Winston-Salem, NC – Wake Forest beat UNC-Wilmington 2-1.

UNCW looked intimidated in the first half.  They looked more secure in the second half.  WF just plays too quickly and are just much better.  UNCW should be proud of their effort.

Starting Lineups:

WF 4-1-3-2.

F: Zack Schilawski, Andy Lubahn

M: Corben Bone, Austin da Luz, Luke Norman

DM: Sam Redmond

D: Kyle Adams, Anthony Arena, Ike Opara, Justin Lichtfuss

G: Akira Fitzgerald

UNCW 4-2- 3-1
F: Nassim Berhouni

M: Allen Lomax, Daniel Roberts, Kirk Hudgins

DM: Etienne Boulanger, Brian Harrison

D: Christian Davidson, David Acosta, Indy Smith, Shaun Utterson

G: Brock Duckworth

UNCW observations:

UNCW got a late goal in the 86th minute from sophomore forward Shawn Guderian (his name seems familiar – perhaps from the Manchester Cup).  He flicked the ball up to beat his last defender and slotted the ball past goal keeper senior Akira Fitzgerald.  Junior Daniel Roberts got the ball forward to earn the assist.

WF observations:

MORE to FOLLOW Monday night.

Raleigh, NC – After winning in New Mexico on Thursday, Portland traveled to North Carolina and upset North Carolina State (NCST) 2-1 in the second round of the NCAA tournament.  With this victory, Portland adds to their frequent flier miles traveling to Charlottesville, Va for Sunday’s match-up against UVA.

NCST attacked, attacked, attacked and attacked.  They were not able to put the ball in the net sufficiently.

In the first half, I was surprised that NCST didn’t challenge the freshman goal keeper that had only played for a couple of minutes all season.  The normal goal keeper was red carded late in the NM game.  In the second, they challenged him more, but he came up with a couple of mistakes and 1 huge save!

The Portland defense is going to be shredded by the speed of the UVA attackers.

Starting Lineups:

NC State 4-4-2

F: Ronnie Bouemboue

W/D F: Alan Sanchez

M: Kris Byrd, Chris Zuerner, Farouk Bseiso, Federico Nachmann

D: Korede Aiyegbusi, Tyler Lassiter, Romulo Manzano, Lucas Carpenter

G: Christopher Widman

Portland 4- 4-2
F: Ryan Lukke, Ricardo Carrillo

M: Jarad vanSchaik, Joe Sleven, Drew Chrostek, Collen Warner

D: Alex Kraus, Logan Emory, Ryan Kawulok, Keith Grubisich

G: Justin Baarts

NC State observations:

In the 60th minute, junior transfer forward Akil DeFreitas chipped the goal keeper to momentarily even the score.  The pass from the far left side by senior midfielder Chrystel Bakong into the box with DeFreitas facing the goal easily saw that the GK hadn’t anticipated quickly enough or didn’t stay back and was stuck in no-man’s land.

Junior defender Tyler Lassiter was dominating in the air.  With NCST down late in the game, he moved into midfield to aid in the attack.  He was consistent in his tackles.  In the 47th minute, Lassiter had a change 3 yards from goal after the goal keeper dropped the ball after a free kick.  Lassiter put the touch wide. MOTM for NCST.

Senior forward Ronnie Bouemboue was most effective when he went back into midfield to get the ball, face the goal and drive into the box.

Junior defender Lucas Carpenter struck a sizzler in the 53rd minute that required freshman goal keeper Justin Baarts to make a spectacular diving save as the ball was destined to be in the upper left 90.

Senior left back Korede Aiyegbuse had a horrible game.  His passing was off.  He’d beat a player or two and either lose the ball off the dribble or off the pass.  Regardless, turn-over was his specialty.

Senior AM Alan Sanchez spends to much time on the ball.  By slowing up the play, he allows the defense to form.  He needs to work quicker.  I can’t say that I’m enamored with his play enough to want him on my team (at the next level).

Portland observations:

In the 2nd minute, senior DM Drew Chrostek scored a goal on a hooking shot from 25 yards.  The play started with junior midfielder Jarad vanSchaik passing a low ball from a corner kick to Chrostek at the top of the box.  Widman should have stopped the shot.  It wasn’t struck hard, but it did loop into the corner.

The second goal (and winning goal) was scored by junior forward Ryan Luke with a header from 3 yards.  The goal was created by precision dribbling from senior midfielder Collen Warner, opening space with quick touches before delivering the ball onto Luke’s head.  The cross was so precise that Luke never changed speed, he ran right into the ball.  One of the best crosses that I’ve seen this year.

Warner is exceptional on the ball.  He was good vertical ability.

vanSchaik serves accurate set pieces.

Sophomore midfielder had a fine first half (sitting on the bench) and horrific second half wandering around the field.  His dribbling is erratic.  His passing is worse.  How he stayed on the field was an abomination to all decent soccer fans everywhere.

The Portland defense is not quick.  Senior back Logan Emory uses his arms to fend off forwards and to off-balance them.  Freshman right back keith Grubisich was toasted the entire first half by sophomore Kris Byrd.

Freshman goal keeper Justin Baarts was tentative in the first half – unsure to attack crosses. He played not to lose the game.  In the second half, he dropped a free kick and was fortunate not to have a goal scored upon him.

Baarts made a huge save on Carpenter’s blazing shot.  Portland will welcome back starting goal keeper Austin Guerrero against UVA.  Unfortunately, Guerrero is going to be facing a team that put in 5 goals against Bucknell.

York, PA – For the fourth year out of five, York College of Pennsylvania (YCP) was eliminated in penalty kicks (7-6). This year Williams College advanced to the NCAA division 3 sectional final after each team scored one goal through regulation and over-time.

YCP had a 1 PK goal advantage going into the 5th and potential winning PK.  The anticipated fifth PK taker, senior defender Scott Becker, was on his way to the hospital after suffering a harrowing head injury (more below).  Instead, junior midfielder Lucas Emil crushed a shot off the cross bar enabling Williams an opportunity to bury 4 consecutive PKs including the game winner.

  • YCP Made: Travis Williams, Jon Ports, Aaron Good, Kemal Nuspahic, Adam Good, Eric Mackin
  • YCP Missed: Lucas Emil, Cody Pearson
  • Williams Made: Gaston Kelly, Joe Vella, Philip Vestergaard, Colin Ainsworth, Charles Romero, Pierre Meloty-Kapella, Matt Ratajczak
  • Williams Missed: Conor Smith

YCP controlled the first 35 minutes, but Williams fought back with a spirited final 10 minutes of the first half.

Williams came out fast in the second half, peppering the goal with multiple shots leading to several corner kicks.  They maintained this dominance for the first 20 minutes of the second half (because they committed more numbers into the midfield attack).  Then, the game was back-and-forth with both teams having quality chances to end the game during regulation and in over time.

 

Starting Lineups:

Williams 4-4-1-1.
F: Pierre Meloty-Kapella

W/Drawn F: Charles Romero

M: Gaston Kelly, Alex Johnson, Colin Ainsworth, Will Whiston

D: Matt Ratajczak, Joe Vella, Conor Smith, Philip Vestergaard

G: Andrew Graham

YCP 4-4-1-1.
F: Kemal Nuspahic

W/Drawn F: Jon Ports

M: Antonio Bua, Lucas Emil, Mike Gill, Justin Suchoski,

D: Andy Stromberg, Scott Becker, Adam Good, Travis Williams

G: Ryan Hock

Williams observations:

In the 43rd minute, “grade 13″ (according to the Williams website) midfielder Patrick Ebobisse blasted a 30 yard bomb into the far post – best touch from either team in the half.  The play started with “grade 12″ defender Philip Vestergaard head flicked to “grade 12″ forward Daniel Morrisroe’s feet over to “grade 12″ Angus Kennedy.  Kennedy got the ball wide to Ebobisse.  One touch later the bomb was dropped!

In the 9th minute, “Grade 11″ forward Charles Romero beat senior defender Scott Becker around the corner and crossed to “grade 10″  forward Pierre Meloty-Kapella who hit the shot over the cross bar.  This was the best opportunity in the first half until the goal.

