The 2008-2009 Gopher Women are off to an outstanding 12-1 start and giving the U of M faithful something to follow this fall. MD has them playing some very solid at the back and in the midfield. The attack looks very dynamic at times and consistent goal production has not been a problem They are moving into their tough part of the Big 10 season. Can they make this a dream season by advancing deep into the NCAA tournament?
I think they will! Go Gophers!!
I hope they do but the next three games will tell a lot.
ReplyDeleteContender or Pretender???
Indeed, the Big Ten preseason record of the 10 mid major schools gophers beat is presently 40-67-12. The next four Big Ten opponents record is combined 32-16-4. Two of four games on long road trip are to Ohio State and Penn State. MDW goes into these games with combined Big Ten record 16-28-2 presently. There is also the added pressure of coaching against four of the more established coaches in the league raising the stakes in this contract renewal year. Great time of year to catch Gophers game Friday nite and Sunday afternoon and show your support.
ReplyDeleteThanks for starting up a Gopher thread!!!!
ReplyDeleteCome support MN this weekend vs critical match ups against ILL & PUR.
You have to love a back line this effective and fun to watch!!!
Our GK has one of the lowest goals against in the B10.
You won’t find a more dominant center mids in this conference.
The wings are doing a good job running the lines and getting balls into the box.
Only the forwards still seem to be sorting themselves out.
This team appears to win as a result of work rate eventually paying off.
That’s a tedious and exhausting way to get a victory.
Getting an NCAA bid would be such a nice finish for this senior class.
GO GOPHERS
P.S. Assuming she’s healthy and travels, PUR has a hometown player on the roster.
Forwards sorting themselves out?? I think the forwards are PLENTY talented and work way too hard. Perhaps the coaches need some help sorting out an offensive scheme that puts them in a position to succeed. Way too much launch and chase. Rarely see a one or two pass switch made or anticipated, etc.
ReplyDeleteDefenders and mids are not technically skilled enough to build an attack to put forwards in position to score. This is not meant as a criricism, typical for a college team. Gophers "direct" style is best suited to what they have.
ReplyDeleteand u12 c2 teams...look out girls, mdw might recruit you!
ReplyDeleteThe Gophs better get the NCAA bid this year because they will not be as good next year. Just the facts.
ReplyDelete12:07 - In my less than professional opinion, I disagree totally. Not typical for any of the college teams that I have watched for years. This team has more technical skill than any in recent Gopher history, and that includes mid fielders and backs. However, you have a coaching mentality that says defense is the end-all-be-all and offensive strategy plays second fiddle (perhaps because the head coach was a defender?) If you watch this team closely you will see them put effective touches together from def third to half line, then go into launch mode. Its like they get half way home and "see the barn". No reason they can't work the ball more creatively and productively in the offensive third...perhaps other than philosophy.
ReplyDeleteWhere, oh, where have all the seasoned posters gone? Tomass have you run off with both bangumom and mrs. robinson? Where are ems and halfback? Did swedish smurf eat a bad lutfisk? And all the rest of the old gang? I am tired of all the anons and their blather. I know you are lurking.........
ReplyDeleteInside info has it that Coach wont let defenders attack. ?? So there you have it, outside backs cant create and draw defenders and opening up forwards and Hoodie.
ReplyDeleteToo bad
All those missing posters...they are too busy eating crow.
ReplyDeleteAnon 12:02:
ReplyDeleteSorting out, in my dictionary, doesn't mean untalented or not working hard.
Indeed, I said they seem to eventually win because their work rate pays off.
But the team seems to lack potent forward chemistry when the leading goal scorer is off the field.
(The proof of that is the Michigan State game).
I really disagree with the notion they rely on boot or launch and chase ball.
Yes, they fall back on it sometimes.
But, I see plenty of working the ball wide and down the field and into / near the box.
It just seems to me they are missing some final piece of the puzzle at the end.
Maybe they can continue winning with just a goal a game.
That just seems like a lot of work on everyone’s part.
Especially that back line I’m really in love with ...
not anon / Obie Wan - Please do share with us the correct and informed way to post. Blather is so non PC.
ReplyDeletenot anon you are correct...some of us are lurking ... not eating crow.
ReplyDeletemdw is riding high on the typical u of m wave.
the wave of beating low quality non-conf teams...and folding when the conference begins. they will be lucky to break .500 in the conf.
ems
8:47 lucky to be .500 in conference..... but does that qualify as a "return to the upper echelon of the Big Ten".....pondering paws on chin... wink ... you betcha...10th, 5th,10th,and 6th, Big Ten finish. "The top half of the conference standings second time in three seasons", Yes Goldie rub your eyes and scratch your head. If the former football and basketball coaches had the same amount of gall to print that in their media guides with a I'll be damned attitude and knack for media spin they too might still be coaching here.
ReplyDeleteMaybe all you MDW haters would be happier on the MIAC mens thread...
ReplyDeleteDoes that stand for Mikki Is A Coach or a Counterfeit?
ReplyDeleteThis is what I see for the 2-1 Big Ten Record for the Gophers.
ReplyDeletevs Purdue L first team listed out of top 25 so really #26
vs Illinois L #16 in the country
@ Penn State L #23 in the country
@ Ohio State L
vs Wisconsin W
vs Northwestern W
vs Iowa T
4-5-1 and will lose in the first round of the Big Ten tourny
Gophers are listed as third team getting votes. The Big Ten is not good this year so maybe 4 teams in the NCAA tourney. Big Ten has had the poorest ratings of the 6 major conferences.
To get in the NCAA tourney they will need to beat Purdue and Ohio State and finish 6-3-1 and then win a first round game in the Big Ten tourney. They will not beat Penn State in PA or Illinois on Sunday at the Robbie.
