[OCcardinal]

Holding Virginia to 1 goal was a very good result.  That's the best offense we've faced all season (ranked #13 per Massey).  They scored 3 goals against Duke (the #8 defense in the country per Massey) and hadn't scored fewer than 2 goals in a game for their last 6 games (5 of them being ACC games). Of course up next is Florida State, which Massey says has the #2 offense in the season.

More impressive than the 1 goal allowed is the 2 goals scored in the first half.  Virginia has the #2 rated offense in the country per Massey.  That overhead volley by Aikey was crazy (and needed).

The NCAA D1 tournament committee came out with its top 16 earlier today and shocking Stanford wasn't on it. My only guess as to why is because Stanford didn't have an RPI top 16 win so far this season.  Well, Virginia was ranked #2 in RPI this week.  Cal's tie against them stole our thunder a little bit, but it's still a VERY good win.  I presume we will be in the top 8 in the next tournament ranking no matter the outcome vs Florida State.

[OCcardinal]

Holding Virginia to 1 goal was a very good result.  That's the best offense we've faced all season (ranked #13 per Massey).  They scored 3 goals against Duke (the #8 defense in the country per Massey) and hadn't scored fewer than 2 goals in a game for their last 6 games (5 of them being ACC games). Of course up next is Florida State, which Massey says has the #2 offense in the season.

More impressive than the 1 goal allowed is the 2 goals scored in the first half.  Virginia has the #2 rated offense in the country per Massey.  That overhead volley by Aikey was crazy (and needed).

The NCAA D1 tournament committee came out with its top 16 earlier today and shocking Stanford wasn't on it. My only guess as to why is because Stanford didn't have an RPI top 16 win so far this season.  Well, Virginia was ranked #2 in RPI this week.  Cal's tie against them stole our thunder a little bit, but it's still a VERY good win.  I presume we will be in the top 8 in the next tournament ranking no matter the outcome vs Florida State.

[BostonCard]

Here’s the save… https://x.com/stanfordwsoccer/status/197...65245?s=46

And here is Ailey’s beauty:
https://x.com/stanfordwsoccer/status/197...19562?s=46

BC

---

And here is the second goal.

https://x.com/stanfordwsoccer/status/197...23219?s=46

By the way, UVa was ranked #1, so this wasn’t the case of a lackluster win against an overmatched opponent.

BC

[BostonCard]

Here’s the save… https://x.com/stanfordwsoccer/status/197...65245?s=46

And here is Ailey’s beauty:
https://x.com/stanfordwsoccer/status/197...19562?s=46

BC

---

And here is the second goal.

https://x.com/stanfordwsoccer/status/197...23219?s=46

By the way, UVa was ranked #1, so this wasn’t the case of a lackluster win against an overmatched opponent.

BC

[OCcardinal]

16 players with a point last year.
17 in 2023.
And I count 15 so far this year not 11.

We haven’t has enough defenders score/assist to get to record territory yet.

By the way, great to see Boamah finally get an assist (and in such an important game). It was a really great cross.  With her assist today and Lily Freer's assist on Thursday, we are now up to 17 players with at least 1 point so far. 18 seems very possible because Mia Bhuta is back from injury and doesn't have one yet.  With her goal today Jasmine Aikey is up to 26 points.  Aikey's 11 goals so far (in 13 games) ties her career best from 2 years ago (in 25 games). She has 33 career goals so far.  One more goal and Aikey ties Jennifer Rowland for 10th on the all time Stanford career goals list (despite only scoring 1 goal last season).

[OCcardinal]

16 players with a point last year.
17 in 2023.
And I count 15 so far this year not 11.

We haven’t has enough defenders score/assist to get to record territory yet.

By the way, great to see Boamah finally get an assist (and in such an important game). It was a really great cross.  With her assist today and Lily Freer's assist on Thursday, we are now up to 17 players with at least 1 point so far. 18 seems very possible because Mia Bhuta is back from injury and doesn't have one yet.  With her goal today Jasmine Aikey is up to 26 points.  Aikey's 11 goals so far (in 13 games) ties her career best from 2 years ago (in 25 games). She has 33 career goals so far.  One more goal and Aikey ties Jennifer Rowland for 10th on the all time Stanford career goals list (despite only scoring 1 goal last season).