In the 46th minute, Meloty-Kapella forwarded the pass to “grade 10″  midfielder Will Whiston good cross that “grade 11″ cheeky used his heel to shoot from 4 yards, but the goal keeper tipped it away for a corner kick.

Meloty-Kapella is quick.  He had several break-aways that I was surprised that YCP defenders were able to recover quick enough to stymie.

Romero is tremendous on the ball, causing much concern for the YCP defense.

“Grade 11″ midfielder Colin Ainsworth hit a 30 yard shot that hit the cross bar in the waning minutes of the game.

NOTE. I got a late comment about the “Grade xx”.  It’s the graduating year.  So Grade 11 would be graduating in 2011.  Ok, that makes sense.

YCP observations:

YCP got on the scoreboard in the 5th minute. Senior midfielder Jon Ports squeezed a shot into the goal from a senior midfielder Justin Suchoski long pass.

The turning point for YCP in the game came in the 51st minute.  A high ball came into the box, a tremendous collision occurred between senior goal keeper Ryan Hock, Becker and a Williams attacker.  It might have been a Hock punch, or head-to-head contact, but Becker collapsed and had a brutal cut that required “cleansing the field”.  He was assisted off the field.  Medical staff worked feverishly to stop the bleeding and applied ice to his gash.  Unfortunately, after a protracted period of time, Becker was brought to the hospital.  Coach Mark Ludwig had planned to use Becker as the anchor on the PK’s.

It’s an unfortunate way for Becker to end his college career.

GK Hock had a huge game, making the correct decision on punching, catching, coming off his line.  He made several critical stops – the lone goal was unstoppable.

Ports is outstanding.  He’ll be greatly missed as a graduating senior.  In the 23rd minute, with his exceptional quickness and dribbling ability, he beat the goal keeper, but he was near the end-line near the end of the goal area.  He calmly slotted the ball to freshman midfielder Antonio Bua in the middle of the box.  Bua skied the shot.  This would have changed the game.  The only question that I have is how would Ports compete against D1 players.  I hope that Ports will be invited to the combine.  If not, I wouldn’t be surprised if he signs with a USL1 team.  He’s small, but he has quick feet.  I think he could make a roster.

Bua is a good dribbler.

Junior forward Mike O’Connell had an open look in the 85th minute after a nice first touch.  His shot was straight at the goal keeper.

It’s hard to lose a game like this, but “it is what it is”.

Princeton, NJ – On a rainy evening, Bucknell beat Princeton 1-0 to advance to play UVA on Sunday.  The game was delayed for 30 minutes for a lightning delay.

Princeton star forward Antoine Hoppenot, after picking up his 5th yellow in the last regular season game against Yale, was suspended for this match.  I’m sure that Hoppenot would have sacrificed one of his three goals to erase the yellow and play in the NCAA.

Rule note.  If a player has 4 yellow cards going into the NCAA tournament, the limit for suspension is raised to 8 yellow cards.

Starting Lineups:

Bucknell 4-1-4-1.

F: Brendan Burgdorf

M: CK Kumah, Sean King, Conor O’Brien, Ryan Sappington

DM: Ross Liberati

D: Andrew Powell, Jermaine Jarrett, Patrick Selwood, Travis Rand

G: Tommy Caso

Princeton 4-4-2.

F: Matt Sanner, Brandon Busch

M: Lester Nare, Manny Sardinha, Devin Muntz, Ben Harms

D: Josh Walburn, Mark Linnville, Benjamin Burton, Teddy Schneider

G: Sean Lynch

Bucknell observations:

The first goal was scored by Freshman forward Brendan Burgdorf from 8 yards with the assist going to senior captain midfielder Conor O’Brien in the 70th minute.  O’Brien surgically placed the ball to a spot that only Burgdorf could receive.  Burgdorf beat 1 defender before taking a shot that deflected off another defender and squeezed into the far side netting

Freshman midfielder CK Kumah was unable to follow the game well enough.  Partially because of this, his first touch was failing him.

In the 44th minute, junior midfielder Tommy McCabe crossed a ball to freshman forward Josh Plump open 10 yards from the goal but missed the ball.

Burgdorf is a strong forward, fighting off defenders.  He could become very good.

Princeton observations:

Senior Devin Muntz plays like a chihuahua.  Tenacious, driven, with abundant energy.  Muntz hit a 35 yard free kick that the GK had to tip over the cross bar.

In the 35th minute, junior midfielder Tim Sedwitz passed the ball to senior forward Ben Harms who with a nifty first touch eluded the first defender before beating the second defender with a good second touch.  He took over the match in the second half with his dribbling and passing.  At this point, I don’t think, he’s MLS quality, but I’d like to see him at the combine.

Junior forward Max Hare uses his body to ward off defenders.

Junior midfielder Josh Walburn took a 35 yard shot that forced Caso to leap to tip the ball over the cross bar. In the 75th minute, Walburn stuck a blazing free kick from the same spot.  This time Caso barely did the same thing, tipping the ball over the cross bar.

Freshman forward Matt Sanner is a force in the box.  In the 86th minute with a chance for the equalizer, but forced a long range shot with out the pace to challenge the GK.

Long Branch, NJ – On an cool afternoon with occasional showers, Monmouth advanced past Connecticut (UConn) in penalty kicks (4-3) after a scoreless draw through regulation and over-time.

  • Monmouh PK Made: Daniel Bostock, Ryan Kinne, Ryan Clark, Cesar Blacido
  • UConn PK Made: Toni Stahl, Cruz Hernandez, Alan Ponce
  • Monmouth PK Missed: R. J. Allen, Cody Califiore
  • UConn PK Missed: Carlos Alvarez, Robert Brickley, Mike Pezza

There was a passing shower in the first half and was significantly harder in the second half, but stopped in over time.  So, my notes in the second half are not as thorough.

Starting Lineups:

Monmouth 4-1-4-1.
F: Chase Barbieri

M: Ryan Clark, Cesar Blacido, Ryan Kinne, Drew Von Bargen

DM: Cody Calafiore

D: Christian Nogueira, Anthony Vazquez, Daniel Bostock, R. J. Allen

G: Bryan Meredith

UConn 4-2-3-1

F: Alan Ponce

M: Stephane Diop, Carlos Alvarez, Tony Cascio

DM: Jossimar Sanchez, Toni Stahl

D: Greg King, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Robert Brickley, Shawn Nicklaw

G: Josh Ford

Monmouth observations:

While Monmouth came out quickly showing determination, they were unable to maintain this intensity after the first few minutes of the first half for the majority of the half.  In the second half, Monmouth had the better of the play including a sequence of three free kicks around the box.  Monmouth couldn’t put the ball in the net, but outlasted UConn in PKs.

Sophomore AM sensation Ryan Kinne coasted through much of the first half; only starting to find gaps very late.  For him, it was a bad first half, because he didn’t assert himself.  In the second half, he was much better.  Demanding the ball and then providing the spark that Monmouth needed.

Sophomore defender R. J. Allen serves a terrific free kick.  His defense is good.

Freshman left midfielder Ryan Clark was terrorizing junior right back Shawn Nicklaw in the second half.  He needs to develop his cross off a full run (getting his hips locked in to get the ball more accurately into the middle.  He’s a good player.

Senior center back Daniel Bostock competed in the air against the imposing UConn center back.  He lacks technical skill, but possesses solid defensive positioning.

UConn observations:

UConn was better in the first half, but couldn’t maintain this advantage in the second.  One of the main problems for UConn is that when they have an opportunity deep in the Monmouth area, they refuse to commit sufficient numbers in the box.  There were countless times with an attacker outside the box but within 20 yards from the end line and there may have been only 1 man in the box.  This was too easy to defend. Given these conservative tactics, it seems just that they didn’t win the PKs.

Senior central defender Kwame Watson-Siriboe is a quality defender, winning the majority of balls in the air.  He is difficult to beat on the ground, too.   He has quick feet.  In the 4th minute, he headed a freshman AM Carlos Alvarez corner kick off the cross-bar.

