To be honest, that scoreline flattered VT -- it easily could've been 6, and VT never once looked like scoring. It wasn't a lack of effort; I think it was clear VT left everything they had out there, but Arkansas had better athletes at every position.

After conceding less than 5 minutes into the game, VT was fortunate to get into halftime only down 1-0. Arkansas hit the crossbar, had a goal ruled out for offside, and several other good chances saved. No improvement in the second half -- terrible marking on a corner to leave a free header for 2-0, and then a one-on-one to beat Skinner a couple minutes later to make it 3-0. Averi Visage had a nightmare at center back, and though Skinner made some good saves she was at fault for the first goal, in my opinion.

I wrote after attending the Santa Clara game earlier this season that if this team falls behind, they have no way back in the game. No Plan B, no impact subs to change the game. Chugger made no changes tactically in the second half until they were 3-0 down, and no one besides Emily Gray has enough pace to cause defenses problems. I don't understand why Ava Veith wasn't given an opportunity to play at left back and maybe swap Aino for Emmalee McCarter, who offered nothing today wide right, or give Karlie Johnson more time. I don't understand why Chugger won't ever play with three up front -- even when chasing the game, he played with a lone striker (Tori Powell) who is better at holding up the ball than she is driving forward, but wouldn't leave Sophie Maltese and Allie George (who are faster and more direct) on together.

Disappointing end to the season, and certainly will miss Emily next year. However, this is a very young roster and I'm excited to watch their development. It was notable when the starting lineups were announced how many seniors Arkansas had -- it showed. They looked a different class to VT tonight, and that type of dynamism should be the aspiration moving forward.

[Post edited by hokiehigh2000 at 11/19/2021 10:33PM]