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.

Casey Nogueira

Nogueira has proved a handful to college defenses over the past four seasons. There are rough edges to her game but good coaching will refine them and she has already improved a lot since I first saw her playing for UNC, when she looked a raw talent but with little appreciation for her teammates or understanding of defending.
At that time, I observed that on number of occasions when dispossessed she stood and watched instead of actively trying to regain possession.
I saw her play again this fall in South Bend against Notre Dame and found her an easy mover with a relaxed running style who can control the ball with ease and she possesses the body movement to deceive or sway past defenders.
She prefers facing defenders rather than playing with her back to goal but, partnered by a talented front player who can hold the ball up, Nogueira could thrive at a higher level if she works hard and learns.
I believe that she has talent required to succeed in WPS but it would not be prudent for any club to expect Nogueira to come in and be the focus player from day one. Playing against 20 year old college defenders is vastly different than facing LePeibelt or Markgraf – she will need time to develop and to excel.