UP v. Florida State

Huge win indeed. Any win against a higher-rated team is a great result. Not an artistic triumph; more like doing just enough to win even though being outshot nearly 2:1 and being under attack most of the 2nd half. FSU was on its game and looked fit and dangerous. Its D closed on the ball instantly and too often beat any Pilot who was standing and waiting for a slow pass to arrive. (This is what Pilots teams typically do to opponents, not the other way around.)

Foxhoven really asserted herself in the latter part of the first half. She and Cloee are the veteran heart of the team up the middle, leading by example.

This will be a season requiring accelerated growth, and the younger players need to step up quickly. It's easier at this stage to notice the great players no longer with the team than to see who will rise to replace them. Whoever is in goal will need to be excellent, not just good.

All this and free Pilots scarves for season ticket holders. Life is good!

Considering that the back 5 was a near total rework from the the line with Elli, Jess, Keelin, and Cloee playing a new position, I'm ecstatic. I also heard MO had been sick this week, and she didn't practice when I watched the team on thursday. She only played a half, but her speed greatly reduced the thru ball threat.

When A_Fan and I went down to the OSU game we figured if FSU was going to score, it was going to be McCarty on a through ball, and that Pressley was going to be near impossible to get past playing Left defender.

The first happened. Thank god only once.

The second nearly happened, but Garrett did a pretty good job of tag teaming her, until by the time Taylor came in, she was softened up for some pretty good runs, by the time Amanda drew the yellow on her, FSU had to play that side a lot more honest. Micaela got that foul in the box on what I think is the strength of their defense in the first half.

Considering this was the first game for a team that depends a lot on working the passing game, it is a superb result. We were ragged for long stretches, and too passive trying to close out the game, but that will come. Even in years when we get most people back, it usually takes a couple of games to work that all out.

Oh, there a kudos to a whole bunch of folks in the midfield and the forwards for being a lot more physical. but for the record, Dani is a stud.

I think we will have another great year of watching the team we love.

It was a good win. I thought late in the second half that FSU was getting winded. The Pilots gave about as well as they got in the physical play. The Pilots passing was suspect at times and the communication in the back needs improving, but I'm sure those facets of their game will get better by next Friday's game.

Geezaldinho wrote:
I think we will have another great year of watching the team we love.

I was wondering about what kind of team this would be and how long it would take them to get to the level they want to be at. I feel really good after this performance.

As for Foxhoven have you ever seen someone so happy when she scores a goal? And she celebrates by running to the student section. Class.

purple haze wrote:Huge win indeed. Any win against a higher-rated team is a great result. Not an artistic triumph; more like doing just enough to win even though being outshot nearly 2:1 and being under attack most of the 2nd half. FSU was on its game and looked fit and dangerous. ....

On checking the stats, if my figuring is right, FSU had 22 shots with 6 on goal (1 scored and 5 saved); the Pilots had 11 shots with 5 on goal (2 scored and 3 saved), assuming the pk counts as a shot. The "on goal" stat more closely matches the corner kick stat, which was 4-4.

RipCityPilot wrote:

gnarly wrote:Are there fireworks this game?

Anyone want to make an attendance prediction? Might be sparse with classes not in session yet.

I'm not expecting fireworks since there are no new freshmen to "wow" yet.

Attendance was 2817 and that will easily be the smallest crowd of the year. Next game will be Friday night, under the lights, all the kids back in school. My absolute favorite setting to watch a match. Fireworks night is September 9th from the schedule.

PurplePrideTrumpet wrote:

RipCityPilot wrote:

gnarly wrote:Are there fireworks this game?

Anyone want to make an attendance prediction? Might be sparse with classes not in session yet.

I'm not expecting fireworks since there are no new freshmen to "wow" yet.

Attendance was 2817 and that will easily be the smallest crowd of the year. Next game will be Friday night, under the lights, all the kids back in school. My absolute favorite setting to watch a match. Fireworks night is September 9th from the schedule.

It was, however, a very good crowd considering that it was a Sunday game. Even the Villa boys made it out.

Also highlights are already up on YouTube (incredibly quickly). Sound is bad for whatever reason. I hope they fix that because I like hearing the crowd roar!

The Pilots' attendance was second for the weekend to Hawaii (2850) in its Friday night home game against Washington State. The Pilots' 2817 fans today smacked down all other teams' attendance for today, with second place going to Colorado in its home game against Northern Colorado at 1911.

Last year's opening "no student" game was against Portland State with an attendance of 2550. So it looks like the fan base -- which is not students -- has increased about 10% over last year.

UPSoccerFanatic wrote:

Last year's opening "no student" game was against Portland State with an attendance of 2550. So it looks like the fan base -- which is not students -- has increased about 10% over last year.

it helps any game attendance if the team is ranked. the last time we opened with FSU (2007) the crowd was the magical 4892.
We had a full student section, according to the game report.

