⚽️Lady Vols Soccer Thread

[gule]

very nice!

 

[MAD]

 

[gule]

We have Taylor and you DON'T! lol


GBO!!

 

[MAD]

One side of the bracket still has all the seeded teams left, the other side doesn’t.
Guess which side we are on?

 

[turbovol]

Yea: The fact that UCLA, USC, UNC and even Georgetown (good team) are all out is crazy. I would love to see Pepperdine take
out Florida State--but that is a tall task and one that will fall to the Vols if both we and FSU win. But first things first!

 

[kregman]

Dumb foul by Wake plus they seem to have no desire to push the action. If you are going to play passive that is what you get.

In the final minutes when they pushed the action they got a number of good shots on goal too little too late. Hopefully a good sign for us. Laying back is just a slow death. Whatever happens going forward go out with all guns blazing.

 

[kregman]

Thomas can be a bit of a ball hog and occasionally she does so at the cost of an almost certain goal. This is an area of concern as it's not likely to change unless Coach P has a few quite words with Jaida.

Don't get me wrong, I love Jaida and always want her to do well but sometimes even the best players need to be made aware of what they are doing before it becomes a team issue.

Thomas just did not have her best game. She was just off. She also at distance tries to hit the perfect corner shot which leads to missing wide a lot. Any shot not on net has no chance. We put a number of real good shots on net that the goalie saved, but keep doing it.

 

[kregman]

Watched some of Duke. They would be a tough out they have a rather "manly" team and I'll leave it at that.

 

[StrangeVol]

In the final minutes when they pushed the action they got a number of good shots on goal too little too late. Hopefully a good sign for us. Laying back is just a slow death. Whatever happens going forward go out with all guns blazing.

That was what I was talking about when I said that Wake liked to play in their own end too much. When they took the laid back approach they played right into Michigan's hands. We will present them with a whole new set of problems to face in their third along with a rock-ribbed defense on our end. I smell another W!!!

 

[turbovol]

I don't think Thomas is a ball hog. In fact, she's been good about finding open players in the attacking third--let's recall that she made the pass to Huff that resulted in the game-winning goal against South Carolina. I thought some of our decision-making on late-game counters could have better, yes, but she's had another excellent year and has a real scorer's instincts and touch in the box. Interestingly, Ellis seems to be taking minutes from Brooke Wilson when Thomas is subbed out. Ellis has been coming on and is a real physical force in the attacking third, to be sure--but when we've got a lead in the second half and the opponent is pushing forward, and we get some open-field counter-attacking opportunities as we had yesterday, we're better off with Wilson on the field, IMO, as she is a very good finisher.

It was interesting to hear Pensky mention, after the Lipscomb match, that Huff would probably rather play forward than in the midfield. Maybe--but having her in the midfield as been absolutely massive (as Pensky would say) this year. With her athleticism and pace and ball skills, she can boss her side of the pitch, beat defenders off the dribble, and cover a lot of ground defensively. Invaluable. There's a big difference between what she gives us on the right and what Dipasupil and Zaluski give us on the left side of the midfield. That's not to say that Dipasupil and Zaluski aren't good players--they are, and there contributions have been notable--Dipasupil is talented at free-kicks and they are both of course left-footed, which helps. But neither has the athleticism or pace of Huff and each can be pushed off the ball by more physical players. There was a moment yesterday in the 2nd half when our centerbacks were caught forward and it was left to Zaluski to defend a Wa.State forward with the ball. It could have been trouble, but she/we managed to keep her from getting a good shot off, as I recall.

