[Viking_Guy]

Stanford very definitely on the front foot throughout the first half.

Akron trying to play the ball from their backline to their distributing holding midfielder, Cordeiro, but he has absolutely no feel for when and where the pressure is coming from.  I think he and his teammates are hampered by not having played against many high-pressure teams; they're always a half-step slow in their play, and Stanford is generating chances off them.

The opening shot by Gilbey.  The goal by Langsdorf.  Most of the best chances have been generated by a turnover in the defensive midfield by the Zips caused by Stanford's pressure.

That said, a bit concerned by Marion's getting caught upfield several times - if the Zips adjust their play to go wide left, they will have more room.  But they seem absolutely dedicated to that center channel through their own defense. Part of it may be Stanford baiting them with their pressure on both outside backs when the ball is central - some of the turnovers are off slow rollers played from central defense up the middle toward the holding midfield.

First 10 minutes oif the second half will be critical.  How much of another gear does Akron have?

VG

[Viking_Guy]

Stanford very definitely on the front foot throughout the first half.

Akron trying to play the ball from their backline to their distributing holding midfielder, Cordeiro, but he has absolutely no feel for when and where the pressure is coming from.  I think he and his teammates are hampered by not having played against many high-pressure teams; they're always a half-step slow in their play, and Stanford is generating chances off them.

The opening shot by Gilbey.  The goal by Langsdorf.  Most of the best chances have been generated by a turnover in the defensive midfield by the Zips caused by Stanford's pressure.

That said, a bit concerned by Marion's getting caught upfield several times - if the Zips adjust their play to go wide left, they will have more room.  But they seem absolutely dedicated to that center channel through their own defense. Part of it may be Stanford baiting them with their pressure on both outside backs when the ball is central - some of the turnovers are off slow rollers played from central defense up the middle toward the holding midfield.

First 10 minutes oif the second half will be critical.  How much of another gear does Akron have?

VG