"Someone needs to take charge and run at and into the box instead of all the passing around. UF is content bunkering and will try to counter with Rose." Agreed. Though it does seem like Pavlisko and Berkely can consistently make dangerous runs TO the box. Having dangerous pieces elsewhere seems to open up nice lanes for them. Critique stands, but Castellanos wins it with a nice strike from distance and follow from McFarland. Pavlisko had a heck of a game. Really like what we've seen from the back line so far. They have appeared ++ against the competition I've seen so far this year, and able to contribute on both ends. And these aren't scrub teams. Excited to see what a season together could lead to. Already combining well in possession. If they get on the same page together in the final third more consistently, watch out... good talent all over the field it appears. (I am critical of Castellanos so far into the season just because we know what she's capable of. Crazy talent level, just doesn't seem to know quite how to deploy it with the current team other than trying to rip shots from outside the box. Don't want to read too much into it, but don't see her running to celebrate with the teammate in any of the recent clips either. Does make you wonder though if her interest level is waning)
And just a quick reality check (hopefully)... that's a 23 : 3 shot differential against the preseason #4 from TDS. Pretty much ranked higher in the early and pre- season by everyone. I'd say the early returns look good for this team for any reasonable expectation.
I don’t know, but I wonder if the turmoil in her country is playing a part? I do look forward to her becoming more aggressive in attacking the box.
Deyna was consoling Howell after the game (I guess Howell took a knock), so I don't think she is disinterested. I imagine she wants to score and it is bothering her that she has only one goal thus far. I think Zhao should be playing the full 90, she is awesome. I thought Glorys touch was off tonight. For as much possession as we had no one would take charge in front of the goal, a very underwhelming game. Overall, we beat UF, our rivals, so it was a good night.
Deyna and Zhao are both capable of attacking with the dribble into the box. For whatever reason, Deyna seems content to strike from distance. Despite the result last night, that is not best for Deyna and this team. The announcers mentioned that BB had said this was Mark's most talented team. Players 1-11, that is true. Pretty much every starter in the backline and midfield has the capability of attacking 1 v 1. We've never had that. Heck, Lynch, Connolly and Edwards and Bergau start on most NCAA teams. Now that said, there are many players from past teams that would crack this lineup. Dagny Byrnjarsdottir may be my all time favorite Nole b/c of her skill, physicality and will to win. Cheyna W. offers that one thing this team lacks. Over the top speed with skill. There are others, but... Malia is getting more and more confident attacking. She will eventually bury one of those long range shots. I'm very pleased with players who have obviously worked hard and improved. I've mentioned Patten and Tillman particularly. I'd like to add Macayla Edwards to that group and even Bergau. ME is more assertive and confident this year. OB will never be a great 1v1 offensive player, but she brings a physical presence defensively that wears on opponents. She is tenacious. Great to see Clara back out there. I notice that Emily Madril is NOT wearing a knee brace. I wonder how her rehab is going. Assuming she doesn't come back (highly unlikely) this year, she would be a great replacement for either Kuikka or Tillman. We would not miss a beat with her IMO.
did watch this one. Tbh I was a little disappointed by the Noles. As I mentioned in m ealier comments, they currently lack penetration in the final 3rd. Unless Berkeley or Pavlisko take space and god forward, the Noles are pretty easy to defend with a deep block. Not enough quick 1/2s or penetrative dribbling. They have the talent to be better than they were last night. I dont look at shot differentials etc. They can be misleading. The red was little harsh imo. I would be a little concerned with Castellanos. Seems to be looking for you tube moments instead of playing the game. Maybe just the pressure of a rivalry game. They have the tools to be a dominant team but need more in attack.
I wholeheartedly agree we need to see more penetrating dribbles. Carle did that a few times last night. We’ve got better in us than last night showed
I just rewatched the game earlier today against UF. #1 Their back line is seriously good, especially in the middle. #2 We had a number of very close plays where we were this close to spectacular. A weighted pass that is just not received well, or a player who turns the wrong way or and outstanding defensive play. #3 I still want more dribble attacks and carefully weighted passes into the box, but we aren't far away. #4 Assuming health, this team should only get better. Our best soccer is ahead of us.
Coach K started an unusual line-up today, going conservative is the last thing we should do, the starters need as much time together as possible.
sometimes you need to get other players minutes and may have some players banged up and trying to get them healthy before conference starts next week
I'm no expert, but getting some of the nonstarters playing time in a real game is valuable. Orrante intrigues me in the few minutes I've seen her, but I haven't seen her enough to draw any conclusions.
UNC just lost to Stanford 2-1 in OT. Stats can be misleading, but Stanford had a 19-13 shots advantage and 9-6 SOG advantage. Will be interesting to see how we match up with UNC.
I did not see todays game, but was told that FSU struggled to score, had chances but could not get one in the goal until the 63rd minute. Alabama put up 6 goals against this same team. 31 shots and 2 goals. However if you would of told me in preseason FSU would go undefeated in out of conference play I would not have believed you. On to UNC, who as usual has an outstanding team.
will be an interesting game with UNC. UNC has dominated most of their games but have really struggled to put the ball in the back of the net. very similar to FSU. I think whoever wins this game will end up the 1 seed in the ACC tournament. They are the best 2 teams in the ACC right now
Good catch on Pavlisko. I don't remember her being hurt on Friday. Maybe Mark felt she could use the rest. Let's hope so because she is key and very dangerous. Comparing scores is not very helpful fortunately. I believe that by the end of the season, all these tantalizingly close opportunities will be converted much more frequently. I think we can become a great team! We're not there yet, but I believe we are on our way. UNC is the last team, other than possibly UVA, that is on a par with us IMO. Go Noles. Our 14 NC squad started out slowly.We gave up 6 goals (only 9 all season) in the first month including a 1-2 loss to UF. \We got better as the season went and and peaked in NCAAs. We gave up exactly 0 goals in the NCAA. This team has that potential! Give them some time to gel!
UCF scored 3 goals against UF today in the first half. Luckily for UF, lightning canceled the game and it will restart from the beginning tomorrow.
IF I read right, UF has been snake bit by injuries this year. One of their players went out against us and another was red (2 yellows) carded. Does that mean UF played a man down for a half? OR did that player simply have to sit out for a half? Regardless, I expect Burleigh to get some heat in Hogtown. It's been 17 years since they've made the CC. We sure could have used Deanna Rose on our team.
isn't that the point of these forums? Put up premature statements. If it had to all by 100% guaranteed facts then none of us could ever post anything lol
I dont think strong schedule = better team. I would put Duke in the conversation as well. If you prepare your team in the nc part of schedule and culminate by going in to PSU and winning, then surely you are doing something right. If Duke emerge knowing lineups etc, i would say the same thing. Both teams are underrated by many. they have the talent to match both UNC and FSU on any given day. they also have coaching staffs that know how to get it done. ACC is at least a 4 horse race
http://seminoles.com/soccer-opens-acc-play-against-no-6-unc/ Look forward to the match. We'll get another look at how we handle high pressure defense.