3 matches. 3 multi-goal wins. 3 shutouts.

Tonight wasn't a beautiful performance but we got the job done against a good opponent.

First off, A&M won the game and that's the most important thing to come out of tonight. However, I must admit I'm much more concerned about this season than I was a few weeks ago. Now I know why Coach G scheduled so lightly in the non-conference. Yes, BYU looked much better than last year's disastrous team for them, but is that because we are that much worse? If you don't want to read criticism or some tough comments, please ignore this post and move on.

I simply cannot understand the starting lineup tonight. No McCain, no Lopez, no Arrieta? I know some might disagree with this, but Crabtree starting over a Rheagan Smith or even Abby Grace Cooper? Maybe there was some discipline or injury involved with McCain, but she looked good when she was out there. The first half was a hot mess for the most part as BYU dominated the middle of the field and had acres of space on the right side of the field where #4 just worked our defense and created scoring chances over and over. There was clearly some growing pains and miscommunication with some of the freshmen, especially Kendall Bates who really struggled tonight. The midfield couldn't sustain possession and were outworked and outhustled by the Cougars most of the game. The lack of fundamentals was shocking. We saw some warning signs of this in the exhibition match vs. TCU and it came to fruition tonight. The instant impact and improvement in the midfield was obvious once Lopez and then McCain entered the match late in the first half. Even Tara Ziemer looked lost at times, so I think some of this was the environment and the nerves of playing in front of that many people. Emily Bates showed flashes, but she also disappeared for long stretches. Piper looked fatigued and I'm worried about her conditioning. It was good to see Hajdu get some playing time and she made some good touches while in the match. I think the coaches will be experimenting for the right lineup in the midfield but right now it's just not congruent.

The back three alignment, which I've disagreed with for a year now, was under tremendous pressure because the midfield didn't seem to think getting back and helping on defense was part of their job. I know we continue to shutout opponents, but sooner or later they just cannot hold up under all those shots on goal against better opponents. It will catch-up with us. I'd move back to 4 in the back and put Lopez or Walton to help Ritchie, Alston, and Hill. Sample didn't play as she is nursing an injury and I'd be tempted to redshirt her anyway as she is nowhere near 100% from what we've seen in the pre-season. Thank goodness Morche is playing at a high-level right now as she had several very good saves to keep us in the game early. BYU also missed about 3 point blank chances in front of goal they should have scored. We just need to stay out of PK situations because that's not Morche's strength.

At forward, Watt was her usual self, but she did go long stretches without much impact. She needs to take some more runs at the defense and see if she can get through and take shots on her own. She did score a late goal on a floater that was misplayed by the GK so she continues to score early this season. Crabtree struggled, and she was taken out of the game early on. Asdis has some talent and she is starting to come on and gel with her teammates so that was encouraging. I think she will be starting up top soon unless the coaches want her to remain the midfield where she played a lot tonight. I was most impressed with Smith tonight and she has improved a lot in the offseason. She made a couple of terrific moves and set up a great goal to give A&M the lead against the run of play in the first half. I would give her a start and see what she can do with more time early in the match. Lopez's goal reaction was great to see. I don't know why Cooper didn't play tonight.

We knew that last week's results were fool's gold because of the quality of opponent and the season really started tonight. Again, we won the match despite playing poorly most of the night and that matters, but it was a disturbing performance that does not bode well for SEC play (thankfully the rest of the conference looks way down from last year as well). BYU was clearly the better team tonight, but you have to score goals to win the game and they didn't do it. BYU looked like a tournament team for sure. San Diego isn't a great team but they should be at about the same level as BYU so it will be a tough game for us. I need a few more games of data, but right now I would guess we will be struggling to make the tournament if the right lineup and chemistry in the middle of the field doesn't improve quickly.

My starting lineup would be:
F Watt, Smith
M McCain, Lopez, E. Bates, Piper
D Walton, Ritchie, Alston, Hill

IMO it was for retaliation, she had the fouled called but still elbowed the girl trying to get her off her back.