[Sakibomb25]

Sometimes it seems Stanford has to overcome Paul Ratcliffe's decisions in order to have success.  In particular, I don't know why he does not play Lumi Kostmayer more.  I understand that she is not the fleetest of foot, but she holds the ball well and creates a lot of chances for other players.  And she is more than willing to shoot the ball (albeit sometimes in what the Brits euphemistically term "speculative" situations).  The offense tends to perk up when she is in.  Also, I like Lizzie Boamah as a forward more than defender.  She often has success taking on her defender and creating opportunities.

I think the issue with Kostmayer is she can't get herself open 1v1 because she isn't the fastest, so it doesn't matter that she is willing to shoot if it always gets blocked by defenders. However, when she is open - watch out (like the Louisville game).

As to why Boahmah is playing defense as opposed to offense... well we just don't have defenders. You had Evans out for a good chunk of the season because of the U20 World Cup and then injuries galore throughout the season to Emri (out of the season), Brandt, Pagador, and Aikey (out for the season). I also haven't been super impressed with Pagador when she was in, nor Harrison because I think they lack the speed necessary. I think Boahmah has done well transitioning from forward to defense; I'm curious if she'll return to forward or will maintain her spot in the back.

Hopefully next season, our defense will be healthy enough where we won't have to play Aikey in the back - that's been the biggest bummer of all the injuries because she is much more effective in the midfield or forward for Stanford.

[Sakibomb25]

Sometimes it seems Stanford has to overcome Paul Ratcliffe's decisions in order to have success.  In particular, I don't know why he does not play Lumi Kostmayer more.  I understand that she is not the fleetest of foot, but she holds the ball well and creates a lot of chances for other players.  And she is more than willing to shoot the ball (albeit sometimes in what the Brits euphemistically term "speculative" situations).  The offense tends to perk up when she is in.  Also, I like Lizzie Boamah as a forward more than defender.  She often has success taking on her defender and creating opportunities.

I think the issue with Kostmayer is she can't get herself open 1v1 because she isn't the fastest, so it doesn't matter that she is willing to shoot if it always gets blocked by defenders. However, when she is open - watch out (like the Louisville game).

As to why Boahmah is playing defense as opposed to offense... well we just don't have defenders. You had Evans out for a good chunk of the season because of the U20 World Cup and then injuries galore throughout the season to Emri (out of the season), Brandt, Pagador, and Aikey (out for the season). I also haven't been super impressed with Pagador when she was in, nor Harrison because I think they lack the speed necessary. I think Boahmah has done well transitioning from forward to defense; I'm curious if she'll return to forward or will maintain her spot in the back.

Hopefully next season, our defense will be healthy enough where we won't have to play Aikey in the back - that's been the biggest bummer of all the injuries because she is much more effective in the midfield or forward for Stanford.