Pilots v. Rutgers, Penn St.

As several have mentioned, this coming weekend was expected to be more of a challenge for the Pilots. That remains to be seen.

Although Rutgers is 4-1, the quality of their opponents is unclear (Stony Brook, Colgate, Monmouth, Princeton & Bucknell) and they lost to Monmouth, 1-0.

As for Penn St. they appear to be struggling, with a 1-3-1 record and three straight losses, to William & Mary, Yale & Connecticut.

It's hard to fathom Penn State's poor record given the talent they have (Nairn, Toney, et. al.).

This means that Penn State is going to arrive here like a hungry bear. Sunday's game should be a total war.

For info on Rutgers' season and recent history, go here: http://www.nc-soccer.com/wsoccer/2010/schedule/25

For info on Penn State's season and recent history, go here: http://www.nc-soccer.com/wsoccer/2010/schedule/11

UPSoccerFanatic wrote:This means that Penn State is going to arrive here like a hungry bear.

Terrifying thought...

Whatever the records say I think we have to regard Penn State and Rutgers as a step up from Wisconsin and Syracuse - meaning no disrespect to either of the latter. Just that this weekend's opponents have been stronger programs, into the playoffs recently etc.

Offsetting that UP will be at Merlo. Either way it's another two chapters in the unfolding story of the season.

I am looking forward to watching Nairn play against Sophie and Keelin. I would guess she is one of the few center mids in the country who is on a par with them. It should be very worthwhile to look away from the ball at times to watch the interplay between them.

I have to correct the hungry bear statement. It will be hungry Lions... Here is a recent story line about the team.
http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2010/09/07/womens_soccer_improving_onfiel.aspx
A little like the Pilot start but with the Pilot defense doing so well, the wins have been coming for the Pilots. They are getting freshmen into key roles that they are not ready for yet..

Indigo Kid wrote:I have to correct the hungry bear statement. It will be hungry Lions... Here is a recent story line about the team.
http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2010/09/07/womens_soccer_improving_onfiel.aspx
A little like the Pilot start but with the Pilot defense doing so well, the wins have been coming for the Pilots. They are getting freshmen into key roles that they are not ready for yet..

Thanks for the link, it's an interesting article. One statement I noticed in the article that would concern me if I were a Penn State fan, from coach Walsh: "It's a sorting process, we're a month into it and technically still in preseason ...." If a team is interested in winning a national title, treating the non-conference games as "still in preseason" is a mistake. The non-conference games are the most important games, in terms of getting a good seed in the NCAA Tournament. And, getting a good seed in the tournament is a key step in winning a national title. That said, it sounds like she's trying to have her players not get too "down" after losing three games in a row.

I think Walsh already knows Penn State isn't getting to the tournament unless the win conference. They can't be counting on beating UP (hoping, maybe, but not counting).

Beyond that, they have only Bucknell and Dartmouth left on the non-con schedule. even if they win those games, that won't do it for an at large bid.

They HAVE to get to top 2-3 in conference - top 2 unless they defeat UP.

Both of next weekend's games are potentially dangerous. Rutgers less so, since they haven't beaten anyone with an RPI last year lower than 126. They lost to Monmouth, which weighed in at 57 last year. they will both be physical, however.

Penn State and Rutgers are big-time schools that produce notable players. The Pilots must take them very seriously (no doubt in my mind that Pilots will do so), whatever the results so far this year. This is a big weekend for fans to see teams from the other side of the country, and for the Pilots to show the Easterners the state of the art of soccer in the West.

The losing 3 games early like this seems to be a trend that is starting with the Lions. This year I know they are putting a lot of freshmen into the mix and it will take a while for them to gel. I have no illusions that they will easily win the Big Ten this year. There are a lot of tough teams to beat through a rugged season to make the NCAAs. A lot of the result depends on their mindset coming into this weekend.

If anyone wants to check out PSU, they have a scheduled practice at 5:00
From Twitter:

PSUWomensSoccer
  
Arrival in Portland-Check, #Chipotle-Check, off to hotel and 5p training at Univ of Portland
about 1 hour ago via Spaz

No, she didn't become a student again.

She'll be on our side of the rail. From Twitter :

daviskelsey
  
Thankful for another beautiful day. PT with jess and Mike today. Then watching my pilots kick some butt!

Can someone remind me is it tonight or Sunday when the Greek Gyros will be served?

SUNDAY 9/12
Women’s Soccer Nike Invitational
Washington vs. Rutgers at 12:00pm
Portland vs. Penn State at 2:30pm
>>THREE BUCK Sunday: $3 Greek gyros!
>>Post-Game Autograph Zone!!