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Jayhawk soccer needs a breakthrough

By Mark Dent

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

No, this San Antonio tournament is not the Final Four. If there’s a miracle, it won’t be Mario’s but possibly Missy’s — as in senior midfielder Missy Geha.

But Kansas could really use a miracle this year, from Geha or anyone else.

The Jayhawks haven’t won a game in the Big 12 Tournament since 2004, when they were the No. 1 seed.

Back then, the Jayhawks were already destined for the NCAA Tournament. This year, the only way they can get in is they win the Big 12 championship. Can that happen?

Here’s a quick guide to this year’s Big 12 Tournament.

The Top Teams

1. No. 8 Oklahoma State — This is the year for Cowgirl soccer.

Okie State won its first Big 12 regular season title and lost just once, to Texas A&M on the road.

2. No. 11 Texas A&M — The Aggies have lost twice to Kansas in program history. One of those losses came earlier this year. You can bet A&M won’t make it easy for the Jayhawks in the first round today.

3. No. 15 Texas — Texas teams win this tournament. The Longhorns and the Aggies have combined to win six of the 12 Big 12 Championships. Texas has won the last two. The Longhorns may be the No. 6 seed, but no one would be surprised if they won again.

The Top Players

1. Yolanda Odenyo, Oklahoma State — The best player for the best team. She scored 15 goals during the conference season.

2. Kasey Moore, Texas — Two years in a row, Moore has won Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. This season, the Longhorns have nine shutouts, and she has six goals and four assists.

3. Nikki Marshall, Colorado — Marshall has starred in all three of her seasons in Boulder. This year, she finished with eight goals and four assists.

The Sleeper?

Kansas — It has to be the Jayhawks. No team has been more inconsistent this year. They started 5-1 and have since gone 6-6-1. They beat then-No. 6 Texas A&M and tied last-place Oklahoma. They could win two games in this tournament, or they could lose big to the Aggies today.

The Team Ripe

for an Upset

Missouri — The Tigers had it too easy on Friday. They won a 6-0 laugher against the Jayhawks. Their focus level could be off, and that’s not good considering they’re playing Texas. The Longhorns want to run their streak of Big 12 Championships to three.

The Sights to See

1. The Alamodome — They might not let you in, but hey, just looking at the outside of this building brings back beautiful memories for any KU fan.

2. Any pool — Temperatures should reach the 80s, and the sun is supposed to shine until Sunday. Cannonball.

3. Mexican restaurants — Back in the spring, sophomore basketball player and San Antonio native Chase Buford recommended Rio Rio Cantina and The Original Blanco Café.

— — Edited by Scott R. Toland

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