At Disney tournament a few years back got opportunity to watch an amazing forward playing while my daughter team wasn't scheduled and talked with a few colleges coaches watching same player. They said a scorer like this allows a team to face and play to the goal and makes everyone else on a team better. A player like this is worth her weight in gold. They said their recruiting efforts center around signing players like that to build team around. Most good teams have to have two if not three goal scores or playmakers to end up conference champs. They can be forwards or attacking mids. They said a coach has to the personal appeal and persuasion to recruit these highly sought after players for program to be successful. Does Minnesota thru MTA , C.C.. or even SSM. have enough talent to do that or is it mandatory to have the ability to recruit from larger area . Some of better players and most productive players on this years successful squad from outside state and will be sorely missed after this year. Does MTA , C.C. and even SSM produce enough impact players to be as successful as this team as been, or will whoever coachs have to recruit more outside state to continue to improve program
ReplyDeleteAnon 6:16
ReplyDeleteRespectfully disagree and going out on a limb....
Here’s how I see it playing out barring an injury.
1 W PUR, ILL, PSU, or OSU
1 T PUR, ILL, PSU, or OSU
2 Ws WIS and NU
1 W IOWA
Final Big Ten Standings: 6W-3L-1T
IMHO…
MN will get a win and a tie ,between the next two weekends, based on defensive play and opponents who are not stronger this season.
Gophers home advantage vs WIS and NU ,who are in rebuilding mode and lost at home to MN last year, lifts them over Badgers and Wildcats.
IA natives won’t drop Minny's B10 game to the Hawkeyes.
Last year MN blew their shot at an at large NCAA bid by one game.
I think the seniors are motivated to not repeat that mistake.
12:44 - the bigger question is if MTA/CC's/SSM do produce these types of players (I have no idea if they do nor the caliber of playing you were describing) would they be willing to stay or would the lure of greener pastures at the traditionally stronger programs (ACC & west coast schools) be too strong?
ReplyDeleteSo far no one from SSM and limited interest from the few nationally recruited players that develop here, Parkhill exception. Perhaps MTA program will increase quality and quantity but they lack skills director and seem too rigid to adapt similar metro sized area , KC Legends, emphasis on young skills development over immediate team success and club recognition. C.C. can let better players play up part time at early ages and also let gifted athletic girl players practice with boys teams part time in less structured fun environment. Ironically for same reasons highly sought recruits might stay in state, those players that go outside state,
ReplyDeleteseem to migrate back to twin cities after graduating knowing the quality of life and career opportunities here compared to where they went to college.
Good luck to the Gopher women this weekend! Let's get out and support the efforts of all the girls.
ReplyDeleteIowa beats Illinois. The Big 10 is wide open this year if someone can take down PSU. They hammered MI 4-0 today and MSU whipped OSU. PSU is now in the drivers seat, as usual.
ReplyDeleteGophers beat Purdue in OT.
ReplyDeleteI believe this ends a 7 year loosing streak versus the Boilermakers.
Here's hoping MN can hand ILL their second road loss this weekend.
The Big Ten is a lot of fun right now.
Was gametracker correct in that the Gophers did not substitute a single time in the first 100 minutes of play?
ReplyDeleteThere were only two subs tonight.
ReplyDeleteClancy, Sara 12 min
Strahota, Tamara 18 min
Huge win for the Gopher girls.
ReplyDeleteMinnesota girls/womens soccer has come along way in the last 5 years.
It's great to see our "home grown" players competing and succeeding against the tough competition in the Big 10.
You go girls!
The negative posters are pretty quiet now. Now all they got left is to kick their dog.
ReplyDeletehappy for the girls, not for mdw.
ReplyDeletenice win ladies.
Why all the negativism about MDW?!
ReplyDeleteHeard nothing but positive things about her from the players!
I think there are a lot of folks who attack MDW because she recruits so many players from Bangu/MTA.
ReplyDeleteShouldn't matter a hill of beans where the players come from. They are coming! And she gets them. And obviously it's been a lot of great choices because the team under MDW is doing very, very well. Can we not just be happy for a program that's grown by leaps and bounds? This is OUR TEAM here in Minnesota and we should support our own. End of story!
ReplyDeleteThe key players on this years team (KH,JC,KK,LS,CG,KW) do not come from Bangu/MTA. Next year when they are gone we will see how this approach works.
ReplyDeleteGame Day !!!
ReplyDeleteGophers need a win vs ILL .
Come and support the team .
ILL has already lost to NU and IA. Gophers win 2-0 and all but wrap up an NCAA berth.
ReplyDeleteAnon 9:45 -
ReplyDeleteAnd neither did any of the other 2007 recruits who start. (KB,MR,JR,KK)
This season, I'm pretty sure there isn't one starter claiming BTFC as their club team. (Maybe the GK ??)
Which proves, no one club has a monopoly on developing talent in MN...
Anon 10:04-
ReplyDeleteVery true! Just maybe this team is the real thing no matter what club they are from. Doesn't matter. What matters is that they're playing as the GOPHER team right now, under the leadership of not only MDW but two other great coaches. MDW has a lot of energy and postive spirit for the players and it's obviously contagious!
Instate recruits come from the best club team in the state. This has meant SCV and Bangu in the past. 08 and 09 will be from Bangu, 2010 will come from WDB. After that TBD. The best players in the state play for the best club team. It only makes sense that that is where MDW should recruit in state. She has done a good job lately, she got 3 of the top 5 in both 08 and 09. I do think she needs to pull from outside MN also.
ReplyDeleteAgreed 10:21. At some point, out of state players will be drawn to MN Gophers because of what's being created now. But for now, nothing like playing in front of your hometown fans, friends and family. These local players have the best of all support systems by playing here. Sometimes we overlook what's right in our own backyard and under our noses.
ReplyDeleteAnother shutout win for the Gopher girls as they defeat Illinois. That's 4 shut outs in a row.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like they'll get at least 6 wins in Big 10 and get tournament bid.
Great job this season by MDW as it looks like the program has taken "BIG STRIDES" (not baby steps, heh heh) over the past few years.