That game was also 2-1 with scores from Natalie Budge and an OT game winner from Rachel Rapinoe. FSU scored in 67 seconds in that game.

UPSoccerFanatic wrote:

purple haze wrote:Huge win indeed. Any win against a higher-rated team is a great result. Not an artistic triumph; more like doing just enough to win even though being outshot nearly 2:1 and being under attack most of the 2nd half. FSU was on its game and looked fit and dangerous. ....

On checking the stats, if my figuring is right, FSU had 22 shots with 6 on goal (1 scored and 5 saved); the Pilots had 11 shots with 5 on goal (2 scored and 3 saved), assuming the pk counts as a shot. The "on goal" stat more closely matches the corner kick stat, which was 4-4.

remember that a scoring chance off a cross that doesn't connect counts as nothing in the stats... and its what we do.

This was a big win! The team certainly did what it needed to win. There was some sloppy play at times but the hustle made up for a lot of that. I was concerned there might be a let down in the 2nd half, but there were a number of good scoring chances created. Especially near the end of the match, the Pilots ate away the clock with some good ball movement to keep more of the play in the FSU end.

For a first real game, the Pilots looked better than I expected for all of the turnover at key positions. The 3 items that I noticed were: the communication is a work in progress; the new players had some really good monents; Halley may have been the most snakebit person on the pitch in that 1) the FSU GK made a great save on one point blank shot and HK just missed a great finish on her last run--gotta love the energy she brings to the pitch as a super-sub.

I was pretty happy about what I saw. The older freshman jitters seemed to be gone...but new freshman Kurle never seemed to have them to begin with.
The only two that looked tentative were Mich O (because of illness) and Camelli who seems to not be sure of her role.
The defense needs to back up the keeper better...I don't want to see our keeper leaving the box when the other team is attacking.
I don't know if FSU plays any other way, but the long ball wasn't expected by me...and...apparently not by the Pilots. It was like a men's game. We need to get the possession if the ball is kicked all the way down near our goal to a running forward.
The roughness that FSU showed will be good preparation for us against Wazoo on Friday.

thought the ladies were VERY lucky..........but then again......I will take the win!!!!

This from a visitor who set plans to come see the Pilots play Florida State, posted on BigSoccer. It captures it all about as well as anything I can imagine:

attackerp
BigSoccer Member

Join Date: Nov 2009
Club: Manchester United FC
Re: 2011 Portland Pilots

Well I changed my arrival time into Tacoma just so I could drive down and see this game and this "little" University that leads the nation in attendance every year and gets any of the national team players. i really have a lot to say about the game and setting but may have to break it up some.

Really a pretty campus, sits right above the river with homes around it. Indeed small, soccer takes up probably a fourth of the campus maybe a little more. Homers can correct me their. Clive's Presence is felt. As game time approached, it was really interesting to see preparation begin. Going to several games around the country when I get a chance, you really don't see this on this scale. It wasn't like going to a college football game scale but it felt like it. Excitement and electricity in the air for sure.
Behind the main stands which you really don't see on the video, is the concessions and they have HUGE Pictures/Posters of past super stars, mens and women. Really a nice touch, and you really start to get it at this point.

I walked over to this tent and they were selling programs, sign up to join the fan club, and a spin wheel to win something. Also noticed people walking up showing their tickets and they were receiving Pilot scarfs. I tried that but I wasn't a season ticket holder, so I didn't get one. Nice scarfs, again nice touch. By the way the fan club was not free, small fee and you get some things for it and the "honor". They also had merchandise for sale set up under the main stands as well. I have not seen any of this at other universities for women's soccer. After the game they were handing out player cards, (like a baseball card) amazing. This was the card for their goalkeeper.

Got close to the field as I could and the turf was just amazing. Just beautiful.
Going thru the main stands they had ticket checkers at each stair. With radio headsets . They had seats in the middle sections, not sure how many but a bunch. This place was buzzing big time. Then you hear this noise, drums in the distance, and this squad comes thru the gates on the other side, banging their drums, carrying a big Portland flag, the crowd starts clapping. I sat on the their side and these guys are funny and harass the other team and ref (if needed), all with good taste actually. They stand the whole time.

These people (community) LOVE this team and they love soccer. Their knowledge is second to none. Their sportsmanship the same. They cheered for the FSU girl after she got up from injury, They cheered when the FSU player attempted a Bicycle kick. You go to games and they have tons of kids and they run around constantly getting up and really having no interest. Not here, you come to watch the women play and cheer.

So many things made you want to belong and be a part of it.

But I just have to say, I could go on for a while, but I did come up here to work. I will comment on game later.

