Racing v Pride Pre Match Thoughts
Ready or not, the season kicks off for Racing Louisville at 4 PM on Saturday at Lynn Family Stadium.
Racing seems well prepared to start the season, but seeming prepared versus actually being prepared will be better judged after the first match. Arin Wright who has seen her fair share of opening matches commented that season openers are unique and challenging in their own ways. I think Racing might benefit from a home opener this season, but I could just as easily be convinced that opening on the road for a new head coach might be better too. Regardless, the coaches have done just about all they can do to prepare for the first match and the outcome will be left to how the players execute.
The idea of a “Starting XI” may need to be put out of our collective minds this season. The roster is deep enough to support some rotation without any real drop in quality. I expect that this season will see the players who can demonstrate match fitness and skills that might confound specific opponents get the nod on more of a match-by-match basis. Björkegren, for better or for worse liked who he liked and tended to start them if they were available. I think we will see a slightly different approach this season. My suggestion would be to manage your expectations by not having any preconceived ideas around who the “starters” are.
Bev is going to play things closer to the vest than Coach Björkegren did. Her style will be to give no more information to the media than is required and no sooner than absolutely necessary. I can't say that I blame her. We are all going to have to wait until the NWSL Availability Report is released each week to have any insight to players’ match fitness. That could change, but I think her philosophy will be to stick with keeping fitness information close. That isn't to say that she isn't a good interview, I just think she understands the fine margins of the NWSL and doesn't want to give her opponents any advantage by being too forthcoming.
I don't think we will see a huge stylistic switch from previous seasons either. The team is built to play a certain way. The changes will be in the details. As always my concern is keeping the fine line between playing quickly but not rushed. There was a little too much rushing in the match against Gotham once Racing fell behind. The other item that I constantly look out for is to see how well the players are connecting. Some of the players in previous seasons liked to take on too much load when things weren't going well. There is too much talent this season for anyone to think they need to carry the burden alone.
If Racing are to win, it could likely come from a set piece. I don't think we will see any fantastic team goals to kick off the season but I would love to be proven wrong on that. Personally, I don't think that any lineup that is put forward by any team this match week will be clicking on all cylinders. Since Racing proved itself dangerous from set pieces in the last couple of seasons, one of those could be the difference maker this week.