It is odd how quiet ems and tomass are this year. They were always very forthcoming with their opinions previously.
ReplyDeleteWow was KKs goal a winner today.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely convincing.
This team will really miss her next year.
Now on to PSU and OSU.
Penn just got beat by MSU.
Things are heating up in the B10.
The Big 10 is wide open. No great or even really good teams but several solid ones that can beat each other on any given day. Witness all the 1-0 games so far. Very exciting.
ReplyDelete448-from ems,
ReplyDeletei've voiced my support of the team... but i still think mdw is smoke and mirrors.
the phrase, 'even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile' comes to mind.
are we talking mdw or sw?
ReplyDelete7:46 - Not only does she find the "nuts" (food for a great team) she knows how to crack them (turn them into even better players that function as a team). Smoke & Mirrors?....seems more like a great harvest!
ReplyDeletewhy the hate for MDW? Give her a chance,something positive is happening, sorry if she did not recruit your daughter
ReplyDeleteI wonder if we'd hear all the MDW bashing if the name was Mr. MDW.
ReplyDelete10:01 We sure wouldn't! Right on!
ReplyDeleteAnd we probably wouldn't have heard all the Brewster bashing if it was Ms. Brewster.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great weekend for the Gopher Women.
ReplyDeleteTwo big wins puts them in a great position to get into the big tournament.
My guess is they'll finish 6-3-1 or better in conference.
Great job by Coach Wright the past few years. It's all coming together.
It is good to see people jumping on the bandwagon but let us keep things in perspective. There have been years when the Gophers were better than their record showed but could not catch a break. This year their 4 Big 10 wins could easily have been losses or ties and MDW bashing would be in style again. This is a program that has fairly consistently been a middle of the pack Big 10 program under MDW. When things go their way as this year they can make a move to the top. When the breaks go against them as in 2006 they fall to the bottom. The talent is not that different. The seniors that lead the team were not lousy players as sophomores. Look around college soccer and you will see that underclassmen often dominate the scene. Respect that MDW has done a good job in not the greatest situation. Don't bash when things turn the other way as happens on occasion. Also don't get too excited and ahead of ourselves when things are going well, just enjoy competitive soccer and take the wins when they come.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to lose when you don't allow any goals.
ReplyDeleteThis team has a lot of heart and character.
They have many players contributing, even freshmen have scored big goals.
They deserve and have earned the success they're having this season.
10:05 flip a coin or let soccer ball go inside the post or careen outside it. Games have been extremely close in last three wins, could have been decided either way , UPCOMING road trip will challenge even more than Michigan trip did earlier. Still predicting 5-3-2 big ten record .
ReplyDelete1005 very well stated.
ReplyDelete10:53-
ReplyDeleteReally?
You are only giving them one more win in the next 5 games?
Based on defense and luck alone, I'd say they come up on top at least 2 more times.
That would give them 6 wins minimum.
I still think this is the Gopher’s year to get into NCAA tournament.
I believe the seniors are bent on finishing strong.
Bethke played for Bangu Tsunami for two or three years.
ReplyDeleteRouse played for Bangu for a few years.
ReplyDeleteDidn't Solie also play for Bangu Tsunami Sota?
ReplyDelete10:21am from yesterday (10/12) probably summed it up best in regards to where the players have and possibly will come from.
ReplyDeleteMust every success be tied to Bangu ?
ReplyDeleteWhen will it end?
They don't even exist anymore.
GO GOPHERS !!!!!
3:06
ReplyDeletePeople are responding to an earlier post claiming Bangu players weren't contributing to the Gophers success this year.
Gopher Krystle Kallman named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.
ReplyDeleteWell deserved IMHO.
She has really added an extra dimension to this team.
Did she play for Bangu?
ReplyDeletemust have...
ReplyDeleteNext years class of Gpohers AP, OB, and MP all play for MTA. Plus the freshman this year in JS, TS, SE
ReplyDeleteBangu wasn't a factor when Kallman was playing club. She played for the best team at her age group -- St. Croix Elite. Bangu came to prominence over the next few years. Remember, she is 4 years out of high school.
ReplyDeleteIn an attempt to get the Gopher thread off the Bangu subject...
ReplyDeleteMN finally cracked two of the national soccer ranking polls today.
The NSCAA/Adidas and Soccer America both placed the Gophers @ 23 in the top 25.
That’s a little more progress…
TS only played for Bangu one season. She developed in a lowly CC.
ReplyDeleteMy bad...
ReplyDeleteIt was the Soccer Times not Soccer America poll that placed MN.
Anon 1:21
Incorrect 122 TS, JS and SE all played 3 seasons with Bangu. U16 thru U18.
ReplyDeleteNo, you are incorrect. At least one spent a season with the lightning.
ReplyDeleteActually, in honor of the fact that there is nothing the Goobers wont take credit for, next weekend the Gophers are renaming the Elizabeth Robbie stadium Gooberville and a plaque with pictures of all the Goober directors on it as they are responsible for all success in Mn soccer. So be there for this piece of soccer history. There will be vendors with Goober memorabilia, goober pop cups etc. If we're lucky you can get a picture with some of their allstar directors too!
ReplyDeleteLOL 213 the two are not mutually exclusive. They played primarily with their Bangu club team and moonlighted with Lightning also.
ReplyDelete2:22 Very funny and spot on!
ReplyDeleteIt does not matter WHAT club these girls came from! They all have the same "basic ingredients" for the game of SOCCER (vs. another sport)...inherant/gifted talent, athletic, focused,good genetics for the game, LOVE the game of SOCCER, and a lot of heart.The best of the best keep themselves going...then the coaches keep guiding and teaching these wonderful young ladies.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the Tam Strahota goal vs Purdue video on the Gopher website. Great goal and great reaction from the players. However, check out the cold reception "coach" receives from everyone once she gets on the field. Reading too much into this??