Inconsequentially, sophomore midfielder Tony Cascio earned a straight red card in the 109th minute.  He’ll miss the first game next year – but not as severe a penalty as missing a match-up against Harvard had UConn won the PKs.  Cascio not able to free him from the last defender.  Also, his center of gravity is very high, hampering his play on this slick field and turning well.

Holy Cow!  Alvarez is phenomenal.  His first touch is exquisite.  His passing is exceptional.  He’s going to be good.  Alvarez even serves a nice free kick.

Red shirt junior Josh Ford is a good shot blocker, but his distribution is inconsistent.  He’ll boom a punt, then squib a goal kick.  Also, he came out for a ball at the top of his box in the second half – leaving his goal undefended.  He didn’t get the ball cleanly and the ball was eventually cleared by a UConn defender, but a better touch by Monmouth should have resulted in a goal.

Junior left back Greg King was not very good.  He’d beat a defender (or two), but eventually lose the ball with a poor pass or a mis-dribble.  In the 89th minute, King crossed the ball to junior forward Alan Ponce that only an exceptional save from the goal keeper averted a UConn victory.

Senior midfielder Toni Stahl makes good decisions.  His passing is accurate and he is a steady defender.  He’s going to be drafted.  In the 20th minute, he made a good pass to freshman midfielder Stephane Diop. Diop made a pass back to where Stahl should have been.  Stahl immediately acknowledged that he didn’t make the run and should have.  It’s good to see the senior do this – To often, I see the guy who made the mistake yell at the younger player unjustly.

UPDATED: Added WF game and crossed out NM.

Trying to increase attendance, the NCAA has changed the dates of the Division I tournament to November 19, November 22, November 29, December 3/4/5, December 11 and December 13.

This reduces the number of games that I can attend.  Until the quarter finals (first week-end in December), I will need to judiciously plan my schedule because I’ll probably only be able to see 1 game per round.

Here’s my plans for this week-end:

  • Thursday, November 19, 12pm D1 Connecticut at Monmouth
  • Thursday, November 19, 7pm D1 Bucknell @ Princeton
  • Saturday, November 21, 11am D3 Williams @ York College of Pennsylvania (YCP)
  • Saturday, November 21, 130pm D3 Christopher Newport vs Stevens Institute @ YCP
  • Sunday, November 22, 1pm D1 New Mexico or Portland @ NC State
  • UPDATED: Sunday, November 22, 5pm D1 UNCW @ WF

I was originally considering trying to cover 12 of the final 16 D3 teams, but that would require traveling to Carnegie-Mellon (Pittsburgh) on Thursday evening from Princeton (6 hour drive), because I need to work on Friday.  Then, I would need to make it back to York for Saturday morning.  It was just too much.

Then, I considered going to Messiah after YCP to catch a double-header.  Again, these games would end in the evening and require a 7 hour drive that night for Sunday’s game in Raleigh, NC. Again, it was too much.

So, I decided to watch the D3 double header at YCP.

On Thursday, because Monmouth plays at noon, I’ll be able to catch a second game (at Princeton).  I saw Monmouth play earlier in the year against FDU – but it was uninspired play.  I’m looking forward to see Ryan Kinne, again.  I haven’t seen UConn play this year.  I’m anxious to see their big #4 in the back (Kwame Watson-Siriboe).  Let alone, the freshman sensation Alvarez.

Later that night, I see Princeton live for the first time this year.  They have a player that I saw last year that had unremarkable stats, but was clear that he had skills – Antoine Hoppenot has scored 10 goals this year. [NOTE. Hoppenot picked up his 5th yellow against Yale].  Bucknell’s Connor O’Brien is a smart player who is going to make a MLS team next year.

Why YCP?  Jon Ports.

I considered driving to Notre Dame on Wednesday evening.  Work all day on Thursday, Watch UW-Green Bay @ Notre Dame, then drive to Pittsburgh.  Work all day on Friday.  Watch the Carnegie-Mellon double header.  Drive to York. Sleep. Watch the double header at YCP, Messiah.  Drive to Raleigh. Watch NC State. Have a mental break-down. Drive home. Go to work on Monday.

The other option that I considered was catching the Winthrop @ Duke on Thursday night.

The ultimate deciding factor was watching UConn and Monmouth and the bonus Princeton game.

Finally, Sunday was an easy decision because how many times can I watch New Mexico or Portland on the east coast.  The only match that I considered was SJU vs BC/Dartmouth; but I’ve seen all three play.  Butler vs IU/Louisville was tempting – but that’s a pretty long drive for 1 game.

Next Week-end is going to be interesting.  I’m thinking UC-Irvine at Akron.  Maybe Harvard if PSU is still in the tournament.  I really want to see Duke – so maybe if they’re playing WF.  UCI @ Akron.

Morgantown, WV – Saint John’s (SJU) won the Big East championship in penalty kicks after a scoreless draw with Notre Dame (ND).  ND had advanced in their last two games from PKs, but senior midfielder Michael Thomas opened the door missing the second ND PK and that is all that SJU needed burying all 5 of their shots.

  • SJU PK Made: Nelson Becerra, Tadeu Terra, Bjorn de Hoop, Joel Gustafsson, Connor Lade
  • ND PK Made: Matt Armstrong, Dillon Powers, Bright Dike
  • ND PK Missed: Michael Thomas

Starting Lineups:

Notre Dame 4-4-2

F: Tamba Samba, Steven Perry

M: Brendan King, Michael Thomas, Matt Armstrong, Dave Donohue

D: Justin Morrow, John Schaefer, Aaron Maund, Bilal Duckett

G: Andrew Quinn

SJU 4-4-2.
F: Walter Hines, Sverre Wegge Gundhus

M: Nelson Becerra, Pablo Punyed, Josh Faga, Trevor Chiduku

D: David Reed, Joel Gustafsson, Kyle Hoffer, Connor Lade

G: Derby Carrillo

ND observations:

Senior forward Bright Dike turns well, but his shots continue to be off target.  He negates any goal scoring opportunity if the ball is not on target.  Hmmm.  D’oh!  [note. after reviewing the stats and seeing that he had 6 shots and 3 were on goal, this might seem to be harsh, but his shots on goal were of the meek variety.  I stand by my assessment.] I like his thundering shot.  His first touch is acceptable.

Senior midfielder Michael Thomas is a thinker and a worker.  He has a shot at making a MLS roster.  The only thing holding him back will be his athletic ability.  I like his strength, but does he have closing speed?

Junior defender Bilal Duckett headed an accurate corner kick from freshman midfielder Dillon Powers in the 67th minute but the GK tipped it over the cross bar.  Duckett was fortunate to have not given up the game winner in the closing minute after he misplayed the ball.

Sophomore defender Aaron Maund has good defensive awareness.  He moves well off the ball and he tracks balls in the air with authority.

Senior left back Justin Morrow gets forward frequently; I like his crossing, but I question his technical ability in tight spaces.  In the 55th minute, he found Dike open in the box, but Dike’s header hit the post.

There are better goal keeping options for the next level than senior goal keeper Andrew Quinn.  I don’t like the way he moves, but he is a good shot stopper.

Powers was better than the last time that I saw him.  His passing creativity is nice to watch.  I would like for him to get his head up quicker rather than just anticipating where he thinks his team mates are on the field.

SJU observations:

Red shirt senior goal keeper Derby Carrillo distributes the ball horribly.  He provided a low line drive goal kick to Dike 25 yards from goal that Dike took a low shot that was just off target.  It got so bad, that SJU had a defender take goal kicks.

Senior defender Joel Gustafsson is a tremendous defender especially in the air.  I like the way he steps up to win balls before the attacker can even receive the ball.

Senior midfielder Nelson Becerra has slick technical skills both with accurate passing, small touches to maintain possession and quick feet.  I’d prefer for him to play more centrally, but playing wide may be his only alternative at the next level.  Does he have sufficient speed to play wide midfield?  I’m not sure.

Junior midfielder Trevor Chiduku made an outstanding play in the 30th minute saving a ball destined to roll over the end line.  He crossed the ball low and hard into the box, but Duckett’s clearance wasn’t very good and Becerra laid the ball off for left back senior David Reed.  Reed’s shot squeaked just wide.  Chiduku needs to pass the ball better.

