At home on August 28 versus Sky Blue FC the Freedom came away with a very important 2-1 win in a battle for the final playoff spot as the WPS season winds down.
So, can we assume Emma Hayes the missing link?
In response to the question: "Was Emma Hayes the missing link for the Washington Freedom?" Hayes said:
It's nice to feel useful and helping the team get organized but Jim [Gabarra] and the girls deserve all the credit. Spirit and character is what they have in abundance.The Washington Freedom added former Chicago Red Stars head coach Emma Hayes to the coaching staff as a "soccer consultant" following a ten game win less streak earlier this season. To learn about her coaching philosophy and influence check out these videos:
After watching the USMNT vs. Brazil game a few weeks back, I can appreciate her using the Brazilian style of play as an influence. It works for Marta, Cristian, and the other Brazilian women so maybe it has changed the style of play on the field with the Freedom over the last five games. Hopefully Hayes has brought enough to the staff to help the team keep their spot in the top four WPS playoff teams.
Whether or not Emma Hayes is directly responsible for the Freedom's turnaround, there is no denying we have seen an entirely new team over the last month during this amazing push towards the playoffs.
I think you have to give her some credit for the turnaround but at the same time point out that the current streak began before she came on board, with the August 4 win over Philadelphia.
ReplyDeleteI was at Rustic Oven, a restaurant the team attend after the game and spoke to a few players about her and they said she has been the difference for the team. They said she has organized them and given them confidence.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous:
ReplyDeleteI would be interested to 'how' she has done this. Do you think she is in position to become the only female head coach in WPS with another team for next season?
I am glad that she is part of the FREEDOM and happy to hear that the players feel she is helpful and have given them more confidence. It would be nice if her picture showed her in FREEDOM gear...
ReplyDeleteI agree and would like to have her picture in Freedom gear as well however the official Washington Freedom website still doesn't have her listed on the coaches staff page.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.womensprosoccer.com/Home/dc/players/coaches.aspx
Thanks Coach Chris. I was hoping to meet Emma Hayes at the meet and great the team had for season ticket holders, but she was not there.I wonder if she'll be on the field for the game with the Red Stars in Chicago this weekend, I Hope we see her at the home game on Sept 11th.
ReplyDelete:Emma Hayes
ReplyDeleteThe Freedoms momentum will keep going & give all they got & don’t be surprised when they get to the final .That a part of it should be recognized that Emma played her part .Chicago Redstars are going to be the losers not the Freedom its OUR GAIN cream will always rise to the top........