Besides our fab freshmen and the shifting of Burdette to defensive mid, a key to this team's success has been our much improved centerback play. Our CBs the last two years were no better than mediocre--and you will not accomplish much with mediocre centerbacks. Not athletic enough and not confident enough with the ball. Both French and Ostrom had a maddening tendency to just lump every ball that rolled to them back up the field--and straight back to the other team, even when they were not under pressure. You can't do that. Replacing Ostrom with Renie has been huge as Renie is bigger and more athletic and she is poised with the ball. She's made a massive difference. And meanwhile French has finally grown into a position she's been playing now for three years. She is more comfortable with the ball and has been a real leader in the back. She is not hugely athletic but athletic enough--and she is playing with confidence. One of the big reasons Florida State is so good every year is that that team's back four is stout almost every year. Our back four--with also Katz and Rain--is stronger than it's been in a few years. Katz is not a natural outside back--she's a midfielder playing outside back--but she's done a very good job. She can't defend like M.A. Vignola--who was/is the ideal outside back with respect to size, athleticism, physicality--but she is quick, hard-working and good at coming forward. Here's hoping we play well against Michigan.

Vignola, by the way, has been one of the best players in the Icelandic professional league for the last two years--and really should be moving on to a better European league. It seems an odd thing but Iceland actually produces a lot of good soccer players--one of whom played briefly for us last year before the pandemic hit and she went back to Iceland to play professionally. Katie Cousins is also playing in Iceland--and I think Danielle Marcano is too--all from that good 2018 team.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

Anybody else notice how much narrower their pitch is than ours? Makes it harder for us to play as fast and wide as we are used to.

Aren't the fields standard sized for championship matches?

 

[MAD]

I don't think Thomas is a ball hog. In fact, she's been good about finding open players in the attacking third--let's recall that she made the pass to Huff that resulted in the game-winning goal against South Carolina. I thought some of our decision-making on late-game counters could have better, yes, but she's had another excellent year and has a real scorer's instincts and touch in the box. Interestingly, Ellis seems to be taking minutes from Brooke Wilson when Thomas is subbed out. Ellis has been coming on and is a real physical force in the attacking third, to be sure--but when we've got a lead in the second half and the opponent is pushing forward, and we get some open-field counter-attacking opportunities as we had yesterday, we're better off with Wilson on the field, IMO, as she is a very good finisher.

It was interesting to hear Pensky mention, after the Lipscomb match, that Huff would probably rather play forward than in the midfield. Maybe--but having her in the midfield as been absolutely massive (as Pensky would say) this year. With her athleticism and pace and ball skills, she can boss her side of the pitch, beat defenders off the dribble, and cover a lot of ground defensively. Invaluable. There's a big difference between what she gives us on the right and what Dipasupil and Zaluski give us on the left side of the midfield. That's not to say that Dipasupil and Zaluski aren't good players--they are, and there contributions have been notable--Dipasupil is talented at free-kicks and they are both of course left-footed, which helps. But neither has the athleticism or pace of Huff and each can be pushed off the ball by more physical players. There was a moment yesterday in the 2nd half when our centerbacks were caught forward and it was left to Zaluski to defend a Wa.State forward with the ball. It could have been trouble, but she/we managed to keep her from getting a good shot off, as I recall.

Besides our fab freshmen and the shifting of Burdette to defensive mid, a key to this team's success has been our much improved centerback play. Our CBs the last two years were no better than mediocre--and you will not accomplish much with mediocre centerbacks. Not athletic enough and not confident enough with the ball. Both French and Ostrom had a maddening tendency to just lump every ball that rolled to them back up the field--and straight back to the other team, even when they were not under pressure. You can't do that. Replacing Ostrom with Renie has been huge as Renie is bigger and more athletic and she is poised with the ball. She's made a massive difference. And meanwhile French has finally grown into a position she's been playing now for three years. She is more comfortable with the ball and has been a real leader in the back. She is not hugely athletic but athletic enough--and she is playing with confidence. One of the big reasons Florida State is so good every year is that that team's back four is stout almost every year. Our back four--with also Katz and Rain--is stronger than it's been in a few years. Katz is not a natural outside back--she's a midfielder playing outside back--but she's done a very good job. She can't defend like M.A. Vignola--who was/is the ideal outside back with respect to size, athleticism, physicality--but she is quick, hard-working and good at coming forward. Here's hoping we play well against Michigan.

