DanMcQ
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Post by DanMcQ on Jun 3, 2019 11:30:32 GMT -5
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DanMcQ
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Post by DanMcQ on Jul 25, 2019 18:27:00 GMT -5
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Post by bearsandbulls on Aug 8, 2019 11:55:46 GMT -5
Teams up in Germantown getting ready. Voted a unanimous number 1 by the coached of the Big East, along with a #7 national ranking after finishing #4 last year. For those of you that have been on campus, is Shaw Field ready to play on. There was major disruption and I was there in May for graduation and it was one big pile of dirt. Word is that it is ready. I sure hope so with such a strong tradition being developed by Dave Nolan and staff.
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DanMcQ
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Post by DanMcQ on Aug 8, 2019 14:57:51 GMT -5
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Post by TrueHoyaBlue on Aug 9, 2019 13:26:16 GMT -5
Teams up in Germantown getting ready. Voted a unanimous number 1 by the coached of the Big East, along with a #7 national ranking after finishing #4 last year. For those of you that have been on campus, is Shaw Field ready to play on. There was major disruption and I was there in May for graduation and it was one big pile of dirt. Word is that it is ready. I sure hope so with such a strong tradition being developed by Dave Nolan and staff. I heard at one point that the goal was to have Shaw is great playable condition by August 20th. Hopefully they’re ready to hit that mark. Wonder if the team has managed to get anytime with Rose Lavelle and the Washington Spirit while they’re up in Germantown. Hope so.
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RusskyHoya
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Post by RusskyHoya on Aug 11, 2019 22:48:34 GMT -5
Some quick pre-season thoughts as we enter exhibition week:
1. Short-term - some key pieces to replace at each row of the formation, including of course at keeper, but also some strong experience returning all over. The pieces are there, such that the overall talent dropoff from last season should be marginal at worst (the possible exception being Kyra Carusa, who I think was even more talented than she sometimes showed - and she showed a lot!). But how well will the pieces gel together? In particular, I will be interested to see the new GK's range and distribution abilities, as Arielle Schechtman was often able to flip field position and destabilize the opponent's defensive shape with a single mighty kick.
2. Medium-term - the Big East has the potential to become a top women's soccer conference... or, barring that, Georgetown has the potential to become a perennial player on the national stage. Getting to that point requires a consistent stream of high-level talent, which typically requires a consistent string of NCAA tournament showings. Off years happen, of course, but in the medium term, the goal should be to maintain a constant presence in the conversation.
3. Long-term - Women's soccer is on the upswing in the US and globally, even as the Hoyas are looking down the road and seeing an extended period of having to play on a turf football field in their future. Can the program put itself in an advantageous position to ride the wave to heights that are unfazed by a multi-year exile away from the natural grass pitch on which they have made their mark up til now?
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DFW HOYA
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Post by DFW HOYA on Aug 12, 2019 8:31:36 GMT -5
3. Long-term - Women's soccer is on the upswing in the US and globally, even as the Hoyas are looking down the road and seeing an extended period of having to play on a turf football field in their future. Can the program put itself in an advantageous position to ride the wave to heights that are unfazed by a multi-year exile away from the natural grass pitch on which they have made their mark up til now? There's a great opportunity here with a little bit of forward thinking at the gymnasium. One, the timeline for a move from Shaw to Cooper is cloudy at best, but is probably 7-10 years off. There is enough on GU's facilities plate not to start digging up Yates just yet and the $10 million committed to bandaging Kehoe Field buys some time--obviously, you're not imploding the roof if the turf has only been on there a few years. But the stage is set to retire Shaw during the construction and the design of the facility that succeeds it (call it Kehoe Field III) may or may not be in the best interests of that program. However, Cooper Field does not need to be a competitive disadvantage for soccer, and here's why. The FIFA field standard for is natural turf but a number of Premier League facilities use a hybrid called GrassMaster. Its Wikipedia page explains it as follows (metric references removed): "GrassMaster reinforces a natural grass pitch by vertically inserting 20 million polypropylene (PP) fibres into the soil. The (7.9") long PP fibres are injected by computer-controlled machines, (7.1") deep so (0.79") remains above the surface, in a grid about (0.79"x 0.79"). The grass roots entwine with the fibres and grow deeper and wider.The PP fibres above the surface are designed to ensure an even and stable surface. GrassMaster may be installed before seeding, after seeding or on grass sods." A case could be made that if Georgetown invested in a field at Cooper like this, the recruiting negatives about a turf field could be reversed--college players would be playing on the same type of surface at Wembley or Old Trafford, not a hard artificial turf built on shredded tires, with the growing health concerns about this product. Cooper Field (nee MSF) is arguably the busiest turf field in the nation and wears out much more than its comparable fields by sheer volume, so that's a legitimate consideration, as is price. But depending on the form and function of Shaw's replacement (which could well be a more turf based solution by necessity), a hybrid solution at Cooper would be a win for every team, save field hockey.
