The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Morgan Scores, Fulham Fandom, and the Pride’s Schedule

It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year. We’re about to have MLS, NWSL, and EPL all going at the same time. Plus, we get the Women’s World Cup this year! Just remember to let your family and friends know that you’re busy pretty much all the time. Let’s get to what piqued my interest this week.

The Good

Alex Morgan scored her 100th and 101st goals in the friendlies against Australia and Belgium, respectively. The Pride striker reached the century mark in her 159th appearance for the USWNT. Morgan is the third youngest player to achieve the milestone and the seventh overall, joining Abby Wambach (184), Mia Hamm (158), Kristine Lilly (130), Michelle Akers (107), Carli Lloyd (107), and Tiffeny Milbrett (100). Morgan had pulled a little closer to Lloyd before the Belguim match, but then Lloyd scored a brace. It will still be interesting to watch Morgan move her way up the list. Congratulations, Alex.

The Bad

California-based Fulham FC supporter, Jon Kotler, had his request for a personalized license plate denied by the state. Kotler wanted to use COYW for his plate. COYW is the acronym for the oft-expressed Fulham supporter saying “Come on You Whites.” As fans we understand that there are teams in English football that go by the color of their uniforms. Liverpool is referred to as “The Reds,” Chelsea as “The Blues,” and Burnley as “The Clarets.” So, should this supporter not be able to have his personalized plate because it might have a different connotation to the soccer ignorant in California? It’s a question I’m still working out for myself, honestly. Let me know what you think.

The Ugly

I don’t think the Orlando Pride could have a tougher start to a season than they do this year. In an eight-day stretch they play Portland Thorns FC, the North Carolina Courage, and Reign FC. Those are three of the top teams in the league. While the Pride will have all of their international players, so will the other teams. The challenges don’t stop with the schedule, as it is Marc Skinner’s first season, he’s had limited time with the full team, he is introducing a new system, and two of the three games are on the road. Whew. I’m guess I’m saying to be patient with the Pride during this first stretch, and things should get a bit better after that.

Let me know in the comments if you agree or disagree. Perhaps there’s something else that happened that you want to mention. Go City! Go Pride!