[Viking_Guy]

Stanford in the early going is just eating South Carolina alive.  Multiple crosses into the box, only interrupted by one Gamecock counterattack when Kiki Pickett got caught upfield, and South Carolina got a ball down the left flank for a cross to about 16 yards, where a forward tried a side volley and just pushed the ball toward Jahansouz.

That was immediately followed by a bad break for SoCar.  A high bouncing ball about 40 yards from the Carolina goal was run onto by Pickett, and the defender pulled up just as Kiki won it.  The ball ended up wide left and either Carusa or McGrady was fouled near the touch line.  But then they panned back to where the Gamecock player who had pulled out was still on the ground - clutching her left knee and crying.  Showed a replay - non-contact knee injury, and she's done for the day 11 minutes in.

On the restart, Jordan Dibiasi goes for a Schweet Diving Headah, laying out horizontal diving across the goalmouth and flicking the ball to the far post, leaving the keeper no chance.  1-0 Stanford 13 minutes in.

What it looks like is that Stanford can control, but will give up chances when they get out of shape pressing too far forward after being on offense for extended periods of time.

Though South Carolina now getting some possession in Stanford's end iabout 15-17 minutes in.

More soon.

[Viking_Guy]

Stanford in the early going is just eating South Carolina alive.  Multiple crosses into the box, only interrupted by one Gamecock counterattack when Kiki Pickett got caught upfield, and South Carolina got a ball down the left flank for a cross to about 16 yards, where a forward tried a side volley and just pushed the ball toward Jahansouz.

That was immediately followed by a bad break for SoCar.  A high bouncing ball about 40 yards from the Carolina goal was run onto by Pickett, and the defender pulled up just as Kiki won it.  The ball ended up wide left and either Carusa or McGrady was fouled near the touch line.  But then they panned back to where the Gamecock player who had pulled out was still on the ground - clutching her left knee and crying.  Showed a replay - non-contact knee injury, and she's done for the day 11 minutes in.

On the restart, Jordan Dibiasi goes for a Schweet Diving Headah, laying out horizontal diving across the goalmouth and flicking the ball to the far post, leaving the keeper no chance.  1-0 Stanford 13 minutes in.

What it looks like is that Stanford can control, but will give up chances when they get out of shape pressing too far forward after being on offense for extended periods of time.

Though South Carolina now getting some possession in Stanford's end iabout 15-17 minutes in.

More soon.

[Viking_Guy]

And DiBiasi for a second.  Nice buildup play down the left flank leads to Macario cutting into the box about 6 yards off the endline, crossing to DiBiasi making a run at the penalty spot.  Jordan shoots for the left post, and ball deflects off a defender, again leaving the keeper no chance.

Corner kick Stanford, up 2-0 in the 28th minute.

Again, it looks like South Carolina's primary offense is to look for set piece tries.  That's the only time more than about 4 are coming forward.  And they're doing a lot of the "grab, grab, grab... fall down" trying to draw fouls - walking into contact, jostling, then going to the turf.

[Viking_Guy]

And DiBiasi for a second.  Nice buildup play down the left flank leads to Macario cutting into the box about 6 yards off the endline, crossing to DiBiasi making a run at the penalty spot.  Jordan shoots for the left post, and ball deflects off a defender, again leaving the keeper no chance.

Corner kick Stanford, up 2-0 in the 28th minute.

Again, it looks like South Carolina's primary offense is to look for set piece tries.  That's the only time more than about 4 are coming forward.  And they're doing a lot of the "grab, grab, grab... fall down" trying to draw fouls - walking into contact, jostling, then going to the turf.

[Viking_Guy]

With Macario subbed off, SoCar coming forward a bit more, not as worried about being burned with Kuhlmann up front.

NCAA's live stats stopped updating about the 17th minute.  So can't follow the subs too closely.  But looks like Kuhlmann, Goad, Breide (?) (EDIT: Malatskey for McGrady after the second goal), Tran (LB and all three forwards) have come in for spells late in the first half.

39th minute, still 2-0.

[Viking_Guy]

With Macario subbed off, SoCar coming forward a bit more, not as worried about being burned with Kuhlmann up front.

NCAA's live stats stopped updating about the 17th minute.  So can't follow the subs too closely.  But looks like Kuhlmann, Goad, Breide (?) (EDIT: Malatskey for McGrady after the second goal), Tran (LB and all three forwards) have come in for spells late in the first half.

