2009 Roster

I had a thought I wanted to enter on one of threads in which various of you entered your thoughts about potential lineups for next year. Instead, I decided to start a new thread.

Here's what I'm thinking. The 2009 roster will include, among others, these players:

1. Kelsey and Jessica are on the 18 player U23 team selected to go to Europe shortly;

2. Michelle E, Elli, and Keelin (as captain) just finished as major players on the team that won the U20 World Cup;

3. Cloee just finished as a major player on the team that came in second in the U17 World Cup and now is in the U18-U20 pool;

4. Sophie is a major player on the Canadian Women's National Team that barely lost to the ultimate champion US women in the Olympics;

5. Kendra has been part of the U23 pool and previously has been a major player on national youth teams.

That gives us seven potential starting players who are active national age-group team players and another who has been active previously.

I wonder what other teams will be able to match that.

I agree that we need to find room for those 7!

I believe Foxhoven and Olivier both have youth national team experience which brings us to 9.

From what I saw last year, you need to find a slot for McCluskie. I am also expecting Burk to mature a lot after a nice Freshman year.

I don't know much about the other incoming freshman to know who has chance to break the starting lineup other than Cloee.

All in all, it is a nice problem to have with so many quality subs and a full squad to have a full scrimmage at practice. Experience has taught us that you need numbers when injury, national team duty, etc happens.

Charney also did extensive time with YNT's - some of it teaming up with Danielle. so that gives us a starting team, I guess.

But I think it's fair to assume at least a couple of the incoming players will get some good time. I saw Kendall play a couple of times. She was just named to Rise Magazine's prep soccer first team and I think you will see a lot of her., possibly sharing time in the middle. She very skilled and , um, assertive. I see that she has also been named a finalist for the Oregon prep athlete of the year.

I haven't seen the others, but I trust all will be able t contribute. Garrett has very seldom brought players in who couldn't, other that perhaps because of injury.

Including everyone mentioned, that is twelve starters - Foxhoven, Sophie, Burke, Winters, Enyeart, Kendra, Jessica, Ellie, Olivier, Cloee, McCluskie, and Kelsey. Nice problem to have, plus it also leaves a few of this years' starters and the incoming freshmen on the bench. I suspect our bench could compete with some teams.

I may have to get out there more than once this fall. This could be fun.

Yes! Definitely! I can't wait! It's a special special group of players! The 2009 season is highly anticpated...and it's just January for God's sake! Can you feel the excitment already though? I'm giddy! Hell...Even "Carnak the Magnificent " should be able to predict the what awaits the Pilots! The answer to the question is..."3rd National Title"!

Carnak the Magnificent

GO PILOTS!!!