Portland-Washington, the rematch, 11/15/09, or, thread #998

[PurplePrideTrumpet]

Because I'm still up and someone has to start this thread.

I saw the first half of UW-Ole Miss today. A fair amount of longball; not as much emphasis on possession by either side. And of course neither had the speed of the Pilots. The Huskies will no doubt be excited for another shot at Portland and though I would not take Washington lightly I like the Pilots' speed and ability to hold the ball.

[fozziewozzie]

the pilots will not take the huskies lightly either. a post i read mentioned how denver u beat us in 2004 an it was not forgotten. these ladies are totally focused, an i believe have a mssion in mind for several teammates. michelle e, kelsey, all of the seniors, not wanting to be the class that doesnt win a championship, etc.

[purple haze]

The first Huskies-Pilots game of this season seems like an age ago, way back in summer. Pilots starters will be rested and should be fired up for Sunday's rematch. I like the way the Pilots have broken down the defenses of all recent foes to score. Even the 10- or 11-player bunkers have not stopped them lately. What can the Huskies do any differently to slow down the Pilots? Playing more physically tough than Denver would be a start, but the Pilots haven't backed down from physical play. Our D needs to be extra sharp and not give up the counterattack. The team has to love the Merlo Field advantage they worked to earn. The student section was not full versus Denver -- the team could use the bosot of a packed student section with accompanying cheers, catcalls and chants against UW.

[SoreKnees]

I think that the students have to pay to get in, which might explain the small group. Is there some way to subsidize student attendance to get more energy into the north side of the field?

[UPSoccerFanatic]

I'm not sure UW's season record means much so far as this particular game is concerned, but for what it's worth, here it is:

8/26/2009 vs. Seattle 7-11-1 W 2-1
8/30/2009 vs. Portland 18-1-0 L 0-2
9/4/2009 vs. Columbia 7-7-3 W 3-0
9/6/2009 vs. Colorado Col. 12-6-2 W 3-1
9/11/2009 vs. #Miami (Fla.) 8-10-1 L 0-1
9/13/2009 vs. #Illinois 7-9-3 W 1-0
9/18/2009 vs. Utah St. 10-9-2 W 2-0
9/25/2009 at. UC Irvine 12-7-2 W 3-2
9/27/2009 at. Cal St. Fullerton 6-8-5 T 1-1
10/2/2009 vs. Gonzaga 8-12-0 W 3-1
10/4/2009 vs. Montana 4-13-1 W 1-0
10/9/2009 vs. *Washington St. 13-5-2 T 1-1
10/16/2009 at. *Arizona 4-15-1 W 2-0
10/18/2009 at. *Arizona St. 9-7-3 T 1-1
10/23/2009 vs. *California 10-8-1 W 1-0
10/25/2009 vs. *Stanford 20-0-0 L 0-3
10/30/2009 at. *Oregon 9-10-1 W 3-1
11/1/2009 at. *Oregon St. 12-7-1 L 1-2
11/6/2009 vs. *UCLA 17-2-1 L 1-2
11/8/2009 vs. *Southern California 12-6-2 T 2-2

[A_Fan]

During the game last night I thought about how the University might subsidize student tickets for the playoffs and finally I came to a realization. I don't mean to be too cynical about this generation of students, but this is a generation that would think nothing of paying for the latest ringtone or skin for their cellphone and yet they won't pay to support their team in the playoffs. They rarely show up in big numbers even during the regular season. We can count on the Drum folks for their loyal attendance and support, but what's up with the rest of the student body?

[purple haze]

Aw, don't be too harsh on students today. What The Who sang decades ago is still true: "The Kids Are Alright." I'd donate the cost of a student ticket if it would help fill the stands.

[SoreKnees]

I would also donate a little to help get the students out.

I suspect that the drum team gets in free. According to the official "championship visitors' guide" on the UP site:

"A maximum of 25 band members, 12 uniformed cheerleaders and one costumed mascot will be admitted free of charge."

[ShipstadPilot11]

Wish I could help pack the stands Hopefully the team will give me a chance next year (when they are defending their Title???)

[PilotDrummer]

In the past, Athletics has provided the Villa guys with tickets and the university and/or student government has helped subsidize student tickets. Not sure what's happening this year, however.

[fozziewozzie]

why are we puttng this all on the student section?!! the paying public didnt nearly fill out the stands. i personally was very disappointed in that. an why can't we cheer an yell an sing an stomp our feet as well as the student section? coming into merlo friday i crossed paths with two students, an what i overheard was 'i'm not going to pay when i can watch it for free'.

we are the ones who need to step up, not the students!!

[merlogirl]

Its a $5. charge for students. I'm sure there is a way of arranging student sponsorship. I was surprised even with the money factor at the low student turn out.

However, during half time I ran over to Mago Hunt Center to use the restroom and ActUP, UP's improv club had an event in the Mago Performance hall. This highlights the real problem for college students: over commitment. Without knowing until Monday that University of Portland would be hosting the first three rounds of the playoffs a lot of events were all ready scheduled, and plans were made for the weekends. I spoke with some non-Villa friends who were present and several mentioned plans that will interfere Sunday-trips to Mount Hood, work, etc.

Marketing makes a big difference too. I'm not sure how well the playoffs were announced, and if students were led to think they would be too late for tickets if they came night of the game to buy.

All of this to say I think next Friday might be better.

[DaTruRochin]

Well... 46 degrees at kickoff and falling doesn't exactly help the turnout either, esp if the students haven't brought their winter wardrobes from home yet...

[pms275]

Students have a lot of other things competing for their time and attention, especially this time of year. Plus, the other stands weren't filled either. The attendance was lower than for a lot of our regular season games, and it looked like it was going to rain all day.

That being said--and as my wife pointed out--there should be better turn out Sunday and at the next round, assuming we progress.

[mattywizz]

$5!?!?! That's a case of Natty Light!