Vignola, by the way, has been one of the best players in the Icelandic professional league for the last two years--and really should be moving on to a better European league. It seems an odd thing but Iceland actually produces a lot of good soccer players--one of whom played briefly for us last year before the pandemic hit and she went back to Iceland to play professionally. Katie Cousins is also playing in Iceland--and I think Danielle Marcano is too--all from that good 2018 team.

It’s an exciting time for Tennessee soccer.

 

[MAD]

Aren't the fields standard sized for championship matches?

College Soccer Field Dimensions
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sets the standard college level soccer field dimensions at 70 to 75 yards wide and 115 to 120 yards long. These strict soccer field regulations are set to more closely match a professional sized soccer field, and fit with the FIFA regulated sizes.
The optimum size is 75 yards [68.58 m] by 120 yards [109.73 m]. Facilities
in use before 1995 need only to be rectangular the width of which shall not exceed the length. Facilities constructed after 1995 shall be a minimum of 70 yards in width [64.01 m] by 115 yards [105.16 m] in length.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

College Soccer Field Dimensions
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sets the standard college level soccer field dimensions at 70 to 75 yards wide and 115 to 120 yards long. These strict soccer field regulations are set to more closely match a professional sized soccer field, and fit with the FIFA regulated sizes.
The optimum size is 75 yards [68.58 m] by 120 yards [109.73 m]. Facilities
in use before 1995 need only to be rectangular the width of which shall not exceed the length. Facilities constructed after 1995 shall be a minimum of 70 yards in width [64.01 m] by 115 yards [105.16 m] in length.

Thanks foir posting. Very interesting that field sizes can vary enough to impact style of play.

 

[kregman]

I don't think Thomas is a ball hog. In fact, she's been good about finding open players in the attacking third--let's recall that she made the pass to Huff that resulted in the game-winning goal against South Carolina. I thought some of our decision-making on late-game counters could have better, yes, but she's had another excellent year and has a real scorer's instincts and touch in the box. Interestingly, Ellis seems to be taking minutes from Brooke Wilson when Thomas is subbed out. Ellis has been coming on and is a real physical force in the attacking third, to be sure--but when we've got a lead in the second half and the opponent is pushing forward, and we get some open-field counter-attacking opportunities as we had yesterday, we're better off with Wilson on the field, IMO, as she is a very good finisher.

It was interesting to hear Pensky mention, after the Lipscomb match, that Huff would probably rather play forward than in the midfield. Maybe--but having her in the midfield as been absolutely massive (as Pensky would say) this year. With her athleticism and pace and ball skills, she can boss her side of the pitch, beat defenders off the dribble, and cover a lot of ground defensively. Invaluable. There's a big difference between what she gives us on the right and what Dipasupil and Zaluski give us on the left side of the midfield. That's not to say that Dipasupil and Zaluski aren't good players--they are, and there contributions have been notable--Dipasupil is talented at free-kicks and they are both of course left-footed, which helps. But neither has the athleticism or pace of Huff and each can be pushed off the ball by more physical players. There was a moment yesterday in the 2nd half when our centerbacks were caught forward and it was left to Zaluski to defend a Wa.State forward with the ball. It could have been trouble, but she/we managed to keep her from getting a good shot off, as I recall.

Besides our fab freshmen and the shifting of Burdette to defensive mid, a key to this team's success has been our much improved centerback play. Our CBs the last two years were no better than mediocre--and you will not accomplish much with mediocre centerbacks. Not athletic enough and not confident enough with the ball. Both French and Ostrom had a maddening tendency to just lump every ball that rolled to them back up the field--and straight back to the other team, even when they were not under pressure. You can't do that. Replacing Ostrom with Renie has been huge as Renie is bigger and more athletic and she is poised with the ball. She's made a massive difference. And meanwhile French has finally grown into a position she's been playing now for three years. She is more comfortable with the ball and has been a real leader in the back. She is not hugely athletic but athletic enough--and she is playing with confidence. One of the big reasons Florida State is so good every year is that that team's back four is stout almost every year. Our back four--with also Katz and Rain--is stronger than it's been in a few years. Katz is not a natural outside back--she's a midfielder playing outside back--but she's done a very good job. She can't defend like M.A. Vignola--who was/is the ideal outside back with respect to size, athleticism, physicality--but she is quick, hard-working and good at coming forward. Here's hoping we play well against Michigan.

