⚽️Lady Vols Soccer Thread

[WillisWG]

2 nil no good

 

[Volstylexx]

What a horrific meltdown. This is SC all over again.

 

[MAD]

Georgia up 2-0

 

[MAD]

 

[cobbwebb0710]

View attachment 509171

Should be 2-1, the Georgia keeper made a nice save that pushed it off the crossbar.
Lady Vols will strike in the 2nd half.

 

[cobbwebb0710]

people blaming the defense make me angry! If the keeper gets their hands on the ball, you better be making the save!

 

[MAD]

Romig replaced in goal by Zazzara

 

[cobbwebb0710]

She was off!

 

[Volstylexx]

This may just be my way of coping, but this game is really meaningless at this point. Seeding will make our run through the postseason harder but it is what it is at this point. Get players some rest and get the team healthy and see what we can do in the NCAA tournament.

 

[MAD]

This may just be my way of coping, but this game is really meaningless at this point. Seeding will make our run through the postseason harder but it is what it is at this point. Get players some rest and get the team healthy and see what we can do in the NCAA tournament.

Taking the Ole Miss winning the World Series approach.

 

[Volstylexx]

Taking the Ole Miss winning the World Series approach.

Yup. Seems like the only path at this point lol.

 

[SGMVols]

Going one and done in both the SECT and NCAAT after being picked to win the SEC would be a massive failure.

 

[MAD]

 

[cobbwebb0710]

That was disappointing. I rushed home to watch us get upset by the nasty dawgs!

 

[turbovol]

I don't think our coaching staff has a handle on our personnel--or is very tactical in its thinking.

First, if we're trailing in the 2nd half or with 15/20 minutes left, I put all three of my forwards in the game--Thomas, George and Simmonds. Simmonds is arguably the most talented all-around forward we have, and as I've said for many weeks, she should be playing more than she does.

Stayart was one of our best players in the first 20 minutes of this game, IMO. Here is a player who was completely riding the pine until late in the season, and only started getting action when I asked on this board why in god's creation the coaches were putting G. Washington into games as an attacking midfielder when she's got no attacking skills and isn't a good soccer player--period--and why not Stayart instead. I'm not suggesting that the coaches read this board--but suddenly Stayart is playing--and playing well. Just some curiously dumb decisions by the staff. And G. Washington is not a player who can play in place of Burdette. Find somebody better--they're on the bench.

We tend to start games VERY well--but we can't turn really good play into quality shots and goals. I don't think we've scored a first-half goal since very early in the regular season--maybe the Kentucky game. Scoring as been an issue all year. When you play a 3-back system, and you have defensive players forward and you are putting good pressure on the opponent--but don't score, you're formation suddenly becomes a problem because you're vulnerable to counterattack--and vulnerable to a mistake by a centerback that leads to a counter-attacking goal, which is how Georgia scored its first goal. We did have 2 players behind the ball--and it has to be said it was an excellent shot--the type of shot that we have been unable to produce all year.

We're a team that can play very good soccer for long stretches--but when you struggle to put the ball in the net all that good play doesn't help you much. This is not an issue particular to UT. I think Texas A&M had 29 shots in his last game--10 or 12 on goal--and yet scored only goal.

 

[Memvol44]

I don't think our coaching staff has a handle on our personnel--or is very tactical in its thinking.

First, if we're trailing in the 2nd half or with 15/20 minutes left, I put all three of my forwards in the game--Thomas, George and Simmonds. Simmonds is arguably the most talented all-around forward we have, and as I've said for many weeks, she should be playing more than she does.

Stayart was one of our best players in the first 20 minutes of this game, IMO. Here is a player who was completely riding the pine until late in the season, and only started getting action when I asked on this board why in god's creation the coaches were putting G. Washington into games as an attacking midfielder when she's got no attacking skills and isn't a good soccer player--period--and why not Stayart instead. I'm not suggesting that the coaches read this board--but suddenly Stayart is playing--and playing well. Just some curiously dumb decisions by the staff. And G. Washington is not a player who can play in place of Burdette. Find somebody better--they're on the bench.

We tend to start games VERY well--but we can't turn really good play into quality shots and goals. I don't think we've scored a first-half goal since very early in the regular season--maybe the Kentucky game. Scoring as been an issue all year. When you play a 3-back system, and you have defensive players forward and you are putting good pressure on the opponent--but don't score, you're formation suddenly becomes a problem because you're vulnerable to counterattack--and vulnerable to a mistake by a centerback that leads to a counter-attacking goal, which is how Georgia scored its first goal. We did have 2 players behind the ball--and it has to be said it was an excellent shot--the type of shot that we have been unable to produce all year.

We're a team that can play very good soccer for long stretches--but when you struggle to put the ball in the net all that good play doesn't help you much. This is not an issue particular to UT. I think Texas A&M had 29 shots in his last game--10 or 12 on goal--and yet scored only goal.

GA. Looked faster and fresher than our Lady Vols...disappointed..

 

[cobbwebb0710]

I don't think our coaching staff has a handle on our personnel--or is very tactical in its thinking.

