blake2003 said:

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Could've won… could've lost. Need to value scoring opportunities more. And corners are a disaster. Hopefully we improve.

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• Stating the obvious, A&M was the beneficiary of two obviously blown PK calls after Sample dragged her leg twice across Clemson players. It's almost certain the Tigers would have scored at least one of those to win the match. Sample has got to stop lunging at opponents' feet in the box because future refs are going to call that every time. A&M was very fortunate to get the draw.

• Caldwell is poised for a big season after what we witnessed tonight. At least two point blank saves with her best in the first half by sticking out a foot to stop a certain goal after the defense collapsed in front of her, and then another in front of goal in the second half. She makes herself big in front of goal and her positioning seemed solid all night. It's also pretty telling when she had to come up field to take free kicks (another reason why losing Geczik was a huge blow to the season). Probably the MVP tonight for us.

• Carolyn Calzada is going to be a good one. She was flat out dominant on the outside, shutting down almost every Clemson attack by excellent positioning and timing her tackles well. She has good speed and the game comes naturally to her. This is why I was questioning why she wasn't rated higher nationally, especially with all her experience with the National team. She was by far our best defender tonight as a true freshman.

• A&M played well in the first half, controlling possession, but just couldn't create any real chances in the final third, something that has been an issue for years now outside of a few seasons. The midfield is still coming together and I don't think we saw the real lineup out there with a few players out or not at full strength. Newcomers Beccera or Cornog didn't really stand out, but they were involved in some good movement at times through the middle and give-and-goes on the more dangerous chances forward. But I do think Beccera has a chance to be good long term as she can settle the ball and help create a rhythm for the midfield. And Colvin and Cornog have to be better in front of goal. Get your head and shoulders over the ball when you shoot. No more field goals.

• Outside of Calzada, I thought the defense was sketchy at times tonight. Sure, they had some good stops and takeaways, but I thought both Sample and Smith were just a half step slow tonight. Smith was our best player halfway through last season but just doesn't seem quite the same since that time. And Sample just doesn't have the quickness to stay with opposing forwards on 1v1 situations, which stretches and puts pressure on the backside of the defense. Call me delusional, but I'm a bit concerned about this group as a whole going forward, which sounds strange considering they pitched a shutout (albeit with the ref's help), but I see some real issues here unless they clean it up. I hope I'm completely wrong about this. And of course, Caldwell made us look better than we were. The Tigers could have legitimately scored 4 goals tonight, which would have changed the basic perception of the backline completely.

• With Hayes playing limited minutes with nagging injury, we just don't have much attack in the final third. As soon as she came into the match, A&M had more juice on the field in attack and it was obvious. Carroll was certainly back to form at times with a nutmeg and a few other setups that should have been converted, but she can't do it herself and she is more of an assist type forward. We need someone who can finish in front of goal. McDonald is not really a forward; she's an outside mid with her speed and quickness because she doesn't have a strong leg to make shots in front of goal. I hope the coaches will pair Hayes with Carroll up top and move McDonald to a more natural position.

• We continue to struggle on corner kicks. Just not dangerous enough and usually too close to the GK to give us a chance to connect. How about starting the team on the top of the goal box and running on to outside bending kicks? This has always been something that I wish Coach G would go out and hire the best corner kick coach available. It's frustrating year after year.

• This may sound worse that it was, and I think we'll improve going forward when we are back at full strength, but I'm trying to be realistic about our chances in the SEC and making the tournament. What I saw tonight gives me pause, unless of course Clemson turns out to be a great team.

• Finally, that might have been the worst field I've ever seen for an opening match that I've been able to see in person or on TV. I mean, come on Clemson, did you guys have a truck rally the weekend before on your home turf? Do you have a grounds crew? Geez, what an embarrassment,