Reed’s passing was abysmal.

Junior forward Sverre Wegge Gundhus is the best attacker for SJU.  In the 78th minute, sophomore midfielder Pablo Punyed had a precise pass that Gundhus shot with a lot of skill that required an acrobatic save.

The big south tournament has been moved to Gardner-Webb in Boiling Springs, NC.  This adds 3.5 hours to my trip from Cary to Morgantown.  The crucial time is the drive to Morgantown would put me in too late.

I won’t be attending the Big South tournament.

 

Cary, NC – On a cool, windy evening after a scoreless match UVA won in penalty kicks 5-4 over Wake Forest.  The weather continues to impact this tournament and all other tournaments in the area. In the first half with the wind at their backs, UVA dominated the half.  WF had the better of the play in the second.

In the PKs, after the first two shooters for each team made it, both 3rd shooters missed.  Freshman forward Andy Lubahn hit the post and it didn’t go in the goal.

  • UVA PK Made: Tony Tchani, Greg Monaco, Nick Courtney, Jonathan Villanueva, Neil Barlow
  • WF PK Made: Corbin Bone, Luke Norman, Alfredo Rodriguez-Allen, Austin da Luz
  • UVA PK Missed: T. J. Cyrus
  • WF PK Missed: Zack Schilawski, Andy Lubahn

Starting Lineups:

UVA 4-1-4-1.

F:  Will Bates

M: Ari Dimas, Tony Tchani, Jonathan Villanueva, T. J. Cyrus,

DM: Neil Barlow

D: Hunter Jumper, Mike Volk, Greg Monaco, Shawn Berry

G: Diego Restrepo

WF 4-1-3-2.

F: Zack Schilawski, Andy Lubahn

M: Corben Bone, Austin da Luz, Ben Newnam

DM: Sam Redmond

D: Kyle Adams, Anthony Arena, Ike Opara, Luke Norman

G: Akira Fitzgerald

UVA observations:

Senior DM Ross LaBauex was suspended for his red card against MD.  UVA was prepared for this event because in one prior ACC game this year, LaBauex was missing as well.

Sophomore midfielder Tony Tchani had another terrific game.  He continues to have a superlative first touch, enabling him to set up the second touch.  He uses his strength very well to hold opponents off the ball.  I like how he would play on the defensive side.  He is strong in the air.

Sophomore right back Shawn Berry has blinding speed, but his dribbling is unrefined.

Junior defender Mike Volt had a critical tackle on Bone before he got into the box.

Freshman forward Will Bates was tenacious in the 60th minute battling 3 consecutive defenders (Opara, Arena, Norman).  He faded late in the game.  Bates served a quality cross to senior midfielder Jordan Evans in the 70th minute.

Junior midfielder T. J. Cyrus was a detriment to the teams attack.  His passing was poor.  I wondered why after this performance, he would take one of the penalty kick – note, I wondered this before he took the kick!  Not much of a challenge after wards.

WF observations:

After losing a ton of talent from graduation, going professional and injuries, I understand how WF has been so successful this year.  The freshmen are quality players.

Freshman defender Anthony Arena is a solid defender that stymied his freshman forward counterpart Will Bates for much of the game.

Freshman forward Andy Lubahn sees the game very quickly and can play well off senior Zach Schilawski.

Junior midfielder Corben Bone impacted the game mostly with his set piece taking – corners and free kicks.

Junior center back Ike Opara was physical in the air.  His foot skills have improved.  He’s confident taking the ball out of the back with a few quick touches.  Opara doesn’t panic with the ball at his feet.

Schilawski beat Volk around the corner forcing Volk to foul him.

Cary, NC – NC State held on to an early goal over Boston College  1-0 to advance to play against UVA on Sunday for the ACC championship.

The difference between the teams is that NC State has a better defense and BC has a more dynamic attack especially in the midfield.

Starting Lineups:

NC State 4-4-2

F: Ronnie Boemboue

W/D F: Alan Sanchez

M: Chris Zuerner, Chandler Knox, Farouk Bseiso, Kris Byrd

D: Korede Aiyegbusi, Tyler Lassiter, Romulo Manzano, Lucas Carpenter

G: Christopher Widman

BC 4-1- 4-1
F: Edvin Worley

M: Colin Murphy, Kyle Bekker, Karl Reddick, Charlie Rugg

DM: Jeremiah Gallington

D: Conor Fitzpatrick, Kevin Mejia, Sacir Holt, Patrick Chinn

G: Justin Luthy

NC State observations:

Senior forward Ronnie Bouemboue scored the opening goal in the 7th minute from a driven corner kick by senior forward Alan Sanchez.  Bouemboue buried the shot with authority.

Bouemboue has soft feet.  I question how successful he’ll be at the next level, if he needs to play wide midfield.

Junior defenders Tyler Lassiter and Lucas Carpenter are solid defenders who tackle well (and hard).  They read the game well.  I like the way they play.

Red shirt senior goal keeper Christopher Widman played well, but he was more fortunate that the shots weren’t on goal than he was exceptional.

Senior forward Federico Nachmann accelerated, making a shoulder shrug to get into the back.  He passed the ball to Sanchez.  With the goal keeper the only man to beat, Sanchez tried to chip the keeper from 20 yards.  It was a soft pass directly to the keeper’s chest.  ugh!  Nachmann is not a viable professional candidate.

BC observations:

For a team that looked D.O.A early in the year against MD, I have to give BC’s coach Ed Kelly a lot of credit for developing this team to be a national contender with so many young players.

With 8 seconds remaining, freshman center back (and sometimes forward) Kevin Mejia hit the post on a 15 yard shot.  Widman relayed to me after the game, ” I was thinking, please go wide”.  After a long day, I was hoping that as well.

Freshman forward Charlie Rugg was terrorizing the attacking third with his dribbling, but his shooting technique betrayed him late in the game.  Rugg is going to be a very good player.

Freshman goal keeper Justin Luthy did satisfactorily, but he didn’t have a chance at the goal unless he came out to cut off the cross.  It would have been difficult for him to get to it.

The most impressive freshman was midfielder Kyle Bekker.  He demands the ball.  His passing is exquisite.  His creativity is enjoyable to watch.  Bekker is going to be very good.

Buies Creek, NC – The match was postponed from noon until 2pm, to allow the field to dry.  At 9am, there was standing water.  When I left, it was muddy – but playable.

I couldn’t attend this game and still catch the ACC tournament 75 minutes away.

 

 

My game attendance plans have changed because of the aftermath of Ida.

I was scheduled to attend the following games:

  • 4 games of the first round of the Big South (on Thursday)
  • 2 games of the semi-finals of the ACC (on Friday)
  • 1 game of the Atlantic Sun Championship (on Saturday)
  • 1 game of the Big East Championship (on Sunday)

The Big South and the Atlantic Sun have postponed their games on Thursday.

Here is my new plan:

  • 1 game of the Atlantic Sun semi-finals (Campbell vs Mercer) on Friday
  • 2 games of the semi-finals of the ACC (on Friday)
  • 2 game of the semi-finals of the Big South (on Saturday)
  • 1 game of the Big East Championship (on Sunday)

I’m essentially missing some of the early games of the Big South and the Atlantic Sun final.  However, the Big South games will be more meaningful (and competitive).  Also, I’ve already seen Stetson twice and while I was looking forward to seeing ETSU, I can’t miss the ACC semi-final.

There are no games close to Cary on Thursday.  The closest game is at Penn State (8 hours away – each way).  No I don’t think so.

Cary, NC – On a dismal, cold, rainy night, after 110 minutes of scoreless play, the game was decided by penalty kicks, with NC State winning 4-1.  Both of the UNC players who missed were on goal but stopped by senior goal keeper Christopher Widman.