39th minute, still 2-0.

[Viking_Guy]

Stanford hits the post on a shot from Davidson off a corner scramble as time closes out in the first half.

Shelly Smith, the Gamecocks' coach, giving a good interview at half.  Talking about moving some players up to help McCaskill, their fireplug of a forward leading scorer.  Losing their forward Gareis to the knee injury and then the ensuing opening goal on the restart had to put them back on their heels a bit.

Should I update the thread title with the halftime score, or is that too spoiler-y?

VG

[Viking_Guy]

Stanford hits the post on a shot from Davidson off a corner scramble as time closes out in the first half.

Shelly Smith, the Gamecocks' coach, giving a good interview at half.  Talking about moving some players up to help McCaskill, their fireplug of a forward leading scorer.  Losing their forward Gareis to the knee injury and then the ensuing opening goal on the restart had to put them back on their heels a bit.

Should I update the thread title with the halftime score, or is that too spoiler-y?

VG

[Viking_Guy]

I have to say, I'm going to start getting upset on behalf of Madison Haley at some point soon.

She's getting hit pretty hard without gaining a call, and is often called for fairly innocuous contact.  I think it's a combination of her size and stoic expression, but she's not getting calls she should get.

VG

[Viking_Guy]

I have to say, I'm going to start getting upset on behalf of Madison Haley at some point soon.

She's getting hit pretty hard without gaining a call, and is often called for fairly innocuous contact.  I think it's a combination of her size and stoic expression, but she's not getting calls she should get.

VG

[Viking_Guy]

A little more interesting.  With 15 minutes left, South Carolina again starting to bring a bit more pressure, and it feels like Stanford's backline is too complacent, having not been under a lot of pressure all game long.  A couple of iffy plays, but no real sterling chances given up.

76th minute, still 2-0.

[Viking_Guy]

A little more interesting.  With 15 minutes left, South Carolina again starting to bring a bit more pressure, and it feels like Stanford's backline is too complacent, having not been under a lot of pressure all game long.  A couple of iffy plays, but no real sterling chances given up.

76th minute, still 2-0.

[81alum]

Our team sure is beautiful to watch.  So much more ball control than South Carolina.  At the first of the game the South Carolina bunker had me depressed, thinking it would be a boring game to watch, but our two goals seem to have forced it into a more fluid game. 

Are you hoping for UCLA to knock off Duke?

[81alum]

Our team sure is beautiful to watch.  So much more ball control than South Carolina.  At the first of the game the South Carolina bunker had me depressed, thinking it would be a boring game to watch, but our two goals seem to have forced it into a more fluid game. 

Are you hoping for UCLA to knock off Duke?

[Viking_Guy]

Stanford safely sees it out.

81A, the 2 goals enlivened it a lot.  But South Carolina's utter inability/unwillingness to generate sustained pressure by bringing people forward made the latter stages a bit boring - down 2-0, they still were only really running McCaskill forward.  In a 4-4-2 (or 1-1), with the two forwards vertically aligned in the center, they really only ever had 3 or 4 people involved in the offense, barring set plays.  That's not going to do it against Tierna Davidson and Alana Cook; McCaskill's only chances were running into wide spaces against one of the outside backs.

I mean, with 8 minutes left down 2-0, they weren't pressing Stanford's back line AT ALL.  Some desultory chasing, but no real high pressure.  Made me wonder if they just never have had to do it - they've only given up more than 1 goal 3 times this season, and I don't think they're often in the "we have to get a goal" mentality.  It showed.  EDIT: Stanford outshot the Gamecocks 17-5, and 7-1 in shots on goal, with that opening cross and knock-on the only official shot on goal South Carolina had.  In the EIGHTH minute.

As for UCLA and Duke, I'd really like to take on the Devils.  Don't want to give the Baby Bruins (they start 4 sophs and 4 frosh) more experience heading into next year.  Also, and more importantly, don't want them to have ANY chance of an NCAA championship, and breaking the current tie at 114. Given that both they and the Toejams have their chance in the men's water polo this weekend, and UCLA, playing UoP in the semis, is probably the favorite.  Go UCB and UoP!

Let's hear it for Deadshot DiBiasi (or maybe a play on Jordan?), who comes up with the big goals in the big moments - the winner off Davidson's run in round three vs. FSU, and the two today.  That first goal, Schweet Diving Headah was what we used to call it when someone laid out for the ball - got horizontal with reckless disregard.  She did that with a defender draped over her back to flick in the game winner.