First, if we're trailing in the 2nd half or with 15/20 minutes left, I put all three of my forwards in the game--Thomas, George and Simmonds. Simmonds is arguably the most talented all-around forward we have, and as I've said for many weeks, she should be playing more than she does.

Stayart was one of our best players in the first 20 minutes of this game, IMO. Here is a player who was completely riding the pine until late in the season, and only started getting action when I asked on this board why in god's creation the coaches were putting G. Washington into games as an attacking midfielder when she's got no attacking skills and isn't a good soccer player--period--and why not Stayart instead. I'm not suggesting that the coaches read this board--but suddenly Stayart is playing--and playing well. Just some curiously dumb decisions by the staff. And G. Washington is not a player who can play in place of Burdette. Find somebody better--they're on the bench.

We tend to start games VERY well--but we can't turn really good play into quality shots and goals. I don't think we've scored a first-half goal since very early in the regular season--maybe the Kentucky game. Scoring as been an issue all year. When you play a 3-back system, and you have defensive players forward and you are putting good pressure on the opponent--but don't score, you're formation suddenly becomes a problem because you're vulnerable to counterattack--and vulnerable to a mistake by a centerback that leads to a counter-attacking goal, which is how Georgia scored its first goal. We did have 2 players behind the ball--and it has to be said it was an excellent shot--the type of shot that we have been unable to produce all year.

We're a team that can play very good soccer for long stretches--but when you struggle to put the ball in the net all that good play doesn't help you much. This is not an issue particular to UT. I think Texas A&M had 29 shots in his last game--10 or 12 on goal--and yet scored only goal.

Yeah...what turbo said.

 

[orange beard]

I don't think our coaching staff has a handle on our personnel--or is very tactical in its thinking.

First, if we're trailing in the 2nd half or with 15/20 minutes left, I put all three of my forwards in the game--Thomas, George and Simmonds. Simmonds is arguably the most talented all-around forward we have, and as I've said for many weeks, she should be playing more than she does.

Stayart was one of our best players in the first 20 minutes of this game, IMO. Here is a player who was completely riding the pine until late in the season, and only started getting action when I asked on this board why in god's creation the coaches were putting G. Washington into games as an attacking midfielder when she's got no attacking skills and isn't a good soccer player--period--and why not Stayart instead. I'm not suggesting that the coaches read this board--but suddenly Stayart is playing--and playing well. Just some curiously dumb decisions by the staff. And G. Washington is not a player who can play in place of Burdette. Find somebody better--they're on the bench.

We tend to start games VERY well--but we can't turn really good play into quality shots and goals. I don't think we've scored a first-half goal since very early in the regular season--maybe the Kentucky game. Scoring as been an issue all year. When you play a 3-back system, and you have defensive players forward and you are putting good pressure on the opponent--but don't score, you're formation suddenly becomes a problem because you're vulnerable to counterattack--and vulnerable to a mistake by a centerback that leads to a counter-attacking goal, which is how Georgia scored its first goal. We did have 2 players behind the ball--and it has to be said it was an excellent shot--the type of shot that we have been unable to produce all year.

We're a team that can play very good soccer for long stretches--but when you struggle to put the ball in the net all that good play doesn't help you much. This is not an issue particular to UT. I think Texas A&M had 29 shots in his last game--10 or 12 on goal--and yet scored only goal.

I as well as you have said more times than we can count that Simmonds has got to be on the field all the time!!! No excuses are valid. The best talent second to none and ole joe has screwed the pooch i think. I would guess we will not win again this year.

 

[kregman]

We on paper and history should be a dynamic offense. We can’t put in in the goal and many times we are not ready for the ball in front of the goal. Kirk was the goalie coach, well he has really stopped us scoring.

 

[turbovol]

We on paper and history should be a dynamic offense. We can’t put in in the goal and many times we are not ready for the ball in front of the goal. Kirk was the goalie coach, well he has really stopped us scoring.

We miss the net too much on open shots. We shoot over the bar or hit the bar--which is what happens when you don't get your body over the ball. And we miss shots wide. We have the talent--but the final product just hasn't been there. As I mentioned above, it's a fairly common problem in soccer--i watched UVA play Duke on Sunday and UVA was/is the more talented team, had most of the possession, had more shots--but Duke scored on 2 of its only 3 shots on goal and won the game 2-1. We just need to start finishing. This has been a frustrating year, really.

 

[gule]

I made it over to watch the match. had on my lucky white hat so it ain't my fault, I left as soon as UGA scored the second goal, had to go back home to take care of 93 yo MIL. lol Fyar JOE!

 

[MAD]

Congratulations to Cariel Ellis, former Vol, for being selected to the First Team of the Southland Conference. Ellis would help the Cardinals squad by scoring eight goals and dish out five assists on just 38 shots. This included a two-goal performance against Texas A&M-Commerce (10/14/22) and also two SLC Offensive Player of the Week awards.



