2009 and more

(It would also help us if certain members of our conference didn't fall off the face of the earth with injuries)

fan from afar wrote:Am I wrong, or does this look like an easier schedule, RPI-wise, than last year? Will the Pilots need to go undefeated to end up with a top 4 ranking?

That was my first impression too. In my opinion, our success next year depends on finding finishers to take Rapinoe's place... Of course, Sophie is a good start...

I'm sorry to be the old curmudgeon here. And this is not to take away anything from all the great points made here and UPSF's great work on the RPI every year.

However, I have always believed that a true champion will find a way to win regardless of where the game is played. Sure, home field is a great advantage. But if we make it to the Quarters and we can't beat a team on the road, then we ain't champions in my book. We shouldn't fear playing anyone, anywhere in any playoff round, including the quarters. If we can't beat UCLA or Stanford on the road, hey, enough with the excuses. Maybe we're just not good enough, don't quite have what it takes to be champions. I know, that is hard to admit, myself included.

The RPI is an extremely valuable tool, and these discussions are great off-season fodder for our minds to toss around ideas and thoughts about next season. When I found out we scheduled Montana, I almost had a seizure. That's ridiculous. If we're good enough, we'll be at College Station next December, and let the chips fall where they may.

True enough, FANatic. But home games mean we get to see the game in person and not on TV.

I had some fine company last year for the UCLA game but we just love watching the game live at Merlo.