The two-thirds of the way there recap,
by Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times
Good morning, Fillies fans and everyone else who have taken the time to read this article. I come to you today after sixteen games have been played by Team Cassadaigua in the qualifying session for the 85th World Cup. We didn’t give you a detailed halfway recap because, well, many international readers probably had a plethora of halfway recaps in which they could read. Instead, we’ll do it here at the two-thirds mark of qualification. Yes, they were not lying when they said this was a long drawn out process. We had it easy last time out when we didn’t have to go through the same qualification period that us and Baker Park put everyone else through.
On the surface, when people look at Cassadaigua, they see a team that is 14-1-1, and everything seems all well and good. Maybe right now it is, but getting here was not an easy task. There were a lot of questions about this team before things began, with key personnel not being a part of the team any longer, or other questions, which I will delve into. First, in the group, the 43 points in which the Fillies have accumulated puts them on top of the group, but it is only two points ahead of second place Kelssek. This is an example of why many people don’t like the playoff system that can come with group formats of 20 or so. If qualifying were to end now, should Kelssek be forced to have to play in a playoff round? I find that this is a good example of why groups of 15 need to be here going forward, even if they create situations like we have now with thirteen teams per group. In third place is Timuria, who’s 32 points represent a solid campaign, but right now it is going to be difficult for them to qualify for the World Cup. In fourth is Sargossa, who has 30 points, but has played one fewer game then Timuria, so you can decide for yourself if you want to consider them a third place team or now. This means that Cassadaigua’s “magic number” is 15, as 58 points right now would see them in. A 5-0-3 record does it even if Timuria and Sargossa run the table, but even better is expected out of our team.
The best teams in World Cup qualifying right now are Vilita, Banija, and Baker Park, all of whom are 15-1-0, but the +50 goal differential of Cassadaigua’s is the highest of anyone, and that should get you excited. Not because it means, “Give us the World Cup now!”, but given some of the issues that the team had to address, it tell us that the right decisions were made.
Let’s start in goal, where there was question as to whether or not Kelsey Morgan, at 33 years of age should continue to be the starting keeper over Tiffany Nelson, who is 27 and in the prime of her career. Nelson started in the Copa Rushmori, and allowed only one goal throughout the entire group stage, which strengthened her case. If Kelsey Morgan succumbed to the pressure just a little bit, then it would have likely became Nelson’s job, but Kelsey seemed to thrive with this pressure was on, performing exceptionally well in the Wonder Cup and then in the aggressive slate of friendlies that were scheduled. Nelson did well, too, but Morgan was seen as a little better, and as the incumbent, the job was hers. In qualifying, Morgan has been brilliant, starting in 14 of the 16 games thus far. Nelson has had two starts, and also done very well. She will get her third start of qualifying in the next match, on the road at The Mann Clan. According to manager Stephanie Sweeney, “Tiffany has earned the right to get some starts here and there, and we are completely comfortable with playing her.” Perhaps, Nelson will get a few more starts towards the end of the campaign if Cassadaigua locks up their spot early. Kelsey Morgan agrees that it is good to have two keepers on top form, “Like I have always said, Tiffany and I are close and push one another to be the best that we can be. Right now, I am happy with how I am playing and I am happy with how she is playing. I am glad that I have a day of rest here and there, especially with so many games of qualifying.”
In front of the goalkeeper, we have a group of fullbacks that have seen some turnover with two new starters. The established veterans have been outstanding, and I would go as far to say that Lupe Enriquez has been the best defender in the world right now. Fine, I see that through pink-colored glasses, but her all around game coupled with amazing leadership gives her a great case to make this statement. I am keeping in mind here that this is not a team that plays a park the bus type defensive system, too. Enriquez has credited her time with Busukuma AC, in Banija, as being imperative in her improvement as a player even when she was already seen as great. Brooke Sutter also continues to develop into a great one. The newcomers, Kimberly Carson and Katie Standish, have thrived and while they have not been perfect, they have been able to withstand the pressure. For the 23-year old Standish, who won the spot over older and more accomplished veterans, it’s another great step in her progression as a player, potentially making her a rock in the back end much like Enriquez has become.
The team’s midfield play has been brilliant, led by captain Sierra Mattison. This is probably Sierra’s final World Cup, and extended run in the World Cup could give her a case to have her #23 join the list of retired kit numbers. We can debate that when the time comes, and it would require a deep run, probably a semifinal. By the way, that would also give Lupe Enriquez a case for it with her #22. If they win the World Cup, then you can book that now. However, the play of Meghan Wolcott has been eye opening, to say the least. The team hoped that the 25-year old would blossom in this Cup as a two player that could also get her name on the scoresheet. What they didn’t expect is for her to be trailing only Rachel Schanke right now in goals scored by the team. Meghan, who also is known for involving a bit of flair into her goal celebrations, told us that, “I have been thinking about this World Cup for a very long time. It was time for me to make a statement. So far, I have begun to do that. I’m not going to go all Lauren Cheney on you and declare I am the greatest player that ever lived in her country, or whatever it was that she said exactly, but I know I can be very good at this level.” Wolcott was alluding to comments from Brenecia’s forward, Lauren Cheney, about what she felt about her role on the team. Since Meghan brought it up, we had to ask for her opinion about Cheney’s comments, “Maybe a little too direct for many, but I loved it, I will admit.”
Up front, Rachel Schanke has been as good as advertised, living up to her grandmother’s name. Some wondered if Eddie Malone, who was a surprising starter that was announced could continue to play at a high level, and now we have that answer. It is, indeed, a resounding, yes. The 30-year old has made the most of this great chance that he won during the Wonder Cup and the friendlies. Ashley Dahlin has been productive as a substitute, something that will become more important going forward.
Here is the goal breakdown right now of Cassadaigua’s scoring through 16 games:
Rachel Schanke- 16
Meghan Wolcott- 14
Eddie Malone- 8
Zack Pierce- 7
Sierra Mattison- 6
Ashley Dahlin- 5
Madison McClain- 3
Shelby Martin- 2
Preston Newfeld- 2
Lupe Enriquez- 1
Emma McKee- 1
Kimberly Carson- 1
This goal breakdown is about as good as you could as for. Schanke is leading the way averaging exactly a goal a game, with Eddie Malone also being very productive. Meghan Wolcott is continued her unexpected torrid pace. We expected goals from her, but not this many. Zack Pierce and Sierra Mattison are scoring goals, too, but the team looks for them to be set up players, especially Mattison, and they are doing exactly that. Ashley Dahlin has made the most of her time. Once the team officially locks down their qualification spot (because here in Cassadaigua, the foot stays on the gas until the “Q” is displayed), I expect to see more players get more playing time. Right now, though, this is going exceptionally well.
