Playing devil's advocate here. And not really knowing anything about Ryan's record as a decision maker, but doesn't this put the new coach in the position of always second guessing themselves? I thought it was a bad decision when it was reported that he was making the move in goal, but getting fired over this apparent switch and subsequent loss seems to me to put the women's futbol team on a slippery slope. Looks like a "Steinbrennerish" move. (Oh crap, I hope I don't get murderlized about that.)
The impression I got at the time is that Ryan felt that he owed Scurry a start. I believe he actually SAID this, weeks (or months?) before the incident (that he would give Scurry another start as more or less a parting gift.) but getting fired over this apparent switch and subsequent loss seems to me to put the women's futbol team on a slippery slope. Looks like a "Steinbrennerish" move. well like the others stated, this wasn't a minor mistake. This was a globally criticized decision that left the entire soccer world going "huh?". I would think it's OK to let the NEW coach know that "hey, if you make a truly ignorant decision that even those who don't follow the sport recognize as asinine, then yes, you're job will be in jeopardy too." This is more like benching Tom Brady right now for Drew Bledsoe I wouldn't say its THAT drastic. More like if Curt Shilling was retiring and to honor him they chose to start him in game 7 as opposed to a rested Josh Beckett.
I thought it was a bad decision when it was reported that he was making the move in goal, but getting fired over this apparent switch and subsequent loss seems to me to put the women's futbol team on a slippery slope. Looks like a "Steinbrennerish" move. well, he technically wasn't fired, his contract was up and it wasn't renewed. you can point to other things he's done besides the goalie switch (like subbing defenders when they were down 2-0 to Brazil). his "kick the ball to Abbey" approach works fine against weaker sides (hence the bloated record) but not against the top flight teams anymore. hopefully the federation realizes this and hires someone who can take the team in a new direction.
his "kick the ball to Abbey" approach works fine against weaker sides (hence the bloated record) but not against the top flight teams anymore. And this, in a nutshell, was more to blame than the 'keeper fuck-up. Previous US teams have been known for their skill and creativity, but this team was built on muscle and power to beat Germany. Once Brazil gained confidence from the own goal, the semi-final was an avalanche waiting to happen. Brazil's speed and desire completely overwhelmed this US team and the score could have easily been 8 nil. And for once, US Soccer makes the right decision and should be commended for seeing the truth.
Hope Solo did not comment on the move. "Now I can put that money I was saving to hire Jango Fett to better use." Hope Solo, AP Wire
goddam wrote: his "kick the ball to Abbey" approach works fine against weaker sides (hence the bloated record) but not against the top flight teams anymore. Tex wrote: And this, in a nutshell, was more to blame than the 'keeper fuck-up Word. So can Goddam, Tex and I apply for the vacancy?
This is not just a tactical move. It was strategy, not tactics. Building a squad to beat Germany, and attempting to deal with Brazil by recourse to ancient history, was a dumb strategy. Ryan was trying to re-fight old battles, particularly those the team had lost in the past. doesn't this put the new coach in the position of always second guessing themselves? Not at all, at least not if the choice (and selection process) is done well. The new coach gets to draw a line under the team's history and plan for the future, competing based upon the strengths of the US squad against opposing teams as they stand now.
So can Goddam, Tex and I apply for the vacancy? You could but I already have so just wait and you can be my assistants.
It was strategy, not tactics. Building a squad to beat Germany, and attempting to deal with Brazil by recourse to ancient history, was a dumb strategy. this strategy wasn't started by Ryan, by the way. this started under Heinrichs at some point. and it caused one of their most talented and creative players to quit nearly four years ago.
Thanks for the link goddam. The best players in the recent WC tournament were the smaller, faster ones. Interesting, and adds weight to my analogy with the 1953 Hungarians in a previous thread. (e.g. Long run of being 'undefeated' leading to arrogance, Marta = Puskas). Bill - add this to your application: Head coach: billsaysthis Technical coordinator: Texan_lost_in_NY (The Kickin' Chicks experience is all important) Head of R&D and team psychologist: goddam (Who else understands women?) Director of Football: owlhouse (i.e. The meaningless but important sounding role, and the one I currently occupy with my daughter's team)
wtf, you forgot me? I want to be striker's coach. Or defensive coach - they need to learn how to clatter Marta the next time she does that flick-and-spin move. If you gonna get a red card, make it a good one.
Well then, if everyone's getting a chance to apply for positions with the staff, I formerly declare that I am the most logical choice for coach. Seeing as I obviously don't know sweet fuck-all about futbol.
Yeah, it would get kind of annoying with me as coach, considering the only advice I would have is to repeatedly yell at the players is "Kick it that way!" By the way, THX... the sweet fuck-all comment made me blow soda out my nose. Thanks...jerk.
Technical coordinator: Texan_lost_in_NY (The Kickin' Chicks experience is all important) You should see what we're doing playing a U13 co-ed team (2/3 girls) in a U14 boys league. Okay, we've only one win and three losses, but the improvement week to week is near-baffling. And most important, the kids are having fun fun fun 'til your daddy takes the T-Bird away.
I'll pop for the next soda, hg. Just make sure that when you're yelling, you're also pointing in the correct direction.
WC: You take charge of the midfielders THX: Fitness coach/Head physio (get you up close with the, er, players)
