9/23 PSU: Blow Them Away!

Time for a 4-5 goal, old fashioned stomping! Sorry, PSU, don't take this personally. But we have two big games in Los Angeles next week-end and confidence and momentum is ours for the taking today!

Hope to see you all at the game today. Looks like we've got decent weather - tha's a positive. And for those of you not coming to the game today, don't forget the live audio and live stats offered for free to anyone at www.portlandpilots.com.

Go Pilots!

Is Kelsey not playing just to give deyoung some experience? Please tell me she not injured.

Fanatic called it. Fabulous 7-0 win for the Pilots. It was the first time this season that I listened to a game without a knotted stomach, I think...

(1) Hey thepuck, good question. I don't have a confirmation that she's not injured, but from previous Pilot experience, I kind of half expected Hailee to either start the game or start the second half. Coach Smith knows PSU is at a much lower level than UP, thus you notice he fairly quickly subbed in Janelle Jacka, Kristen Kelly and Sara Jackman. Jacka and Kelly have rarely played this seson.

The one player I was really surprised not to see, was Korie Nicholson. She either is nursing some kind of strain, or Coach wanted to preserve the shut out and kept Emily in the entire game. That one is a mystery to me. Although, if memory serves me correct, the Pilots have usually left their best center-back in for the entire game, regardless of the score. Maybe a Clive legacy?

So to answer your question, I believe Kelsey is probably just fine. (Or she wouldn't have been out there warming up Hailee before the game). By the way, although Hailee is just a green freshman, Coach Smith has publicly stated that he believes we have the two top goalkeepers in the country. He has said, that either one could start. The main difference between the two, is that Kelsey is a very outgoing person with great verbal and non-verbal leadership skills. Hailee has said she is somewhat shy, but I can guaratee you they are working on her verbal skills and at a high priority.

(2) Greetings ninjapizza. (Cool moniker). Just so you know you're not alone, I think this was my first game this season where I wasn't a bit tense (I didn't see or hear the OSU game, however).