I read this book after it was recommended on the Double Pivot podcast by one Mike Goodman. It was excellent

I have seen them twice and they were...not very good both times

Anecdote of the Sower

Thanks so much for having me on! The Courage now with a 100% record when I'm on the podcast.

@uproarnc.com Let me know what you think

Bottom line is we're prob a couple pieces away from competing for a title. Would like to see us play a midblock pressing system that creates chances in transition through quick aggressive passes—would seem to suit Shaw/Manaka/Sanchez/Gomes/Jackson—but very different from what Nehas has asked so far

The cause for concern is we still don't have a single player with a record of getting 3+ shots/game. Our safe possession style also involves having the defensive line creep up to support the attack, but our lack of pace at CB tends to leave us vulnerable (unless one of the young CBs can slot in)

Maybe Gomes breaks out or Wingate gets healthy and takes a step forward. Maybe Courtnall and Shinomi are NWSL-ready and address our defensive vulnerabilities. Maybe Vine adjusts and is a productive CF

The case for optimism is mostly taking a positive view of the uncertainty that comes with a team loaded with young talent. Shaw is great and has room to grow, and it's unclear how she will play in this system. Maybe she is simply a superstar creator and also adds 3 shots/game

I agree the problem is how to get that front four all on the field. With the quality of passing we have in attack and lack of a CF we really should set up to press and play in transition. But unless Bell or Courtnall is fast and ready to slot in, our lack of pace at CB is gonna leave us open

I don't like this system for our talent, because if you're doing this you're really playing a 3-5-2 in possession, and Feli is really not a wing back. Plus Nehas is too obsessed with control to give the wing backs the necessary freedom, so the last time we did this we were just too narrow

Whoever is injured and out for the knockout stage anyway. There will probably be someone.