10 Things I Hate About You Kat Soccer and How to Fix These Common Issues

As I sit here watching the Kat Soccer team prepare for what might be their final championship run together, I can't help but reflect on both the brilliance and frustrations of this incredible squad. Having followed women's soccer for over a decade, I've developed a love-hate relationship with this particular team that keeps me coming back season after season, even when their decisions make me want to pull my hair out. The defending champions are onto their fourth straight trip to postseason play with a chance to win back-to-back championships in what could be the last dance for the likes of Belen and fellow decorated power hitter Alyssa Solomon. This potential farewell tour has me thinking about all the things that drive me crazy about this team - and more importantly, how they can fix these issues before it's too late.

First and most glaringly, their inconsistency in the final third absolutely baffles me. Some games, they look like world-beaters, scoring three or four goals with beautiful, flowing football. Other matches, they can't finish their dinner if it was served on a silver platter. Just last month against their rivals, they recorded 18 shots with only 2 on target - that's simply unacceptable for a championship-caliber team. What frustrates me most is knowing they have the talent; Belen alone has scored 47 career goals, yet sometimes she disappears for entire halves. The solution isn't complicated - they need to implement more structured finishing drills in training and develop a true plan B when their primary attacking strategies aren't working. Too often they try to walk the ball into the net instead of taking their chances when they present themselves.

Then there's their habit of starting matches slowly, which has cost them at least 12 points this season alone. I've lost count of how many times I've watched them concede an early goal only to spend the rest of the game fighting back. It's mentally exhausting for fans, so I can only imagine what it does to the players. The coaching staff needs to rethink their pre-game preparation because whatever they're doing now clearly isn't working consistently. Maybe they need more intense warm-ups or different tactical talks - something to ensure they're switched on from the first whistle rather than waiting until they're behind to start playing with urgency.

Their set-piece defending has been questionable at best this season, conceding approximately 8 goals from dead-ball situations. For a team with such athletic defenders, they consistently look vulnerable on corners and free kicks. I've noticed they often lose their individual battles in the box, and there's clearly some confusion about zonal marking versus man-to-man responsibilities. This should be one of the easiest issues to fix with focused training ground work, yet it persists week after week. Honestly, it feels like they don't prioritize defensive set pieces enough in training, instead focusing more on their attacking patterns.

What really grinds my gears is their occasional lack of game management intelligence. There are moments when they need to slow the tempo, retain possession, and see out a game, but instead they continue playing at breakneck speed, leading to unnecessary turnovers and counterattacks against them. Similarly, when chasing a game, they sometimes panic and resort to hopeful long balls rather than sticking to their identity of possession-based football. This lack of situational awareness has cost them crucial points in tight matches. The veterans on this team - particularly Belen and Solomon - need to take more control in these moments and guide their younger teammates through these pressure situations.

Their squad rotation policy has also puzzled me at times. While depth is important, they've made some bizarre lineup decisions in must-win matches, resting key players at seemingly odd moments. Last month against a top-four rival, they rested three starters simultaneously and dropped points they desperately needed. I understand managing player fatigue, but there's a balance to be struck, and sometimes I feel they overthink their rotation strategy. With this potentially being the final season for several core players, they should be prioritizing every single match rather than planning for a future that might look very different.

Financially, I question some of their recruitment decisions in recent years. They've spent approximately $2.5 million on players who barely feature while neglecting obvious gaps in the squad. The money spent on that backup goalkeeper who played exactly three matches could have been used to strengthen their thin defensive options. In modern soccer, smart recruitment is everything, and sometimes I wonder if they're properly identifying their actual needs versus pursuing flashy signings that look good on paper but don't address their weaknesses.

Their home form has been surprisingly shaky compared to their dominant away performances - they've dropped 15 points at home versus only 8 on the road this season. This makes no sense given they have one of the best home-field advantages in the league with their incredible fan support. Something about playing in front of their own fans seems to make them nervous rather than confident. They need to rediscover how to make their stadium a fortress again, especially in these crucial final matches where every point matters.

I've also noticed concerning body language from certain players when things aren't going their way. The heads drop quickly, and the arguing starts instead of rallying together. Leadership on the field needs to improve, with players taking responsibility rather than pointing fingers. This is where veterans like Solomon need to step up - she's one of the most decorated players in the league but sometimes goes quiet when the team needs vocal leadership most.

Perhaps my biggest frustration is their tendency to make simple things complicated. They'll play intricate passes in dangerous areas when a simple clearance or shot would suffice. This overcomplication leads to unnecessary turnovers in dangerous positions. I wish they would sometimes embrace simplicity rather than always trying to play "perfect" football. Not every goal needs to be a work of art - sometimes ugly goals win championships too.

Despite all these frustrations, I still believe this team has what it takes to send their legendary players off with another championship. The solutions are there if they're willing to be honest about their shortcomings and make adjustments. They need to start games with more intensity, be more clinical in front of goal, sort out their set-piece defending, and play smarter in key moments. With Belen and Solomon potentially playing their final games together, there's no better motivation to fix these issues and cement their legacy with back-to-back titles. As frustrating as they can be, I'll be there cheering them on every step of the way, hoping they can overcome these persistent problems and give these incredible athletes the sendoff they deserve.