redd38 said:

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A little bit of spotty defense

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• A&M did look rusty in the first 30 minutes or so with sloppy play and missed passes, but around the 15 minute mark it became complete domination the rest of the game. It really did look like they just flipped a switch and started completing passes and finishing chances. Lots of crisp triangle passing in the second half which is a good sign going forward against better opponents. Probably should have scored about 5 goals, but a good start to the season for sure with so many question marks coming into the season.

• I knew Laney Carroll was good but I didn't realize she was potentially 5-star level good (though she has played on the youth national team in the past). If that's the player we see going forward the rest of the season, we really hit the jackpot with her. She is a strong and very fast striker (much faster than I remember) who has control when dribbling and can shoot with accuracy as well (check out her shot to the upper 90 from 6 yards out to near side of the goal even though called back for offsides. Not many players can do that at this level). Clearly our best player on the field today. She really flew under the radar in some national circles and should have been ranked higher by TDS. A huge development for the offense after losing Watt.

• Ali Russell looks much improved from last season as a highly touted freshman. That is a big relief.

• I like the 4-back set (4-4-2) and we finally went to it this season, but if that means Lopez's touches are somewhat limited in attack, I'd rather play 3 in the back and have her at outside mid so she gets more touches. Outside of taking corners, she wasn't very active until the second half. For the rest of the backline, Sample has completely regained her form from injury and was in complete control in the center. Katie Smith was fine but I hope we see more of the player that finished last year on a tear. I really think she would be a dynamic outside mid with her speed and soccer IQ but we just don't have the depth on the back line right now. Kolb had a rough start to the season so hopefully she will bounce back.

• Ole Miss is not a good team at all. It's going to be a long season for them. They ran out of gas early in the second half and looked to just concede the match after the first goal. They gave A&M acres of space to work in without much resistance.

• A&M fouled more than I've ever seen in a game that I can remember. Very physical play and 3 yellow cards. Ref was sensitive in the calls, but still that is rough play from us. I wonder if we've had a strategic change in the way we play in order to better take on the more physical teams we will play?

• Kate Colvin was a great find by Coach G as she was a relative unknown in recruiting circles. Playing with the Houston Dash was obviously a great learning ground because I would guess she touched the ball about 15 times today and 12 of them were good touches/decisions and she seemed positioned correctly most of the time. She needs to start because she is better than a few of the starters I saw out there today. A bit disappointed we didn't see Anderson Williams at least for a few minutes. Wonder if she is injured or maybe just beaten out by Pounds for playing time? Also, Geczik was a 4-star talent and she didn't see time. Henderson is most intriguing freshman but no time for her either. Interesting that 3 of our lowest ranked prospects all are ahead in the pecking order right now (again unless injuries)? Either good evals or rankings continue to be unreliable.

• Is Tera Ziemer injured? Her sister Taylor had a bit of a off night to start the season, but I know she will be good this year as a senior. Olivieri is a firecracker in the middle of pitch but she has to be more careful with the rough fouls. She definitely showed some flashes though.

• McCain looked like her freshman form returned today. 2 really nice goals but she should have had a hat trick after missing an easy 1v1 in the first half, and she just missed Rheagan Smith for an assist as well. Still a great start to the season. A&M will be better than expected this season if she plays like this going forward.

• GK play is still my biggest concern this season, but Hutton did have a tremendous save off the line while on her back on a rebound off the post. Hopefully that is a sign of things to come. Would like to see her be a bit more assertive still.

• Coach G and staff get credit for a better prepared and fit team that Ole Miss, although A&M clearly had a big talent edge. Auburn will provide a better picture of how good this team might be this shortened season.