Missouri State Bears – 1
Kansas Jayhawks – 4
If you’re paying attention at home, you’re probably confused right about now. The headline points to a Bears loss, but the photo shows the home team in white celebrating a goal. What gives?
I can be a harsh critic, and it’s especially difficult to restrain myself when I feel like a lone voice in the wilderness when it comes to covering the college game in the region. Not reprinting press releases from the office of the college SID, but getting out and evaluating programs and players. I’m not an expert, although having this soap box will often give you the impression that I might be. I do pride myself on having informed discussions with the coaches about their players and the programs however. Played the game, coached the game, managed teams and leagues. But my white hair also means I understand there will be differences of opinion.
I really enjoyed tonight’s game. The Bear’s gave up 3 goals in the 1st half, the first on a mistake by goalie Jackie Jasper (the 2nd one in 4 years darn it), the next two a pair of beautiful goals you expect a Top 20 program to score. The thing is, the Bears played with heart. They came back and scored a goal late in the 1st half. They won’t accomplish anything this year unless they are getting dirty and going down in collisions regularly. Accomplished.
More importantly, they showed the ability to learn and respond. The second half was one of the more entertaining games I have enjoyed, and I want to see more.
It started from the back as Kellie Jensen and Jordan Reppell apparently determined they could get to every pass in their area of responsibility. That attitude took hold throughout the lineup and every ball was contested. The other thing I noticed is that this team is beginning to understand where their teammates are going to be. Runs were made in anticipation, off of the ball, and it opened up opportunities for Samantha Aguilar, Allie Osmundson and the other 7 midfielders to make plays. Once they did that, KU no longer was able to run at them with ease and it became a more balanced game.
Not one the Bears are necessarily going to win but when coaches talk about playing the tough games now in order to be prepared for the post-season, this is the game they are talking about. It’s something I want to see more of, and it’s something you should show your daughters and your sons.
As a final note, the Bears were apparently sorely disappointed with themselves and their play after this game was over. I measure that by the extended team conversation held post-game, and the conversations I had after wards. I’m glad they want more. So do I. In November in particular.
PHOTOS
As usual, free low-resolution photos for download and personal use are available on my Flickr site. Purchase of higher resolution photos in any format you might like are available on my SmugMug site. If you have a Facebook profile, you can find many of the photos on my Facebook page.
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