The Portland Thorns clinched a playoff spot for the ninth consecutive time against Angel City FC. It was undoubtedly a team effort but one of the newest additions, M. A. Vignola, played a pivotal role in this win.
Vignola's defensive actions
The left back registered 13 total defensive actions against ACFC: two tackles, six interceptions, and five clearances.
She wasn't the defender with the most defensive actions – that was Sam Hiatt – but her influence in this game is undeniable. In the following video, you'll see that after Portland loses possession. Giselle Thompson flies running behind Vignola's back.
She's seen Thompson already and even though she's not in her vision field, is aware of her the entire time and intercepts the pass.
Positioning is everything and she's very good at it. Also, given her qualities as a fullback, she's not afraid of carrying the ball if she has space in front of her.
In the video above, she does well at intercepting the pass and carrying the ball, but given her limited passing options, she doesn't pass in time and ends up cornering herself. As a result, she makes a dangerous pass to the back.
Work rate in the final third
Vignola has not only been good on the defensive side but also in the final third. Her work rate on the wings has helped the attack to create chances and she herself has tried to finish them, although without any luck so far.
Look at her heat map from the first half and then the second half. The Thorns were in the driver's seat in the first 45 minutes, and you can tell both fullbacks contribute to it.