[DenverCard]

Very disappointing end to the season, especially because of the missed opportunities (by dint of player or referee action) and because, in my view, the team looked either emotionally flat or physically tired.  I don't think Irvine was on par with any of the Pac-12 teams except San Diego State.  Yet they had the better of the play for long stretches.  It seemed like Stanford gave up the ball repeatedly as a result of very poor passes.  The offense lacked crisp passing, and instead often digressed to one against four.  As well, Stanford often didn't tackle aggressively.

This game was by far the worst performance that I've seen this year among about 7-8 games.  Stanford looked ragged, and the quality of the soccer was several notches below previous games.

Since I can't imagine that the coach over-worked them this week, I have to wonder if the team was overconfident.  Or perhaps it was just one of those nights when the collective energy is poor.  I was hoping the could sneak in a goal at the end and have the opportunity to come out fresh and energized in the next round.  Bummer that they couldn't escape today.

[DenverCard]

Very disappointing end to the season, especially because of the missed opportunities (by dint of player or referee action) and because, in my view, the team looked either emotionally flat or physically tired.  I don't think Irvine was on par with any of the Pac-12 teams except San Diego State.  Yet they had the better of the play for long stretches.  It seemed like Stanford gave up the ball repeatedly as a result of very poor passes.  The offense lacked crisp passing, and instead often digressed to one against four.  As well, Stanford often didn't tackle aggressively.

This game was by far the worst performance that I've seen this year among about 7-8 games.  Stanford looked ragged, and the quality of the soccer was several notches below previous games.

Since I can't imagine that the coach over-worked them this week, I have to wonder if the team was overconfident.  Or perhaps it was just one of those nights when the collective energy is poor.  I was hoping the could sneak in a goal at the end and have the opportunity to come out fresh and energized in the next round.  Bummer that they couldn't escape today.