Good stuff. I remember Tillman being so dangerous 2 years ago, especially in the NCAA tournament. Really stepped up when the offense dried up and was hard to defend with some insane speed bursts from behind the cage. Feels like he's playing conservative.thegman wrote: ↑Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:32 pmI did, and will qualify my comments with I was laid up with the stomach flu (not recommended) so don't take this for much insight.
Duffy is clearly fearless (borderline reckless) going to goal. I'm giving him a lot of rope though as we need that Alpha mentality somewhere at A. Before long he'll be labeled a "volume" shooter but I don't care and I don't think coaches do either. His misses this year have been a large % of pipes and/or a half-step away from getting clear to top-side and/or free hands. That will come, he's too talented not to adapt and in most every game he's drawn the #1 pole. McGovern is the calm steady hand and Petro the finisher. I like Matan getting run vs bigger bodied poles but trust coaches know better when/if he's at A. Levy is doing far better this season than my perception of a "coach's kid" getting time as a courtesy.
Mid seems to still be a work in progress. I'm praying Tillman gets his shooting % up because he's dangerous (and a GREAT kid). He's the quickest we have at the position and able to beat most any SSDM off the dodge with his 1st step. His UNC resume indicates he can score when he's locked in. He had 1 solid finish running through 3-4 guys but missed a step-down. I'm getting more impressed with Wrede as his run time increases. He had a nice BTB finish and whatever he's doing in practice indicates he's earning the extra time. Hoping that DeMarco can ramp up his production soon. He's too talented to be a role player. And my final thought is English needs some run on offense. He's got the talent, frame, motor and nose for the goal that would help IMHO. Matan/Egan need more fire coming out of the box. Maybe someone needs to remind them both of their size and ability to muscle their way to draw and dump or get a step to the goal.
D is better than I thought it would be, Barton in particular. I'm waiting for Thomann to get to his HS YouTube highlights form but again giving him time being thrown into the fire as a Fresh.
FO is clearly a strong suit. Wambach and Tyeryar are a potent 1-2 punch.
I agree, the midfield is the biggest weakness. I'm confident enough in Dom, Duff, and Matan to score. Good for about 5-6 goals a game in ACC play. But that won't be enough. This team is really lacking that elite sniper like a Luke Goldstock or Chad Tutton who could rip it from anywhere. Lack of midfield production is partly to blame from Duffy's volume shooting. Puts more pressure on him to try to do more.