Spirit v Racing Pre Match Thoughts
Courtesy Connor Cunningham
As the season winds down, Racing finds itself will little apparent margin for error. Washington isn't a great team to face with your backs against the wall, especially on the road.
Racing has taken some hard-fought points off the Spirit in Washington in the past. The two previous trips to Washington have seen Racing pull back a point from losing positions. I think this is a better Washington team, so any points here would be a positive.
If I am being completely honest, the end of this season doesn't feel much different from the end of the last two. My enthusiasm related to Racing has dropped, but maybe that's just me. Racing has never won 3 in a row, and while 7 points might be enough 9 would be much better. The team still seems to lack any kind of consistency, so a winning run just doesn't seem like the most likely scenario.
After I called Racing “a well-coached team”, they have put together a couple of dismal performances. I hardly ever go out on a limb, and I will be even less likely to do so in the future. I wouldn't soley fault the coaching because I think the players have not been at their best regardless of the plan.
Racing’s season-long lack of urgency will likely cost them in the end. I never felt like they were in a great hurry to get results. Until they are ready to treat the macthes like battles instead of games, I don't see how much will change.
