Category: Women’s Football

Women’s World Cup 2023 Preview – Alex Greenwood & the loss of Leah Williamson

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Player Analysis, Women's Football

Coming off ecstasy and triumph at last summer's European Championships, England will be full of confidence heading into the 2023 World Cup. But without their captain, some doubts may begin to form. Leah Williamson played an integral part to England's success last year, firmly reminding everyone why she's one of the best defenders in the world. Luckily for the Three Lions, Alex Greenwood is a similar prototype and should help to put all of those doubts to bed. Here is what Greenwood brings to England in the absence of Leah Williamson.

Women’s World Cup 2023 Preview – Rose Lavelle & Ashley Sanchez

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Player Analysis, Women's Football

One of the storylines heading into the Women's World Cup this year for the United States centers around the fitness of one of their prime starlets - Rose Lavelle. Lavelle stole the show with her Bronze Ball back in 2019 as the U.S. lifted the trophy, and has been a key function for both Reign and her nation since. Luckily for the States, they seem to have a carbon copy in the form of Ashley Sanchez of the Washington Spirit. Although Sanchez lacks the same experience and Bronze Ball potential, she just so happens to be a remarkably similar player set to shine at this summer's tournament.

Emma Hayes – Chelsea – Tactical Analysis (2022-23)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Team Analysis, Women's Football

Over the past decade, few managers in the world of football have achieved more than Emma Hayes at Chelsea. Having now won the FA Cup and WSL title in back to back seasons with the Blues, the Chelsea legend will now have her eyes on the greatest prize of all in club football - the UEFA Champions League. Fortunately for her, Chelsea are in the form of their lives at the moment, and currently boast what is possibly the greatest squad they've ever had. The likes of Lyon and Barcelona will be difficult to beat, but Chelsea are in good shape to go this season with a near unbeaten record, and challenge for that elusive trophy once and for all. Here is our analysis of Emma Hayes' Chelsea in 2022-23.

Initial thoughts on a professional women’s league in Canada

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Women's Football, World Football

Last night, news circulated that the long wait for a women's professional league in Canada may soon be on its way. News has circulated in the past that some traction may be developing in this area, but never with the evident backing of people like Christine Sinclair and Diana Matheson, or clubs like the Vancouver Whitecaps and Calgary Foothills. We're still a few years away from the proposed 2025 start date, but it appears as though we can officially cheer for joy that a women's league in Canada will be on its way.

The case for short corners

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses, NWSL, UEFA Champions League, Women's Football

Among a host of changes to the game and innovations popping up at every turn, short corners remain an understudied facet of the game. While they often frustrate fans in stadiums when they ultimately come to nothing, the right short corner kick routine can bear fruit for any team, creating an overload before whipping the ball into the box.

Kansas City Current – Tactical Analysis – 2022

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Most Recent, NWSL, Team Analysis, Women's Football

Kansas City Current have shocked the NWSL in 2022, going on an incredible run of form at the end of the season to win or draw 17 of their last 20 games, and secure a spot in the playoffs where they now await the Final. Along the way, Matthew Potter has played some of the most tactically flexible football in the division, creating a team of workhorses ready to fight each and every day for the betterment of the team. They've not only played some of the best football this season, but have done so with one of the lowest budgets, and arguably the least amount of star power in their ranks.

Game of Numbers – #8 – Alexis Loera’s Midfield Shift

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Defensive Midfield, Game of Numbers, Match Analysis, Most Recent, NWSL, Player Analysis, Women's Football

In our latest analysis series: Game of Numbers, we break down the various tactical undertones of the modern game, most notably the roles that individual players hold on the pitch to help their teams explore avenues for greatness. This is Issue No. 8, currently featuring KC Current's Alexis Loera and VfB Stuttgart's Silas Mvumpa.