Re: Pilots v. Rutgers, Penn St.

by PurplePrideTrumpet Fri Sep 10, 2010 10:52 pm

Geezaldinho wrote:
Penn State was pretty ordinary in the first half. The defense gave up two goals on or near set pieces, the first leaving a player unmarked at the arc and the second looked to me like an own goal on a desperate attempt to keep the ball from a UW player who had beaten the defender to the far post.

Thy weren't winning the midfield challenges, and the fast Penn state players looked like they didn't know how to pass - they just tried to run through an organized defense.

I'm sure their coach had a discussion about that at the half.

UW looks quicker than in years past, especially on the wings. PSU got beat by a better and more organized team, at least in the first half.

Good to know. I did notice the Penn State defense had a few issues in the second half. Looking back what stood out to me was the speed of the PSU forwards, but they looked like they weren't sure what they wanted to do once they got in a dangerous position.

by Geezaldinho Fri Sep 10, 2010 11:38 pm

thought UP's Back line was extraordinary. All four players.

Jess outran players to the ball tracking back, won every 1v1 in her own end, got forward on the overlaps, and sometimes embarrassed players. The two central defenders were tough, looked fast, and didn't make mistakes, Those rutgers players are fast, and UP defenders won most of the races and sent threats to the sides when the din't win them outright.

Elli was phenominal. I'll bet she got forward two dozen times, and most were dangerous chances. She made herself available for Keelin's feeds and got into the offense time and again. She made the game winner happen.

Great job by the back four and Keelin.

I'd go on about Sophie, but my fingers are getting tired. Lets just say she is better than she has ever been, and was the most dominant player on the pitch -- again.

by harryb Fri Sep 10, 2010 11:53 pm

For me the best thing about Michelle Cruz was her corner kicks. She put several to the far post which could easily have turned into something.

by eProf Sat Sep 11, 2010 1:06 am

A few quotes from the Rutgers athletic website ...

“The first half was fantastic,” said head coach Glenn Crooks. “We were moving the ball the way we like. It started with how we defended. We understood one of Portland’s strengths is how well they keep the ball and we pressured them at the right times, causing a lot of turnovers. We also stressed keeping the ball once we got it, and I think they accomplished that. I think it’s a fair statement to say we had the better of the play in the first half.”

Portland seemed to me to be the more dangerous team in both halves. Rutgers did do a good job quickly getting multiple defenders to the ball, however.

This was the first game of the season where an opponent has outshot RU.

A couple of Rutgers shots forced Erin to make some nice saves. She had a good game except for ...

Tonight’s attendance (3,103) was the highest ever recorded at a RU game in which a figure was recorded.

Tonight's attendance was the highest recorded for the Pilot women since their last Friday night home game (4,102).

by Harry Redknapp Sat Sep 11, 2010 7:12 am

The winning goal came late so we were anxious for a while last night - again. This year's team are not one for those of faint heart.

Having said that, the only R goal was from Erin's howler. Aside from that R did not threaten much. UP was more likely to score - in both halves.

Earlier comments have rightly praised the defense which was very strong. Cloee looked especially awesome. (Can't help a lingering thought as to what might have been had she been healthy in playoffs last year. Sigh!)

Elli did indeed have a great game. Keelin was slightly off her absolute best - with some errant passes, but this is judging her against her very high standard.

UP's back five has been very very good all season. And Erin D is coming along fine notwithstaning the brain fart last night.

Garrett made the first unforced change to the starting line up last night - playing Ellen Parker at attacking mid and Sophie up front alongside Micaela Capelle - with Hallie and Dani on the bench.

Ellen played pretty well - nice touches on the ball, good tackling and overall smooth in the flow of the game. I think she started to fade a little in the second half and Garrett took her out after and hour or so. Promising first start for EP.

Outside mids were Taylor and Michelle C, with support from Sarah B off the bench. All three players are improving and Michelle made an excellent pass in the build up to the first goal. This is the least experienced cadre on the team and, frankly, it showed last night. There's no escape from the fact that the pace of the game is just so much higher than most anything that girls will have seen in HS unless they have perhaps played on national teams. So players take an extra touch and the opening is closed down, or they pass up the first time shot and the defenders are on them. Don't mean to be negative - just realistic. Apologies if some feel I'm violating the spirit of this site.