Southland Conference Announces 2022 All-Conference Soccer Teams

 

[turbovol]

Speaking of coaches with whom I'd want to consult, send film, get input on Vol performances and personnel.....here would
be Obvious Choice No. 1:

 

[Lurker]

I don't think our coaching staff has a handle on our personnel--or is very tactical in its thinking.

First, if we're trailing in the 2nd half or with 15/20 minutes left, I put all three of my forwards in the game--Thomas, George and Simmonds. Simmonds is arguably the most talented all-around forward we have, and as I've said for many weeks, she should be playing more than she does.

Stayart was one of our best players in the first 20 minutes of this game, IMO. Here is a player who was completely riding the pine until late in the season, and only started getting action when I asked on this board why in god's creation the coaches were putting G. Washington into games as an attacking midfielder when she's got no attacking skills and isn't a good soccer player--period--and why not Stayart instead. I'm not suggesting that the coaches read this board--but suddenly Stayart is playing--and playing well. Just some curiously dumb decisions by the staff. And G. Washington is not a player who can play in place of Burdette. Find somebody better--they're on the bench.

We tend to start games VERY well--but we can't turn really good play into quality shots and goals. I don't think we've scored a first-half goal since very early in the regular season--maybe the Kentucky game. Scoring as been an issue all year. When you play a 3-back system, and you have defensive players forward and you are putting good pressure on the opponent--but don't score, you're formation suddenly becomes a problem because you're vulnerable to counterattack--and vulnerable to a mistake by a centerback that leads to a counter-attacking goal, which is how Georgia scored its first goal. We did have 2 players behind the ball--and it has to be said it was an excellent shot--the type of shot that we have been unable to produce all year.

We're a team that can play very good soccer for long stretches--but when you struggle to put the ball in the net all that good play doesn't help you much. This is not an issue particular to UT. I think Texas A&M had 29 shots in his last game--10 or 12 on goal--and yet scored only goal.

Took a day off to allow the frustration to dissipate. It sure seems like several of us have been noticing and commenting on the same few things all season long and it is frustrating to see how little (no ?) effort appears to have been made to address some fairly obvious issues --- not because they were raised on a message board, but because they are obvious. I love this team but not how they were used. Three concerns all involving coaching preferences:

1) The 3 back set has been discussed to death without change. The fact that we didn't get punished by a string of weaker opponents lulled folks to sleep, only to get bitten when the competition stepped up again. I remain of the opinion that the Lady Vols' skill set is simply not a proper match for a 3 back defense. They aren't sufficiently athletic, nor are they adequately aggressive to run the formation properly against decent attacks. Moreover, look at the effect on Rains who slid from 10 points (2 G, 6 A) as an outside back in a 4 back set in 2021 to 1 point (0G, 1A) as an outside back in a 3 back set in 2022. Her freedom to impact a game was severely restricted by the 3 back set and her need to cover for her defensive teammates. The 3 back formation was unnecessary and unwise tinkering and should have been corrected.

2) I think our forward play in the final third was way too predictable. Thomas was the constant target. Yet, for two seasons I think George has been one of only two real spark plugs for the offense, with Huff being the other. George has a very good skill set, a high work rate, and is very assertive, both on and off the ball. She wins corners (unfortunately seldom taken advantage of) and she sets up other players with scoring opportunities. She's actually second on the team with assists as a result of her high work rate and usually sharp passing. Unfortunately, set ups have generally been a one way street for our forwards. While Thomas has, again, scored a lot of goals, she was not as assertive without the ball and her passing was largely ineffective throughout the season. She has the same number of assists in nearly 1200 minutes as Stayart provided in a third of that time -- 2. My point isn't that Thomas is anything other than a good player-- she is a fine player. It is that her shoot or loose the ball tendencies makes our offense very one dimensional. Reasonable defensive accounting for Thomas can shut down our one direction offense. No team can constantly pound the ball into the same player without loosing overall effectiveness. Thomas provided nearly 30% of the season's goals and that is too predictable. In turn, she honestly did little to set up other players when she had the ball in the final third. Again, too predictable.

3) I think this team was generally too passive on the field. Georgia's first goal, while a terrific shot, should never have had the opportunity to have been launched. Two of our players accompanied the run, but neither of them stopped the run. The 2021 side committed 220 fouls and accumulated 18 yellows during the season. This season we committed over 100 less fouls (118) and received 1/3rd as many yellows. While that may qualify us for a "fair play" award, it is not how winning soccer works. I'm not saying take a foul just for the fun of it, but the first Georgia strike would never have happened if either of our defenders had been more aggressive in the middle of the field as the play was developing. I don't care about free kicks from 35 or 40 yards out when the defense is set, especially with a keeper like Romig. I do worry about decisions to escort the striker to hit a dart without consequence.

Oh well, maybe they'll catch fire in the NCAAT. Go Vols!

 

[Lurker]

Watched Vandy totally commit to slowing down the Alabama attack last night. It almost worked. They had frustrated Bama and were tied 1-1 with under a minute left in regulation when the referee called a foul in the box and Bama won on a PK. With UT's talent, I wonder how a situational defensive response to Bama would have worked out for the Vols. I bet better.