Hello and welcome to the blog’s live coverage of Oakland Soul hosting Academica SC at Merritt College in the Oakland Hills. It’s a Soul’d out crowd of 1,500 at Merritt where Soul looks to continue its perfect record. Unfortunately, this blogger is covering the match virtually while out of town for his birthday weekend, so this post is really my match notes for tomorrow’s article–bear with me.
Academica has struggled through its matches thus far with a -18 goal differential, including 7-0 and 5-0 losses to the SF Glens. Let’s see what Soul can score today.
Here’s an excerpt from Bloom’s preview:
There isn’t much defense for this (or being fielded), but SF Glens are at least doing this to everyone, with a 5-0-0 record and a +23 GD in four games. Likewise, Stockton Cargo actually seem okay, holding their own against Oakland and California Storm and beating Marin FC. Still, someone has to be last in a league and through four games you’d pick Academica (Marin FC got their first win/non-loss on May 27).
https://oaklandrootsblog.com/2023/05/28/oakland-soul-vs-academica-sc-match-preview-may-28-2023/
Player of the Match – Miranda Nild
Miranda Nild was involved on three of Soul’s four goals. The Thailand National Team forward returned to the top of the lineup after appearing at right back in Jessica Clinton’s system in previous games, but still being used as a right winger in a passing sense. This time, Nild appeared as the left-sided center forward in a 4-4-2 Diamond opposite Sam Tran–making a Golden Bear-Cardinal combination atop the attack. Arguably the most impressive of her three goal contributions was the third to Jordan Geis. It was about as well-worked as possible, making a long run down the right side before making a perfect cross to the teenage striker.
Initial Takeaways
- It could’ve easily been 8-0 if it wasn’t for Academica’s goal keeper Ochoa. Soul continuously were pressing forward, especially in the second half. It was a fun game offensively to watch as an Oakland supporter, you couldn’t take your eyes off of the game or you’d miss a shot.
- The 4-4-2 diamond formation allowed Miranda Nild to run freely on the right side and I feel this was the best we’ve seen from the former Thailand National Team star. She fed Jaida Nyby for the first goal, scored after receiving a low pass from Sam Tran in the first half, and had another assist to Jordan Geis for the third goal.
- In the same though, Sam Tran continued her pace leading the attack. Her pass to Nild for the second goal was spot on with perfect pace.
- How will Goal Differential and Head to Head play into the final standings? It’s going to be a three-horse race between Cal Storm, SF Glens, and Soul with just two teams able to make the playoffs–meaning Oakland can control its destiny by defeating either of the two teams. Glens currently have a +23 goal differential through three matches, while Storm is +9 through two.
Key Events
- SOUL GOAL – 81′
Ball pushes out wide to Sarah Mirr, who takes a move down to the end line and sends a perfect left-footed cross to Noyola for the header goal.
- SOUL GOAL – 52′
Miranda Nild a beautiful run down the right wing, feeds it centrally to Jordan Geis for the goal. Shoots it on the volley and slots it home.
- SOUL GOAL – 34′
Miranda Nild scores after receiving a nice low cross by Sam Tran. Very similar to the first goal.
- SOUL GOAL – 24′
Nild plays a ball through the penalty area to Jaida Nyby
- Oakland Soul Starting 11
It’s a 4-4-2 Diamond for Soul with Miranda Nild and Sam Tran up top, no Ceci Gee in the lineup. Hayashi makes her debut in the starting 11 in the 10-role.
No Academica SC lineup was available online, but Bloom named these players to watch: Savannah Leifried, Brianna Figueroa, Trinidad Quiroz, Jenna Villanueva and Jaedyn Sanders.
Timeline
Gametime! My guess was Soul wins by 8-0, 7-1, or 6-2. Let’s see what the score line comes out as. There’s no timestamp on the stream, wonderful.
Nild shot wide – 15?
Soul free kick on right side – 19?
Ball skips around, goes out of the back for a goal kick.
Academica shot high – 22′?
SOUL GOAL – 24′?
Nild plays a ball through the penalty area to Jaida Nyby
Hayashi hits the post! – 28′?
Sam Tran shot on target from atop the area – 32′
SOUL GOAL – 34?’
Miranda Nild scores after receiving a nice low cross by Sam Tran. Very similar to the first goal.
Nild shot blocked – 40′
Tran shot on target – 42′
Slow and easily handled.
Soul long shot, not clear who it was.
Sam Tran shot pushed wide – 45′
Forces a corner. Nothing happens with it.
Soul forces a corner – 47′
Following a pair of shots. Nayeli Diaz took a shot on the volley, pushed out.
Hayashi shot blocked – 51′
SOUL – 52′
Miranda Nild a beautiful run down the right wing, feeds it centrally to Jordan Geis for the goal. Shoots it on the volley and slots it home.
Nyby nearly a great through ball to Tran on goal – 58′
Geis wins ball high, shoot trails over net – 59′
Sam Tran shot forced diving save – 62′
Geis pass central knocked out for a goal kick – 72′
Teresa Noyola shot on target – 74′
Beautiful dummy pass by Geis to let the ball roll through into the penalty area.
Geis shot wide – 75′
Grace Thao shot wide – 77′
Nayeli Diaz shot on target, forces diving save – 78′
Diaz sends a cross, claimed by Ochoa – 79′
SOUL GOAL – 81′
Ball pushes out wide to Sarah Mirr, who takes a move down to the end line and sends a perfect left-footed cross to Noyola for the header goal.
Geis shot on target in point-blank distance stopped by Ochoa – 89′
Noyola follows up with a shot that trails high.
Diaz sends ball centrally, goes through area untouched.