Looks like a solid recruiting class. I think Bluette is the only commit who has yet to sign. The class doesn't have any five-star talent like a Huff or Bunny Shaw, but it's a good mix. There are two four-stars in Smith and Skylar Miller--both midfielders. Mattern is a very speedy, athletic forward who, like the Miller twins, played for ECNL club Richmond United--she's got some impressive tape. Boggs looks a very promising defender from northern Virginia--was invited to a U.S. national team camp, and has some eye-catching tape. We need good, athletic defenders. I'd forgotten about Davis--who apparently played centerback for FC Dallas, one of the top ECNL programs in the country. Haven't seen any tape. Blue is speedy and athletic and played on a very successful high-school team with Stott---and I think both also have played (still play?) for the Tennessee Soccer Club in the ECNL. I know nothing about Stott. Blue might be a candidate for outside back, maybe.
It's funny to have a second pair of sisters from Richmond United. In 2018 we landed 4-star midfield recruit Paige Franks, and then a year later her sister Claire joined the Vols. They obviously aren't twins, like the Millers---but all four are/were midfielders. Paige Franks, unfortunately, never got to play her natural position and transferred. My sense is that the Miller sisters are strictly mids as well. We should have a LOT of good/potentially good midfielders next year--and we need a least one if not two of the group to emerge as a good defensive mid. Major need--along with centerback. It's hard to predict how most prospects will do until you see them on the field and playing against SEC-level competition. But all in all we should have
quite a lot of talent.
Has anybody heard anything about the Runyon and Hofmann injuries? I haven't--but fervently hope that they aren't more knee problems.
My expectations for the Xavier game and tournament are modest, based on the season we had. Even so, Kirt and the staff really could use a win. We've had two seasons that can only be described as disappointing, and to lose in the first round again--after two first-round tourney losses last year- and another in this year's SEC tourney---would not leave me more brimming with confidence about the future. We need some positive momentum.