[rogpodge]

https://x.com/sean_senters/status/1977449692171841654

[rogpodge]

https://x.com/sean_senters/status/1977449692171841654

[scorecard]

https://x.com/sean_senters/status/1977449692171841654

For those who don't want anything to do with X, this link shows the D1 committee's top 16 rankings, and Stanford is not included at all, which is an egregious oversight.  Or something is rotten in Denmark.  

NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Committee Top 16 Ranking
(Records through games of Oct. 11)

1. Notre Dame (11-0-1)
2. Virginia (10-0-2)
3. Tennessee (11-1-2)
4. Baylor (10-1-2)
5. TCU (10-2-1)
6. Florida State (8-1-2)
7. Georgetown (10-2-2)
8. Duke (7-3-1)
9. West Virginia (9-2-2)
10. Colorado (10-2-2)
11. Michigan State (7-2-5)
12. Iowa (9-2-3)
13. Arkansas (7-3-3)
14. Memphis (11-0-2)
15. South Carolina (10-1-4)
16. Wisconsin (10-3-1)

[scorecard]

https://x.com/sean_senters/status/1977449692171841654

For those who don't want anything to do with X, this link shows the D1 committee's top 16 rankings, and Stanford is not included at all, which is an egregious oversight.  Or something is rotten in Denmark.  

NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Committee Top 16 Ranking
(Records through games of Oct. 11)

1. Notre Dame (11-0-1)
2. Virginia (10-0-2)
3. Tennessee (11-1-2)
4. Baylor (10-1-2)
5. TCU (10-2-1)
6. Florida State (8-1-2)
7. Georgetown (10-2-2)
8. Duke (7-3-1)
9. West Virginia (9-2-2)
10. Colorado (10-2-2)
11. Michigan State (7-2-5)
12. Iowa (9-2-3)
13. Arkansas (7-3-3)
14. Memphis (11-0-2)
15. South Carolina (10-1-4)
16. Wisconsin (10-3-1)

[cardfan77]

Like how stupid and imbecile  must the committee be to not include Stanford in their top 16. Currently ranked #3 and 10 in rpi. Their rpi ranking is not including their win against Virginia.

[cardfan77]

Like how stupid and imbecile  must the committee be to not include Stanford in their top 16. Currently ranked #3 and 10 in rpi. Their rpi ranking is not including their win against Virginia.

[Lorcan]

While Stanford passes the eye test, our resume was extremely poor until the win over Virginia. We had lost to #26 UCLA, drawn with #29 Clemson, and our best win was against #41 St Mary's. Our schedule has kind of collapsed as Santa Clara isn't as strong as usual, USC has been in free fall, and we just didn't have the quality wins. Despite our relatively high RPI and our eye test, I'm not sure I could argue convincingly for ranking Stanford with that thin of a resume. St Mary's was our only Top 50 win - and that's a hard win to hang your hat on when you have other opportunities such as Clemson and UCLA. 

The good news is we beat Virginia, and FSU looms. We'll get a chance to play some other quality teams in the ACC tournament - our schedule has been kind as we've avoided Duke, North Carolina, unbeaten Notre Dame, Louisville, and Wake Forest. It's slightly disappointing given our schedule that Notre Dame is in the driver seat for the ACC title with a much more favorable schedule than we have left down the stretch.

[Lorcan]

While Stanford passes the eye test, our resume was extremely poor until the win over Virginia. We had lost to #26 UCLA, drawn with #29 Clemson, and our best win was against #41 St Mary's. Our schedule has kind of collapsed as Santa Clara isn't as strong as usual, USC has been in free fall, and we just didn't have the quality wins. Despite our relatively high RPI and our eye test, I'm not sure I could argue convincingly for ranking Stanford with that thin of a resume. St Mary's was our only Top 50 win - and that's a hard win to hang your hat on when you have other opportunities such as Clemson and UCLA. 

The good news is we beat Virginia, and FSU looms. We'll get a chance to play some other quality teams in the ACC tournament - our schedule has been kind as we've avoided Duke, North Carolina, unbeaten Notre Dame, Louisville, and Wake Forest. It's slightly disappointing given our schedule that Notre Dame is in the driver seat for the ACC title with a much more favorable schedule than we have left down the stretch.

[M T]

That’s crazy stupid!  What purpose does it serve for those on the committee?  Better seeding for their teams?  

Can someone identify who is on this committee?