  • NC State PK Made: Tyler Lassiter, Korede Aiyegbusi, Christopher Widman, Alan Sanchez
  • UNC PK Made: Michael Farfan,
  • UNC PK Missed: Kirk Urso, Billy Schuler

Starting Lineups:

NC State 4-4-2

F: Ronnie Boemboue

W/D F: Alan Sanchez

M: Chandler Knox, Chris Zuerner, Farouk Bseiso, Kris Byrd

D: Korede Aiyegbusi, Tyler Lassiter, Romulo Manzano, Lucas Carpenter

G: Christopher Widman

NC 4-5-1

F: Billy Schuler

M:Enzo Martinez, Michael Farfan, Alex Dixon

DM: Kirk Urso, Dustin McCarty

D: Jordan Graye, Drew McKinney, Zach Loyd, Daniel Tannous

G: Brooks Hagerty

NC State observations:

Senior withdrawn forward Alan Sanchez sees a lot of the ball.  He’s a creative player that is thicker than when I saw him last year.  His work rate is insufficient for the next level.  He’ll probably get drafted, but I can’t foresee that he’ll be successful.

Red shirt freshman midfielder Chandler Knox took a sweet stroke in the second half.  In OT, Knox took the ball around the corner and “crossed/shot” that cleared the GK, but hit the cross bar.

I like senior left back Korede Aiyegbusi speed and power.  He’s small, but he may be able to play at the next level.

Junior defender Tyler Lasiter served in a 40 yard free kick that (and I’m not sure why) the goal keeper punched into the middle of his box.  Sophomore midfielder Farouk Bseiso shot wildly over the post.

 

NC observations:

Senior defender Zach Loyd is quick.  His defensive anticipation is exceptional.

Junior midfielder Michael Farfan is superbly confident on the ball.  His feet are quick and he’s extremely talented.  His passing is superb.  Farfan is special.

I’m enamored with sophomore forward Billy Schuler’s speed.  He didn’t have much impact in the second half.

Sophomore midfielder Alex Dixon in OT had a chance to end the game.  A long ball sent into the corner, Widman tried shielding him from the ball, but Dixon went around him and got the ball.  With NC State having a defender between Dixon and the goal.  Dixon was able to get a shot, but it hit a mud pile and bounded over the goal line.

Senior goal keeper Brooks Haggerty was having difficulty in the conditions.

 

Cary, NC – I won’t be watching this game.

 

UPDATE: WF won 3-0.

Cary, NC – Impossible to really provide cogent comments with the field 75 yards away.  In OT, BC beat Duke 1-0 on a Edvin Worley goal.

After half time, BC came back with different uniforms and were sent back to their bus to change.  This resulted in a 15 minute delay.

UPDATE: I can’t believe that BC didn’t get a bench yellow or that the coach wooldn’t be sanctioned.  It’s gamesmanship that shouldn’t be tolerated.  Interestingly, when OT started, Duke stayed in their “little tent room” making BC wait for them to appear.

Starting Lineups:

Duke 4-4-2.

F: Ryan Finley, Cole Grossman

M: Daniel Tweed-Kent, Ryan McDaniel, Christopher Tweed-Kent, Temi Molar

D: Nick Sih, Matthew Thomas, Andrew Wenger, Josh Beinefeld

G: James Belshaw

BC 4-4-2
F: Mor Avi Hanan, Charlie Rugg

M: Conor Fitzpatrick, Kyle Bekker, Colin Murphy, Karl Reddick

D: Patrick Chinn, Stefan Carter, Kevin Mejia, Guillaume Amarat

G: Ayotunde Ogunbiyi

Duke observations:

no comment.

BC observations:

no comment

Cary, NC – My view was blocked for much of the half and I can’t see the scoreboard, so I’ll provide as much information as I can.  It’s going to be substantially less than I normally do.

Also, the scoreboard was not running in the second half.

Playing a man short, UVA won 1-0 over Maryland in the 87th minute.

Starting Lineups:

UVA 4-5-2.

F:  Will Bates

M: Neil Barlow, Tony Tchani, Jonathan Villanueva, Ross LaBauex, T. J. Cyrus

D: Hunter Jumper, Mike Volk, Greg Monaco, Shawn Berry

G: Diego Restrepo

MD 4-4-2.

F: Jason Herrick, Casey Townsend

M: Billy Cortes, Matt Kassel, Drew Yates, Karou Forbess

D: Taylor Kemp, Kevin Tangney, Ethan White, Kwame Darko

G: Zac MacMath

UVA observations:

UVA had the wind at their backs in the first half.

Senior midfielder Ross LaBauex earned 2 second half yellow cards and will the semi-final game on Friday.

UVA had a fist full of good opportunities in the first half.  The best chance was a sophomore midfielder Tony Tchani shot that got past sophomore goal keeper Zac MacMath, but freshman defender Ethan White calmly stopped the shot before clearing it from danger.

Tchani made a deep run to get behind the MD defense.  With him being 1v1 against MacMath, Tchani got the ball under the goal keeper for the winning goal.

In the first half, junior midfielder T. J. Cyrus had an open shot that he put right at MacMath.

Sophomore forward Brian Ownby fighting a late season groin injury, came on in the second half and provided a spark to the attack.

Md observations:

Sophomore forward Casey Townsend was not timing his runs very well and was caught off side frequently.

Junior midfielder Billy Cortes left the game in the second half after suffering an apparent foot injury.

The best opportunity came from a long entry pass the goal keeper came outside his box to knock back to midfield.  Senior midfielder Drew Yates tried driving a long shot, but the goal keeper kicked this away, too.  Red shirt junior Jason Herrick chipped the rebound over the open goal.

Cary, NC – Because of heavy rain and field conditions, the ACC tournament was delayed.  Because the single field could not take 4 games, the games were split between two adjacent fields playing at the same time.

The far game (Boston College and Duke) will be difficult to watch.  I can  barely see their numbers.  I won’t attempt to watch it.

MD and UVA is the close game.

The field is drenched and the rain and heavy gusts of wind continue through out the afternoon.

Cary, NC -  In the opening game of the 2009 ACC tournament, #9 Clemson upset #8 Virginia Tech (VT) 2-0 in a poorly played game not indicative of what I expect to see at the ACC tournament.

How come tall guys have long throws?  Clemson’s Josh Shutter and VT’s David Fiorello both are tall defenders that take long throw-ins?  Wouldn’t it make more sense for a “shorter” guy to learn how to throw it far?  These are the things that baffle me.

Regardless that Clemson  advanced over the #8 seed, the ACC needs to eliminate the #8/#9 play-in game.  If you finish in last place, you don’t really deserve to be invited to the tournament. It provides too big a disadvantage for the #8 team – they have to face the best team in the best conference with only 1 day rest.  Also, it’s too big an advantage for the #1 seed to have such an easy game against a depleted team compared to the other seeds. Does Clemson have a realistic chance to advance past Wake Forest?  I don’t think so.

Starting Lineups:

VT: 4-5-1

F: Alexander Baden

M: Clarke Bentley, James Gilson, Brendan Dunn

DM: Evan Slusser,, Gregory Cochrane

D: Charlie Campbell, Albert Alwang, David Fiorello, Craig Burnell

G: Stefan Caulfield

Clemson 4-4-2.

F: Austin Savage

M:  Nathan Thornton, Connor Barbaree, Tommy Drake

DM: Eric Cava, Riley Sumpter

D: Bo Goodwin, David Newton, Greg Eckhardt, Josh Shutter

G: Joseph Bendik

VT observations:

I’ve seen VT play 4 times, the only time that they’ve used the same forward was when I watched consecutive games in the middle of the season (against MD and Akron). VT has tried a true forward, a former starting goal keeper and a former starting center back.  I understand that they have even tried a wide back.  None of these players has been the answer.  Today, former center back senior Alexander Baden was up front. VT needs to put a forward that can put the ball in the net as their first recruiting priority.

I was impressed with freshman Gregory Cochrane early in the year.  He still has the speed, the guile and a bullet shot that was just off-target.  He’s going to be good – well, if there are other players surrounding him.  In the 8th minute, he hit a right foot volley that was struck with confidence.  On the next play, he showed that his left foot was not up to task on a volley that was struck wildly.

In the second half, the midfield disappeared providing Clemson good looks at the goal.  Part of the problem of the first goal was that team defense was lacking.  The second goal was just poor defensive coverage.