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Elvado
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Post by Elvado on Aug 12, 2019 9:19:00 GMT -5
3. Long-term - Women's soccer is on the upswing in the US and globally, even as the Hoyas are looking down the road and seeing an extended period of having to play on a turf football field in their future. Can the program put itself in an advantageous position to ride the wave to heights that are unfazed by a multi-year exile away from the natural grass pitch on which they have made their mark up til now? There's a great opportunity here with a little bit of forward thinking at the gymnasium. One, the timeline for a move from Shaw to Cooper is cloudy at best, but is probably 7-10 years off. There is enough on GU's facilities plate not to start digging up Yates just yet and the $10 million committed to bandaging Kehoe Field buys some time--obviously, you're not imploding the roof if the turf has only been on there a few years. But the stage is set to retire Shaw during the construction and the design of the facility that succeeds it (call it Kehoe Field III) may or may not be in the best interests of that program. However, Cooper Field does not need to be a competitive disadvantage for soccer, and here's why. The FIFA field standard for is natural turf but a number of Premier League facilities use a hybrid called GrassMaster. Its Wikipedia page explains it as follows (metric references removed): "GrassMaster reinforces a natural grass pitch by vertically inserting 20 million polypropylene (PP) fibres into the soil. The (7.9") long PP fibres are injected by computer-controlled machines, (7.1") deep so (0.79") remains above the surface, in a grid about (0.79"x 0.79"). The grass roots entwine with the fibres and grow deeper and wider.The PP fibres above the surface are designed to ensure an even and stable surface. GrassMaster may be installed before seeding, after seeding or on grass sods." A case could be made that if Georgetown invested in a field at Cooper like this, the recruiting negatives about a turf field could be reversed--college players would be playing on the same type of surface at Wembley or Old Trafford, not a hard artificial turf built on shredded tires, with the growing health concerns about this product. Cooper Field (nee MSF) is arguably the busiest turf field in the nation and wears out much more than its comparable fields by sheer volume, so that's a legitimate consideration, as is price. But depending on the form and function of Shaw's replacement (which could well be a more turf based solution by necessity), a hybrid solution at Cooper would be a win for every team, save field hockey. Fantastic, well-reasoned solution. Chances it takes place? Hah!!!
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Nevada Hoya
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Post by Nevada Hoya on Aug 12, 2019 15:00:30 GMT -5
A case could be made that if Georgetown invested in a field at Cooper like this, the recruiting negatives about a turf field could be reversed--college players would be playing on the same type of surface at Wembley or Old Trafford, not a hard artificial turf built on shredded tires, with the growing health concerns about this product.
Our EPA lab was concerned with this tire crumb problem. Many tire crumb samples were analyzed by my co-workers. The danger was mainly anecdotal, but it seemed as if women soccer players, who played mainly on artificial turf, were coming down with some cancers at higher rates than normal.
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Post by bearsandbulls on Aug 13, 2019 17:41:45 GMT -5
Oh, and by the way, tomorrow starts the season----not the official one, but two exhibitions. George Mason at their facility tomorrow at 7PM for those interested, followed by top 10 Penn State at Germantown at 6 PM Sunday. Both officially exhibitions, but a good early look.
Back line looks very, very strong. Mid field was to be all seasoned vets until Grace was injured, but still looking good. We saw Lauren in goal at the Final Four when Air was injured prior to a PK and Oh Boy. The frontline has experience but is without Kyra and Caitlin, both playing pro right now. No denying that Paula and Amanda are solid. This team could be very good. it will be interesting to see how everything back fills. My biggest concern is scoring punch.
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Post by bearsandbulls on Aug 14, 2019 23:01:37 GMT -5
Although an exhibition our ladies went on the road to unofficially start the season beating George Mason on their home turf four to nil. Paula G-W got a hat trick and Maya Fernandez closed it out. Nice start Hoyas as GMason was tabbed to be top 3-4 in their league. More to come this weekend with Pedophile State U at the Maryland Complex. This should be a good one, with the Nittany Lions ranked #6 preseason. Coach Nolan getting that toughness from the team early on before the games go on the record starting the 22nd.
