Stanford, by means of a hard fough 1-0 scoreline over visiting Rutgers, is through to the round of 8. I knew this would be a tough match, and it was. Stanford maintained possession but Rutgers, who I knew would defend like all-get-out, kept a clean sheet until Stanford's biggest big-time player, Kelley O'Hara, does what big-time players do and that is put the ball in the back of the net and win the game with 4:46 remaining.
An analyst on bigsoccer rated Rutgers at something like 35th based on a theoretical relative strength statistics algorithm. This game is a prime example of why, come tournament time, you throw all that out and let the players play the game. My relative strength calcuation on the night came out at the end with Stanford #1, and Rutgers #2. That is the ranking that goes into the brackets, which show Stanford going to the next round to a probable matchup against Portland.
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3 comments:
I had to get up early for work on Saturday but had to see this game out. Am I glad that I did. I thought for sure that it was headed for PKs and dreaded that idea.
Finally, Press sent a crack across the penalty area to an awaiting KO and ...boom, score! What a relief. I did not want to see a replay of Clemson from two years ago.
Now, it's Portland.
Jer
Stanford won the game becuase KO did what 99% of other womens college strikers apparently can't or won't do, and that is shoot on the volley. How many times do these lady strikers get a bouncing or aerial ball in the box, and if they volley it, they score, and if they take the time to settle and shoot, the shot is stuffed by one or more defenders. That is one aspect of the women's game that drives me nuts. I remember watching the USC-UCLA reg. season match. Both teams, especially USC, had numerous quality scoring chances in or near the box which were muffed because the forwards took an hour settling the ball before shooting. "Hit it. Hit it! HIT IT!!!!!" I would scream at my TV set, but the players just wouldn't listen; instead like a U10 player settling, attempting to shoot, and.... promptly getting disposessed. Drove me nuts. I sometimes wonder what these college coaches are teaching these players.
So, long story short, it is *refreshing* to see a forward like Kelley who knows how to play soccer and hit the ball on the volley when that is what the situation in the box dictates.
Ron,
I remember a few weeks ago, you said in order for Stanford to win(against UCLA at the time) they needed to kick on the volley or half volley. Right you are again, sir! Too many touches and the defense collapses on you.
Very perceptive. But of course, you've been at this a long time. Well done.
Jer
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