I haven't been all over the country but not sure anything could come close to this. Thank you U of Portland. You lived up to it. I'm a Pilot fan

purple passion wrote:.... The only two that looked tentative were ... and Camelli who seems to not be sure of her role. ....

??????? Camelli only entered the game at the 88:03 mark and thus played a total of 1 minute and 57 seconds.

UPSF

It's just my opinion about Camelli...she looked that way in the exhibition also...time will tell.

I felt the same way about Daniela Solis and hoping she didn't come to UP, but she scored for PSU in a game this past week.

UPSoccerFanatic wrote:The Pilots' attendance was second for the weekend to Hawaii (2850) in its Friday night home game against Washington State. The Pilots' 2817 fans today smacked down all other teams' attendance for today, with second place going to Colorado in its home game against Northern Colorado at 1911.

Last year's opening "no student" game was against Portland State with an attendance of 2550. So it looks like the fan base -- which is not students -- has increased about 10% over last year.

Not a bad draw for an early Sunday afternoon game without students. Also, it should be noted that the game was opposite the Timbers Reserves match that draw over 10,000 at Jeld-Wen...

PilotNut wrote:

UPSoccerFanatic wrote:The Pilots' attendance was second for the weekend to Hawaii (2850) in its Friday night home game against Washington State. The Pilots' 2817 fans today smacked down all other teams' attendance for today, with second place going to Colorado in its home game against Northern Colorado at 1911.

Last year's opening "no student" game was against Portland State with an attendance of 2550. So it looks like the fan base -- which is not students -- has increased about 10% over last year.

Not a bad draw for an early Sunday afternoon game without students. Also, it should be noted that the game was opposite the Timbers Reserves match that draw over 10,000 at Jeld-Wen...

Reserve match was at noon, Pilots at 5. I did the double.

Not to brag or anything, but we got 10,000 for a reserve match.

I'm sure you all noticed it especially on the replay, but the FSU goalie was totally fooled by Dani's shot. She made absolutely no effort to stop the shot. Pretty amazing.

Our discussion at the time was that she didn't move a muscle because she never dreamed anyone would even think of taking that shot let alone have the ability to pull it off. All the more reason for Dani to be in the attacking mid position--quick shot ability and the strength to score from distance. Super shot!

[quote="purple passion"]The only two that looked tentative were Mich O (because of illness) and Camelli who seems to not be sure of her role.

While I don't mean to be argumentative , when I watch MO play, I see confidence and calm. She reminds me of the Orlandos/Dorsey days on the UP backline. Besides ending several FSU second half runs, her touches were controlled and passes on target. When we needed a keeper in a Spring game two years ago, she played keeper (winning several and getting scored on only by the U-21's I think). When Keelin was off somewhere, she took over holding mid and performed very well. I think she is poised and one of our most versatile players.

Hello up there! Hope everybody is happy the season is finally here.

This info is maybe written elsewhere, but I am unable to compute:

For the opener against FSU on Sunday, I watched it on GameCentral webcast. Can someone help me, please?

Please tell me who started at what position. (Specifically, please. You know, right mid, right back, left mid, left back.)

Also where did subs play?

I really was amazed at the quality of depth that we have. And lots of taller players, 5-8 to 5-10. I thought we were very physical when we had to be.

Last question: Who are the captains this year? Obviously Fox is one, but it seems they usually have two seniors. Maybe MO?

Thanks for any thoughts you may have. I was really impressed with the Pilots and their poise in the second have on Sunday. (I hope some of the Timbers were in the audience. They need to learn this very difficult team skill.)

Woo Hoo for Game One: a very big W!

Good the Hear from you!

Hope you are well.

My understanding is the captains are Dani, MO and Cloee. All have great leadership qualities, which is not to say others on the team couldn't do it as well.

The starting lineup as I recall it was

Hailee in goal

Sarah,Kassi, Emma, and Michelle C. Across the back line Michelle C on
the left and Bridges on the right.

Ellen, Cloee, and Rebekka with Dani in front of Cloee were the mids

Amanda and Micaela up top.

Partway through the half, Kreminski came in for Frisbie.

In the second half, Kassi came out and MO came in. My understanding is Mo had been ill, but she was great when she came in.

Other players that came in in the second were Taylor playing mid, Amanda going back in at forward, Sipple in at mid, and Kaila Camelli in at forward right t the end of the game.

I'm sure there were others, but that's from memory.

I think your impressions from the web are correct in that we have better size and toughness than some years in the past. If we can match some of the passing skills from the past, it will be a formidable team. I watched practice today, and it looks like we are on the path.

Glad you could check out he game. Have you found your pants yet from that incident?

I don't think that anyone's mentioned Sarah Bridges yet, but she had a very good game. Some nice runs, and displayed more speed than I remember her having last year.

Overall both teams (especially FSU) had chances that were off target. It could have gone either way.