news for Kirsten Wright yesterday. I don't think there is more anyone can say other than to wish her a speedy recovery. I have no idea in terms of if they will try to fill an open roster spot between now and the end of the season. I think it will be based on who is available and willing to come to Louisville.
