[Hieronymus]

The thing about having Aikey at center back suggests to me that there is no better option (with Evans gone). Yes, you lose offensive prowess with Aikey patrolling on defense, but worst case scenario, the match ends in a draw. However, you take someone less talented than Aikey at centerback, there is a lot of risk there then b/c the chances of someone scoring is higher than Aikey having apart in a goal or two. 

I don’t like her there either, but given how tough the ACC is, I think Ratcliffe is being conservative and would rather have at the very least a few ties than a couple of losses, at least until Evans comes back. 

If a freshman (or someone new) can step up at center back, we’ve had plenty of freshmen step up and take on that role… so from my view, there really isn’t anyone who can beat Aikey out, unfortunately.

How did Klinger look through these first few games for Stanford?

Overall view of the 6 Frosh who are playing a lot.

Group 1: Kohler and Klinger: both look really polished for Frosh. Klinger started the first game and Kohler has started the rest, but Klinger is still getting 30 minutes a game. They are both good enough that Yung has gotten pushed aside a bit though she did start the WSU game.

Group 2: Thomas and Boamah both show all kinds of potential but are both really raw. That said Thomas looked markedly more comfortable already this last game. I have no idea how fast it all comes together for them. Based on position - I can take more errors at CF vs. LB - and the last game; I expect Thomas to be out there more/earlier. 

Group 3: Emri and S Smith. A lot of potential here too, but it’s harder to tell if they can defend at a high enough level with Stanford playing mediocre teams so far. Smith has good speed and surprising strength for a Frosh and Emri has been good on ball and has defended OK, but yeah she got overpowered a couple of times vs. WSU. She will adapt I expect and will be stronger next year. I am not sure how either will progress this year though.

[Hieronymus]

The thing about having Aikey at center back suggests to me that there is no better option (with Evans gone). Yes, you lose offensive prowess with Aikey patrolling on defense, but worst case scenario, the match ends in a draw. However, you take someone less talented than Aikey at centerback, there is a lot of risk there then b/c the chances of someone scoring is higher than Aikey having apart in a goal or two. 

I don’t like her there either, but given how tough the ACC is, I think Ratcliffe is being conservative and would rather have at the very least a few ties than a couple of losses, at least until Evans comes back. 

If a freshman (or someone new) can step up at center back, we’ve had plenty of freshmen step up and take on that role… so from my view, there really isn’t anyone who can beat Aikey out, unfortunately.

How did Klinger look through these first few games for Stanford?

Overall view of the 6 Frosh who are playing a lot.

Group 1: Kohler and Klinger: both look really polished for Frosh. Klinger started the first game and Kohler has started the rest, but Klinger is still getting 30 minutes a game. They are both good enough that Yung has gotten pushed aside a bit though she did start the WSU game.

Group 2: Thomas and Boamah both show all kinds of potential but are both really raw. That said Thomas looked markedly more comfortable already this last game. I have no idea how fast it all comes together for them. Based on position - I can take more errors at CF vs. LB - and the last game; I expect Thomas to be out there more/earlier. 

Group 3: Emri and S Smith. A lot of potential here too, but it’s harder to tell if they can defend at a high enough level with Stanford playing mediocre teams so far. Smith has good speed and surprising strength for a Frosh and Emri has been good on ball and has defended OK, but yeah she got overpowered a couple of times vs. WSU. She will adapt I expect and will be stronger next year. I am not sure how either will progress this year though.