Breaking It Down Off the Pitch

Breakdown #1 - Jeremy Williams and Tia Dupont (Offense)

In the first edition of “Breaking it Down off the Pitch,” assistant coach Jeremy Williams and senior forward Tia Dupont go over her thoughts as she helped set up an early second half tally for fellow classmate Michelle Giamportone last season against Pittsburgh on Sept. 29.

On the play, Dupont found space down the left sideline and received a through ball from sophomore forward Maria Jakobsdottir. The senior took a touch and sent a cross to the awaiting foot of former UM midfielder Kristina Fisher who sent a one timer to Giamportone. The senior midfielder capped off the play by sneaking the ball past the Panthers’ goalkeeper.

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Breakdown #2 - Jeremy Williams and Selena Fortich (Defense)

In this edition of “Breaking it Down off the Pitch,” Williams and junior defender Selena Fortich discuss a big defensive stop late in the second half of Miami’s match against then-No. 15 Clemson.

With minutes remaining in regulation and the score all tied at 2-2, Clemson’s Kimber Haley closed in on goal, facing a trio of UM defenders. Making a run into the box, the Tigers’ Lauren Bruns received a through ball from her teammate and quickly attempted to get a shot off. However, dropping off and filling the space behind her perfectly, Fortich was able to cut off the shot attempt and made the crucial stop to force overtime.

If you need a refresher, Miami went on to secure the 3-2 triumph in double overtime, as Fortich headed home a corner kick from Giamportone in the waning seconds.

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Breakdown #3 - Jeremy Williams and Selena Fortich (Offense)

Fortich and Williams are back, this time on the offensive end.

Taking another look back on a highly competitive back and forth match with Pittsburgh, the Canes and Panthers were tied 2-2 with under 20 minutes remaining in regulation.

However that changed in the 72nd minute when Miami earned a free-kick from 40-yards out when Chaviers was wrestled to the ground by Madison Clayton.

On the free kick, Ine Ostmo sent a beautiful ball towards the Panther goal that connected with sophomore Fortich, who tallied her first collegiate goal.

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Breakdown #4 - Alan Fread and Tyler Speaks (Defense)

In this edition of “Breaking it Down off the Pitch,” assistant coach Alan Fread sits down with junior goalkeeper Tyler Speaks to discuss a key safe late in the opening half against Clemson last season.

With less than six minutes remaining in the frame, the Tiger’s found themselves on the attack, looking to take an advantageous one goal lead into the locker room.

On the play, a low cross was sent across the goal towards the awaiting foot of Julie Mackin. The Clemson senior place a one-timer on net, however Sierra Frey made a defensive block.

Off of the block, Caroline Conti times a header perfectly and aims the ball for the crossbar. This time, Speaks gets into position and is able to punch the ball out of harm’s way.

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Breakdown #5 - Jeremy Williams and Tia Dupont (Offense)

Squaring off against then-third-ranked North Carolina, the Hurricanes found themselves trailing, 1-0, early against the eventual ACC Champion and NCAA runner-up.

However, in the 42nd minute, former Miami midfielder Kristina Fisher looked to connect with Frey in the far right corner. Running down the through pass, the UNC defender looked to clear the ball out of harm’s way and prevent the goal-scoring opportunity.

Not giving up on the play, Frey deflected the clearance and sent the ball toward the awaiting foot of Dupont. Without hesitation, Dupont aimed the ball towards the bottom left pocket and buried it home to send the pair of squads into the locker room tied 1-1.

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Breakdown #6 - Jeremy Williams and Selena Fortich - Featuring Bayleigh Chaviers (Defense)

Returning to the defensive side of the pitch Williams is back with Fortich to go over a well-timed slide tackle by former defender Bayleigh Chaviers.

In the counter attack situation against Stetson’s Erin McRae, Chaviers makes sure to not over pursue the defensive slow down by holding her position to force McRae down the sideline.

Once McRae looks to make a move, Chaviers sprints down the ball and makes a well-timed tackle to prevent the goal-scoring opportunity.

Following the defensive stop, the Hurricanes closed out the match with four goals and defeated the Hatters, 4-0.

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