Reign v Racing Pre Match Thoughts
Courtesy USA Today Sports Images
What more needs to be said other than Racing needs to win this match on Sunday? The Reign has earned just 2 points from its last six matches. They struggle to score consistently and average conceding 2 goals per match. Racing could have a physicality advantage too in that Racing lead the league in fouls per match at 12.6 and the Reign are near the bottom at 9.5. The question is: Will Racing step up?
When asked by Bekki on Friday about Racing’s slow starts, Bev didn’t really have an explanation. I don’t have one either, but Racing has let their opponents dictate the style of play at the start of matches and the start of halves on a fairly frequent basis. Earlier in the year it was the second half but recently it has been the first half. The most logical explanation is randomness. Racing is a “league-average” team putting in “league-average” performances. I think Racing’s average performance should be enough to take care of the Reign, but you never know.
What has stood at to me recently is that the player-to-player connections are not where they need to be. Racing is near the bottom of the league in passing accuracy and possession, but near the top in things like interceptions, tackles and possession won in the final third. In other words, Racing puts more value in winning the ball versus having it. I call that “eBay syndrome”. It is usually more fun getting something versus having it. If their transition attacks were more precise and effective, I wouldn’t be so against it as a plan. Racing definitely has the speed to execute the tactic, but I am not sure they have the requisite skills. I believe that good teams demonstrate control and precision, things that Racing lacks at the moment.
If Racing come away from Seattle with all three points, I am not sure we learn much of anything. If they don’t I think we learn quite a bit. I don’t see how Kayla Fischer starts again, but I’m not in charge. Bahr and Turner need to do more in the minutes they are given on Sunday. The defense has not been great in the last couple of matches, so I think we need to see improvement there as well.
