So we now know that Nourse and Rain are out for the season. Norshie was held out for NCAA paperwork reasons and is expected back on Thursday. Without our 6 U20 WCers, this is what we might look like. Todd in Goal Iwai and VanZanten out wide. Ashe and Nguyen in CB Boeckmann at HMFer. Huff and McGovern in forward MF. Hudson, Washington and Puerta at Forwards. Simmonds, Lebdaoui, Norshie off the bench. Am I missing someone? That will still be a formidable team and will give some of these non-starters a chance to make a case for themselves.
Insightful news. Where did you find out that Nourse and Rain will not play this year? I'm especially sad for Rain as she's one of the biggest cheerleaders and encouragers on the team!
Formidable team for sure but obviously such a small roster. Quickly get into trouble if any more injuries, even short term. Lots of tired legs out there too.
Rain missing basically 2 years is tough and it's even tougher to ever come back from this realistically. Does Nourse also have an ACL? This is definitely unfortunate, I thought she could have a good year and at least provide depth.
I haven't seen this posted top GK commitment for 2026 So excited to announce my commitment to FSU to continue my athletic and academic career! I want to thank everyone from my friends, family, coaches, and most importantly God! So grateful and truly honored to be a part of this amazing soccer program! #gonoles ♥️💛🍢 pic.twitter.com/FHlidKubmV— Evan O'Steen (@evanosteen_) August 11, 2024
I hope so too. She was walking out and smiling with a coach at the half so hopefully nothing too concerning.
She actually got dinged at about 5 minutes and then went out at 9. Did not look serious, of course my MRI eyes were not functioning at the time.
Here is another as FSU has two players so far in the 2026 class Congratulations Ashlyn Anderson!! The 3rd #GirlsAcademy player from the Class of 2026 has verbally committed to a P4 program and the defending National Champs. pic.twitter.com/PIvYUB3s7P— ECNL/GA/Recruiting/College Soccer (@ImYouthSoccer) July 5, 2024 To go along with these 7 players in the 2025 class Nawreen Ahmad Mya Brandon Julianna Harris Kate Ockene Kai Price Jaida Mcgrew Micayla Johnson
Nee at 247 said BP acknowledged the Nourse ACL which happened in the spring. Rain announced on IG that she would be out again this year. Her injury involved multiple ligaments and required a 2nd surgery per BP in his opening press conference. If Nourse's ACL is a simple 1 ligament injury, she'll be back next fall for sure. As to roster size, 24 is bigger than Mark generally carried. No one prepares for 8 players (6 to U20 and 2 injuries) to be gone a good chunk of the season. BP doesn't want more than 24; however, with the new scholly rules of 28 full rides, that could change. There is a silver lining to all the absences for a month or so. Those players will get a chance to develop and show that they belong. Based on my limited view of them, I think they do belong. Our latter end of the schedule will show super depth with experienced players meaning very little drop off with subs. I think that by late October, we should be cooking with gas! We do need Boeckmann to be ready. Her injury didn't look bad, but time tell.
Jaelin Howell is on the move. Everyone say hi to @jaehowell18! 🤗 pic.twitter.com/WCLwTGUXSj— Seattle Reign FC (@reignfc) August 19, 2024
I think we have been introduced to one of our future stars. Lara Dantas is good on the ball, good quickness and a Right footed cannon! Solai is another who will go off one of these games. Wriana and Ashlyn also have me excited. That doesn't even include Riley or Suarez! Wow! Talk about an embarrassment of riches!
Freshmen look good, van Zanten looks dominant. Not sure how this game didn't end with a much higher scoreline but Rice had an outstanding goalkeeper.
UNC sans Dahlien just beat UGA 4-3. We play UGA next Thursday sans 6 U20 players. Let's see how we look in that game.
I expect the UGa game will be an important one for this team... less for the result but more getting the freshmen and depth players exposure to a high quality opponent early in their careers. Biggest threats to the season's goals in my mind are the small roster and not having as challenging of a regular season schedule as usual. Winning the first 3 games 18-0 with a 99-12 shot advantage is fun to watch but need the freshmen to see some elite competition to set them up for success in the postseason.
This is one of our weakest schedules in a long time IMO. Let's hope that late September through October will be enough time to get this talented group to gel.
It's also pretty interesting how we basically have our toughest games scheduled seemingly all at Home this season and yes like you mentioned...Puerta is already cooking for a rookie....Washington's gonna have a big game soon, Hudson starting to get going... and then oh my Suarez & Dudley coming back eventually, our attack is gonna be scary hours!!!!! for everyone else
Anybody know why Rain will miss a 2nd year after her ACL tear of early last season? She should have had close to a full year of recovery/rehab by now, no? A complication--or just not going to be ready in time. She was an excellent player at Tennessee and hated to lose her--but it's what happens when the new coach makes bad decisions.
Not all ACL tears are the same. I believe she had a multi ligament injury requiring a more extensive surgery. Additionally, BP mentioned she had to have a 2nd one last September to free up Range of motion. With the more extensive surgeries, 2 years is common.
TDS rankings for the commitments? saw that one of them apparently is only a 3 star but in the U16 YNT? I guess that ranking will change but still a bit odd.