Micaela is the news of the season. Scored again and is having a wonderful time - she is on. Energetic and seems to make things happen.

Sophie is the player of the season so far. Another huge game last night. At times she has three defenders on her and she still comes out with the ball or gets the call. And makes it look so easy. Touch, control. Wow.

Penn State v UW was a mess. Watched the second half and was very surprised by the number of unforced mistakes, errant passes, losses of control.

PSU scored late and then almost tied it up when Christine Nairn, best player on the field by some distance, hit a screamer on to the bar in the final moments.

by jc Sat Sep 11, 2010 7:31 am

I watched all of the Penn State-UW game and I agree with others that in the first half UW was the better organized team. However, Penn State got more on track in the second half and they scare me more than any team we've faced so far. Christine Nairn has a rocket shot from just about anywhere in the final third and Maya Hayes and Danielle Toney have exceptional speed. This will be the toughest test yet for our outstanding defense, I believe.

At the end of our game I noticed Keelin took Micaela aside for a little talk: senior leadership. I'll guess one subject: don't shoot with three seconds left and the game in hand.

by Guest Sat Sep 11, 2010 7:38 am

HERE is the O-LIVE write-up on the game, with a comment from coach about the line-up changes.

by pms275 Sat Sep 11, 2010 8:23 am

Harry Redknapp wrote:
There's no escape from the fact that the pace of the game is just so much higher than most anything that girls will have seen in HS unless they have perhaps played on national teams. So players take an extra touch and the opening is closed down, or they pass up the first time shot and the defenders are on them.

I agree. Saw that numerous times last night. With the different line-up there were some miscommunications too, especially early in the match before they settled down. Capelle was a little frustrated with Cruz at one point when she was expecting a feed that didn't come.

Rutgers had a little more speed than the teams we've played so far this year, and Portland struggled with that early on. Rutgers was also a little more accurate with their passes. UP at times looked like they're learning to play together, which makes sense with the line-up change. Loved the back line though. I also wonder what would have happened if Colohan been healthy for the playoffs last year.

I'd say the freshmen have flashes of brilliance and great things will come as they get more experience. I was impressed with how poised Ellen Parker was.

by wrv Sat Sep 11, 2010 8:58 am

I too thought the backline was instrumental in the result. Colohan and Olivier both had good games and notable moments--I recall in the second half a ball over the top was nearly chased down in front of our goal by a Rutgers forward, who, in turn, was chased by Olivier; at the last possible moment Olivier's slide tackle sent the ball slowly rolling to the right of the goal where Dees picked it up--nice play at a truly dangerous scoring opportunity.

I also thought that Dees had an exceptional game, with one particularly noticeable exception. Looks as though are goaltending will be capably and less audibly handled for some time to come

Can we say enough about the importance of Schmidt and Winters? A prior post had suggested, I think in the Oklahoma State thread, that they had willed the win. Each game now seems to come with their determined imprint on the outcome. You probably need to add Tsao and Reed to that list, btw. Both of them were quite strong last night; both of them are also a pleasure to watch.

Notwithstanding the obvious promise of our recruits, I do think there was confusion, as someone suggested, early in the game, perhaps evidence of freshman jitters.

Nice goal by Kreminski--I thought our ability to threaten their goal picked up when she entered late in the second half.

Interesting comments in the O by Garrett about his reasons for changes up front.

I take issue with the Rutger's coach's characterization of the first half. I thought the Pilots were clearly the dominant team in the first half. Trouble seemed to arrive after the initial stages of the second half, when I thought Rutgers was getting the run of the play. Once the Pilots reasserted themselves, I thought we had the better opportunities for the remainder of the evening.

Enough.

Go Pilots.

by Auto-Pilot Sat Sep 11, 2010 9:16 am

The back line really stepped it up in the second half. I didn't feel like they marked as well in the first half. Colohan wins everything in the air! And I love to see Ellie & Jess take it up the sidelines!

