Why is the NWSL so far behind the European leagues? Is it as simple as those leagues utilizing the same structure as exists for the men's leagues in Europe: a women's Bundesliga, for example, and a women's Champions League. Likewise, the women's teams in Europe are part of the same club structure as the men's teams: Barca, Lyon, Bayern, Arsenal, etc..
Unfortunately, the status of the women's game in the U.S. is being dragged down to that of the men's game, when I think all of us were hoping that the opposite might occur. This World Cup looks certain to be a turning point where career paths like Lindsay Horan's appear to be the norm: skip college and play in Europe instead. She came back to star in the NWSL for several years, but tellingly, recently returned to France and Champions League glory. Other Americans should follow.
Great article Drew. Your comment here is telling: "The USWNT has the deepest, or at least one of the deepest, player pools to select from. The number of female players in high schools, colleges and universities, and the NWSL is incredible."
This is 100% accurate but we are wasting this advantage if we insist on funneling players into a narrow, pay-to-play USSF managed path. That player who is showing skill in high school soccer isn't getting a look if she isn't willing or able to travel to play for USSF FC nearby, and is actually disregarded in many cases because she plays high school soccer. We're broken if we insist in saying there is one way to be good enough to play for the USWNT (and USMNT btw) when you have a country as large and diverse as ours.
Cheers, Robert. Thanks so much for reading and commenting, I appreciate it. It was a shock to see just how poor they were compared to the rest of the teams.
First off, thanks for reading and commenting. I really appreciate it. Please consider subscribing for free. In terms of the xG, a high xG is great, but the real goals total has to be close to it. xG shows you are creating chances, but a low real goal total is proof you aren't putting those chances away. More finishing practice? I've always thought Lavelle was quality in midfield. I don't think this was a good USWNT. The two "legends" of Morgan and Rapinoe were being held onto when the young players should have been given the reins. Unfortunately, some of those young players are learning from those players from a previous generation who won everything. They aren't tested, rather they go into a good situation without learning to overcome hardships.
Once again, thanks for reading and commenting. I really appreciate it.
Why is the NWSL so far behind the European leagues? Is it as simple as those leagues utilizing the same structure as exists for the men's leagues in Europe: a women's Bundesliga, for example, and a women's Champions League. Likewise, the women's teams in Europe are part of the same club structure as the men's teams: Barca, Lyon, Bayern, Arsenal, etc..
Unfortunately, the status of the women's game in the U.S. is being dragged down to that of the men's game, when I think all of us were hoping that the opposite might occur. This World Cup looks certain to be a turning point where career paths like Lindsay Horan's appear to be the norm: skip college and play in Europe instead. She came back to star in the NWSL for several years, but tellingly, recently returned to France and Champions League glory. Other Americans should follow.
Thanks for ready, Pete. I really appreciate the comment, too. I agree that more American players should play in Europe.
Great article Drew. Your comment here is telling: "The USWNT has the deepest, or at least one of the deepest, player pools to select from. The number of female players in high schools, colleges and universities, and the NWSL is incredible."
This is 100% accurate but we are wasting this advantage if we insist on funneling players into a narrow, pay-to-play USSF managed path. That player who is showing skill in high school soccer isn't getting a look if she isn't willing or able to travel to play for USSF FC nearby, and is actually disregarded in many cases because she plays high school soccer. We're broken if we insist in saying there is one way to be good enough to play for the USWNT (and USMNT btw) when you have a country as large and diverse as ours.
Again, you nailed it. Thanks for writing.
Cheers, Robert. Thanks so much for reading and commenting, I appreciate it. It was a shock to see just how poor they were compared to the rest of the teams.
Hey Travis,
First off, thanks for reading and commenting. I really appreciate it. Please consider subscribing for free. In terms of the xG, a high xG is great, but the real goals total has to be close to it. xG shows you are creating chances, but a low real goal total is proof you aren't putting those chances away. More finishing practice? I've always thought Lavelle was quality in midfield. I don't think this was a good USWNT. The two "legends" of Morgan and Rapinoe were being held onto when the young players should have been given the reins. Unfortunately, some of those young players are learning from those players from a previous generation who won everything. They aren't tested, rather they go into a good situation without learning to overcome hardships.
Once again, thanks for reading and commenting. I really appreciate it.