Watching the NW v Duke on BTN replay- yes an insomniac it stinks. The women's game is flat tough to watch. Almost every clear consists of one girl barreling down the field with her head down, trying to force it through double teams, while being crosschecked and bumped for 70 yards, three whistles later you have a clear. Even the announcer just called it "scrappy"..
When they do finally gain the zone it's all crowded in and a series of one on one matchups take place- more forcing through double teams. Everyone is playing the zone now so even if a player does dodge and beat their girl there's at least one defender waiting to stop the challenge or set up a free position. There's just not much motion or fluidity in this game. Rarely see a pretty assist and finish.
They need to adapt more features from the guys game. 50 yard restraining line, 6v6 in the zone, full pockets in the cross. Get passing and movement and athleticism back into the game. They have taken a few things recently- can kick the ball to get it out of a crowd, go in your own crease, but more is needed. Make it entertaining to watch. Fans might come watch.. on the men's side UNC v SU a few days ago had hundreds of fans, placed was packed. And the game was entertaining. There's no reason why the men's game should be that much better for fans. These women are great athletes, but their version of the game is holding them back big time.
It reminds me of the NBA in the 90's. Rough, physical super low scoring and tough to watch.
"had hundreds of fans, placed was packed" - I assume that's a typo? Would take more than hundreds to pack a stadium, even if it wasn't the Dome. Box score says 4000+.
