mullokmotx said:

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This format is a challenge for the player's parents as they are racking up frequent flier miles to watch their daughters play the biggest games of their careers.

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!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the comment. In no way would I say I have a technical understanding of soccer.
I don't think anyone has mentioned that Kenna Caldwell was going to be, I think, the 9th kicker in the shootout. She put on a white jersey with the number 23 on it. I wish I had noted who the others in the lineup were.

"Having said that, some might disagree, but the backline really struggled today. Yes, they did make some good stops and blocked some shots in front of goal. But all three starters made multiple mistakes and had a few moments of lackluster defending that led to OSU goals. I know the 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 has worked well for us this season, but with the loss of Lopez I have to wonder if having only 3 in the back is the best lineup going forward. We probably don't have enough quality right now to play a fourth in the back. I don't know. But right now our margin for error is very small with Kate Colvin playing out of her natural position in the midfield. And both Sample and Smith have to make better decisions on the ball."

I was able to watch most of the game in real time. I think what you outlined above is accurate, and has been an issue in the last 3-4+ matches I've watched. It's more prominent towards the ends of matches when fatigue sets in. Towards the end of the match yesterday it was understandable that their legs weren't under them and it was just a gut it out sort of game due to the heat and humidity. But, as strong as our backline is at times, they also have lapses of judgement in terms of defensive management. The backline is fast and aggressive and can out body just about any team they play, so that is something we will have to watch in the next match as I bet those errant/bouncy uncontrolled and square passes are something Anson tries to take advantage of against us.

Back line decision making has been my biggest concern with this team all season. It got exposed by OSU a bit. We need to firm up our defensive decisions if we are going to get by UNC, cannot give a team like that cheap goals.

Wednesday was just the 3rd game for Kate Colvin on the back line. In the post game interview G said the team was warned about making cross field passes against OSU.