Vignola, by the way, has been one of the best players in the Icelandic professional league for the last two years--and really should be moving on to a better European league. It seems an odd thing but Iceland actually produces a lot of good soccer players--one of whom played briefly for us last year before the pandemic hit and she went back to Iceland to play professionally. Katie Cousins is also playing in Iceland--and I think Danielle Marcano is too--all from that good 2018 team.

I don't think Thomas is a ball hog. In fact, she's been good about finding open players in the attacking third--let's recall that she made the pass to Huff that resulted in the game-winning goal against South Carolina. I thought some of our decision-making on late-game counters could have better, yes, but she's had another excellent year and has a real scorer's instincts and touch in the box. Interestingly, Ellis seems to be taking minutes from Brooke Wilson when Thomas is subbed out. Ellis has been coming on and is a real physical force in the attacking third, to be sure--but when we've got a lead in the second half and the opponent is pushing forward, and we get some open-field counter-attacking opportunities as we had yesterday, we're better off with Wilson on the field, IMO, as she is a very good finisher.

It was interesting to hear Pensky mention, after the Lipscomb match, that Huff would probably rather play forward than in the midfield. Maybe--but having her in the midfield as been absolutely massive (as Pensky would say) this year. With her athleticism and pace and ball skills, she can boss her side of the pitch, beat defenders off the dribble, and cover a lot of ground defensively. Invaluable. There's a big difference between what she gives us on the right and what Dipasupil and Zaluski give us on the left side of the midfield. That's not to say that Dipasupil and Zaluski aren't good players--they are, and there contributions have been notable--Dipasupil is talented at free-kicks and they are both of course left-footed, which helps. But neither has the athleticism or pace of Huff and each can be pushed off the ball by more physical players. There was a moment yesterday in the 2nd half when our centerbacks were caught forward and it was left to Zaluski to defend a Wa.State forward with the ball. It could have been trouble, but she/we managed to keep her from getting a good shot off, as I recall.

Besides our fab freshmen and the shifting of Burdette to defensive mid, a key to this team's success has been our much improved centerback play. Our CBs the last two years were no better than mediocre--and you will not accomplish much with mediocre centerbacks. Not athletic enough and not confident enough with the ball. Both French and Ostrom had a maddening tendency to just lump every ball that rolled to them back up the field--and straight back to the other team, even when they were not under pressure. You can't do that. Replacing Ostrom with Renie has been huge as Renie is bigger and more athletic and she is poised with the ball. She's made a massive difference. And meanwhile French has finally grown into a position she's been playing now for three years. She is more comfortable with the ball and has been a real leader in the back. She is not hugely athletic but athletic enough--and she is playing with confidence. One of the big reasons Florida State is so good every year is that that team's back four is stout almost every year. Our back four--with also Katz and Rain--is stronger than it's been in a few years. Katz is not a natural outside back--she's a midfielder playing outside back--but she's done a very good job. She can't defend like M.A. Vignola--who was/is the ideal outside back with respect to size, athleticism, physicality--but she is quick, hard-working and good at coming forward. Here's hoping we play well against Michigan.

Vignola, by the way, has been one of the best players in the Icelandic professional league for the last two years--and really should be moving on to a better European league. It seems an odd thing but Iceland actually produces a lot of good soccer players--one of whom played briefly for us last year before the pandemic hit and she went back to Iceland to play professionally. Katie Cousins is also playing in Iceland--and I think Danielle Marcano is too--all from that good 2018 team.

I would move Ellis to a defensive position next year. She has a strong physical presence but lacks scoring ball skills at this point.