Kendall and Kendra warmed up with knee braces on.

by purple haze Sat Sep 11, 2010 9:16 am

What I loved about the game was how the Pilots again wore the foe down and turned on the jets late in the game. The shots on goal were even at 7 apiece (per scoreboard) with about 15 minutes to go. After that it was Pilots 8, Rutgers 1. UP more than doubled its shots in that span and one was the winner. The Pilots core players are exceptionally fit, and if anyone flags there is a fresh set of legs ready to run.

For those who didn't see it, Rutgers' only goal came on a miskick by Erin, who hit a Rutgers forward with the ball, leading to an easy shot into the open net. I don't believe I've ever seen a goal scored this way at the college level -- but I recall that Christine Sinclair did something similar versus Nebraska in the 2005 playoffs. The game summary says she "blocked goalie's kick, empty net" for an unassisted goal. (Sinclair found every possible way to score, didn't she?)

Rutgers was a strong opponent, no doubt. 1-1 at the half had to make the visitors feel good, but the tide was about to turn.

I was shocked to see both Foxhoven and Kreminski on the bench to start the game. But what a pair of subs to have available. Kreminksi came in with great energy and was very dangerous and ultimately provided the winning touch.

I was struck by how fun it is to simply enjoy each game as it unfolds, to appreciate all players for the effort and skill they show, and savor the chance to watch them grow over time. Putting aside analysis, speculation and critiquing, the game is about people responding to a challenge. The sight of Michelle Enyeart in the stands reminded me to enjoy each player, whatever their role, while you can, because they move on.

by FANatic Sat Sep 11, 2010 9:41 am

purple haze wrote:

I was struck by how fun it is to simply enjoy each game as it unfolds, to appreciate all players for the effort and skill they show, and savor the chance to watch them grow over time. Putting aside analysis, speculation and critiquing, the game is about people responding to a challenge. The sight of Michelle Enyeart in the stands reminded me to enjoy each player, whatever their role, while you can, because they move on.

Simply Beautiful.

by A_Fan Sat Sep 11, 2010 9:47 am

That goal by Christine came to my mind last night after Erin's trouble.

I was impressed with Sarah Bridges play. She tries to go one on one a little too much which it typical of freshman, but other wise she makes good decisions. She has good vision and makes excellent passes.

by FANatic Sat Sep 11, 2010 9:56 am

I liked Sarah's play, as well.

Her combination of size and speed could make her a real force down the road a piece.

by irish78 Sat Sep 11, 2010 11:14 am

From the locker room, Cloee is sporting a big shiner ... took an elbow or something to an eye. Was down on a knee for awhile but tough as nails. Kendra is taking this weekend off but good to go next week! Good timing to add her dangerous speed and crosses.

by GUPhantom Sat Sep 11, 2010 11:58 am

You mean Kendall, right I-78? Yes. I agree. I think Kendall's abilities to pressure and threaten from the wing is essential to the Pilot's this season. My personal observations of the Pilot's offense without Kendall is that defenses have shifted their resources and focus on... Sophie.

Sophie is Miss All-World Fundamentals!!! Beautiful to watch!!! She does the little things so so well. Did you see that chest pass last night? Fantastic...made that look so easy. Anyway...what I noticed over the last few games (without Kendall's pressure) is that teams are now able to "swarm" Sophie. How many times did you see 3..and as much as 5 defensive players around her? I've been observing a lot of that lately. When she's on the ball...she's typically marked by not less than one player.

Anyway, IMHO....teams have figured out that if they can shut down Sophie ...(ok..."slow" her down...I haven't yet seen her "shut down"), there's a better chance for them to keep it close. I probably should post this on the "Offensive Uncertainty" post cause I think what happens this season will be a reflection on how well other teams control Sophie. To me that's more of the reason for the drop in the goal count. Scoring goals is not how Sophie rolls. I like the "willing wins" description a lot. Her leadership and play... is becoming the Pilot's team personality and MO. The key will be how Sophie goes...so goes the Pilots!

