Here, FC Gold Pride coach Albertin Montoya says, “This year we have played a 4-3-3, a 4-5-2, a 4-5-1, a 3-5-2, and we have been successful for the most part. Now it is just making sure that we really get a couple of systems down where we can make some adjustments.”

Systems only start the game.
It is not a question of 4-4-2 or 4-5-1. There are things which are generally right foundation from the very beginning. Players have to know simple things, like making less mistakes over the entire 90 minutes, and to make accurate passes and to give options. After that it is down to communication, movement and players covering for one another. Move into and make space for others, and don’t give the ball away. If you are organized and realistic is it always possible to win and to achieve something.

You can sign 11 players and still not have a team.
Generally speaking talent alone is not worth of money, unless associated with three qualities in the player; training habits, experience, and technique. Players with great talent do not succeed, as often or as well as those who begin with small ones and train hard. Marta has it all. She trains hard and nobody can ever question Marta’s hunger for football and success. She is not a system player or a role player. She needs freedom and to play instinctively to be most effective.
Having said this, one of the reasons FC Gold Pride has been successful so far is that Albertin Montoya has given Marta freedom to do her thing. “The art of coaching is in allowing talent to flourish.”

Their defensive problems are not because of inabilities of their individual players either. If you look at Philadelphia, for example, you would not say that their back four is better than Chicago’s. As a matter of fact Philly features at least one defender which was deemed surplus by Chicago after last season. But as a unit Philly are well organized, strong and they give nothing away. Interestingly, Chicago seemed to dominate possession in many of their games but the problem comes when you face well organized teams which will punish you on counters.
Philly’s game is to sit back and wait for their opponents to overstretch themselves and then break out.
And when they gain possession they try to cross the field in three passes or fewer, usually ending in a through-ball for the strikers to run on to. They attack in short and quick bursts and then dedicate themselves to letting the opposition do the work. They have enough players with attacking ability to capitalize on only a handful of chances.
Making playoffs in WPS is certainly achievable for a team like the Red Stars. They have a number of high quality, experienced players but you can’t make playoffs and for sure can’t win the title unless you are solid at the back. As the season ends you have to grind out results and giving up 3 goals at home is not the way.

I second that.. read more here>>

Genoveva Anonman

Three players come to mind right away.
Christie Rampone is the Franco Baresi of women’s football. She led her club to WPS title and anyone doubting her experience, leadership and her importance to her national team and her club is not following the game.
Linda Bresonik. Everyone who knows me knows that I am a big fan of Bresonik. For me she is a complete player who can play in any position and and is a winner everywhere she goes. Like Grings, Bresonik is another Euro and the UEFA Women’s Champions League winner.
Genoveva Anonman, the Equatorial Guinea captain, who in 2008 single-handed won the African title for her country, saved FF USV Jena from relegation and very simply is the best African player at the moment.

Linda Bresonik

I was asked last week what three players I would like to have in my team. Here they are.
For me, Linda Bresonik (GER, pictured) is the most complete and most versatile player in the world. She can play anywhere on the field, is technically and tactically very good, and has a very strong physical presence.
Inka Grings (GER) is a pure goal scorer. The timing and precision of her runs, her movement and composure make her in my mind the best pure scorer in the world.
Lori Chalupny (USA) is another top player. Her physical tenacity and versatility make her very effective in the women’s game.
I know I will get criticism for not having Marta in my top three but for me Marta while a very exciting, dynamic player is not necessarily ideally suited for every team. She is an instinctive, emotional player who needs lots of tactical freedom and a team which plays for her. You could at times see how frustrated she was in LA, and how there was little understanding between her and her teammates. Only Miyama seemed to be on the same page as Marta.
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