Pilots vs. Virginia Tech, Friday 11/20, Merlo Field

I noticed this pattern of sending long balls on kickoffs in other recent games as well. When Michelle was racing on the sideline it seemed plausible to sneak a quick scoring opportunity, but in the playoffs it has usually just meant a turnover. I wonder if they'll change this strategy and opt for possession from the start.

Hopefully we'll only have one more kickoff per game the rest of the way!

Are they long balls...or are they just trying to send a through ball? A through ball is a pretty traditional start to a game for an attacking team. Little league and professional teams do that all the time. Cross the mid-field line, tap back to the half back, who kicks a through ball to the attacking forward. Losing one possession in the beginning rarely affects a whole game. It seems pretty low risk to me...

If the opposing team was all lined up at the half-line for the kickoff then you could call it a through ball. But I doubt anyone would do that.

PurplePrideTrumpet wrote:Agree about the VT midfield. We were not able to completely dominate the middle like we usually do, but Keelin and Sophie still had nice games. It's nice having attacking threats on the outside as well as inside.

I thought Sophie had an outstanding game. Very active both offensively and defensively.

Both last night and especially the Washington game Sophie looked a like an attacking/holding mid hybrid. I love her work rate.

Here's what I'm wondering about:

Did Geez aim any projectiles at the VT bench? If so, was he doing the "Hokey Pokey"?

Sorry, I couldn't resist...

SoreKnees wrote:Here's what I'm wondering about:

Did Geez aim any projectiles at the VT bench? If so, was he doing the "Hokey Pokey"?

Sorry, I couldn't resist...

There is no evidence even one pokie made it on the field

Regarding the long kicks off the kickoff, I think Sophie, who hit that one, was trying to put it over the touch line deep in the corner so that VT would have to start the play with a throw in from deep in their defensive zone. If someone gets up the wing and can get to the ball, all the better. But, on this particular one, it was too deep and not enough to the side, so VT ended up with a gk. I think a mix of starting that way and giving it to a player to dribble down the field as Enyeart did is the way to do it. If I recall correctly, last weekend the Pilots did both.

Playing the devil's advocate for a second regarding the long balls, do you think that Garrett was just trying to create some chaos on their side of the field since they have a somewhat faulty defense and have given up a lot of goals this season? In a perfect world it would be nice to dominate possession time, but, in the end it's tough to argue with the result of the game.

both watched the game live an then re-watched on the dvr when i got home. watching the game live, i really thought dani, kendra an sophie were the 'stars' of the game in no particular order. watching the game again at home, i didnt notice how good kendall was in the game. during the game i appreciated her defensive efforts, but didnt truly realize how good she actually was offensively.
also, watching the game live, i noticed that michelle e wast around an wondered why. learned during the broadcast that she had her surgery this week an went home to cali to rehab. pretty sure we will see her at the ucla game.. just a hunch.
lastly, caomcast did a feature on kelsey. her trials an tribulations, especially this past year. again, i have to save that im stunned at how soft spoken kelsey actually is after listening to her 'bark' at her teammates these last three years. an i mean that in the nicest terms. she's a real jekyll an hyde alright!

love this team!! goooooo pilots!

Just noticed: This is the most viewed ever thread on PilotNation!

For those with cable who did not record the game: I just checked the schedule for Comcast Sports NW and I see "Women's College Soccer : NCAA Tournament: Portland vs. Virginia Tech" listed at 4:30 p.m. today. That's channel 37 here in Portland. I want to see the 4-goal explosion in the first half again!

If nothing else I want to see Kendra's first goal again because it was a crazy burst with Sophie's shot, Dani's header, and then Kendra's finish.

Harry Redknapp wrote:If nothing else I want to see Kendra's first goal again because it was a crazy burst with Sophie's shot, Dani's header, and then Kendra's finish.

Your wish is granted

magic. thank you UP sports marketing