Washington State

We really missed Cloee and Kendall (not to mention all the departed graduates).

But guess what?
I'm almost too embarrassed to crow about something this meaningless, but not quite.

WSU and FSU defeated their opponents other than UP, and those opponents in turn have several wins, a tie, and no losses other than WSU and FSU, and that places the Pilots in sole possession of first place in RPI, as of tonight.

http://www.nc-soccer.com/wsoccer/2011/

[sound of wood knocking]

pretty early to take that seriously. but I agree it's still fun

Get used to UP playing without Kendall. I think it will be only an outside chance she will play at all this year. ACL's can take a year to heal, as we have found the last few years.

I watched practice Wednesday, and I think holding Cloee out was precautionary for a muscle strain or something. its a long season, we have to think long term.

But I though Halley did a great job at holding mid. Not often you see a forward who can do that (err, except maybe Sophie)

If Halley is great at holding mid maybe Cloee can go back to center defence?

And bring Taylor in to the game a little earlier?

i don't know how people aren't talking about this...
halley was by far the most dominant player on the field last night...playing a position she has never truly played. her tackles, positioning, distribution...washington state's only option was to go around her.
looking forward, i don't see how Garrett can move her out of that spot. i knew halley was a good player, but after watching her last night, she not only showed she belongs on the field (not on the bench) but that she can dominate.
move cloee back to center back. although the girls didn't give up a goal, the back four was far from solid. move emma to outside back, her natural position, and push cruz forward as we all have to be honest and admit that for a team that thrives on outside mids to spark out attack, our wings have not been good enough so far. cruz should help with that.

WSU and FSU were teams I'm glad the Pilots played at home and not on the road. Tomorrow's match at San Diego State will tell us a bit more about how the team is coming along.

The first half was an offensive no-show for UP, with the exception of Dani's rocket off the crossbar. The scoreboard showed only a single shot on goal for UP, while WSU had 3 though none were scary. WSU showed little finishing skill in the final 3rd of the field, mercifully, and the Pilots D rose to the occasion.

The lineup reflected changes due to Cloee's absence (she was dressed except for cleats). Halley started as a high-energy defending mid and asserted herself until being taken out due to leg cramps (apparently) with 2 minutes left. Them Kassi went in as a rare 5th back-line defender. Emily Sipple continues to earn time as a sub at outside mid.

For my own selfish reasons I want to see more Taylor Brooke. She has the speed to break down defenses and has ball skills that open things up for the attack. So far she's been a late substitute though she could be a starter.

Frisbie's goal was excellent and not typical of how the Pilots prefer to make their attack. Michaela took advantage when a WSU defender misplayed a high bouncing ball at midfield, and made a perfect pass to Frisbie, who outran the defense half the length of the pitch and put a pinpoint shot into a low corner. Really a pro strike! This lightning attack really stood out in contrast to the slow, patient, work-it-around-the-perimeter game the team favors (and which many fans near my seat bemoan).

A shutout is good, a win is good, a gorgeous night at Merlo is great.

The second half was far more offensively effective than the first--whether Mr. Smith has some insight for the players to employ on the field or simply provides motivation, the Pilots certainly seemed a more determined team on the offensive half after intermission.

Burke has speed and threatened the goal on a couple of nice shots. In addition to those mentioned I thought Ellen Parker had a good game. Foxhoven too.

I wonder if Sipple remains guarded in her play or is adjusting to the level. Thought Kurle looked winded after only a few minutes.

Enjoyable game and crowd on a beautiful cool August evening.

I just found the interview with Halley that was posted Thursday.

Wonder if it was an omen that she would be starting? No doubt she was a force in the middle on defense and also a threat to score. She took one long-range shot with power. [url=http://www.portlandpilots.com/news/2011/8/25/WSOC_0825113054.aspx]

The tone of this game took a decided change for the better when Sipple subbed in for Kurrle. Her attacking mentality seemed to catch on right away and continued throughout the second half. Fortunately Kurrle seemed to get in the flow better when she returned. Her first half was simply too much slowing things down and too many balls given up with soft passes and heal passes to the other team ( I know some say to only be positive here but that's the reality).

It's becoming pretty clear so far that the strength of this team comes from the aggressive attacking mentality of Foxhoven, Capell, Brooke and Kreminski. Sipple appears to possess the same ability and if Kurrle and Camelli play with the same approach, these gals will be scoring a lot more goals. I just loved the way Brooke started forcing her way to the 50/50 balls and refusing to lose them. Too many others did not in the first half.

I agree that Halley was the star of the game. She showed just how versatile she is and that must make Garrett's job a little easier as the season progresses. Shades of Keelin. She actually made some good runs into the attacking end with good results. Also agree that moving Emma to the outside would be a good move and when Garrett decides to play Olivier and Kassi together, the defense could easily support that.

The second half showed some great potential for this team and I am looking forward to seeing them develop from here.

And the on demand video is up for the WSU game. I think Angela Harrison and Adam Linmann are doing a pretty good job.

http://origin.stretchinternet.com:1935/ondemand/_definst_/mp4:up/up-28807.mp4/playlist.m3u8


Very interesting comment on scheduling for next year at about the 1:08' mark on the video counter.