ReplyDeleteAnon 5:25-
ReplyDeleteYeah, probably reading too much.
Most of those players had played 108 mintues straight.
I'm guessing they finally gave in to their exhastion after the initial hoopla.
Once WHO gets on the field?
ReplyDeletethe red star hits it on the head this morning with their article on graduation rates at the u... you want to know why i bark at the u and mdw? there it is in a nutshell...
ReplyDeleteour 'selective' land grant university is trailing just about everyone in every catagory. the men's revenue sports are a total embarassment and the rest aren't much better. the women's side rates are better, but still nothing to brag about.
hey mdw, if you can't get them into the ncaa's...maybe you can make sure they get their degree?
rather than selling your program for the next 4yrs...you should make sure your kids are prepared for their next 40yrs.
ems
Ummm don't you think quality of education is important? It is slightly more difficult to graduate from the U than West Virginia Wesleyan. I think you are better of at the MN, I don't care if WVWU has a 100% grad rate. Anybody can funnel them through. It takes effort on the student's part also.
ReplyDeleteems - why such hostility towards mdw and the uofm? is there something deeper we are all missing as most folks usually have some driving force behind their emotions.
ReplyDeleteHere’s the link to the recently released 2008 NCAA GSR Report.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ncaa.org/wps/ncaa ContentID=38484
If I'm reading the data correctly....
Women’s soccer at the U shows a 73% graduation rate.
Let’s compare Gopher Soccer to a few other U sports.
73% is clearly better than the following for male athletes.
Basketball 36% Hockey 50% Football 51% Golf 57% Wrestling 65%
Now, let’s get back on topic.
Any predictions on how the Gophers will fare versus Penn and Ohio States?
They need to get at least one draw. Losing both would be disappointing (but conceivable) and coming home with more than one point would be a great road trip IMO.
ReplyDeleteClearly the Gophers are facing their toughest road trip on several counts. But, I just don’t see them dropping both away games this weekend. Given results vs common Big 10 opponents (IND, MSU, MICH), I'd say PSU has the edge over MN and MN has the edge over OSU. However, these are road games, and Penn and Ohio are coming off motivating losses. IMHO our attackers need to come up big this weekend. It would be nice to see an overdue goal this Fri / Sun. Maybe I’m just “ wishing and hoping and thinking and praying “ but I wouldn’t count them out for a T and a W. And, If MN has games like vs Purdue they could pull off two upset victories. And that outcome would probably seal the deal for an NCAA at large bid.
ReplyDeleteCAW CAW CAW. Crow in season.
ReplyDeletesocmom
ReplyDeleteIf you look at the all Division I data for Women's Soccer the rate is 89%.
Other Big Ten:
Indiana 100%
Iowa 100%
Illinois 100%
Northwestern 95%
Michigan State 94%
Ohio State 94%
Penn State 94%
Michigan 88%
Purdue 81%
Wisconsin 81%
I think we should expect better from both the individual players and the program as a whole.
I predict a loss to Penn State and a tie with Ohio State on this tough road trip. I then predict 3 wins to finish the conference schedule.
The soccer program is the worst performing women's program at MN relative to the national average (unless you count crew as a sport) at minus 16. I would think that will go up when they graduate this large senior class though.
ReplyDeleteGopher game day.
ReplyDeleteLive stats and video available.
Start time 3PM (Central).
This is the worst team PSU has had in a decade. I smell a gopher victory and Big 10 title.
ReplyDeleteGophers down 0-1 at the half.
ReplyDeleteGophers most recent RPI ranking was #57 that is 6'th in the Big 10 due to their pitiful non-conference schedule. Don't make your NCAA travel plans yet. Still work to do and are losing 2-0 at Penn State. Big game Sunday.
ReplyDeleteAnon 4:44
ReplyDeleteI don't believe that ranking reflects wins vs Purdue or Indiana .
Loss today to PSU won't help their cause.
They need a win on Sunday vs OSU.
Penn State hasn't lost a Big 10 game on their pitch since 1995. That's an amazing record.
ReplyDeleteAdmit it, Big-10 is way way down this year.
ReplyDeleteUpdated Big Ten Standings
ReplyDeletePenn State 5-1 (15 pts)
Michigan State 5-2 (15 pts)
Purdue 4-1-2 (14 pts)
Minnesota 4-2 (12 pts)
Ohio State 4-2 (12 pts)
Illinois 3-2 (9 pts)
Iowa 2-3-1 (7 pts)
Northwestern 2-4 (6 pts)
Wisconsin 2-4 (6 pts)
Michigan 1-4-2 (5 pts)
Indiana 0-6-1 (1 pt)
Something smells kinda funky............
ReplyDeleteRPI OF GOPHERS OPPONENTS. Northern Iowa 312, Montana 179, South Dakota St.155. North Dakota St. 271, Ohio University 235, Creighton 99, Nevada 277, Idaho 294, Brown 54, Boston U.77, Michigan State 40, Michigan 110, Indiana 141, Illinois 14, Purdue 42, Penn St. 18, Ohio State 37, Wisconsin 138, Northwestern 73, Iowa 140
ReplyDeleteLast year the highest RPI that received a NCCA at large berth was 47th. Agree, really need win at Ohio State to receive chance at earning NCCA berth. With only five opponents ranked that high , 47th, and with now two wins and two losses against those teams, Ohio State is the pivotal match if Gophs get chance.
ReplyDeleteGophers can't control the RPI of opposition, especially when it comes to the Big 10.
ReplyDeleteAll they can do is win the games they play.
My guess is they'll win today at OSU.
From 2008 DIVISION I WOMEN’S SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP HANDBOOK
ReplyDeleteCriteria to be considered for at-large bid:
-Win-Loss record (minimum of .500)
-Strength of schedule
-Eligibility and availability of student-athletes
-Rating Percentage Index (RPI)
-Results versus common opponents
-Head-to-head competition
-Results versus teams already selected to participate
(including automatic qualifiers with RPI of 1-75)
-Late season performance
(last eight games including conference tournament)
Gophers leading OSU 1-0 with just a few minutes remaining. Gophers playing down 1 player due to red card.
