The Red and Blue Soccer Chat - 3/6/24

The Red and Blue Soccer Chat

Welcome back, Reds and Blues! March brings with it the start of the home stretch, but results have remained largely unchanged. Let’s discuss whether the performances have as well.

Chelsea had an opportunity to get their hands on a trophy (Carabao Cup) this season, but they did not take advantage of it. As has been the case all season long they had periods of good play without really threatening, and then appeared vulnerable at the back. Liverpool opted for a mixed lineup of veterans and youth, as they have a variety of injury troubles mounting up. Chelsea played a similar lineup that they have used frequently in recent matches. Neither side seemed very willing to take control of the game, and that became a more damning commentary on Chelsea as the match wore on and Liverpool had to turn to more youth from the bench. When they should have imposed their will on tiring legs and inexperience, they instead seemed reticent to commit to attack. And that would be their undoing as they conceded a VVD header from a corner kick late into extra time. That loss was then followed by a back-and-forth affair with Leeds in the FA Cup that required a 90th-minute goal from Gallagher. Then nearly more doom and gloom as they again needed a late goal to prevent a loss to Brentford. The performances have largely matched the results and talk of Poch being one and done is gaining momentum. They face a seemingly rejuvenated Newcastle at the Bridge on Monday. They currently sit in 11th with a game in hand. They will need it.

United’s inconsistent form was also again on display as they fell behind to Fulham midway through the 2nd half. They threw caution to the wind and finally got their reward through Harry Maguire in the 89th minute. But United’s historic desire to chase victory deep into stoppage time was their undoing as they were caught out of shape and didn’t take the professional foul when necessary. That allowed the speedy Adama Traore to race up-field and find Iwobi to slot home. They needed another late goal to get past Forest in the FA Cup before lining up for the Manchester Derby this weekend. Playing on the counter they hit first through a Rashford banger from distance. They had further opportunities to increase their lead, but they were also fortunate to not concede on multiple occasions. They survived the first 10 minutes after the break, but you could see City growing into the game. The winner came through Foden who had already matched Rashford’s beauty with one of his own from outside. Haaland’s add-on in stoppage time made the scoreline a little flattering to City, and the recent gulf in class between the 2 sides was very narrow on the day. But only if United can build on a solid losing performance against a title challenger. They face Everton at the weekend in what has to be seen as a must-win game to keep their top-4 chances alive. And they’ll need to keep that momentum and focus when they take on Liverpool in the FA Cup quarters. Despite key injuries, it’s time to stand up and be counted.

The USWNT got a feisty win in their W Gold Cup quarterfinal against Colombia, who thought they could intimidate and out-muscle a US team that has an air of concern swirling about them. But Alex Morgan led the charge; winning a penalty and involved in the build-up to the other 2 goals. All 3 game in the first half, and the US shut down Colombia to ensure their advancement to the semis to take on another likely physical side in Canada. There’s quite a rivalry beginning to brew there as well, so Wednesday night may require a similar fire to advance to the finals where either Brazil or a rematch with Mexico awaits. We’ll be sticking around the Tap to watch, so please join us.

We’ll be hoping our show isn’t called with the ball in the air, so join us live from Chatham Tap Fishers at 7pm, follow along on Facebook Live and YouTube Live, or catch us at your leisure on our other platforms listed below. Please like, subscribe, and comment wherever you chooseto find us. CHEERS!

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