[M T]

That’s crazy stupid!  What purpose does it serve for those on the committee?  Better seeding for their teams?  

Can someone identify who is on this committee?

[martyup]

This lack of respect should be a brobdingnagian motivator for our team.

[martyup]

This lack of respect should be a brobdingnagian motivator for our team.

[oldalum]

While Stanford passes the eye test, our resume was extremely poor until the win over Virginia. We had lost to #26 UCLA, drawn with #29 Clemson, and our best win was against #41 St Mary's. Our schedule has kind of collapsed as Santa Clara isn't as strong as usual, USC has been in free fall, and we just didn't have the quality wins. Despite our relatively high RPI and our eye test, I'm not sure I could argue convincingly for ranking Stanford with that thin of a resume. St Mary's was our only Top 50 win - and that's a hard win to hang your hat on when you have other opportunities such as Clemson and UCLA. 

Compare to the Selection Committee's #16 Wisconsin's resume -- before Sunday's games -- and draw your own conclusions, based on RPI before Sunday's games
  -  best wins: #11 Iowa, #22 Penn St, #26 UCLA (all wins by 1 goal)
  -  ties #33 Ohio State
  -  losses: #14 Michigan State (a bad loss because of score, 0-6), #30 LSU, #174 Purdue
[Wisconsin's significant games remaining are against current RPI #32 Washington (which is in first place in the Big 10, an indicator of how weak that conference is) and #39 Northwestern.]

[oldalum]

While Stanford passes the eye test, our resume was extremely poor until the win over Virginia. We had lost to #26 UCLA, drawn with #29 Clemson, and our best win was against #41 St Mary's. Our schedule has kind of collapsed as Santa Clara isn't as strong as usual, USC has been in free fall, and we just didn't have the quality wins. Despite our relatively high RPI and our eye test, I'm not sure I could argue convincingly for ranking Stanford with that thin of a resume. St Mary's was our only Top 50 win - and that's a hard win to hang your hat on when you have other opportunities such as Clemson and UCLA. 

Compare to the Selection Committee's #16 Wisconsin's resume -- before Sunday's games -- and draw your own conclusions, based on RPI before Sunday's games
  -  best wins: #11 Iowa, #22 Penn St, #26 UCLA (all wins by 1 goal)
  -  ties #33 Ohio State
  -  losses: #14 Michigan State (a bad loss because of score, 0-6), #30 LSU, #174 Purdue
[Wisconsin's significant games remaining are against current RPI #32 Washington (which is in first place in the Big 10, an indicator of how weak that conference is) and #39 Northwestern.]

[Spiny_Norman]

Last year, Stanford was not in the top 6 in the ACC and did not qualify for the postseason conference tournament. The team seemed to benefit from the rest and played several strong games (including a terrific home shutout of Notre Dame) on its way to the College Cup. They were seeded 14th in the NCAA tournament and had to win 2 matches on the road at Fayetteville. 

This year, Stanford would likely benefit again from a week of rest after the end of the regular season before NCAAs. But they may need a win or two in the ACC tournament to burnish their record for the NCAA committee. The ACC tournament schedule is brutal. A team seeded 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th would need to win 3 matches in 8 days to take the title. Of course the tournament semis and finals are played across the country in Cary, NC. The 1st round is played on campus sites at the home of the 3rd and 4th seeds.

But first things first - a very important (and very tough) match vs. Florida State in Tallahassee. Then favorable match ups (and potential pitfalls) at Miami, vs. SMU and at Cal to wrap up the regular season.

[Spiny_Norman]

Last year, Stanford was not in the top 6 in the ACC and did not qualify for the postseason conference tournament. The team seemed to benefit from the rest and played several strong games (including a terrific home shutout of Notre Dame) on its way to the College Cup. They were seeded 14th in the NCAA tournament and had to win 2 matches on the road at Fayetteville. 

This year, Stanford would likely benefit again from a week of rest after the end of the regular season before NCAAs. But they may need a win or two in the ACC tournament to burnish their record for the NCAA committee. The ACC tournament schedule is brutal. A team seeded 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th would need to win 3 matches in 8 days to take the title. Of course the tournament semis and finals are played across the country in Cary, NC. The 1st round is played on campus sites at the home of the 3rd and 4th seeds.

But first things first - a very important (and very tough) match vs. Florida State in Tallahassee. Then favorable match ups (and potential pitfalls) at Miami, vs. SMU and at Cal to wrap up the regular season.