ReplyDeleteGohers beat OSU 2-0.
ReplyDeleteGoals by Wagner and Rouse.
Red card to Rezac @ 78 min.
I hear a hand ball in box ...
Whoops...my mistake/typo.
ReplyDeleteIt's 2-0 Gophers with minutes to play.
Looks like a huge road win for the girls.
Let the naysayers keep attacking this team and MDW. They are the real deal no matter what the bashers want to say about them.
ReplyDeleteWow...huge win for the Gopher ladies.
ReplyDeleteThis team will go at least 7-3 in Big 10 and very likely 8-2.
Looks like this team could make it to NCAA this year.
Congrats to MDW, staff and players!
Go Gophers!
ReplyDeleteGreat win at OSU. You guys rock!
I see NCAA bid coming with 2 more wins and we have 3 games to play vs Big 10 teams with losing records!
You go girls!
I'm sure the Gopher women are enjoying this trip back home.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a huge win ladies.
2-0 win at Ohio State is awesome.
Nice win...
ReplyDeletefrom Gophers press release ...
“Ohio State was the only remaining team in the Big Ten that this senior group had not beaten during their careers. This win was for our seniors.”
The Big Ten is way down this year and will receive 4 bids at the most, possibly only 3. Gophers need at least 3 more wins either in regular season or Big Ten tournament to assure a bid. Be careful about assuming wins at home against a rapidly improving UW team or at Iowa.
ReplyDeleteWait til Rouse plays with the big girls. Seems like Rouse is kickin some big girl butt.Go Gophs....
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see some bloggers showing this team a little love.
ReplyDeleteThe Gophers have only lost two Big Ten games.
And those defeats didn’t come to B10 bottom dwellers.
They are now 15-2-0 overall.
I think the Gophers, especially the seniors, have earned a measure of respect.
OSU was a solid road win and a B10 game in which they finally scored more than 1 goal!!!
They will probably need to do likewise in the B10 tournament.
Come and support them at home this weekend vs NU and WIS.
All three teams have MN natives on their rosters.
I think most bloggers have shown this team love. This is a group of talented kids with great heart and CLASS. The same cannot be said for the coach.
ReplyDelete10:56 - Yes, the kids are very talented and have tremendous heart and CLASS. They leave it ALL on the field EVERY game. But to say that mdw, kc, or jr do not have heart and class speaks volumes about your character. If they were all 45 yr. old males, the tone would be much different.
ReplyDeleteGood luck the rest of the way Gophers
12:13,
ReplyDeleteI fully agree.
MDW and staff as well as the players have done an exceptional job this year.
Let the whiners whine.
12:13 - most likely someone done 10:56 wrong (or someone they know) somewhere down the line. Could be ODP, could be Gophers, etc... but usually a comment like that means that something didn't go someone's way.
ReplyDeleteWhat is amazing is how balanced the conference is this year. There are no great teams like PSU and sometimes IL or PUR has had in recent years, and none that you can count on for a W when playing them. The last place team IND, defeated IL this past weekend. Right now PSU is in first with Gophers, MSU and PUR right behind and assured of spots in the tournament. It appears that MICH and IND will miss the Big 10 tourney. After that it is wide open for spots 5-8 between OSU at 4-3 and three teams at 3-4 in IL, NU and UW. Iowa is right there at 2-4-1. IL closes with PSU, OSU and PUR. It is unlikely since they have those games at home, but it is conceivable they could go winless and miss the big 10 tournament! I don't think anyone would have predicted that. A very exciting season where games are impossible to predict.
ReplyDeletewhat's missing are schools with really strong offenses, so everyone focuses in on defense which translates into all the one goal deciding scores. When it's defense first, the deciding factor is usually a bounce here, a break here, some luck here which all evens out over the season resulting in so many teams all being bunched up.
ReplyDeleteBig Ten Standings
ReplyDelete(Through Oct 20, 2008)
PSU....6- 1- 0 (18)
MINN...5- 2- 0 (15)
MSU....5- 3- 0 (15)
PUR....4- 1- 2 (14)
OSU....4- 3- 0 (12)
WIS....3- 4- 0 (9)
ILL....3- 4- 0 (9)
NU.....3- 4- 0 (9)
IOWA...2- 4- 1 (7)
MICH...1- 5- 2 (5)
IND....1- 6- 1 (4)
Most teams have 2/3 games left
A little help...
ReplyDeleteIf only the top 8 teams go to B10s and the home team gets an automatic bid (Iowa)...
What happens if Iowa doesn't place 1-8?
Does someone get bumped?
Not all conferences only concentrate on D. The Big Ten does because of their style of play.I don't see the trend changing any time soon.
ReplyDeleteAnd since the Big10 doesnt concentrate on Offense, that is why they are missing out on some 4 star recruits!!
ReplyDeleteI would hate to see Iowa play bunker ball, or any Big10 team for that matter during the tournament and NCAA. Play them straight up. Playing bunker ball is a woosie way to play!! Kinda like back in the day when Lute Olson while at Iowa played the 4 corners. The NCAA made the change after that with the shot clock.
How can a coach explain to a recruit why they are playing bunker ball?
who are all these 4 star recruits?
ReplyDeleteIf Iowa finishes outside the top 8 the team in the number 8 spot gets bumped out.
ReplyDeleteThe players going to places like FSU, ND, Portland, UCLA, UNC, the top 10 programs.
ReplyDeleteYou look at FSU Freshman this year, a few midwestern girls on that team, you can call FSU Eclipse South. How come any Big10 programs couldnt reel these recruits in?? All you have to do is look at the recruiting threads and see where all the top players are going too. MN is lucky to get CP. But she isnt a type of player that will keep your program from playing attacking soccer.