I have liked red shirt junior right back Charlie Campbell since I saw him as a true freshman on an early fall sunny day at UMBC playing AM.  He has such potential that I always expect that he’s going to impress every time that I see him.  When he doesn’t, I’m disappointed.  Today, I liked his defensive positioning and balance.  However, his man scored the opening goal.  If permitted, I’d like to see the video to see if there was a defensive error.  I like Campbell’s passing.  While my criticism can be heartless/brutal, it was touching to see father and son sharing an embrace after the game after another disappointing season.

Senior goal keeper Stefan Caulfield showed why he won the position.  In the 35th minute, he made a sprawling dive on a low hooking shot.  He did stop another point blank shot earlier in the first half.  Neither goal could be attributed directly to the goal keeper unless Caulfield should be expected to kick his defenders in the butt to close on attackers (second goal).  I don’t have high hopes that Caulfield will be a professional keeper.  However, if he can make a roster (which I doubt), he might turn out to be a competent professional keeper.

It was frustrating to watch sophomore forward Emmanuel Akotyeram play in the first half.  He was tentative; his passing was awful; he gave up the ball too easily.  In the second half, he had a nice cross to Baden in the closing seconds.  By then, it was much too late.

Junior midfielder Clarke Bentley is enigmatic.  He has ball skills and confidence, but he doesn’t understand how to create space on his shot (see 10th minute) – so it was an awkward shot that was more hopeful than anything else.  In the 25th minute, he had two “easy” options – 1 going forward down the wing, second going square to change the point.  Instead, he tries squeezing the ball between 2 defenders with a slow target receiver.  The pass was errant resulting in a turn-over.  Of course, he’s upset with the target for not being quicker – uh yeah.  Forget about it son.

Senior James Gilson tries hard, but just isn’t good enough to be AM.  If he was put in a position that he could be competent, he’d be better – but then so would VT.

Clemson observations:

After a lackluster beginning of the second half, Clemson was able to get on the board first in the 64th minute with a nice turn by senior midfielder Nathan Thorton.  Freshman midfielder Austin Savage got the ball to Thorton isolated on Campbell.   Thorton made a good turn, but Campbell didn’t close enough and Thorton put the shot off the post.

The senior center backs David Newton and Greg Eckhardt are tall defenders who win more than their share of balls in the air.  Though the defense has problems working the ball out of the back from their defenders especially freshman right back Josh Shutter and Eckhardt.

In the 18th minute, sophomore midfielder Riley Sumpter had a point blank shot that was blocked with a reflex (or it hit the goal keeper!) save.  Minutes before he had a cross bounce off his knee turning it over for a goal kick.

The other good opportunity in the first half came from a free kick by sophomore midfielder Connor Barbaree from 40 yards that was headed forward by Newton that the goal keeper stepped up to get before freshman midfielder Brannon Blanke could touch it.

Clemson gives up too many corner kicks.

I think that there are better goal keeping options in the pro ranks than senior Joseph Bendik.  I don’t see Clemson often, so I’ll be interested to see how he does against WF.

Savage needs to convert his opportunities.  Freshman or not, if you are 4 yards from goal put it on goal.  It has a better chance than cracking it over the cross-bar.

 

Philadelphia, PA – Temple upset #12 Charlotte 2-1 in a game that had one of the most questionable referee decision-making that I’ve seen this year.  I really don’t care who wins.

The play that turned the game was in the 41st minute, sophomore forward Evan James was wrestled down by senior center back Martin Dell’Arciprete.  The ref didn’t call the foul (or the PK).  Temple immediately got the ball up the field with J.T. Noone getting tripped in the box by sophomore center back Charles Rodriguez.  The ref awarded the PK.  It was a legit PK, but so was the first.

Regardless, Charlotte had ample opportunities to win this game.  Their shooting accuracy was deficient.  This is the reason that they lost this game.

Starting Lineups:

Temple 4-4-2.

F: Tyler Witmer, J. T. Noone

M: Augustin Coly, Mike Puppolo, Francois Sagna, Kenechukwu Nwanah

D: Chas Chupein, Martin Dell’Arciprete, Jared Harris, Billy Kappock

G: Bryant Hosler

Charlotte 4-4-1-1.
F: Evan James

W/D F: Andres Cuero

M: Donnie Smith, Luke Exley, Isaac Caughran, Adam Gross

D: Justin Tucker, Charles Rodriguez, Isaac Cowles, Nathan Mathers

G: David Martin

Charlotte observations:

Sophomore forward Evan James scored the lone Charlotte goal in the 9th minute.  The play started when junior forward Andres Cuero served a long ball near the side line.  James got around his defender with speed.  As he neared the box, James powered a shot just under the post.  The goal keeper should have done better, but he just weakly tipped it.

I was praising senior midfielder Adam Gross after the last game.  Today, he wasn’t moving.  I wonder if he is coming down with the flu.  He’s very right footed.  In the 20th minute, he made a good move to provide a cross that Cuero tipped over to James that was finished – but it was disallowed because one of them was off-side.  The AR had a much better look than I did.

Senior goal keeper David Martin got the most deserved yellow card for screaming at Noone that he was a F-ing diving C***.  Stupid move, kid.  Martin could have been tossed on a questionable forearm shiver to sophomore forward Tyler Witmer.  No call. Lastly, the purple kit has to go.

Rodriguez releases the ball too slowly.

Cuero and James have to put the ball on goal more often.  James had an open look in the 47th minute with the goal keeper in-advisably coming out.  James put the ball wide.  It wasn’t an easy shot, but if James has professional ambitions, he needs to finish that shot.

Freshman midfielder Donnie Smith hustled to earn a corner kick for his team in 13th minute.

In the last minute of the game, Cuero curled in a cross that freshman forward Jennings Rex touched wide from 5 yards.  Rex has to finish that chance.

This is their story.

Temple observations:

When I got home, I was amazed at the number of shots according to the official box score.  I don’t count shots, but it seemed that Charlotte had much of the play.

The first goal was scored 48 seconds after Charlotte scored the opening tally.  The play was created by a sloppy square ball from senior midfielder Luke Exley near midfield.  Senior midfielder Francois Sagna stole the errant pass drove past a surprised midfielder before striking a driven ball just outside the top of the box.  The shot was blocked but the rebound fell to Sagna’s feet and this time he slotted the ball into the lower right corner where no one could touch it.

The winning goal was scored by senior forward J. T. Noone from a 41st minute penalty kick (see above).  This goal and the referee’s decision distracted Charlotte and took them out of their game.

The misplay by Exley was his second time that he gave up the ball near midfield in the first 12 minutes.  He settled down after that.

With Noone playing on Sunday, after being suspended from yellow card accumulation, Temple was a different team.  Sophomore forward Tyler Witmer received better service, had less defensive pressure and got better looks.  Noone is a quality player on the ball, he’s calm and serves an excellent cross.  He had hard shots with both feet. I think he has the technical and athletic ability to play professional.  His production in 2009 has dwindled from 2008. My only concern is that his work rate is lacking and even more concerning is his conditioning.  He needs to be in better shape for the MLS combine if he has serious interest in a professional career.  I see him has a wide midfielder rather than a forward at the next level.

Dell’Arciprete is a physical player that anchors the defense.  He has good leaping ability.

I don’t like Witmer’s touch.  He seems to have a good shot, but his first touch is raw (pathetic is more appropriate).  Witmer did get his clock cleaned out.

I really like the way that freshman midfielder Homero Rodriguez plays.  He is quick, nice first touch and is willing to take on defenders.  He’s going to be a good player.

Philadelphia, PA – Tonight, win-less in 15 games Saint Joseph’s University (SJU) came closest to getting a point this year against #12 Charlotte.   Charlotte won 2-1 in OT but SJU had a viable chance to get a draw or even a win against a vastly superior opponent.

SJU scored first, but weren’t able to hold off the high-tempo Charlotte team.

Starting Lineups:

Charlotte 4-4-1-1.
F: Evan James

W/D F: Andres Cuero

M: Donnie Smith, Luke Exley, Isaac Caughran, Adam Gross

D: Justin Tucker, Charles Rodriguez, Isaac Cowles, Nathan Mathers

G: David Martin

Saint Joseph’s 4-4-2.

