Stephen H Baum Leadership

So, having done a great job of turning around a failing franchise, motivating the players, focusing on teamwork and composure: why did the US. Women’s soccer team lose?

Fundamentals. The U.S. Women’s Soccer Team did not reach the minimum level of skill in ball handling or in “finishing” attacks. With almost 15 shots on goal that were not good enough (including several booted over the cross bar — a no-no in major soccer), they had ample opportunity to score, but failed.

Later, with two defensive lapses, they had not earned the margin of victory to offset the lapses.

Perhaps the team will develop the skills over time that the Japan players demonstrated. Then, with continued emphasis on the factors in my earlier post, there will be enough skill to convert earned opportunities. The original article is worth a read:

A Whole New Pitch (Leadership lessons from Coaching U.S. Women\’s Soccer)

I hope you read my earlier post with lessons drawn.

That’s my view. What’s yours?

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