GO PILOTS!!!

by PurplePrideTrumpet Sat Sep 11, 2010 12:19 pm

purple haze wrote:
For those who didn't see it, Rutgers' only goal came on a miskick by Erin, who hit a Rutgers forward with the ball, leading to an easy shot into the open net. I don't believe I've ever seen a goal scored this way at the college level -- but I recall that Christine Sinclair did something similar versus Nebraska in the 2005 playoffs. The game summary says she "blocked goalie's kick, empty net" for an unassisted goal. (Sinclair found every possible way to score, didn't she?)

Something like this happened in a men's game against Santa Clara in about 2007, except their keeper hit his own defender in the back, right between the numbers. The closest Pilot was 40 yards out, running back to his own end.

by irish78 Sat Sep 11, 2010 1:54 pm

No, I mean Kendra. Kendall is not ready yet. ... Oops. I got it wrong as was properly pointed out. Kendra is NOT ready to go but Kendall is. Sorry.

by harryb Sat Sep 11, 2010 2:39 pm

Kasey Keller had a punt blocked into the goal against Mexico a few years back.

by Geezaldinho Sat Sep 11, 2010 3:00 pm

jc wrote:

At the end of our game I noticed Keelin took Micaela aside for a little talk: senior leadership. I'll guess one subject: don't shoot with three seconds left and the game in hand.

alternatively--- shoot wide off the wall so the ball bounces back into play and has to be retreived.

by SoreKnees Sat Sep 11, 2010 3:20 pm

harryb wrote:Kasey Keller had a punt blocked into the goal against Mexico a few years back.

That can be quite a different story. If the GK is holding the ball in his hands, the opponent must allow him to put it into play. Depending on the circumstances, interfering with the GK releasing the ball from his hands is a cautionable offense. On Friday, Erin had put the ball down on the ground and was playing it with her feet. In that circumstance, she is fair game for a challenge.

by Geezaldinho Sat Sep 11, 2010 3:52 pm

SoreKnees wrote:
harryb wrote:Kasey Keller had a punt blocked into the goal against Mexico a few years back.

That can be quite a different story. If the GK is holding the ball in his hands, the opponent must allow him to put it into play. Depending on the circumstances, interfering with the GK releasing the ball from his hands is a cautionable offense. On Friday, Erin had put the ball down on the ground and was playing it with her feet. In that circumstance, she is fair game for a challenge.

just for perspective:

by Harry Redknapp Sat Sep 11, 2010 4:38 pm

I had heard that Kendra's return might not be until October. Any earlier would be great for a couple of reasons:

1. It is always a joy to watch Kendra. She is elegant and aggressive.

2. If she is back at top form she will add some pace to our outside mids which could make a lot of difference to the offense.

by fozziewozzie Sat Sep 11, 2010 5:29 pm

I've waited until now to post my observations of the game vs. Rutgers.

Absolutely, our back line was outstanding!! Clohee is the 'mouth' we have lost. She is constantly directing the 'D' on who is where an where we need to be. Definitely a future National team member!

Really didnt see much of Elli or Jess offensively in the first half, but the second half they made a huge difference, much more active. Maybe the difference in the game.

While surprised not to see Dani in the starting line up, I thought that she brought a different element at the beginning of seceond half we had been missing. Her teamates looked for her [aka Fox in the Box] an she settled many balls well. While not looking for her shot she found her teamates. She is much more then a goal scorer, she is a TEAM player. An assist is as good as a goal.

While I like our frosh a lot, the only one really playing on a D1 level is Michaela. I say this because she's not timid nor does she back down after being dispossessed. I see a lot of progress with our frosh, they truly are playing better an better, they need to to look to Soph an Keelin as examples of hard work. Whenever the two of them lose the ball you can tell they are ticked off an are going all out to get the ball back or force an error!

I noticed that when Cruz came back in the second half, she had a brace on her right knee she didnt start the game with. Anyone have any info on that? Or as I previously asked [an maybe there was a response I missed], whats with Clohee's right wrist taped?

by Harry Redknapp Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:01 pm

I think that Erin is playing at a D1 level.