Will watch some of the Duke/UCLA match before writing up something.  The other reason to play Duke?  I really like taking down ACC soccer snobs, on both the men's and women's sides.  That's why the men's run last year, and the possibility of knocking off the darling Deacons AGAIN, is so... delicious.

VG

[Viking_Guy]

Stanford safely sees it out.

81A, the 2 goals enlivened it a lot.  But South Carolina's utter inability/unwillingness to generate sustained pressure by bringing people forward made the latter stages a bit boring - down 2-0, they still were only really running McCaskill forward.  In a 4-4-2 (or 1-1), with the two forwards vertically aligned in the center, they really only ever had 3 or 4 people involved in the offense, barring set plays.  That's not going to do it against Tierna Davidson and Alana Cook; McCaskill's only chances were running into wide spaces against one of the outside backs.

I mean, with 8 minutes left down 2-0, they weren't pressing Stanford's back line AT ALL.  Some desultory chasing, but no real high pressure.  Made me wonder if they just never have had to do it - they've only given up more than 1 goal 3 times this season, and I don't think they're often in the "we have to get a goal" mentality.  It showed.  EDIT: Stanford outshot the Gamecocks 17-5, and 7-1 in shots on goal, with that opening cross and knock-on the only official shot on goal South Carolina had.  In the EIGHTH minute.

As for UCLA and Duke, I'd really like to take on the Devils.  Don't want to give the Baby Bruins (they start 4 sophs and 4 frosh) more experience heading into next year.  Also, and more importantly, don't want them to have ANY chance of an NCAA championship, and breaking the current tie at 114. Given that both they and the Toejams have their chance in the men's water polo this weekend, and UCLA, playing UoP in the semis, is probably the favorite.  Go UCB and UoP!

Let's hear it for Deadshot DiBiasi (or maybe a play on Jordan?), who comes up with the big goals in the big moments - the winner off Davidson's run in round three vs. FSU, and the two today.  That first goal, Schweet Diving Headah was what we used to call it when someone laid out for the ball - got horizontal with reckless disregard.  She did that with a defender draped over her back to flick in the game winner.

Will watch some of the Duke/UCLA match before writing up something.  The other reason to play Duke?  I really like taking down ACC soccer snobs, on both the men's and women's sides.  That's why the men's run last year, and the possibility of knocking off the darling Deacons AGAIN, is so... delicious.

VG

[Canalejas]

If UCLA can get past Duke the next game will not only have a title on the line, but also the lead in all time NCAA team championships.  Of course, the Bruins are likely to have a chance to claim the water polo crown this weekend, too.

[Canalejas]

If UCLA can get past Duke the next game will not only have a title on the line, but also the lead in all time NCAA team championships.  Of course, the Bruins are likely to have a chance to claim the water polo crown this weekend, too.

[Viking_Guy]

Duke and UCLA 0-0, going to PKs.

UCLA 4-3 in PKs.  Duke had a bad season of PKs all season. Their second shot went high, and their 5th taker hit about the weakest attempt I've seen - about 1.5 yards to the right of the center line, and not struck hard.

VG

[Viking_Guy]

Duke and UCLA 0-0, going to PKs.

UCLA 4-3 in PKs.  Duke had a bad season of PKs all season. Their second shot went high, and their 5th taker hit about the weakest attempt I've seen - about 1.5 yards to the right of the center line, and not struck hard.

VG

[81alum]

What are the specific worries about playing UCLA again?  What should we be looking for in a rematch?

[81alum]

What are the specific worries about playing UCLA again?  What should we be looking for in a rematch?

[oldalum]

well, UCLA outplayed us for long stretches of that earlier game, which we won 1-0. Had the better possession, were dangerous in the attacking third, excellent defense. Other times we looked better. They have great talent, seem to have a little more team speed than us. Excellent goalkeeper. Excellent coach. That game probably should have been at least 1-1 because in replay it looks like a UCLA shot crossed the end line but was called no-goal at the time. One advantage we have this time is that both UCLA forwards and some of the midfielders had to play 110 minutes, and they have only about 40 hours to recover before the next kickoff.

I probably would have preferred to play Duke. Oh well.