[Nobadeer]

Christen Press announced her retirement. One of the all time greats in college and professionally. World Cup winner (twice), Olympic medalist, twice an NCAA College cup runner up with LSJU, and Hermann trophy winner. Per GoStanford, she took 500 shots during her LSJU career (about 5 per game) - and scored 71 goals, in 98 games! Also 41 career assists.

Her NWSL team, Angel City, is still mathematically alive for a playoff spot. They need to win their last two matches and hope chaos ensues for the teams currently above them in the standings.

[Nobadeer]

Christen Press announced her retirement. One of the all time greats in college and professionally. World Cup winner (twice), Olympic medalist, twice an NCAA College cup runner up with LSJU, and Hermann trophy winner. Per GoStanford, she took 500 shots during her LSJU career (about 5 per game) - and scored 71 goals, in 98 games! Also 41 career assists.

Her NWSL team, Angel City, is still mathematically alive for a playoff spot. They need to win their last two matches and hope chaos ensues for the teams currently above them in the standings.

[BobK]

Time flies. One of my all time favorites
O’Hara and Press

[BobK]

Time flies. One of my all time favorites
O’Hara and Press

[BobK]

Stanford 1 Florida State 0. After 6 minutes

[BobK]

Stanford 1 Florida State 0. After 6 minutes

[BobK]

2-0 Stanford. 8 minutes left in the first half

[BobK]

2-0 Stanford. 8 minutes left in the first half

[BostonCard]

Still 2-0 in the 75th minute.

FSU has outshot Stanford 15-9, but Stanford has had more shots on frame (6-4).  Goals by Kitahata and Kohler.

Kohler’s goal should have been better handled by the FSU goaltender:
https://x.com/ncaasoccer/status/19789757...48279?s=61

Kitahata’s goal to open the scoring was a nice build-up by Stanford, but what was she doing unmarked?
https://x.com/ncaasoccer/status/19789669...25266?s=61

BC

[BostonCard]

Still 2-0 in the 75th minute.

FSU has outshot Stanford 15-9, but Stanford has had more shots on frame (6-4).  Goals by Kitahata and Kohler.

Kohler’s goal should have been better handled by the FSU goaltender:
https://x.com/ncaasoccer/status/19789757...48279?s=61

Kitahata’s goal to open the scoring was a nice build-up by Stanford, but what was she doing unmarked?
https://x.com/ncaasoccer/status/19789669...25266?s=61

BC

[PalmTree]

Still 2-0 in the 75th minute.

FSU has outshot Stanford 15-9, but Stanford has had more shots on frame (6-4).  Goals by Kitahata and Kohler.

Kohler’s goal should have been better handled by the FSU goaltender:
https://x.com/ncaasoccer/status/19789757...48279?s=61

Kitahata’s goal to open the scoring was a nice build-up by Stanford, but what was she doing unmarked?
https://x.com/ncaasoccer/status/19789669...25266?s=61

BC

Crap - FSU goal @83:46 to make it 2-1.  C'mon Card - let's do this!

[PalmTree]

Still 2-0 in the 75th minute.

FSU has outshot Stanford 15-9, but Stanford has had more shots on frame (6-4).  Goals by Kitahata and Kohler.

Kohler’s goal should have been better handled by the FSU goaltender:
https://x.com/ncaasoccer/status/19789757...48279?s=61

Kitahata’s goal to open the scoring was a nice build-up by Stanford, but what was she doing unmarked?
https://x.com/ncaasoccer/status/19789669...25266?s=61

BC

Crap - FSU goal @83:46 to make it 2-1.  C'mon Card - let's do this!

[BobK]

2-1 Stanford 6 minutes to go

In football terms a muff by the Florida State goalie

[BobK]

2-1 Stanford 6 minutes to go

In football terms a muff by the Florida State goalie

[BostonCard]

Need to withstand the next five minutes.  Happy that there is no extra time in collegiate soccer and the game ends when the clock expires.

BC

[BostonCard]

Need to withstand the next five minutes.  Happy that there is no extra time in collegiate soccer and the game ends when the clock expires.

BC

[BobK]

Ref rules no penalty kick by Florida Stste. Whew.

---

Stanford wins 2-1.

[BobK]

Ref rules no penalty kick by Florida Stste. Whew.

---

Stanford wins 2-1.