Season Starts, War Clouds Are Here At Last

So the season began today with a beautiful day and it was a mixed bag of feelings for ISU. On the way out after the 0-0 tie to Westminster, I asked Feldmarschall Ali Gibson what her opinion was of today's effort against Westminster in an exhibition. Her simple yet powerful response: "Unsatisfactory" (I'll have a full interview ready, hopefully within the next few days). Ali was actually very pleased overall with the effort (lots of shooting, creating opportunities, a very sound defense that frustrated Westminster time and again) but there were some things that stood out that attracted her ire. The full report, complete with numbers and all that, is hyah.

The Fun Stuff, Broken Down for the Masses:

Defend the Forts! Aux Armes!

ISU frustrated Westminster today on the defensive side of the ball, holding the Griffins to no goals and 2 shots on goal with only 7 shots allowed to be taken by Westminster.

A Shootout with Blanks

ISU outgunned Westminster, 21-7, and failed to get it in past the goaline. Clearly, we must capitalize if we are to win games this season and become Big Sky Champions/TOTAL MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (myaw).

Speaking of Shooting...

Sure 21-7 with no goals to show for it is bad but it shows that we are always on the attack and looking for the score every time. To be noted, 6 newcomers contributed to those 21 shots, which is a good sign of things to come (a core of aggressive young players which will, if everything rolls our way, develop into a lethal group of players in the future and a steady supply of subs to keep the pressure on in the present).

What? NO AJ?!

For those who follow the program regularly (a shoutout to Jason, Bob and Heath hyah), it was noted that Ashley Jones, one of the most feared raiders on Earth and who was reared by wolves and tended to by falcons, under the supervision of Odin, had a concussion sustained in practice and was therefore not cleared to play. She had hoped to be ready by today but such was not to be. However, she shall likely return to once more set on the warpath against Marquette this weekend.

Nerves? Put those away! RIGHT MYAW!

One of the reasons Ali was not too pleased with today's exhibition was, to quote: "I think we had some great opportunities. I was a little disappointed with our upperclassmen and their lack of composure in front of the box. We rely on that," said Gibson. "A freshman may have a little bit of nerves, but upperclassmen have to put those away. There are no excuses."


Big Sky Soccer: Your thoughts do not count from this point. EVER.

And for those who have paid attention to the preseason polls, we were picked 5th in the Big Sky...for soccer. Yes, that's right. A team that's returning 13 starters, the Big Sky Newcomer of the Year, and a whole assortment of very skilled players, many who will merit some sort of attention for conference honors...is picked 5th. Talk about motivating a dangerous group of soccer players. Thanks Big Sky, and if we win the conference we will be demanding a written apology. Signed with your blood, because that's the only way we can consider it a legit signature (because you all lack souls).