Thoughts from the game:
-came out in a 442 diamond formation to match up vs the front 3 of Baylor. Started with 20 and 55 up top. 55 will need to be a 90 minute player come conference games even as a freshman, she's so dangerous. Started with 10 playing at the top of the diamond behind the 2 forwards, 9 subbed in at that spot as well and was the goal scorer right before half time. 16 played off the left, 7 off the right, and 8 at the base of the midfield. 14, 11, 6, 2 were the back 4 for the majority of the game from left to right. Will be interesting to see if he sticks with the 442 shape vs all front 3 teams.
-in possession it still looked like a back 3, with 2 at right back pushing high up the field.
-first goal was just poor marking in transition. 2nd goal was a ball in behind the right back in transition who was caught flat footed. Considering she's listed as a forward, not too surprising to see her out of position defensively, but I love to see coach tying to maximize the talent that gets on the field. Overall I think she played a good game.
-I think the formation didn't do us any favors defensively. In possession 16, and 7 were both out wide to provide width, and then when we lost possession the middle was very open. 16, and 7 both had to run a ton to cover the midfield and outside because the forwards were not going to track all the way back and outside.
-8 and 16 in the midfield are so vital. They both run forever and are physical.
-would like to see 18 at left back if we stay with the back 4 vs front 3 teams. We need attacking fullbacks if we want to have any chance at creating. Go man on man in the back. We're already giving up chances as it is by going +1 in the back so might as well try pushing another number forward in my opinion.
-too much will be talked about the shots given up. With how coach likes to play, we will always give up a lot of chances in transition, especially while the team gels. The more glaring problem is the amount of possession we have, compared to the shots it turns into. Lots of wasted possession that doesn't progress forward into threatening positions.
-the 2nd half when 5 went in at left back and pushed up was more positive.
-you can see things are still in the feeling out phase, which is expected. Need to figure out what the shape will be for us vs front 3 teams and get used to that because I expect to see that a lot. Eventually all the possession will lead to more constant chances once they get used to each other. Stay positive and don't freak out that a team with a ton of new players figuring out how to play together haven't gelled yet. Enjoy the improvement.