[oldalum]

well, UCLA outplayed us for long stretches of that earlier game, which we won 1-0. Had the better possession, were dangerous in the attacking third, excellent defense. Other times we looked better. They have great talent, seem to have a little more team speed than us. Excellent goalkeeper. Excellent coach. That game probably should have been at least 1-1 because in replay it looks like a UCLA shot crossed the end line but was called no-goal at the time. One advantage we have this time is that both UCLA forwards and some of the midfielders had to play 110 minutes, and they have only about 40 hours to recover before the next kickoff.

I probably would have preferred to play Duke. Oh well.

[Viking_Guy]

A bit more detail:

UCLA is one of the few teams both willing and capable to come forward and press our backline.  As OA said, they "won" long stretches of the first game; I was never really sure why they backed off a bit in the latter portion of the first half and midway through the second.  It could've just been fatigue; they don't go as deep as we do.

They also possess really well, and move the ball.  The big key for us is going to be in the midfield, and it will be interesting to see how high up the pitch Macario and Carusa play outside, if they keep the same lineup and formation.  With Haley in the middle, I'd almost rather see us in a 4-5-1 with Catarina playing in the attacking center mid role for knock down balls to Madison.  But that doesn't generate the pressure that Ratcliffe loves.  Tonight, playing her out on the left, she felt a bit too out of the run of play; she's much more threatening in the center of the pitch.

Individuals to watch out for:
- Jessie Fleming, the Canadian international in midfield - the Bruins' creative player
- forward Hailie Mace, a strong fast finisher; more of a pure striker than
- forward Ashley Sanchez - very quick and an excellent crosser
- midfielder Anika Rodriguez, defender MacKenzie Cerda, and keeper Teagan Micah are also very strong players.

Tactically, they owned the midfield against us in the last game - only success was going up the sidelines for the vast majority of the game, or sending the ball over the top (another issue with Haley up top - UCLA knows they don't have to worry as much about her breaking in behind).

Which is a problem for us, especially if they bring pressure on our backline.  Today, the most anxious moments were interchanges between Pickett and Cook, or between one of them and a midfielder dropping back.  That space between the backline and the mid is where the danger is for Stanford.

On the plus side of things, they're quick, but not really big - no one overpowering, although Mace and Cerda can be really dangerous in the air.  But they're not going to knock Stanford off the ball as easily as other teams might.  Having McGrady back is a very good thing - although Xiao will also be missed.  Wondering if Macario wide might draw the Bruins to that side and open up space for Carusa and Pickett on the right.  Need a midfielder to come through - hoping for Boissiere and DiBiasi to have good games.  And really want to sent Sullivan out a champion.

On today's game, I was really disappointing in Duke - it felt like they played a VERY conservative game, especially with their excellent outside backs almost never coming forward.  They didn't get a shot off in the overtimes, and UCLA deserved to win at the end - they were definitely the aggressor throughout.

Here's hoping that we take the lead with #115 on Sunday (and that neither the Bruins nor the Toejams make the water polo final)<

VG

[Viking_Guy]

A bit more detail:

UCLA is one of the few teams both willing and capable to come forward and press our backline.  As OA said, they "won" long stretches of the first game; I was never really sure why they backed off a bit in the latter portion of the first half and midway through the second.  It could've just been fatigue; they don't go as deep as we do.

They also possess really well, and move the ball.  The big key for us is going to be in the midfield, and it will be interesting to see how high up the pitch Macario and Carusa play outside, if they keep the same lineup and formation.  With Haley in the middle, I'd almost rather see us in a 4-5-1 with Catarina playing in the attacking center mid role for knock down balls to Madison.  But that doesn't generate the pressure that Ratcliffe loves.  Tonight, playing her out on the left, she felt a bit too out of the run of play; she's much more threatening in the center of the pitch.

Individuals to watch out for:
- Jessie Fleming, the Canadian international in midfield - the Bruins' creative player
- forward Hailie Mace, a strong fast finisher; more of a pure striker than
- forward Ashley Sanchez - very quick and an excellent crosser
- midfielder Anika Rodriguez, defender MacKenzie Cerda, and keeper Teagan Micah are also very strong players.

Tactically, they owned the midfield against us in the last game - only success was going up the sidelines for the vast majority of the game, or sending the ball over the top (another issue with Haley up top - UCLA knows they don't have to worry as much about her breaking in behind).

Which is a problem for us, especially if they bring pressure on our backline.  Today, the most anxious moments were interchanges between Pickett and Cook, or between one of them and a midfielder dropping back.  That space between the backline and the mid is where the danger is for Stanford.

