With the opening weekend of NCAA Men's College Football upon us, and ESPN having what can only be discribed as an orgasmic reaction to the start of the season, I thought it would be only appropriate to present the Women's College Soccer Games of the Week! #8 Florida State University at #4 Portland The #8 ranked Seminoles kick off their season by traveling out west to battle #4 ranked Pilots at the Portland Tournament. This will be the second straight year that these teams open the season against each other (kudos to both teams). The Seminoles came back last year to defeat the Pilots 2-1 in Tally. Rebuilding year for the Noles? The Seminoles need to replace their top two scorers in Selin Kuralay and India Trotter, in addition to Kelly Rowland. The Garnet and Gold will also be without Ali Mims, last years goalkeeper (235 career saves). But help is here, in the form of the #2 Nationally Ranked Recruiting Class. Scoff all you want but this class is heavy on experience. The class features three transfers; Kate Milstead (Penn State), Lauren Switzer (UCLA) and Erika Sutton (San Diego State). Not too shabby! But the real key to the success of the Noles will be the back four of Katrin Schmidt, Libby Gianeskis, Sarah Wagenfuhr and Becky Edwards. This solid line will hold firm until the rest of the team finds their form. WHAT ABOUT PORTLAND? Scary, is all I can say! The Pilots return their top six scorers and five of the best players in America Megan Rapinoe, Angie Woznuk, Michelle Enyeart and Stephanie Lopez. The Pilots attack force of Kendra Chandhoke, Rapinoe, Woznuk and Enyeart are arguably the best in the country. Not to mention, the return of Rachel Rapinoe who came on strong late in 2006. PORTLAND'S WEAKNESS At least early on it will be their defense, as their star defensemen, Stephanie Lopez will be at the World Cup. Prediction: The Noles have not lost a non-conference game in 4 years and are 4-0 against West Coast teams. Can Megan Rapinoe come back from knee injury? Can the Noles find their scoring touch? In the end, it will be a defensive battle. FSU 1 Portland 0 What's your game of the week?
Megan Rapinoe won't play this weekend and this week the Pilots lost their starting right back to a knee injury. They started 4 freshmen, went down a goal to the #8 ranked team and still fought back to win 2-1 in OT. Hell of a team and it's only the first game.
Congratulations to Portland. Was anybody there who can give a bit of a recap? I really enjoyed last year's game. Even though it's a great distance, I wouldn't mind seeing this match-up continue for a number of years.
Seems like this week the Game of The Week would be a&m coming to chapel hill. the quarterfinal game last year was the most exciting game i've ever seen and it feels like carolina really needs to win this game after falling to south carolina last weekend, so i'm expecting a barn burner on friday.
Agreed tarheelfan490, UNC v. A&M is an important game! I have read some of the posts put up by Tarheel fans...they are a tough crowd! The expectations are so high that nothing but a National Title will do. Dorrance has said that winning the national title no longer brings excitement but rather relief... Lets just say that Heel nation will be up in arms if they should lose to A&M tomorrow night. The game will be broadcasted via internet broadband on ACC Select (approx. $9 a month). Can anyone give any further preview of this game? Perhaps any pregame rumblings out of Chapel Hill? Thanks.