Pre-season report

It was a pleasant surprise to see many of the UP women's team members at the film "Pelada" at the Hollywood Theater Tuesday evening. I chatted with Kassi and asked about injury recoveries. She said she is cleared to play all-out, that Cloee and Hailee should be ready, and that Kendra is running. I hope I have reported reliably because this is all good news. I have often wondered why those of us who follow this site typically have to rely on second-hand reports for information that one would expect to be put-out by a sports information director, but given concerns for the confidentiality of health information I can understand it to some degree.
Incidentally, I join others who have recommended the film.

"Get healthy, stay healthy" would be a good motto for the defensive line this season. Thanks for the news and the thumbs-up review, jc.

After watching several of the short season summer league games which wrapped up last night at the UP, here are some observations:

All the returning players with the exception of Kendall (who had a good excuse) were spotted at the field at some point in the season and she may have been there at the early games I missed, but I doubt it.

Kendra, Hailee and Kassi did not play, at least in the games I attended. Cloee played very limited minutes but looked good when she did play.

If there is a better outside defender in college than Jessica, I'd be interested in seeing her play.

Sophie looked in fine shape and I swear she seemed a step faster than in the past.

Michelle O. has a new Do and went unrecognized by the fellow sitting next me and myself until after a game when he noticed that the dark haired player held her arms akimbo like MO. Binocs confirmed it was her.

Nicole Downing is as vocal as Kelsy was, is left footed and steps off her free kicks like a football place kicker.

Taylor has a rocket of a shot off her right foot.

Sarah Bridges is the real deal.

The starting lineup is going to be very hard for anyone to break into if the returners are all healthy.

It's going to be another fun season at the Clive Charles Soccer Complex.

Lots of great returning talent.

Strong and interesting freshman class.

Question to ponder: given Kendall's turn at left defense with U20 team, what do we expect for Kendall and Elli? Maybe they just asend them out to "play on the left" and they sort it out between them? Either way they should torment lots of opponents.

For me the key to the season is whether Michelle O and Cloee can stay healthy. No disrespect to everyone else who can play center d but those two are national team caliber and could be a fortress combination: and they both play the ball well going forward.

Yes, the center must hold! I hope we do get to see Michelle O and Cloee together on the pitch -- a reassuring pair between the stellar wing defenders.

Especially if there is some concern about GK.

Playing behind a back four of Jessica T, Cloee C, Michelle O, and Elli R or Kendall J ought to calm anyone down!

Mids are Keelin, Kendall, Taylor, and ??

Keelin and Sophie down the middle would be my expectation. Kendall or Elli on the left.

Kendra would be on the right if she's healthy. Open competition among Taylor and incoming frehsmen for the right side. And Sophie is going to be gone in October with Canadian team in World Cup qualifiers. Could see Ellen Parker in that attacking mid spot for those games.