SCU @ Pilots - 11/02/2008

Auto Pilot wrote:Ninja ESPNU (channel 614 direct tve in my region socal) will re rebroadcasting the game at 11:00 am (pacific coast time) so if you know someone who gets the ESPNU channel you have another shot at watching or getting a recording of the game. I don't have a recorder on my box or I would make one for you. Good luck. It was a game truly worth watching if you can manage it.

11AM on what day?

The earlier point about speed is interesting. That's one thing you can't coach: players are quick or not. I'd argue that Charney - who is not as fast as Megan R - is better suited to the attacking mid slot rather than wide, precisely because she is not as fast.

It's true that Sara and others are not as fast as Elli and Michelle E - but very few players are. Elli and Michelle are not available so we do the best we can with who we have.

The Pilots offensive game is not dependent upon running speed, although that's great to have. They play a lot of one- and two-touch possession ball, where the goal is to have the ball do the work. I'm fine with moving the ball from side to side -and backwards - if that is the key to keeping possession.

Sorry to leave that part out. Its this thursday. ESPNU at 10:00 am pacific.

I think we are heading into the territory of lots of parity. We have our line-up. I agree with Garrett's assessment of Megan's move to the outside when he was interviewed at halftime. He just laughed and said pretty much it doesn't really matter where you line up Megan R. she is just going to be all over the field. He thought putting her outside would give her a little more room to operate.

I guess he was right because where she scored her goal was directly in front of the goalmouth off a quick darting move to the inside.

I think we have the midfield to match anyone. Its going to come down to getting a goal and not giving any up. I don't expect any more 4-0 games. Unless we play another team that is still playing with a 3 back line. If we do then expect to see Jessica racking up some more assists on the overlapping run.

I agree with you on the parity issue, AP. It wasn't many years ago that UNC and Notre Dame never lost (except to each other) and the teams just below them (including UP, Santa Clara, Penn State, Florida State) almost never lost to anyone else either. Last year was wild with upsets all over the place. This year less so, but even this year UCLA got tied by Brown (Brown???) and an injury-depleted SCU team.

Speaking of Santa Clara, how do you all think this year will affect their recruiting? It looks like they've got a large group coming in next year with a few high fliers, but anyone who saw Sunday's match would not have found a lot to be excited about. What do you think? Will they be able to rebuild into national contenders?

I don't think we can relax. They got hit this year with the double whammy of injuries and players leaving the team. I don't see any reason to think the won't come back. They have a great class coming in, and some of the young kids yesterday showed promise.

Plus, they haven't forgotten how to battle. some programs never figure that part out.

They were missing three stars Amanda Poach, Jordan Angelli and Kiki Bosio. We played the whole first half missing Michelle Enyeart, Keelin Winters and Elli Reed. So how were they at a disadvantage actually (homefield advantage notwithstanding)?

Great moment from the color commentator during the game when she gives big kudos to Portland and it's great crowds and soccer savvy fans. I'll see about writing it down and posting what she said. Maybe someone already mentioned it on P- Nation? Anyone else catch the comments?

Add the injured Kendra Chandhoke and Rachael Rapinoe into the discussion -- the Pilots have been playing much of the season without 5 players that most team would die for. Injuries and departures are a fact of life. So is the fact of being crushed 4-0 by your archnemesis.

Santa Clara will not fall apart over one bad season = my guess.

Good point to add Kendra and Rachael into that discussion. Also T Wally I distinctly remember Cat Whitehill telling all the viewers to notice how our fans were standing and singing and drumming and constantly moving she said "this the way they cheer in Europe and the rest of the world. American soccer fans this is the way soccer fans should act."

We may pat ourselves on our own backs so hard we get bursitis, but Pilots fans are connoisseurs of all things soccer. I am constantly amazed by the respect, insight, loyalty and just plain fun everyone shares on this site and at Merlo. The super soccer IQ of those in the stands is a major attraction for me -- always a learning experience for this fan.

ohhh_yeah wrote:

ninjapizza wrote:Would anyone happen to have a copy of this game they could send to me? The video feed was unavailable and I'd like to see the game whose match report got me a little choked up.

+1 i have it on dvr but i do not have any way to get it on dvd...

I don't have Direct TV, but with Comcast DVR you can copy a recording to VHS. Perhaps that will also work with DTV.

Looking for a copy of the game. Was on vacation in Europe for two weeks and the damm vcr did not record the game. Willing to pay. Please let me know.