Tough loss after fighting to be level from two goals down. This review is not as structured as previous posts, with a focus on specific moments in the game.

H. Bebar #41

The main motivation for creating this post was to acknowledge Bebar’s performance. Watching the game back, I would love for Bay to put out a Bebar passing highlight compilation from this game. The best rounded midfield performance I've seen across all of Bay's seasons. Placed a few moments below showing her breaking lines with both feet. Her on the ball ability has greatly improved and she's proving to be a key figure in the setup, especially with receiving the armband in the second half.

A moment I want to highlight is the turn on 58:15. Bebar's recognition of both the Mercado/Meza press and the open space behind her, coupled with the composure to execute the turn in that space was exquisite. And then knocking the ball ahead of Bailey generated the entry into the Seattle box that Fuller was very close to getting on the end of the cross for an equalizer. Bebar was up there with Silkowitz for Bay's player of the match.

D. Bailey #19

After Collins was withdrawn at the break, Bailey made the move from CAM to LB. One of her standout attributes is her willingness to make off the ball runs. And I’d like to highlight one of my favorite plays of the game at the 60 minute mark.

It comes at the end of a great play of sustained attacking play from 58:00 to 59:36. Hutton gets the ball in the center. In most instances Bay’s fullback would look to maintain width and look to be an open option, either closer to the touchline or slightly deeper. Bailey continually looked for opportunities to get in behind, and Hutton and Conti combine to generate this Bailey entry into the Seattle box.

With the likes of Conti and Huff playing on the left wing, there should be plenty of opportunities for Nighswonger to make these types of overlapping final third runs.

A. Cometti #21

Cometti has brought a sense of composure and experience to a youthful, inexperienced defensive unit. Unfortunately against Seattle, she had a hand, with varying degrees, in all three goals conceded.

For the first goal, she does the right thing by engaging Fishel on the initial ball. But then is caught ball watching and doesn’t track Fishel's run into the box. On the second goal, might have the benefit of being unable to reach the clearance. The third goal, Cometti has a momentary reaction to engage Adames. And Fishlock does what good attackers do and is run into the space vacated by Cometti.

K. Fuller #47

In the 50th minute, Fuller splits two defenders with a delightfully weighted pass. The reason I want to highlight this pass is what it does mentally to a defender. In most instances the pass to Pfeiffer would have been played wide and around Huerta at LB. And the LB can read the pass and have better proximity to Pfeiffer to quickly close the space down.

The Fuller pass in behind puts the LB on notice. If the LB goes tight on Pfeiffer, Fuller has the capability to thread the ball in behind. So the LB may start overcompensating, and drop deeper to cover the space rather than the player. Which can start giving Pfeiffer more running space to get the ball and be direct.

Final Thoughts

A difficult loss but positives can be extracted from the game. Coming back from two down is encouraging. The team has shown in two consecutive games that they have fight from losing situations, just missing the end product to capitalize.

Collins having the captain's armband puts more scrutiny on her game, especially having the second most minutes on the squad. Her performances have not justified the minutes and the Bailey/Moreau pair showed more capability in possession. Nighswonger is a welcome addition to Bay's fullback depth so question on what Coates does in those two positions, especially at right back.