The Cougs leave Shepherd by herself on an island. Most teams don’t dedicate their middies to offense the way the Cougs do. Most teams play two CDM’s. Most sixes couldn’t hold the fort all alone like Shepherd has been able to do. Given her massive responsibilities, I believe she’s done an admirable job all season, although her performance has slipped the past few games. Cougs don’t have any other players who could do what she does, and we’ll undoubtedly switch to a different system next year, because we don’t have anyone else on the roster who can play the CDM all by themselves.

As for the “she always passes backwards” criticism I’m seeing… if a team is pressing, the backwards pass from the CDM pulls the pressers farther forward, and opens up space behind them for a counter. Most sixes play backwards against a press. Shepherd will not play backwards against a team that is not pressing. The geometry is better for the offense if the pressers are as far forward as possible. The CB’s are in a better position to lob the ball over the pressers to the wings for a counter. Shepherd is usually great at baiting the pressers as far forward as possible before she releases the ball… it’s one of her best attributes. And if the pressers are over-aggressive, she’s great at turning the ball and starting the break herself.

I’m a believer in Jaime Shepherd. But she needs to find her mid-season form in order for the Cougs to be successful. It’s a big ask, but I think she’s up for it. Go Cougs!