We talked about the pressing role of MVP @RachelDaly3 during this tournament so let's take a look at some of the actions without the ball she had, starting with the final and how she was close to Ertz. #NWSLChallengeCup

Another look of how she shadows Ertz, and when Gorden push forward she's pressed. But don't take your eyes out of Daly. She points at Gorden, telling to her teammates to be ready if Gorden push up and close her down

Pressing, pressing, pressing. I can't tell you how much she ran, but i'm sure it's a lot. That's a tough one for a keeper, with her goal just behind. The tiny of errors could lead to a goal, and Daly knows this #NWSLChallengeCup

I've posted this one before, we moved up to the semis. How important it is to the pressing forward to isolate a CB? well, not only that can prevent side passes but also you play just by the offside line, ready to run if the rivals lose possesion. #NWSLChallengeCup

We go a bit back, game against Utah Royals, and she's also by the line of the last defender, Corsie. #NWSLChallengeCup

Against Sky Blue it was pretty similar. Daly was close to Estelle Johnson, Gina Lewandowski was the one CB freed up, and they closed down a bit more on Midge Purce. #NWSLChallengeCup

This shape is mostly ever present in the Dash defensive set-up, with one of the wingers attached to a fullback, and Daly going to one of the CBs.

This is perfect cause in the same sequence you can see Alana Cook had possesion 3 times, and she was pressed in none. What's that about? well, look at the first movement, she plays to the RB and she's instantly swarmed. Choose your fights. Or close downs.

Last example for today, just take a look at Daly and she ignores the ball. She positions herself with the last man (and it was Brooks, not Cook, mea culpa).

I hope you find this a bit more eye opening of the defensive roles of the forwards, which is sometimes overlooked. They're the first line of defense and their contribution to the shape of the team is really important sometimes. #NWSLChallengeCup