F: Colin Baker, Jason Lewis

M: Nico Galati, Travis Gast, Greg Dusing, Timmy Brennan

D: Rocco Pozzesserre, Greg Rom, Tom Smart, Justin Kohler

G: Andrew D’Ottavi

Charlotte observations:

Charlotte’s bus got stuck in traffic and the players wound up running the last bit to get to the field 20 minutes before game time.  Note to Jeremy Gunn, driving out of town on I-76 (aka Schuylkill) on a Friday evening is horrific.  Next time, book hotel rooms coming into the city.  It’ll save you the 90 minute commute.  Welcome to the big city.

I did appreciate how quickly the team organized themselves and started warming up.

Charlotte was quicker, more technical, but were not able to finish sufficiently to finish SJU.

Freshman forward Rex Jennings scored both goals.  Jennings is a tall rangy with adequate speed.

The first goal was scored in 56th minute from a SJU clearance that was blocked 30 yards from goal and the rebound came back into the goal mouth.  There was a scramble and Jennings wound up touching it in from 4 yards.

The winning goal was scored in the 98th minute on a somewhat controversial play.  The ball was played forward and freshman midfielder Donnie Smith brought the ball down (with his chest – according to Charlotte or with his arm – according to SJU).  I was behind the play and the ref had a much better angle. Smith got the ball up to senior midfielder Luke Exley who curled a ball over and around the back line to Jennings.   Jennings took a calming touch before putting it past the on-coming goal keeper.

Sophomores center backs Isaac Cowles and Charles Rodriquez are dependable in the back.  Rodriguez is particularly adept in the air.

Forwards sophomore Evan James and junior Andres Cuero are quick, competent dribblers.  The only down side is that they try to often to get behind the defense with speed rather than passing through them. Both of them can pass.  James has picked up more bulk this year.

James and Cuero need to finish better.  With countless open shots, they need to bury them. Also, James doesn’t have confidence in shooting with his left foot.  In the 12th minute, he had a break away that called for him to shoot with his left foot, but he took an awkward right footed shot that was off target.

Exley provides good accurate free kicks.

In the waning minutes of the first half, freshman midfielder Owen Darby served a good ball into the box for Jennings.  It looked like a PK could have been called, but it wasn’t.  I think a PK was the right call.

Senior midfielder Adam Gross is very good on the ball.  He moves well and reads the game well.  Don’t be surprised if he is playing professionally next year.  His game is more subtle, but I think that he has a chance.

Saint Joseph’s observations:

Lining up before the game, the team looks absolutely defeated – perhaps even embarrassed.  Losing 15 games However, they played with heart, but they don’t have enough talent.

The goal was scored by sophomore Shane Kelly in the 56th minute.  On the play, senior Travis Gast pushed the ball forward, before unleashing a shot that the GK couldn’t handle and Kelly hopped on the rebound, putting it in the goal.  This started a premature celebration as the 6th goal of the season was scored.

SJU is on track to break some dubious SJU all-time records with their last game on Sunday against SLU:

  • Lowest goals scored: 9 in 1979 – 6 in 2009.
  • Most losses: 16 in 1985 and 1998 – 16 in 2009.
  • Fewest Wins: 2 in 1980, 2005 and 2006.  With 0 in 2009, this record is already broken.
  • Consecutive Losses Streak: 11 in 2005 to 2006.  Record decimated.

Freshman goal keeper Andrew D’Ottavi covered the goal very well.  There were several shots that could have been goals without his movement. His distribution was pathetic.  SJU wound up using a defender to take the goal kicks.  D’Ottavi has to improve on his punts, goal kicks and throws.

Junior defender Rocco Pozzessere is an irritating defender.  He doesn’t have enough skill, athletic ability, but makes up for it with tactical fouls and small bumps.  It probably is a smart thing for him to do, but annoying to watch.

Sophomore defender Greg Rom is a physical player, but lacks the quickness to cover a skilled player 1v1.

Gast is comfortable on the ball.

I was disappointed that junior forward Colin Baker didn’t make more of an impact.  Last year, he impressed me with his play.  This year, he seems to be just going through the motions.  Kelly was more active; showed more desire and deserved to be on the field more.

Baker needs to play hard in every game or move on.

After the goal was scored, one of the SJU team members (I suspect that it was Giacomo DiLisi) kicked over the bench.  It’s another example of lack of discipline.  This lack of discipline permeates onto the field.  While SJU will close on the ball, they lack the ability (discipline) to mark the second and third attacker.  This cause SJU to relinquish space.

0-16 is a pretty damning record.  While SJU played better than I expected – I was told this was the best that they’ve played all season – the program needs to make a change.  How could it take this long, to get Kelly on the field.  Move Gast up top.  Teach the freshmen GK how to distribute the ball.

Time for a change in coaching.  Without fully funding, SJU will never be very good, but they could do better than this.

Philadelphia, PA – With Temple yearning for a ticket to tenuous ticket to the Atlantic 10, an early goal by Saint Louis (SLU) was enough to secure the victory.

Because Coach Dan Donigan picked up a red against Dayton in the last game, he was sentence to do his penance on the parent’s side.

The Temple fans had one guy that just lost his mind.  Sir – it’s not the refs fault that “little Johnny’s team didn’t play well enough to win.”  SLU dominated the game.  SLU allowed Temple to have late chances because they didn’t finish open shots.

Oh, it was brutally cold with the wind chill dipping into the 20’s (though it felt like it was negative, at times.

Starting Lineups:

SLU 4-4-2.
F: Mike Roach, Alex Sweetin

M: Stephen Bortolon, Josh Aranda, Michael Robson, Benny Estes

D: Alex Johnston, Tim Ream, Jacob Brown, James Dice

G: Ross Kaufman

Temple 4-4-2.

F: Francois Sagna, Tyler Witmer

M: Augustin Coly, Mike Puppolo, Jared Harris, Kenechukwu Nwanah

D: Bryan Keller, Martin Dell’Arciprete, Billy Kappock (wearing 15), Chas Chupein

G: Brett Mollon

SLU observations:

I need to find out why the following players didn’t play, senior back Rob Viviano, senior back James Jaramillo and sophomore midfielder Beau Bellomy.

The goal was scored  by freshman center back Jacob Brown in the 5th minute from a perfect freshman forward Alex Sweetin corner kick.  Sweetin served 8 yards out even with the back post, no one on Temple put a body on Brown and he had a free lane to head the ball into the far post.  Brown is very tall.  In the 15th minute, he stopped a Temple attacker after he had gotten past the left back.

I liked how Brown organized the defense in the second half after an unsuccessful Temple corner that was partially cleared.  He immediately was organizing his older team mates by getting men covered before the ball was back upon SLU.

I’m sold.  Senior center back Tim Ream is going to be a successful professional.   Without reviewing all the seniors, he might be one of the top 5 seniors chosen in the MLS draft.  His defense is top-notch.  His passing is accurate.  He doesn’t rush himself.  He’ll need to be quicker on his first touch.  Ream is the bright spot on this team.

Sweetin, junior midfielder Stephen Bortolon and sophomore forward Mike Roach were torching the right side of the Temple defense in the first 15 minutes until Temple made several substitutions to solidify their defense.  With quick touches, Temple was just not able to recover.

Sweetin seemed to run out of steam late in both halves.  In the last 5 minutes of the game, he was free on the goal keeper but had lost the technique to finish successfully.  Dan attributed the play to the GK – I submit that the forward needed to finish.

Additionally, Bortolon had a chance to score in the 4th minute from a slick Sweetin pass.  With Bortolon open just inside the box with the near post in front of him, he could have scored by shooting near post or by pushing the ball around the keeper to the far post.  Instead he shot at the goal keeper.

These are the types of blown opportunities which create defeats.

Sophomore left back Alex Johnston is a good defender.  Quick on his feet.  Sure on his tackles.  His ball skills are inadequate.  In the 23rd minute, he received the ball on a throw in then powered it back to the thrower.  turn over.  He surrendered a corner kick because he mis-headed a ball 35 yards from goal.

In the 88th minute, Ream served in a beautiful long free kick that Brown was able to gather and square it into the middle of the top of the box.  Senior back James Dice hit the post.

