Pilots v Florida State

Not much in the way of attack from Portland, though Cameli has had some nice runs and crosses. It's been tough getting the ball from FSU. They're quicker and their passing is better. Tough second half coming up but we can still do this.

The Pilots are behind but its pretty hard to tell how they are playing with the moronic use of field cameras that prevent you from actually seeing where the ball is or where 90% of the players are. Love the close-ups of one player! And then the computer goes to "loading..." for up to two minutes at a time.

Wonder why Lorielle started. Cost the first goal when she didn't challenge very aggressively. Despite what the announcer has said, the Pilots have had their chances but some puzzling passes have prevented a goal in my view, whatever view was permitted by the broadcast. I think they show they can score on these people and if they come out fired up and pass crisply, they could get back in it. Go Pilots!

I'm trying to keep one eye on the game video while at work. I missed both goals -- wish FSU had too! Cameli has had some dangerous attacks tho nothing has paid off. I was glad that Pilots played FSU at home the first time and the result showed why -- don't think this year's Pilots would have won at FSU. On neutral turf for this game it's a tall order to dig out of the 0-2 hole, so we'll see what the Pilots have left. It's time for a Miracle on Grass!

Third goal for FSU.

Say what you will about the cameras, this announcer is better than anyone could have anticipated. Downright professional.

Pilots did not come to play. They're getting beat to every ball.

Taylor gets one back just before the end. Not enough.

Thanks to the seniors for some great soccer over their tenure.

The players coming back have to return with a new sense of purpose.

Am I correct that Taylor, Cloee, Michelle and Lorielle started across the back line? In the five+ years I have followed the Pilots, I have never questioned ANY coaching decisions - it's not in my nature, and I am too far from the team to have enough knowledge. However, unless there were injuries or illness or disciplinary matters involved, that was a real head scratcher, especially since Sarah came in later. It seems to me that starting that lineup weakens your team at both central D and outside left D.

The team really seemed flat for the game - maybe nerves?

Geezaldinho wrote:
Thanks to the seniors for some great soccer over their tenure.

I took a hiatus from Pilot soccer until 2008, so this year's class was the first I've followed from their freshman to senior years. Kind of hard to believe it's been four years already. It's also the first recruiting class PilotNation talked about. I thought I'd go back in time and see what we (well, one guy, as it turns out) were saying:

Geezaldinho wrote:here's a first hint at what the 2008 recruiting season might look like.

2007 NSCAA All American and youth National team defender Michelle Olivier has UofP listed as one of the 3 schools she's thinking about on her bio at
http://www.soccerincollege.com/athlete.aspx?id=FMO0880101GA

the others are Duke and Wake Forest

She'd be a great addition.

I would say she was a pretty good addition to the defense.

Geezaldinho wrote:
I especially like the quotes from the coach of her high school's rival team:

“Kreminski has the whole package,” said Mat Henbest, head coach at rival Timberline High. “She has good size, and she moves well with the ball. There wasn’t too much you couldn’t ask her to do. She was probably the best player in the air in the whole state this year. She’s a pretty special player.”

lessee..

Whole package
good size
moves well
versatile
Best player in the air in the whole State
special

I'll take that...

Also, scores game winners in big games (UW twice, once in the playoffs, and also A&M and SCU last year).

Geezaldinho wrote:2008 recruit Danielle Foxhoven is on the cover of Rise magazine this Month.


There's also a nice story about her high school and National team careers and aspirations.

No, I didn't remember that either. Nice picture but I always loved the smile on her face after she scored.

Geezaldinho wrote:
Kassandra McCluskie has been described in the reports as the top SPARQ tester, as a "fierce defender" and she was captain of championship teams since she was a little kid. She's been described as "the reason" her teams would win.

Pretty much. Out of this year's seniors she was probably my favorite. A little sad she was always getting sidelined with injuries but you could tell she was someone the team drew energy and inspiration from.

Geezaldinho wrote:
I don't know if Garrett has plans for Kreminski in the defense, but when I see that she was a track star and basketball guard, and she was considered to be the best kid in the state in the air, I get excited and start wondering if she could be another Winters if we need her there while Keelin's away.
Lord Knows, with our YNT group gone at least part time, that will be important.

It's a little scarey that you were predicting Kreminski at holding mid four years ago.

So long, seniors. Thanks for coming to Portland. The team couldn't have done what it did without you.

Florida State defeated Virginia 3-0 in the quarterfinals, at FSU.

FSU had reg season losses to us, WF, Duke, UNC, MD, and Vir.

They came back and beat UNC and Vir in the ACC tourney.

They came back and beat us and Vir in the NCAA.

If they get by Stanford, they'll get a chance to avenge either WF or Duke losses.