https://www.shannonside.ie/sport/ro...loes-heather-payne-taking-soccer-world-storm/ Not familiar with the world of soccer in Ireland. What age group of players there? I'm hopeful, but not cocky about her ability to help first year. I will say, that Mark hits way more than he misses with his international recruits.
They have the usual set-up U-17, U-19 and senior teams. The local League is not really good, hence all their best players are abroad.
I noticed in one article that she had at least one brief call up to the full WNT. We'll know soon enough if she's able to contribute first year.
Jenna is a very similar player to Zhao. Just focusing on games vs better teams, you will be giving up some defensively to have Castellanos, Xhao and Nishhwonger on the field at the same time. I think vs the bigger more physical teams she may struggle initially. Good, tidy player though and a good passer
Deyna has improved defensively over the years. She is still not a stud, but much better than she used to be. Zhao and Nighswonger Will have to pick it up quite a bit. The good news is that with our defense and ball skills, we will not be defending as much as most teams
You will vs the teams you care about. UNC,UCLA,USC,UVA and Duke for starters. All those teams are pretty equally matched
I suspect they may start Jenna at wide MF with Zhao at AMF and Deyna at Forward. It will be interesting to see how those 3 do defensively. Our season starts out with TCU, Wisconsin, then UCLA, USC and Florida, so we'll get a good idea about their defensive liability.
Coach K is on the short list for the US women's national team head coaching position. I hope he gets it! He is amazing and has nothing left to prove in college soccer.
I agree that Mark would be an outstanding coach for the USWNT. That said, I selfishly hope they go with Swanson or someone else. Obviously Swanson does both the USWNT and college head coaching. Can the head coach of the USWNT do both?
I've heard Swanson is not a candidate. As for doing both, I think it would be a full time job and Mark would leave FSU, at least as the coach, could still live in Tally.
Thank you, I don't remember preseason being that short, but maybe I haven't paid enough attention before.
https://seminoles.com/soccer-places-four-on-mac-hermann-trophy-watch-list/ Glad to see 4 of our own (most of any team) make the initial MAC Hermann trophy watch list. If she has a good year Zhao may make the final 3. Of course Deyna could as well, but with our scoring spread around, I don't expect that. Good for Malia and Jaelin get some love!
https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/08/victory-tour-2019-uswnt-vs-ireland-match-report-stats Browsing and picked up this tidbit. In the Victory tour over Ireland, I noticed Heather Payne started for Ireland. Megan C was on the roster, but did not play. Did not see Megan Campbell on the roster. Can't be a bad thing for one of our freshmen starting for Ireland's national team.
During the game, the announcers said Connolly picked up a nick and was unavailable to play and Campbell is competing with her club in Euros. As for Payne, she looked like a player starting her first national team game ever against the best team in the world.
Simple 1. To promote the organization making the list. 2. To give the schools some preseason hype for their team and fans. I know football preseason mags do it, and the fans eat it up, or moan about their favorite players not being on it. I moaned last year even after winning that natty, at our representation on the AA teams versus Stanford. That's what many of us fans do.
Go Florida State Seminoles soccer Facebook page and there is a 74 picture post of first practice. Clara and Lynch both sporting heavy knee braces, but appear to be participating fully. (at least as much as you can gather from still pictures) As expected no Emily. IMO, Kristina Lynch is a warrior who won't be denied. In previous interviews, she has stated she wants a career in soccer. Her injury was just last November. She is driven and tough. Hope injuries don't derail her.