The Gators ARE getting some of that (Hinenkamp, Bailey, and Butts). Plus, they are quickly learning how defensive organization and positionng can neutralize a speedy opponent. FSU's second-year coach is obviously emphasizing speed over tactics. And their offense IS elementary: kick it far and try to outrun the opponent to the ball. They now remind me of those uber-athletic teams that advance to the world cup: successful against teams with lesser physical talent, but ultimately impotent against teams with nearly comparable athleticism and better tactics. Even with UF's markedly less athleticism, their superior defensive positioning allowed them to play FSU to a virtual standstill the whole game. The one goal FSU got was only because their player outran the UF defender in a 1v1 situation in front of the goal. You should watch them. As I posted earlier: there will be some rough spots. But, dang if they're not making the most of what they've got. This coach is doing a great job.
I do watch them. And I've enjoyed the SIGNIFICANT improvement over the last couple years. We were the much better team vs Miami and deserved better than a tie. And yes we definitely held our own vs FSU, but they still had us on our heels the entire second half. Felt like we hardly had the ball. I guess I'm just not seeing FSU with average individual skill and youth league team tactics like you are, at least not for college soccer (WOMEN'S college soccer). In today's women's college soccer they're about as good as you get. They've played all the best teams the last few years and beaten them. How many final fours and national championships do they have now? We were once the better program, but they've completely passed us, and it sucks. I'm definitely thrilled that we are on the way back and look so much better than recent years. And I agree I think we have the right coach now.
Ultimately, our small disagreement is about how FSU plays offense....and who cares about them anyway? Go Gators!
Wish I could find enjoyment in this sport. I watched UF at FSU on Sunday. At 1-0, I could have cared less who won as I was bored with the low score and the slow pace of action. It was like both teams were trying not to lose instead of trying to win. I actually enjoyed seeing the breakaway score even though it cost UF the game. To me, if FSU is #4 then UF is #5. The only difference I think I saw was that FSU seemed to handle the ball just a bit better, but take that with a shaker of salt as not coming from a knowledgeable soccer fan.
Uf vs Mizzou. I didn't get to see the first half, but UF trailed 2-1 at halftime. (Apparently fell behind 2-0 after the first 20 minutes.) Mizzou scored again early in the second half. Conference play is going to be a challenge this year, but that's no surprise.
UF stepped up their energy on offense in the final 20 minutes and created multiple dangerous scoring chances. Hinnenkamp converted a breakaway, and there were several other very near misses to tie the score, including one with :05 remaining. Final: 3-2 Mizzou.
It's sad to me how far Gator soccer has fallen from the days when we dominated the SEC. Becky Burleigh built a powerhouse program, but stayed around too long. This year's team is better than last year's, especially on defense. They continue to have trouble on the offensive end. While I find soccer tremendously boring, I still watch a good number of Gator soccer matches and follow the team fairly closely.
We held FSU to one goal but gave up three to terrible team. Their coach is in her first year. Our is in her second. But I will trust those who know more about soccer than I. But our AD is not good at hiring winning coaches. So, I hope this team is better than last year. But if we can't beat Missouri who in the SEC can we beat?
Don’t have the athletes currently. Speed kills in all sports. We also got a bad reputation through some of our coaching hires and their treatment of student athletes. The soccer coaching hire after Becky caused further regression in his short stay.
UF vs Tenn just starting. Tenn starting out with high pressure in the midfield. This has been every SEC opponent's (successful) tactic against UF for many years now. We'll see if our ladies can withstand the onslaught until it fades.
Same thing as last game. They seem to be regressing instead of improving. No clear ideas most times of what they are trying to do going forward. Just kick it far and hope.
1st half summary: UT leads 1-0. UF withstood the Vols pressure, but Florida's passing has been careless - resulting in many unforced turnovers. I'm also unimpressed by Florida's off-the-ball workrate. They are constantly chasing their own passes on offense and slow to reorganize on defense - which forces them to chase the Vol's midfielders and forwards, and directly led to UT's goal.
Agreed, except I'm not sure they are regressing on offense. They are facing better teams and their offense is being exposed for what it is (or isn't).
Several great saves by UF's GK. The defense is getting beaten like a rented mule. And there's another Tenn goal.
