A disappointing game last night. 7 offsides calls (to zero) and 12 fouls (to 8) really hurt. Need to be more disciplined.

An improved outing last night on the road vs. Pacific. Still need to work on discipline, as UCD had 2x as many fouls as UOP, gave up 3 more corners than we won, and had 2 offsides to none for the Tigers.

I like that Mertz is playing lots of people in the first two games, including two goalies for a half each. Traci Joyner is an outstanding coach, but one criticism I had was that she plays field starters too much. That trend is continuing in her first two games at Oregon. And only gave one goalie any playing time at all.

Mertz is having to deal with the fallout from that now. Only 5 of the Aggies' returning players had anything close to significant playing time under Joyner. In addition to the lack of truly experienced players returning this season, research indicates that greater playing time potentially compromises running performance during late season and postseason competition. Maybe partly why Davis didn't get over the hump in the Big West Tournament.

From my own coaching experience, I believe players need actual game experience as well as practice time to develop optimally. And, if players know they really can or will get regular, significant playing time, they work harder in practice. Not just for the opportunity, but to prepare themselves to take advantage of it.

0

Ags up 1-0 on Sac!

Make that 2-0.

Last night UCD fought back in the last 4 minutes to gain a 1- 1 tie with Santa Barbara (last season's BW tournament champ; also picked to finish 2nd this year. Gritty, hang-in-there and find a way performance by the Aggies. Stdney Bushman got the equalized with assists by Ana Coverdale and Kylie Redman. Goalie Cat Pieper continues to impress with 7 saves, only conceding a PK.

Next up: Cal Poly at home on Sunday.

The women's soccer team continues to play hard, but still have difficulty finding the back of the net, having recorded only 9 goals in 13 outings this season. Defensively, the backline and goalkeeping have been better than statistics indicate, but they're under constant game-long pressure. Until the midfield and frontline do batter at A) maintaining possession, and B) scoring, wins will be tough to come by.

Next up: UC San Diego at home on Thursday. The Tritons are having similar struggles, so hoping the Aggies can start righting the ship.

After another tough 1-nil loss, the Aggies host The Beach at 1PM today. Kudos to Coach Kay Mertz, her staff, especially the players for continuing to grind and play with Aggie Pride through a difficult season.