On the plus side of things, they're quick, but not really big - no one overpowering, although Mace and Cerda can be really dangerous in the air.  But they're not going to knock Stanford off the ball as easily as other teams might.  Having McGrady back is a very good thing - although Xiao will also be missed.  Wondering if Macario wide might draw the Bruins to that side and open up space for Carusa and Pickett on the right.  Need a midfielder to come through - hoping for Boissiere and DiBiasi to have good games.  And really want to sent Sullivan out a champion.

On today's game, I was really disappointing in Duke - it felt like they played a VERY conservative game, especially with their excellent outside backs almost never coming forward.  They didn't get a shot off in the overtimes, and UCLA deserved to win at the end - they were definitely the aggressor throughout.

Here's hoping that we take the lead with #115 on Sunday (and that neither the Bruins nor the Toejams make the water polo final)<

VG

[norcard]

Time to win a natty

https://twitter.com/StanfordWSoccer/stat...gr%5Etweet

[norcard]

Time to win a natty

https://twitter.com/StanfordWSoccer/stat...gr%5Etweet

[82lsju]

from the AD

http://www.gostanford.com/news/2017/12/1...ncing.aspx

[82lsju]

from the AD

http://www.gostanford.com/news/2017/12/1...ncing.aspx

[BobK]

Keep in mind it’s very likely the ucla men will be playing for a championship in water polo on Sunday

[BobK]

Keep in mind it’s very likely the ucla men will be playing for a championship in water polo on Sunday

[BigEasyCard]

VG, many thanks for the strong signal on the team's quest for another national championship.

Geaux Cardinal!

[BigEasyCard]

VG, many thanks for the strong signal on the team's quest for another national championship.

Geaux Cardinal!

[oldalum]

McGrady's importance was amply illustrated by her two assists, the first was a terrific ball into the box for the header. Great to have her back. We will miss Xiao's ability out wide, though. Sad that apparently she was not able to make the trip out there with the team (was not there to receive her highest GPA at the College Cup award).

Against UCLA, I think to win we are going to have to cut down on our giveaways, especially from the back line, especially from Cook.

Let's hope our players rise to the occasion with the brilliant, determined soccer they are capable of! Especially Andi--she knows it's her last college game and chance for a championship.

[oldalum]

McGrady's importance was amply illustrated by her two assists, the first was a terrific ball into the box for the header. Great to have her back. We will miss Xiao's ability out wide, though. Sad that apparently she was not able to make the trip out there with the team (was not there to receive her highest GPA at the College Cup award).

Against UCLA, I think to win we are going to have to cut down on our giveaways, especially from the back line, especially from Cook.

Let's hope our players rise to the occasion with the brilliant, determined soccer they are capable of! Especially Andi--she knows it's her last college game and chance for a championship.

[Viking_Guy]

OA, agree on Cook's tendency to send "hopeful" balls up the middle.  But Kiki's done it, too, as well as whoever's playing deep-lying midfield - having let the pressure creep up on them, they play a too-soft pass backwards in an attempt to keep possession, rather than being slightly more aggressive and taking a larger risk in trying to turn the ball and split the pressure. It's that diagonal ball from the center mid to one of the center backs split wider, or the ball from a wide back back into the middle. 

UCLA's seen our style often enough to adjust, and their pressure tends to shape in pressing us out to the touchline, tempting those passes back into the middle. If we don't hit that ball with enough pace... well, as a keeper, the phrase "hospital ball" keeps ringing in my head.  Especially with Mace's aggressiveness.

And, BobK, go Tigers! (and for at least this weekend, go Bares!)

VG

[Viking_Guy]

OA, agree on Cook's tendency to send "hopeful" balls up the middle.  But Kiki's done it, too, as well as whoever's playing deep-lying midfield - having let the pressure creep up on them, they play a too-soft pass backwards in an attempt to keep possession, rather than being slightly more aggressive and taking a larger risk in trying to turn the ball and split the pressure. It's that diagonal ball from the center mid to one of the center backs split wider, or the ball from a wide back back into the middle. 

UCLA's seen our style often enough to adjust, and their pressure tends to shape in pressing us out to the touchline, tempting those passes back into the middle. If we don't hit that ball with enough pace... well, as a keeper, the phrase "hospital ball" keeps ringing in my head.  Especially with Mace's aggressiveness.

And, BobK, go Tigers! (and for at least this weekend, go Bares!)

VG