Pepperdine @ Merlo 10/19/2008

The more I work with the RPI and watch this season progress, the more I realize how critical every game is for the Pilots. Texas A&M lost yesterday, which means that if the other "heads of state" -- meaning North Carolina, Notre Dame, Portland, and the ultimate Pac 10 winner -- win out, A&M probably is out of it for a #1 seed. That may be a little bit of a risky prediction, but I'll go with it. So, right now, winning is what it's about, and is all it's about.

Pepperdine is 6-7-2 going into tomorrow's game. They have notable wins over Tennessee (2-0, although Tennessee is not having a good year and is a possibility to finish under .500 and not even have a chance at the NCAA Tournament); and Washington State (1-0). They have a good loss to UCLA 1-0. They have scored 17 goals (of which 6 were against Idaho State); and have given up 15 (but no more than 3 in any game). I suspect they will bunker in tomorrow and hope to get one good counter attack. I think the Pilots will need to be very sharp and to come at them continuously throughout the game.

GO PILOTS!

Amen to that.

Constant pressure.

No shots, no goals.

ALL FIVE matches left in the season are MUST wins if we want a "chance" at hosting rounds 1-3 and the Quarters.

Pepperdine plays on a very very small (read narrow) field. This helps them defending as they can stay fairly compact in the back and not give up alot of space on the wings. We must play wide (outside in) on the attack to be most effective against this team. Their GK is a good shot stopper so I expect our goals to come off combination play, crosses and set pieces.

Overall we should be able to wear them down with a good possession style and have them doing alot of chasing. This will take patience. Expect our players to start to dominate in the final 25 minutes if we can execute the possession style.

Isn't there a NCAA regulation for soccer field size?

I am very surprised that Pepperdine is allowed to play on a very narrow field. That is just nuts for a NCAA Division 1 sport.

FANatic wrote:Isn't there a NCAA regulation for soccer field size?

I am very surprised that Pepperdine is allowed to play on a very narrow field. That is just nuts for a NCAA Division 1 sport.

Here ya go-

1.1.2 The width shall not be more than 80 yards [73.15m] nor less than
65 yards [59.44m] and the length shall not be more than 120 yards
[109.73m] nor less than 110 yards [100.58m]; however, fields of less
than minimal dimensions may be used by prior written mutual consent
of the competing institutions. The optimum size is 75 yards [68.58m] by
120 yards [109.73m].
New facilities shall be a minimum of 70 yards [64.01m] in width by
115 yards [105.15m] in length.
[109.73m

Old fields are grandfathered, so if we ever agreed to play on a field, apparently we still do.

Merlo is 120x75 and that also is the FIFA recommended size for international play.

The NCAA also recommends a 20 yard out of bounds border around the field, and Merlo doesn't meet that new standard. I think that's a good thing our fans.

You can just make out the restraining hash mark in the picture below of Rohus field at Pepperdine about a yard from the 18 yard box. It's 10 yards from the corner, and the box is 44 yards wide, so the field is probably minimum size allowed.

GOAL PILOTS!!!

PILOTS 1-0 over Pepperdine Waves. Goal by Sophie in 27th minute on a diving header off a rebound off the Waves' GK.

(Like to see that one on video replay!)

Audio seems to have disappeared from the video feed. I feel it may be time for some hot chocolate.

Goal Pepperdine. Amanda Rupp gets behind the defense and scores in the 77th minute.

Score: 1-1 Late in regulation.

C'mon Pilots, step it up!

-SciFi

Wowee!!!!! What an ending! And, of course, Captain Megan Rapinoe is the hero as she takes a PK in the 88th minute which is saved by the GK, but the ball comes loose. Megan chips the rebound over the GK for the winning goal in the 88th minute, as the Pilots hold on for the victory.

PILOTS WIN 2-1 !!!

Pepperdine had eleven shots today thats two more than UCLA who beat us earlier this year. Not a great day for the pilots, Sophie's goal and Megan's recovery from the saved PK notwithstanding. Credit to Pepperdine keeping up the pressure and a great day for their keeper.

Well this is the last home game for a while. Maybe some traveling will rejuvinate the team.

Hope so. I was sweating that one. . .

-SciFi

That was close.

First off, does anyone know why Michelle O. didn't play? I'm guessing Garrett felt he owed Elli and Keelin 90 minutes in their regular positions. (Michelle E. must be banged up.) So I'm thinking Keelin played holding mid and instead of putting Michelle O. in the back, he went with Korie, Kassi and Kristen. But why did Kassi only play 45 minutes. I'll answer my own question again: He wanted Korie to play 90, which she did. And he wanted Kristen to play for a half, which she did.

I understand that, if it is truly the case. However, Korie and Kristen together at center back is somewhat risky in such a close, critical game. Even if we tie, I'm thinking bye bye Merlo in the 1st and 2nd round.

And on the Waves goal, would Kassi's "wall" have allowed it? Maybe no one knows, I guess. I know I didn't see it. But I'll bet a few of you folks did.

So fill me in!!! (And the rest of the PN gang that didn't see it).