How do you think Casey Nogueira will do in WPS? – Anthony Chen, USA
From my internet browsing I am aware that all WPS clubs are showing an interest in this talented forward.
Casey Nogueira
Nogueira has proved a handful to college defenses over the past four seasons. There are rough edges to her game but good coaching will refine them and she has already improved a lot since I first saw her playing for UNC, when she looked a raw talent but with little appreciation for her teammates or understanding of defending.
At that time, I observed that on number of occasions when dispossessed she stood and watched instead of actively trying to regain possession.
I saw her play again this fall in South Bend against Notre Dame and found her an easy mover with a relaxed running style who can control the ball with ease and she possesses the body movement to deceive or sway past defenders.
She prefers facing defenders rather than playing with her back to goal but, partnered by a talented front player who can hold the ball up, Nogueira could thrive at a higher level if she works hard and learns.
I believe that she has talent required to succeed in WPS but it would not be prudent for any club to expect Nogueira to come in and be the focus player from day one. Playing against 20 year old college defenders is vastly different than facing LePeibelt or Markgraf – she will need time to develop and to excel.
One Comment
Shek,
I completely agree on what you observed with Nogueira’s tendency to stand and watch or just walk in defense. That is still an part of her game that she needs to get rid of, I think. If a team invests a lot in her, it is going to want a lot back. She won’t be able to to catch her breath multiple times per game like she did in the college game with her substitutions. We’ll see what happens, though. I like Heath and O’Hara over her because of work ethic, but we’ll see what happens.