Michael P. Breen
@mpbreen21.bsky.social
Historian of early modern French law & society at Reed College. Prattles on about history, dogs, politics, soccer, & hoops. H-France Editor-in-Chief (www.h-france.net)
If Gale had the best roster in the NWSL or anything remotely close to it, this analogy might make sense
Instead he had a roster that screamed “rebuilding project”
Obviously the players deserve a ton of credit but this team isn’t talented enough to finish 3rd w/a coach who’s “along for the ride”
Instead he had a roster that screamed “rebuilding project”
Obviously the players deserve a ton of credit but this team isn’t talented enough to finish 3rd w/a coach who’s “along for the ride”
November 11, 2025 at 8:28 AM
If Gale had the best roster in the NWSL or anything remotely close to it, this analogy might make sense
Instead he had a roster that screamed “rebuilding project”
Obviously the players deserve a ton of credit but this team isn’t talented enough to finish 3rd w/a coach who’s “along for the ride”
Instead he had a roster that screamed “rebuilding project”
Obviously the players deserve a ton of credit but this team isn’t talented enough to finish 3rd w/a coach who’s “along for the ride”
I guess it’s not surprising that Elon would identify with a petulant brat sulking in his tent over a perceived slight while his allies and best friend are being slaughtered
November 11, 2025 at 7:55 AM
I guess it’s not surprising that Elon would identify with a petulant brat sulking in his tent over a perceived slight while his allies and best friend are being slaughtered
Is it though? I can’t think of another team that over performed relative to expectations than the Thorns. That’s usually a major criterion for COTY consideration
I don’t think he should win it (Vlatko gets it, obviously). But did the other two nominees get similar overperformances from their teams?
I don’t think he should win it (Vlatko gets it, obviously). But did the other two nominees get similar overperformances from their teams?
November 11, 2025 at 6:39 AM
Is it though? I can’t think of another team that over performed relative to expectations than the Thorns. That’s usually a major criterion for COTY consideration
I don’t think he should win it (Vlatko gets it, obviously). But did the other two nominees get similar overperformances from their teams?
I don’t think he should win it (Vlatko gets it, obviously). But did the other two nominees get similar overperformances from their teams?
This is it. W/all the injuries & adversity this team has faced, and given how young they are, they could have easily folded on numerous occasions. I did not have high expectations yesterday and yet they overcame adversity. Again.
At some point, the coach has to get credit for building that culture
At some point, the coach has to get credit for building that culture
November 11, 2025 at 1:53 AM
This is it. W/all the injuries & adversity this team has faced, and given how young they are, they could have easily folded on numerous occasions. I did not have high expectations yesterday and yet they overcame adversity. Again.
At some point, the coach has to get credit for building that culture
At some point, the coach has to get credit for building that culture
I mean, Gotham just went into KC & knocked out the team everyone thought was a cinch to win the title. And what happened since that game? The Thorns went 4-1 w/the only loss away to Orlando on a stoppage time OG.
Bringing Tordin on in the 70th makes sense when there’s a real possibility of ET
Bringing Tordin on in the 70th makes sense when there’s a real possibility of ET
November 11, 2025 at 1:49 AM
I mean, Gotham just went into KC & knocked out the team everyone thought was a cinch to win the title. And what happened since that game? The Thorns went 4-1 w/the only loss away to Orlando on a stoppage time OG.
Bringing Tordin on in the 70th makes sense when there’s a real possibility of ET
Bringing Tordin on in the 70th makes sense when there’s a real possibility of ET
Here’s the thing about Gale. If you finish 3rd & make the semis with a roster that’s been completely turned over & is missing half a dozen starters & wasn’t expected to sniff the postseason, that’s pretty compelling evidence that there wasn’t a full season of dreadful mismanagement
November 10, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Here’s the thing about Gale. If you finish 3rd & make the semis with a roster that’s been completely turned over & is missing half a dozen starters & wasn’t expected to sniff the postseason, that’s pretty compelling evidence that there wasn’t a full season of dreadful mismanagement
There are such people?
November 10, 2025 at 10:41 PM
There are such people?
It’s a good thing there won’t be large numbers of people traveling for holiday visits to their families anytime soon
November 10, 2025 at 10:35 PM
It’s a good thing there won’t be large numbers of people traveling for holiday visits to their families anytime soon
You are what your record says you are. The cohesive, gritty performance the Thorns showed yesterday comes the coaches doing something right day in & day out over the course of the season. Rob isn’t Pep or Klopp but I’m hard pressed to think that another coach gets this roster further than he has
November 10, 2025 at 9:38 PM
You are what your record says you are. The cohesive, gritty performance the Thorns showed yesterday comes the coaches doing something right day in & day out over the course of the season. Rob isn’t Pep or Klopp but I’m hard pressed to think that another coach gets this roster further than he has
How on earth do you not have Sam Coffey on this list?
November 10, 2025 at 6:31 PM
How on earth do you not have Sam Coffey on this list?