 

[Rickster]

I don't think Thomas is a ball hog. In fact, she's been good about finding open players in the attacking third--let's recall that she made the pass to Huff that resulted in the game-winning goal against South Carolina. I thought some of our decision-making on late-game counters could have better, yes, but she's had another excellent year and has a real scorer's instincts and touch in the box. Interestingly, Ellis seems to be taking minutes from Brooke Wilson when Thomas is subbed out. Ellis has been coming on and is a real physical force in the attacking third, to be sure--but when we've got a lead in the second half and the opponent is pushing forward, and we get some open-field counter-attacking opportunities as we had yesterday, we're better off with Wilson on the field, IMO, as she is a very good finisher.

It was interesting to hear Pensky mention, after the Lipscomb match, that Huff would probably rather play forward than in the midfield. Maybe--but having her in the midfield as been absolutely massive (as Pensky would say) this year. With her athleticism and pace and ball skills, she can boss her side of the pitch, beat defenders off the dribble, and cover a lot of ground defensively. Invaluable. There's a big difference between what she gives us on the right and what Dipasupil and Zaluski give us on the left side of the midfield. That's not to say that Dipasupil and Zaluski aren't good players--they are, and there contributions have been notable--Dipasupil is talented at free-kicks and they are both of course left-footed, which helps. But neither has the athleticism or pace of Huff and each can be pushed off the ball by more physical players. There was a moment yesterday in the 2nd half when our centerbacks were caught forward and it was left to Zaluski to defend a Wa.State forward with the ball. It could have been trouble, but she/we managed to keep her from getting a good shot off, as I recall.

Besides our fab freshmen and the shifting of Burdette to defensive mid, a key to this team's success has been our much improved centerback play. Our CBs the last two years were no better than mediocre--and you will not accomplish much with mediocre centerbacks. Not athletic enough and not confident enough with the ball. Both French and Ostrom had a maddening tendency to just lump every ball that rolled to them back up the field--and straight back to the other team, even when they were not under pressure. You can't do that. Replacing Ostrom with Renie has been huge as Renie is bigger and more athletic and she is poised with the ball. She's made a massive difference. And meanwhile French has finally grown into a position she's been playing now for three years. She is more comfortable with the ball and has been a real leader in the back. She is not hugely athletic but athletic enough--and she is playing with confidence. One of the big reasons Florida State is so good every year is that that team's back four is stout almost every year. Our back four--with also Katz and Rain--is stronger than it's been in a few years. Katz is not a natural outside back--she's a midfielder playing outside back--but she's done a very good job. She can't defend like M.A. Vignola--who was/is the ideal outside back with respect to size, athleticism, physicality--but she is quick, hard-working and good at coming forward. Here's hoping we play well against Michigan.

Vignola, by the way, has been one of the best players in the Icelandic professional league for the last two years--and really should be moving on to a better European league. It seems an odd thing but Iceland actually produces a lot of good soccer players--one of whom played briefly for us last year before the pandemic hit and she went back to Iceland to play professionally. Katie Cousins is also playing in Iceland--and I think Danielle Marcano is too--all from that good 2018 team.

Who did you say you were again? How do you know what you do? Not picking.....just curious.

 

[MAD]

MATCH CENTRAL: #6 UT vs. #9 Michigan (NCAA Round of 16)



ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- No. 6 Tennessee will continue its postseason run on Sunday, facing off with #9 Michigan in the NCAA Round of 16. The match will be free for streaming via B1G+.

UT, a No. 3 seed, enters the match riding momentum from three straight shutouts and with a 5-0 record against ranked opponents on the season. In the NCAA Second Round, the Vols took a 2-0 win over No. 15 WSU. That win was Tennessee's 20th of the season, moving their record to 20-2-0 on the year to become the first SEC squad to record 20 wins in a single season since Texas A&M in 2014 (22-3-2) and just the third SEC team to reach the milestone in the last 20 years.

The Wolverines own a record of 17-3-3 and are the 2021 Big Ten Tournament champions and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. In their second round game, they defeated Wake Forest, 2-0.

