Posts: 312
Threads: 33
Joined: Mar 2014
Spiny,
I too was wondering about Bouda. No mention on the streaming that I heard, but I missed a couple of brief intervals. Interestingly, at one point the commentator spoke about a key player on UOP who wasn't playing, which was a natural point to bring up Bouda's status. But nothing said.
In contrast to the last season (fall 2019) when I believe Hughes and Bouda started the first game and thereafter, and Gabe Segal was an early substitute, in tonight's UOP game, any freshmen who played were late subs. Perhaps that stems from a freshman class that, while highly regarded, was heavy on defense, and Gunn seems loath to mess with his back four once he's chosen them. As well, the team has apparently not had much time to practice together. Still, I thought Aiden Weaver, who was their highest rated recruit, might get early playing time.
Other personnel observations: Jack O'Brien, who wore a bulky knee brace the last two seasons, was without his brace, and he started ahead of Charlie Weehan, which surprised me. Perhaps his knee was holding back last year, as he looked very tentative and maladroit last year when he played. In tonight's game I though Zach Ryan looked more comfortable possessing the ball than previous years. I also liked the confidence with the ball displayed by Ryan Ludwick, a defender who started as a frosh in 2018, but last year, as a sophomore, played almost not at all last year until Tanner Beason went down.
Acknowledging that the team has had limited practice time and that this was their first game -- and that they won 4-0 -- I have concerns about who will be the stabilizing presence in the midfield who can hold the ball and deliver it to the forwards. Last year they had Gilbey and Waldeck in that role; perhaps this year Mark Fisher will be that guy, as he appeared to have good instincts about where to deliver the ball. Or maybe one of the freshman will be put in a central midfield slot as the season progresses.
Will Richmond looks about 10 pounds beefier, Cam Cilley is well-built, and all the defenders don't mind getting physical. So Stanford looks well equipped to match or exceed the physicality of any opponent. Tonight, Stanford didn't look that great during the first half, and UOP had the best chance during that half (which ended in what could have resulted in a penalty kick from them). The second half, Stanford ground down UOP. I suspect that may be a pattern this year.