The Big-10 is way down this year. Sure a few B10 programs have a great player, but 1 great player cant win games by herself.
Anon 10:23
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Ouch if you are #8 in that scenario.
Something on the line then for NU and WIS this weekend.
Should make for entertaining soccer at the Robbie Fri / Sun.
9:59 - how does next year's incoming group stack up? Any potential 2010's or local kids in the pipeline (although these kids would only be HS freshman/sophomores and a lot can change)?
ReplyDeleteCheck out the Big Soccer links for recruiting committments for 08,09,10
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=66
Gophers up to #28 in RPI and in good position for NCAA bid. Awful preseason schedule and general weakness in Big 10 prevent them from being higher even with a 15-2 record. Next 3 games against #64 NU, #85 Wisconsin, and #121 Iowa. They can possibly afford a loss but not to Iowa, that would put them on the bubble and needing to have a solid B10 tourney. RPI is currently 3'rd in B10. Probably 4 teams at most will go so they need to finish strong, particularly if there is a surprise winner of the conference tournament.
ReplyDeletesoccer is not much different around here than college football or basketball recruiting. some of the best leave for the marquee programs while some of the other best stay here. how many of the top 40-50 high school basketball or football recruits from outside MN ever choose to play for the gophers? and those programs have at least some past glory. the big time national soccer players migrate to the ACC & west coast schools.
ReplyDeleteRPI info is good news. Interesting that Michigan State is ranked so high. The were accused of having a cupcake pre season as well.
ReplyDeleteMSU is only ranked at #23, preseason schedule was weak but not as bad as the Gophers.
ReplyDeleteIf the Gophers are looking for goal scorers they are going to need to look out of state. There just aren't any in MN until the class of 2012 at the earliest. They struggle on offense now and their only real threat graduates this year. Get used to those 1-0 games.
ReplyDeleteAre they looking for goal scorers or playmakers? Lots of kids can score goals when presented the opportunity, but unfortunately, the player who can create their own opportunity is extremely rare. Maybe a talented attacking center mid or a playmaking forward might be their best hope. In looking at goal scorers you almost have to look at how kids perform outside of MN to truly evaluate them as scoring tons of goals in-state or even at the HS level means very little.
ReplyDeleteAgree but MN has produced some playmaking forwards over last few years. Finishers are a rare breed, which is why they are such a prized commodity.
ReplyDelete1:53 - agreed. not sure who is out there in the 2010 and later HS classes, but they do have a fast outside mid coming in who will be a nice addition to the attack.
ReplyDeleteHow is the RPI determined? Does it change if teams the Gophers beat win games later on in the season?
ReplyDeleteYes, it measures your wins and losses and also the wins and losses of the teams you play.
ReplyDeleteNext years crop of incoming freshman are average at best. None are playmakers or finishers. Gophs best chance at NCAA is this year.UNless they can get a couple of top notch transfers they will be back to .500 .
ReplyDeleteMP from Eastview will be a weapon for the Gophers.
ReplyDeleteAllie Phillips will also contrbute.
ReplyDelete837
ReplyDeletehave you watched any of next years crop from MN? AP is a very strong two way player with great vision and distributing ability...MP is incredibly dangerous and has got better speed than strahota or eckstrom- however its rarely seen with the stars because of the way ds holds her back..SB is true finisher who creates her own opportunities on the dribble as well as anyone i have seen...I think these 3 will make a significant contribution to the program.
8:37 probably did not put much stock in this years incoming freshman, but TS, SE, JS have all contributed nicely.
ReplyDeleteI have seen most of the '09 recruits play. They will indeed be nice additions to the team. Tough to contain these young women as some have explosive speed,great touch and strong work ethic. Can hardly wait to see them in maroon and gold!
ReplyDeleteMP showed great pace with the Lightning, however, she didnt really have a outstanding season box score wise (shots, goals, assists). You make the call.
ReplyDeleteI would put more stock in how she played with the Lightning and her club team than with HS. I know a few high level players who look at it for what it is and spend more time trying not to get mauled.
ReplyDeleteOf course Lightning and Club ball is more important than ANY HS game. HS doesnt get you ready for D1!! HS is for getting your name in the local paper.
ReplyDeletefor a player who just finished her junior year in HS, her line was more than acceptable for a winger. that whole offense pretty much revolved around the key striker and attacking mid.
ReplyDeletei dont think anyone is saying anything negative about MP with Lightning, yes she added spark to the outside for sure, and she tracked back well. You have to give her alot of credit for playing with Lightning!! Both her and CC from Shattuck, both Sr's in HS this year.
ReplyDeleteMP will not score for the gophers, she is best outsuide, she did not even dominate in HS ballas a forward, which is saying something. OB will be in the mix on defense. Eckstrom will be even more dangerous next year as will strohota. AP will be a nice addition.
ReplyDeleteMP is a classic wide player.
ReplyDeleteIn case anyone is interested in paying tribute to current Gopher players...
ReplyDeleteThis Friday vs Wisconsin is Senior Night.
I'd say this group deserves a little applause.
25 Dare, Lindsey GK 5-10 Sr. Apple Valley, Minn. (Apple Valley)
10 Edwards, Carlie F 5-8 Sr. Inver Grove Heights, Minn. (Simley)
17 Fruci, Elena F 5-5 Sr. Mahtomedi, Minn. (Mahtomedi)
07 Grimwood, Clare MF 5-7 Sr. Eagan, Minn. (Eagan)
22 Hood, Kelsey MF 5-6 Sr. Ankeny, Iowa (Ankeny)
15 Kallman, Krystle D 5-6 Sr. Woodbury, Minn. (West Virginia)
14 Schwartz, Lindsey F 5-7 Sr. Bettendorf, Iowa (Pleasant Valley)
19 Wagner, Kaitlin MF 5-5 Sr. Plymouth, Minn. (Wayzata)
Like to see MDW do the right thing and start ALL of them.
