Every week throughout the season, former UCLA and U.S. Under-16 National Team midfielder Jessica Stamp provides color analysis for the Texas Soccer Web broadcasts and her perspective on the team's performance over the last week. A Houston, Texas, native, Stamp played for the Challenge Soccer Club before winning a Pac-10 Championship and reaching the College Cup Finals as a UCLA Bruin.
OFFENSE
Texas continued to execute its offensive game plan this past weekend as the Longhorns easily dismantled non-conference opponents Houston and Steven F. Austin by a score of 4-0. Despite both visiting teams coming out in a defensive formation, Texas pounced early, putting a goal across against Houston in less than two minutes and scoring in less than 12 minutes against SFA. Scoring this quickly relieves much of the frustration that can accompany a stubborn wall of defenders created by formations like the 4-5-1. The UT offense pressed from beginning to end in each of these matches, tallying a total of 64 shots. The team took these shots from all over the offensive third, putting a large percentage on frame, and consistently converting throughout each half of play. While the team once again spread the offense around by using different modes of attack, a significant number of goals came from individual efforts. Freshman forward Nikki Arlitt in particular sprinted into the goal leader position after recording two goals in both games. Arlitt possesses the knack for being in the right place at the right time and the composure to put away her few chances. While mostly opportunistic up to this point, Arlitt illustrated the depth to her game this past weekend, scoring off different kinds of plays in various locations on the field. The front line has finally begun to demonstrate those explosive tendencies Texas head coach Chris Petrucelli has touted since preseason.
Because both opposing teams played low pressure up front, the Texas defense was able to push forward and help on the attack. Junior defenders Stephanie Logterman and Kasey Moore, especially, pushed up on numerous occasions. It must have been extremely liberating for the entire Texas backline to have plenty of time on the ball as well as the freedom to venture forward and stay forward with little concern about leaving dangerous holes in the back field. While Logterman took the ball on the flanks and pressed endline for crosses or combinations, Moore came right up through the middle using her speed to get within shooting range DEFENSE
While the Texas defense saw less of the ball in the back overall and felt even less pressure from their opponents, the squad, nevertheless, put together two solid performances. They maintained their focus for 180 minutes of play, conceding very few quality chances on goal. They minimized blatant giveaways throughout the midfield and rarely mishandled balls coming across the backline. The recent tie against LSU raised some concerns about the team's apparent lack of focus after scoring goals on offense--the Tigers tied the game twice within a few minutes of UT scoring. The Texas defense had no such lapses against Houston and SFA. An encouraging element in particular revolves around their consistent discipline to get back after pushing forward. Not only did the UT defense intelligently time these runs, but the defenders also quickly realized when to retreat to their line and sprinted back into position, leaving no time for a counter attack.
Penetrating the Texas defense on the ground or in the air remains a tough task. UT dominated challenges in the midfield, winning the majority of the 50/50 balls and coming up with the second ball despite being overwhelmed by increased opposing numbers. Because of that space in front of the back line, the midfielders were able to win the ball and immediately play back into their defense. While playing with just three in the middle did not allow significant possession throughout the midfield, the central players still successfully retook control of the ball and played out the sides. Although this unit has been largely bypassed in the young 2007 season, they validated their roles as playmakers by consistently regaining possession.
THE COMING WEEK
The Longhorns have put together two strong performances in a row, leading into their first Big-12 match. However, the team will strive to maintain this speed of play and level of intensity against Wright State before hosting Texas Tech at home on Sunday. The mantra remains the same as the team enters the next phase of the 2007 season: create a relentless, dynamic attack while maintaining focus in the back field for a consistent 90 minutes. Because so many elements in soccer are out of the team's control, such as weather, field conditions, referees, and injuries for example, the Longhorns must focus day-to-day on the things they can control, mainly how they prepare for each match physically and mentally. The few teams that have the discipline to approach each game with the highest level of expectation and sustained intensity over nearly 16 weeks of play usually end up together fighting for the NCAA national championship.
STAMPS OF APPROVAL
STAMP'S PLAY OF THE WEEK: Junior Kasey Moore quickly found a hole in the young Houston squad as the 5-foot-8 defender headed home a free kick from junior midfielder Courtney Gaines merely 71 seconds into the match
STAMP'S PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Freshman forward Nikki Arlitt led the team in scoring with two multi-goal performances as she netted a total of four on the weekend. Arlitt has scored in all five of her appearances this season, now leading the team with seven goals on the year.