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DanMcQ
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Post by DanMcQ on Aug 15, 2019 23:49:54 GMT -5
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RusskyHoya
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Post by RusskyHoya on Aug 17, 2019 22:08:18 GMT -5
There's a great opportunity here with a little bit of forward thinking at the gymnasium. One, the timeline for a move from Shaw to Cooper is cloudy at best, but is probably 7-10 years off. There is enough on GU's facilities plate not to start digging up Yates just yet and the $10 million committed to bandaging Kehoe Field buys some time--obviously, you're not imploding the roof if the turf has only been on there a few years. But the stage is set to retire Shaw during the construction and the design of the facility that succeeds it (call it Kehoe Field III) may or may not be in the best interests of that program. However, Cooper Field does not need to be a competitive disadvantage for soccer, and here's why. The FIFA field standard for is natural turf but a number of Premier League facilities use a hybrid called GrassMaster. Its Wikipedia page explains it as follows (metric references removed): "GrassMaster reinforces a natural grass pitch by vertically inserting 20 million polypropylene (PP) fibres into the soil. The (7.9") long PP fibres are injected by computer-controlled machines, (7.1") deep so (0.79") remains above the surface, in a grid about (0.79"x 0.79"). The grass roots entwine with the fibres and grow deeper and wider.The PP fibres above the surface are designed to ensure an even and stable surface. GrassMaster may be installed before seeding, after seeding or on grass sods." A case could be made that if Georgetown invested in a field at Cooper like this, the recruiting negatives about a turf field could be reversed--college players would be playing on the same type of surface at Wembley or Old Trafford, not a hard artificial turf built on shredded tires, with the growing health concerns about this product. Cooper Field (nee MSF) is arguably the busiest turf field in the nation and wears out much more than its comparable fields by sheer volume, so that's a legitimate consideration, as is price. But depending on the form and function of Shaw's replacement (which could well be a more turf based solution by necessity), a hybrid solution at Cooper would be a win for every team, save field hockey. It certainly would be nice to have a little bit more clarity around the timeline. I have a hunch that the Yates/Kehoe Castle Maneuver will be part of the next capital campaign, which launches... I don't know when. At the SFS 100 Gala this November, maybe? In any case, the restoration of the Yates roof is meant to relieve a big chunk of that use that makes Cooper Field "arguably the busiest turf field in the nation... (that) wears out much more than its comparable fields by sheer volume." Hopefully that can reduce some of the wear-and-tear on Cooper Field in the medium term, freeing up both resources and possibilities. A key component of New Yates *must* be recreational field space; exactly how you accomplish that is unclear to me, but the technology around rooftop fields has greatly improved even just here in the last decade (see, e.g., Worcester Polytechnic Institute, UC San Diego, and Union City High School in New Jersey. Hopefully, the fundamental design flaws of Old Yates need not be repeated, and a truly sustainable recreational roof field is possible. The GrassMaster idea is a good one... although I wonder how well that kind of surface stands up to the pounding dished out by American football? Any evidence one way or the other?
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Post by bearsandbulls on Aug 18, 2019 12:23:24 GMT -5
As the exhibition season often flies under the radar, the Georgetown WSOC team (#7 nationally preseason) met #6 Penn State U at the Germantown Complex last night. They played a modified three 30 minute periods and the score wound up nil-nil as one might suspect.
Initial reports have the Hoyas looking good and seemingly playing to their rating/expectation. New frosh standouts were attacking mid Julia, forward Gia and goalie Anna from New Zealand who plays an aggressive goalie position with wanting the ball.
So Thursday the official season begins on the road at James Madison. Following that the Hoyas return home to face NCState, an ACC foe to kick off the home slate. Hopefully Shaw Field will be ready as right now it is too close to call.
All in all, they have gotten out of the gate quite well.
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Post by volleyballjack on Aug 19, 2019 8:18:45 GMT -5
So looking forward to watching this team this season! Go Hoyas!
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Post by bearsandbulls on Aug 21, 2019 15:23:17 GMT -5
Latest report is that the grass is down on Shaw Field. The question, is will it be ready for Sunday and our ACC opponent NCState?
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DanMcQ
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Post by DanMcQ on Aug 23, 2019 7:10:25 GMT -5
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Post by bearsandbulls on Aug 23, 2019 8:06:20 GMT -5
For a first game, much like making sausage----not always pretty, but the job got done. Defense was very solid, the JMU goal coming on a missed catch by goalie (set piece) who played an otherwise solid game. First half looked more like Hoya soccer that we have become used to. We will need to find scoring punch but there were a number of missed opportunities. Finish is the key.
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Post by TrueHoyaBlue on Aug 23, 2019 8:25:39 GMT -5
Hopefully the finishes come fast. That seemed to be the Achilles heel for the men’s team last year, even when they got the ball toward/into the box, finishing was a challenge..
I have faith that both teams will improve their finishing abilities as the season goes on.
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Post by bearsandbulls on Aug 23, 2019 9:36:29 GMT -5
Hopefully the finishes come fast. That seemed to be the Achilles heel for the men’s team last year, even when they got the ball toward/into the box, finishing was a challenge.. I have faith that both teams will improve their finishing abilities as the season goes on. You have to be patient. This team lost a ton of firepower (over 50% of last years scoring), has had injuries (first team goalie Lauren having back surgery, Grace knee surgery) and is playing quite well. Dave has a few very good freshmen(women) who are fitting in right away and backfilling the positions of injury. But like with all things, the team needs to find its identity and cohesiveness on the field. By the looks of things it should work out nicely. Try to get a peek this Sunday at Shaw Field for ACC opponent NCState (#21). This will be a good barometer. BTW, the JMU announcers last night said Penn St (#6) beat us in an Exhibition game. My sources say it was 0-0. Should be a good year.
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