ReplyDeleteStarting all of the seniors on senior day in the Big Ten is one of the dumbest ideas yet. This isn't HS soccer.
ReplyDeleteYeah, so when the Gophers lose cause they started all the seniors, it of course will be MDW's fault, as always. Grow up..10;57 is absolutely right...this isn't HS soccer. Even then everyone's out to win. Name of the game in life...if you're getting the job done, then you're the one picked.
ReplyDeleteOnly two of the seniors don't currently start.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see that duo get into the game on Friday.
They've put in their time and dues at practice every day.
My hope is that the Gophers open up a good lead ASAP and the door for a little subbing.
It would be great for all 8 to be on the field together at some point.
But, I’m a D1 realist and understand that probably won’t happen.
Wisconsin is improving. I would worry about winning the game, not getting a big lead. Enjoy the win if it comes, it will be the last against the Badgers for the foreseeable future.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see everyone has their priorities in order. As Socmom states, there are 2 seniors that currently do not start. However, they have started and played extensively over their careers and are clearly not a liability on the field. These kids have invested their blood sweat and tears for 4 years to this team. They have helped recruit players, counsel the younger team members and practice their tails off to get this team where it is today. They don't have to play the whole game but they certainly deserve a start on the day designated to honor them. Dumbest idea ever? Not really.
ReplyDelete1:26 -
ReplyDeleteI DESERVE a scholarship to the University of Minnesota because I study 5 hours every day, work 3 jobs to make ends meet and raise a child hopefully to be a Gopher soccer player someday. I agree, it may not be the "dumbest" idea ever, but these two (who don't start) as well as everyone else have had it pretty good and should count their blessings. Most people probably deserve more than what they have.
I would do just about anything for my daughter just to be on the team someday.
I hope they get a chance to play, but it shouldn't ruin the opportunity and experiences they have had thus far....if they do not get in the game. THAT would be a shame.
1:39
ReplyDeleteWha???????????
It's Div 1 Athletics. No one deserves anything. Be happy you can say you are part of the team. No one owes anyone anything.
ReplyDeleteNothing like a sense of entitlement.
Nothing like a gigantic twisting of the scenario. It is one game. It is 2 players that deserve to play one game. It is not entitlement. It is doing the right thing. The same thing that most major D-1 schools across the country will be doing on Senior night.
ReplyDeletethank god this never happens in high school on Senior Night.....no wait a minute......it happens at every school. i realize it's not completely apples to apples (but not that big a stretch), but the principle is still the same.
ReplyDeleteyou have major "daughter smoke and mirrors" if you think MOST major D-1 programs across the country will be doing the same thing. Now that is definitely one of the dumbest comments I have read in a long time.
ReplyDeleteThis conversation would not even be happening if this was a about a men's team.
ReplyDeleteWhoever wrote about it "being nice if all the seniors could start", get a clue. This program is the closest ever to becoming legit. MDW should and will play to win and that means playing her players in the best rotation possible. You lose to Wisconsin this year, you won't beat them until Wilkins is gone or is old and gray!
ReplyDeleteUW-Madison should worry more about being the best college team in their own state....
ReplyDeleteIt's about doing the right thing?
ReplyDeleteThe only right thing MDW is paid to do is winning the damn game. End of story.
Stick to posting about the U10s.
There appears to be a huge drop off unfortunately between senior starters and two that dont play at all or much. Both players have been given more than gracious opportunity to contribute during their college careers more than their skills have justified. Agree Wisconsin team is preparing to become a perennial top 5 team in the Nation and this is gophers one last chance to beat them before they settle back into lower middle of Big Ten. Starting those 2 risks loss and bigger opportunities for whole team to accomplish this one good year out of four they all have played in.
ReplyDeleteThere may be a gap between the seniors who start and other seniors, but there is not a gap between them and the other reserves. They should see some time.
ReplyDeleteGame Day !!!
ReplyDeleteCome out and support the Gophers.
They stand to make it 16-2-0 and 6-2 in the Big Ten.
This team is on track to one of the best records in program history.
MDW can't afford to drop one to WI as every game now will have profound effect on the final B10 standings.
MSU and MN are tied for points in second place and we have 3 games to MSUs 2 left.
Really big weekend for Minny.
Based on this years team stats of no games played and 2 games played further indicates above is not the case. Be better for team and also those 2 players not to be put in unjustified and possible regrettable avoidable situation. Theres reason one of the players no longer plays with lighting and has been allowed more than her fair share of opportunity to play. The gap between 0 minutes, and 26 minutes to 600 plus minutes is self evident.
ReplyDelete8.55
ReplyDelete"MDW can't afford to drop one....."
so should we play everybody and their sister, maybe even bring a few out of the stands to suit up and play or should we just go ahead and worry about beating the Badgers?
856 the seniors who don't start play the game just as well as the other reserves. I am not saying they are better players, just as good. Of course MDW will give the minutes to players she is trying to develop for the future if the talent is roughly equal. It is and she does.
ReplyDeleteNice write up about the seniors posted on Gopher soccer website.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone watched the GA Bulldogs play Auburn last nite on Fox Soccer, the Sr Subs did start for GA, they didnt play alot, but she did start. And even thou GA got beat at home, the Sr was not the reason the goal was scored in the first half.
ReplyDeleteWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
ReplyDeletecry me a river.
"We are creating a nation of whimps."
Go Gophers tonight keep up the dominance at home.
Yes, that was a nice write up on the website - great summary of each player's career.
ReplyDeleteGood luck tonight Gophers.
Purdue all over OSU 3-0. Gophs need win to keep pace. OSU could miss tourney with last two games at Illinois and PSU, staring at 4-6 record. There will end up being 5 teams within 3 points of each other fighting over positions 5-9. Indiana and Michigan appear out for sure at this point.
ReplyDeleteThe Badgers have only four srs on the team.Gophs better win today.
