Shotshagger

TG- Does this include the impact of incoming freshman class and newly announced National team transfer? Hedlund is not known for a rebuilding year. I’m sure he’s whipping up some magic.

Anyone witness our Okla St scrimmage this past weekend? 5-0 loss Do we still have injuries? We typically do well in off-season games so this result is surprising. Hoping to be a challenger our sophomore season of AAC.

Right. Doesn’t look good for UNT when 3 of the 8 teams playing in today‘s AAC conference tournament were previous CUSA opponents. UAB, Charlotte, Florida Atlantic

There were a few throughout the season but no more than normal. I think starting defender was out majority of season, subbed-in forward out last 3-4 games. This team was mentioned to be deepest roster in some time, if so, then one could say plug and play failed us. I’d say lack of creativity more so than injuries failed us.

I’m still trying to figure out how Jenna Sheely didn’t get recognized. She was the most consistent player throughout the year, even more so during conference play. Led team in goals, work horse of the midfield, worked back on defense, fitness was unbelievable, soccer IQ team best, went 4 for 4 on penalty kicks. She represented UNT well and very much deserved a first or second team accolade, IMO.

Is Hedlund the right coach for this team? Yes. Transitioning to a new conference is nothing new. I believe it’s Hedlund’s third move. He’s figured out how to compete in a higher caliper pool and win championships each time. Will this move to AAC take longer to excel in? Absolutely. And Hedlund should be given the opportunity based on past leadership. This past year we’ve shown a better job of possessing from back line through the midfield. Huge improvement thanks to transfer pickups. Would be nice to see more connecting among our forwards and creativity. Relying on ball being played over the opponents back line utilizing athleticism to score is too easy to defend at this level and in NCAA tournament play.

Can’t disagree with your assessment. Athleticism and speed up top has always carried us, up until the past several yrs. Other teams, including Conference USA, have recruited and transitioned to possession. The dump it in hockey-style, unfortunately, is not as effective but I can see a movement in the right direction for UNT. Transfer portal acquisitions this yr and last have trickled the style to us. I see this trend continuing so Hedlund may not have a choice but to jump on board.

Unfortunately, this thread did not age well. Ladies have 2 ties and 2 losses to show since. We had a fantastic first half tonight against Conference USA foe Charlotte, disappointing 0-0 to end the half. Fought back after going down 1 in the 2nd half. Beautiful shot from senior Flannery for the equalizer. She brings tremendous energy to the attacking third (all season long). Gave up a heartbreaking goal towards the end resulting in ONLY our second home conference match loss since 2007! We need to shrug this one off and get after a traveling East Carolina team who grabbed a 1-0 win against SMU tonight. We still have a chance to make the conference tournament which is always exciting because of its knockout bracket. I’m saying there’s still a chance..GMG

Tulsa tie dropped us to #41 in RPI rankings. Somewhat of a big drop but looking at the +/-10 surrounding teams I’d say we are positioned properly, top 50. We need to run our remaining schedule to make a soft landing into NCAA tourney. Then pray our RPI is high enough to get a favorable seeding, unlike years past. One game at a time…

34 is impressive. Most well rounded team we’ve had since the 2015-2018 championship teams. Midfield and final third is solid as it gets in the AAC. Expecting high tally in the goals-for column. GMG Looking at the rankings, TCU and UT will finish much much higher by seasons end. Difficult to put much stock in RPI rankings coming out of nonconference play. Strength of schedule indicator over the next 4 weeks will paint a clearer picture.

1st half: no re-entry after substitution for duration of 1st half; may re-enter at start of 2nd half 2nd half: can re-enter game 1 time after a SECOND HALF substitution. College rules are different from Pro level. In Pros, once removed from game cannot return. Hope this helps.

Parity DOES exist in both conferences, just NOT across conference aisle. As it stands we would be the KState, Iowa of the BXII if members. Agree, this loss was not very palatable but Tech reloaded and could rival last years result. No way are we battled tested to play these types of teams week in and week out. We’re perfectly fine as part of the AAC. Should be a fun season GMG

Now back to regularly scheduled programming… Hedlund will secure his normal win totals in the new conference. Don’t be surprised if we aren’t battling Memphis for the conference championship when all said and done. GMG

Good result, but expected win. Team looks athletic as always. The transfer group making an immediate impact. Their experience will bode well to implement needed work rate against higher level teams and promote less kick ball. Difference I see following first game is team transitioning to more possession and migrating away from being an OVERLY direct team. Direct wins conference but falters in NCAA tourney and against higher ranked opponents. Interersting observation last year was some conference teams had already transitioned to this possession style. Possibly a reason for UNT struggles last season- IMO I’m digging the new style. Keep it #rolling! GMG

Yep. Also in typical Hedlund team fashion buries 6-7 goals vs 2nd to last place team, FIU. Last 10 mtgs 8-1-1 equating to 36 goals-for. Expecting long night for FIU this Friday. This win only keeps UNT in convo of making conference tournament. Nothing more. Looking ahead, couldn’t have picked a better last game match up other than Rice.GMG

Definitely not a N. Texas soccer result. Not sure what that was exactly. Four conference games remain to regain composure.

We would have looked more competitive with Klein, Okada (mid), Sheppard (def) but we always struggle against Big12 or Power teams. As echoe by Travis’ and previous post-season posts. Okada was on bench with lower leg injury. Sheppard had leg wrapped. These upper tier games are crucial for top 25 votes which come into play at season end. NCAA tournament seeding makes or breaks a post season run. For UNT, that first elusive win. We tend to have two playing styles. Play downhill against equal or lower tier teams equating to 30+ shots and many many wins. Upper tier game plan: flood midfield with players, one up top, hunker down on D, long ball counter attack, pray for set pcs/corner kicks, switch to 2-3 forwards last 15min. Not that this is a terrible way to go about things against stronger teams but we’ve had athleticism and talent on our side for the last 5-6 years if not longer. Would be nice to see these UNT players get a chance to go toe to toe. I honestly think we can can compete. Tufts, Drenowatz, Klein, Byrd can hold their own on offense. OU up next. They are a different team than last yr. Strong freshman recruiting class and equally impressive transfers. Level of game we go toe to toe! GMG!!

Fuller had best seat in house for first clean sheet. Southern stats showed ZERO tally in all categories as if they didn’t play a game. Kudos to Southern keeper. Definitely up for the task against UNT’s offense. Hard to say how UNT play shapes rest of season with Southern game along with HBU coming up. ACU, who is more disciplined, presents better test leading into conference play. Forwards: Espinosa has nice energy but Drenowatz is player to watch (should be starting IMO). Plays downhill with patience, nose for goal, great ball striker. Not sure how Hedlund keeps her off the field early on. Front to back, she along with Tufts, Okada, DeFrain, Fuller solidify team’s ability to control play and hopefully first NCAA win. GMG!