Podcast with Garrett Smith

Check it out:

http://www.portlandpilots.com/podcasts.aspx

Haven't had a chance to listen to it yet... will do once I get through Rev's.

Looks like one just got posted with Michelle Olivier too!

Good interview... of note...

Possibility of playing Rapinoe's together up top

No mention of Sophie when asked about defenders, did mention that Olivier and McCluskie are in the mix for the center back spots.

Diccicco tells Garrett that girls will miss only 2 reg season games for camp prior to WC. end of Sept and end of Oct camp.

And according to interviewer... every single freshman said that they were most excited about playing in front of the Merlo crowd! CANNOT wait for the 23rd.

Oh yeah, and first goal of preseason scrimmages?

Rachel Rapinoe on an assist by Megan Rapinoe Fitting!

Good summation, aleppiek.

I got real pumped when Garrett mentioned the possibility of the Mighty Rapinoes playing up top together. Because they know each other so well, as twins, he believes they could create goals no one else would even think of. (He also referred to them on multiple occasions as our senior leaders and how important that is.)

He also did address the departures of three out of the four starting defenders. He said things were working themselves out, and he mentioned Jessica Tsao and Megan Sweeney on the outside and on the inside he mentioned Korie and Kristen Kelly. Then he did say that freshmen Michelle Olivier and Kassi McCluskie were two other center backs in contention, as aleppiek mentions above.

Garrett sounded real pleased with the health of his team, especially the Rapinoes. He also mentioned that the freshmen were all settled in after one full week of training, and he seemed real excited about the way they were working their way into the Pilots team concept. (Not exact quotes, but you get the idea.)

There was also a short interview with Michelle Olivier after her first practice as a Pilot, (dated 8/07). She sounded so young and innocent, (don't they all coming out of high school!). She seems genuinely excited to be here and can't wait to play under the lights on August 23rd at the famed Merlo Field. Another nice, talented addition to this already nice, talented squad.