ReplyDelete12:16....seen the new recruits play a lot. They are good players but none are impact players.
The Gophs will have a good 2009 if they finish .500
MDW better hit the Jucos.
Gophers win 2-1.
ReplyDeleteNot super attractive soccer tonight.
All seniors played.
Goals scored by Grim and Wags.
Each assisted on the others goal.
After other Big 10 games Minn still #2.
Friday Night Big Ten Games:
OHIO STATE LOSS -PURDUE WIN
MICHIGAN STATE LOSS -INDIANA WIN
NORTHWESTERN WIN -IOWA LOSS
PENN STATE WIN -ILLINOIS LOSS
WISCONSIN LOSS -MINNESOTA WIN
The Gophers will be fine in 2009.
ReplyDeleteThey have several underclassmen getting a lot of minutes who will perform well next year.
In addition to that they have 3 very good recruits coming in who will contribute as freshmen.
It's too bad so many here want to see this coach/team fail.
Why are you folks so bitter and anti-UM?
It's looking like the Gophers will wind up 8-2 in Big 10 and at 18-2 overall.
ReplyDeleteNCAA's are looking likely.
Don't let up girls!
NU goes to Double OT to beat Iowa. Gophers should be in good shape for their home finale. MSU loss makes a runnerup finish in Big 10 a solid possibility. Get out to ELRS and send them off in style. No whining about temps in the 30's and a 35 mph breeze. That will keep the bugs away. This is Minnesota!!
ReplyDelete"It's about doing the right thing?
ReplyDeleteThe only right thing MDW is paid to do is winning the damn game. End of story.
Stick to posting about the U10s."
...Thank you for helping me see the light. Is your last name Palin?
Who are the impact players everybody is referring to?
ReplyDeleteGame Day @ 1PM.
ReplyDeleteIf you've put off coming to watch the Gophers play, get out to the Robbie this afternoon.
MN is having one of the best seasons in program history.
They are loosing some dominant seniors.
Next year may be much leaner...
Let's get out and them off to Iowa in grand style.
Here are the Big Ten Standings:
Updated Standings
Penn State 7-1 (21 pts)
Minnesota 6-2 (18 pts)
Purdue 5-1-2 (17 pts)
Michigan State 5-4 (15 pts)
Northwestern 4-4 (12 pts)
Ohio State 4-4 (12 pts)
Wisconsin 3-5 (9 pts)
Illinois 3-5 (9 pts)
Iowa 2-5-1 (7 pts)
Indiana 2-6-1 (7 pts)
Michigan 1-5-2 (5 pts)
Froze my butt. Nice win for Gophers. But I don't like the boot ball. Can't figure out why they put the ball in the air on a windy day.
ReplyDeleteGophers beat Northwestern 2-0. Controlled first half but not able to score. Second half evenly played but NU wore down late. Great effort by TS for goal #1 and nice play from LS to CG for second. PSU defeats Purdue. Minesota will finish second in Big 10.
ReplyDeleteLOL all the Cali girls from NW looked like they would rather be somewhere else. No more complaining about "bootball". MDW plays a style which fits her talent. She has several good athletes, not a lot of technically skilled players. You can't criticize 17-2.
ReplyDeleteIf you braved the weather today, I'm sure the Gopher gals appreciate the effort.
ReplyDeleteIt was miserable at the Robbie today.
Gophers pull off another win.
Looks like they will finish second in Big 10.
Nice way to head into the B10 and NCAA (?) tournaments.
#1 Notre Dame Started all of their Seniors today. Boy they must really be dumb! -- "Following a pre-game Senior Day ceremony, Waldrum elected to start all six of his seniors -- Inglis, Hanks, Bock, midfielder Rebecca Mendoza (Garland, Texas/North Garland), and defenders Carrie Dew (Encinitas, Calif./La Costa Canyon) and Elise Weber (Elk Grove, Ill./St. Viator Academy) -- with Inglis making her first career start in her 18th career game."
ReplyDeleteThey also are not in the midst of fight for the NCAA tournament and Big Ten standings.
ReplyDeleteNotre Dame is #1 in the country and Seton Hall is dead last in the Big East.
They won the game 6-0. 24 player played in total.
10:07,
ReplyDeleteYou're spot on!
There are some folks on this blog who would be bashing MDW if she found the cure for cancer.
Tournament possibilities. Anything could happen in the last Big Ten soccer tourney.
ReplyDeletePSU has #1 seed
MN has #2 seed
PUR will be #3 or #4
MSU anywhere from #3 to #7
ILL from #4 to out
NW from #4 to out
OSU from #4 to out
Iowa from #5 to #8
WIS from #5 to out
IND out
MICH out
Not bashing MDW. Just expressing a different view, one that at least a couple of decent D1 teams follow. Kinda thought that's what these blog thingies were for.
ReplyDelete?? I thought they were for bashing or praising MTA and bragging about your kid!
ReplyDeleteCurrent Big Ten Standings
ReplyDeletePSU...8- 1- 0 (24)
MINN..7- 2- 0 (21)
PUR.. 5- 2- 2 (17)
MSU...5- 4- 0 (15)
ILL...4- 5- 0 (12)
NU....4- 5- 0 (12)
OSU...4- 5- 0 (12)
IOWA..3- 5- 1 (10)
IND...3- 6- 1 (10)
WIS...3- 6- 0 (9)
MICH..1- 6- 2 (5)
Final Big Ten Games
Fri 10/31 MICHIGAN @ MICHIGAN STATE
Fri 10/31 OHIO STATE @ PENN STATE
Fri 10/31 MINNESOTA @ IOWA
Fri 10/31 NORTHWESTERN @ WISCONSIN
Fri 10/31 PURDUE @ ILLINOIS
Gopher Claire Grimwood named Big 10 Offensive Player of the Week.
ReplyDeleteShe had an outstanding weekend.
Congrats to one of the hardest working players on the field.