Watching only 50 minutes or so of an exhibition against Wright State - before thunder and lightening suspended play - admittedly is not much of a representative sample on which to judge this year's team. Dayton led Wright State 1-0 when play was suspended. However, Wright State lost their first exhibition to Butler 4-0. Butler is picked pre-season number 2 in the Big East. Dayton lost their first exhibition to Cincinnati by the same 4-0 score.
All of the above being said, here is what was observed:
Golz continues to have major challenges all over the field. Other than Johns and Pestell nobody has shown exceptional ability. If there was ever a year when newby freshmen have opportunities galore for significant playing time, this is that year. It is yet to be seen if any of those frosh will take advantage of the opportunity.
Johns in goal seemed recovered from her end of last season injury. Goodness knows she has battled injury throughout her career.
The offense goes through Pestell - a remarkable statement about a left fullback. Yet, she is the one dynamic field player on the squad. A player who can carry the ball with pace, beat the first defender to open up the field, and put a cross in the box to create scoring opportunities. As was pointed out in the article, Pestell led the team in assists last year - a most astonishing and unbelievable stat for a fullback. Collie, or whoever is in the midfield, must know where Pestell is every second. When Pestell overlaps from the back, the midfield must get her the ball. In the exhibition against Wright State, the midfield did a poor job of doing so - mostly because they either had their head down, or were oblivious to the weak side of the field. That has to change.
Overall, in the Wright State match, the Flyers did seem more physical than last year and won more than their share of challenges and 50-50 balls. Certainly, having a better work rate than your opponent is one way to overcome a talent deficiency.
Can't argue much with
ChrisR's analysis and prediction - until proven otherwise by this team's play on the field. Let the season begin.