This is the first meeting between the two programs.

The winner of this matchup will advance to the quarterfinals to face the winner of #1 Florida State and #19 Pepperdine. That contest will be hosted by the higher seeded team.

HUFF IN RECORD BOOK: With two goals and an assist through two NCAA Tournament games, freshman Taylor Huff has already found a spot in UT's record book, tying Rhian Wilkinson at No. 9 in UT's NCAA career point leaders with five.

20-WIN SEASONS: The 2021 Vols are the first SEC team to record 20 wins in a single season since Texas A&M in 2014 (22-3-2) and just the third SEC team to reach the milestone in the last 20 years.

NCAA NUMBERS: Tennessee is making its 13th overall NCAA Tournament appearance since 2001. UT is 16-10-3 all-time in the NCAA Tournament. Sunday will be the Vols' seventh appearance in the NCAA Round of 16.

OUTSIDE THE SEC: The Vols have not given up a goal to a non-conference foe this season, outscoring opponents 30-0 to post a record of 9-0-0.

VS RANKED OPPONENTS: Tennessee is undefeated this season when facing ranked opponents, previously taking wins over #5 Arkansas, #11 Auburn, #15 WSU, #19 South Carolina, and #21 Ole Miss.

#6/NO. 3 SEED HISTORY- Under the current NCAA Tournament format, only four teams have been a sixth-ranked No. 3 seed - Tennessee (2021), UCLA (2012), Oklahoma St. (2010), and Cal (2005). Of those, UT entered with the best overall record at 18-2-0.

CRUNCH TIME HUFF: Nine of freshman Taylor Huff's 10 goals have come in the second half, and four of those have come in the 85th minute or later.

THOMAS ALWAYS DANGEROUS: Jaida Thomas' 13 goals have been spread evenly throughout matches with six coming in the first half and seven in the second. Her fastest goal was just 1:39 into the game against FGCU, and she has twice scored in the 89th-minute (Florida and Georgia).

HAPPY TO ASSIST: Mackenzie George leads the team in assists with 10 on the season. She is currently tied with Hannah Wilkinson, Ali Christoph and Lyndsey Patterson at third all-time in single-season assist records.

BY THE NUMBERS: UT has the best winning percentage in the nation (.909) and ranks second in corner kicks per game (8.95), eighth in shots per game (19.50), and 11th in shots on goal per game (9.18).

 

[NochNoch]

Just have to interject, anyone saying Thomas is a ball hog has never known or been on a soccer team with a good/great striker. You want them to be selfish bc they possess the most important skill on the field. And this is coming from a former defender.

 

[MAD]

A number 1 seed goes down.

 

[StrangeVol]

A number 1 seed goes down.

View attachment 413489

Now, if we could be so lucky with Florida State. It would be lovely to be back home again.

 

[mudcat1973]

College Soccer Field Dimensions
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sets the standard college level soccer field dimensions at 70 to 75 yards wide and 115 to 120 yards long. These strict soccer field regulations are set to more closely match a professional sized soccer field, and fit with the FIFA regulated sizes.
The optimum size is 75 yards [68.58 m] by 120 yards [109.73 m]. Facilities
in use before 1995 need only to be rectangular the width of which shall not exceed the length. Facilities constructed after 1995 shall be a minimum of 70 yards in width [64.01 m] by 115 yards [105.16 m] in length.

l watch tenn vs ky from couple weeks the guy call the match said tennessee field was 120 by 80 said tennessee knew how to play on the wide field

 

[StrangeVol]

l watch tenn vs ky from couple weeks the guy call the match said tennessee field was 120 by 80 said tennessee knew how to play on the wide field

It forces the defenders to play wider to cover the additional 15' which gives wider lanes for passing, shooting, or driving in to the box.

 

[MAD]

 

[Rickster]

GLV

 

[StrangeVol]

So how are you guys feeling about this match? All things being equal I really like our chances! What are your thoughts?