Upon further review, Pauw impressed with improvement
Coach wants team to advance on goal more aggressively
The Dash missed the chance to give new coach Vera Pauw her first National Women's Soccer League victory in Sunday’s season-opening tie against the Chicago Red Stars.
The Dash have a shot at that first win against Utah Royals FC (0-0-1) on Friday, when they face a team that played to a draw in the club’s inaugural NWSL game.
A new-look Dash (0-0-1) showed how much they changed this offseason Sunday, leading the Red Stars until the final moments in stoppage time.
Despite the Dash surrendering the late goal, Pauw was pleased with the team’s showing and is confident about the tone it set moving forward.
“I must say, I’m even more impressed than I was (on Sunday),” she said. “I think we played quicker than I thought we did and with more variety. The problem that I thought we have is that we do not get so close to the goal.”
Pauw wants more players going forward when the Dash attack. They directed four of 10 shots on goal in the opener, but with a more involved attack, Pauw hopes to convert those opportunities into points.
“We had our chances but we need more situations where players are around the goal,” she said.
Part of that effort starts with the midfielders. South African newcomer Linda Motlhalo was active in Sunday’s match and looks to improve as she adjusts to the NWSL.
“It was my first game in professional league and I was very nervous, but I didn’t let that affect my game,” she said. “This team plays very direct football where as I’m a very skillful player so I need to adapt to the style of play.”
“That is a process that will not be solved next week,” Pauw said.
Friday’s match offers the Dash another opportunity to gauge their growth after facing a shorthanded Chicago team.
“They’re very structured, they’re very decent,” Pauw said of Utah. “It could end up being a boring game for fans because it’s two teams with different styles that are very structured.”
Pauw is pleased with the team’s development even though is is so early in the NWSL season.
“They have improved so fast,” she said. “I think we must be very happy with where we stand as a complete new team.
“I think the atmosphere around the team is very, very good.”