Senior DM Josh Aranda used his body to eraticate the dribbler from the ball.  I like his heart – but he just doesn’t have enough core soccer skills.

I’m glad to see Roach back on the field after suffering an injury against Akron.  He’s been playing, but this is the first time that I’ve seen him back on the field.  In the 21st minute, senior forward Scott Wisniewski dummied a ball to Roach in the middle of the box.  Roach took 2 touches (1 too many) and his shot was blocked.   Roach’s best touch was in the 71st minute, he squared a ball with his heel in traffic to freshman midfielder Nick Maglasang 35 yards from goal.  Maglasang sent the ball forward to free Sweetin in the box, but the GK snuffed out the chance.

Roach squared the ball to Sweetin at the end of the game but the openSweetin hit a slow roller.

I like the way that freshman center midfielder Michael Robson plays.  Good tackler, tactically aware of weaknesses.  He’s going to be pretty good.

Senior goal keeper Ross Kaufman wasn’t challenged.

I believe that Dan Donigan’s mother was up from Florida to watch the game.  Terrific timing – how about inviting your mother up to DC in mid-September or UMass early in the year.  Horrible, horrible planning to have your mother sit outside in the blustery wind in the beginning of November.

Temple observations:

Temple were controlled for much of the game.  Regardless of the stats, they didn’t deserve a point, a win or very much consideration.

Why didn’t senior J.T. Noone play?  He was one of the reasons that I came to see this game.  The other reason is it’s better to sit out on a blustery day on cold bleachers than be at work….

In the first half, the best Temple chance came from a junior midfielder Max Kinderwater corner kick that found freshman defender Billy Kappock’s head.

In the second half, the best Temple chance came from junior midfielder Kenechukwu Nwanah fall in the box.  It was close and I wouldn’t have complained (except for the call) if a PK was called.  But, that’s a serious indictment if the best chance is a non-call.

The best attacker for Temple is sophomore midfielder Tyler Witmer.  He’s quick on the dribble and an astute player.

Freshman midfielder Homero Rodriguez’s insertion in the game was part of the reason for Temple’s turn-around.  He can hold the ball.  Rodriguez is fearless in his tackling.  I like his tight area passing.  Very light; very accurate.

Nwanah is very fast.  Once he started running defenders had a difficult time catching him.

I couldn’t believe that senior midfielder Augustin Coly made a horrible pass that was intercepted at the top of his box.

Baltimore, MD – The rain finally stopped during the match.  It was the bright spot in the match which ended in a scoreless draw.  Two back-to-back scoreless draws for me. The wet pitch was quick causing some heavily weighted passes to go harmlessly for goal kicks.

Loyola should be disappointed that they were unable to score.  But the difference between the two teams was the goal keeping.

Starting Lineups:

Loyola 4-4-2

F: Jamie Darvill, Phil Bannister

M: Wade McHugh, Mike Deasel, Eddie Dines, Glenn Leitch

D: Kevin Curran, Gerwyn Jones, Tenant McVea, Charlie Hutton

G: Kyle Wittman

Fairfield 4-4-2.

F: Erik Ilisije, Jack Burridge

M: Christian Uy, Matthew Uy, Matt Ernst, Michael Eager

D: Jonny Raj, Jack Cleverley, Adam Cowen, Todd Rutledge

G: Michael O’Keeffe

Loyola observations:

Senior center back Tennant McVea has outstanding leadership skills, but his passing continues to be lacking.   He likes the low-percentage long ball.

Senior forward Jamie Darvill is savvy on the ball.   His passing is exemplary.  Darvill reminds me of Chris Pontius.  Unfortunately, he left the game at the end of the of the first OT period with an apparent leg injury.  He almost scored on a powerful free kick that was just over the cross bar near the end of regulation.

Junior midfielder Glenn Leitch is inconsistent.  One moment, he’s dribbling past 2 defenders.  The next moment, he’s passing the ball to the opponent.  Pass.

Junior forward Phil Bannister is playing much better than he was against UMBC.  He was moving well and timing his runs better.  I really liked how he got back to aid in the defense on a Fairfield transition.  He smartly used the referee to make space to deliver a ball to junior AM Eddie Dines header.  If not for a miraculous save by Fairfield freshman goal keeper Michael O’Keeffee, this would have been the game winner.

Junior DM Mike Deasel was closing much quicker than I’ve seen him in a long time.

Junior midfielder Wade McHugh swiftly gets around the pitch.  He serves a nice deep cross.

Junior goal keeper Kyle Wittman is too slow off the line.  He doesn’t inspire confidence in the way he plays.  At best, he won’t lose the game for Loyola.

Freshman central defender Gerwyn Jones has potential to be pretty good.

Fairfield observations:

Fairfield was saved by Freshman goal keeper Michael O’Keeffee with a huge save, but this was after playing exceptionally all day. O’Keefee is a part of a defense that includes two other freshmen Jonny Raj and Adam Cowen.  All three of these freshmen are from New Zealand.  They join another Kiwi and 2 Brits to complement the remaining Americans (and a Canadian – but he’s from London…. Ontario!)

Fairfield’s offense was limited to mostly long (low percentage) shots.

Sophomore Jack Burridge wins many high balls and puts them in good position for his team mates.  He hit a 35 yard shot that hit the cross bar in the 5th minute.

Junior forward Erik Ilisije is a tall target forward.  He was winning many of the early head balls, but faded late.  His feet skills aren’t very good.  In the 27th minute, Burridge headed a square ball down to Ilisije’s foot.  Ilisije managed to hit the ball over the bar from 4 yards.

Senior midfielder Christian Uy had several long shots that were just off-target.  His best play was in the 30th minute, he recovered a McVea misplay, took two touches before hitting a 30 yard cracker off the post.

I expected junior midfielder Matthew Uy to have more impact, but Deasel neutralized much of play.  Uy did receive a long diagonal near the far post from junior back Todd Rutledge.  Uy decided to bring the ball down rather than hit the shot on the volley.  This allowed Uy’s shot to be blocked.

I didn’t care for freshman defender Jonny Raj’s technical skill.  He lost too many balls.

College Park, MD – Maryland and Virginia played to a scoreless draw in a steady drizzle on a cool evening.

Maryland (MD) and Virginia (UVA) continued their bitter rivalry leading to multiple ejections in the first half.

The goal keeping from both teams shined keeping their teams from losing the game.

Starting Lineups:

UVA4-4-2.

F:  Chris Agorsor, Will Bates

M: Tony Tchani, Jonathan Villanueva, Ross LaBauex, Neil Barlow

D: Hunter Jumper, Mike Volk, Greg Monaco, Shawn Berry

G: Diego Restrepo

MD 4-4-2.

F: Jason Herrick, Casey Townsend

M: Billy Cortes, Matt Kassel, Drew Yates, Widner Saint Cyr

D: Taylor Kemp, Kevin Tangney, Ethan White, Kwame Darko

G: Zac MacMath

UVA observations:

Senior midfielder Neil Barlow was awarded the red card in the 42nd minute for sliding into MD goal keeper Zac MacMath.  This incited a scramble in the MD box which led to MD receiving a red card, as well.

Red shirt junior Diego Restrepo made countless saves.  His best series was in the first over time. He stopped a freshman left back Taylor Kemp rocket then stopped the rebound – a point blank shot from Townsend.

Sophomore forward Chris Agorsor had to leave in the first half from an apparent leg injury.  This is the same thing that happened last week against BC.

Sophomore right back Shawn Berry has blazing speed. He recovered to catch a breaking junior midfielder Billy Cortes.  He’s got serious potential. I’ll need to observe his defensive proficiency more closely during the ACC tournament.

Senior DM Ross LaBauex demonstrated his closing speed on a fierce tackle to junior forward Jason Herrick.

Sophomore midfielder Tony Tchani is starting to get his technical skills back after suffering a season-ending injury last year.

Sophomore forward Brian Ownby continues to enter the game in the second half.  His speed is apparent, but his touch is hard to watch at times.

Md observations:

Junior midfielder Billy Cortes retaliated in the scramble (where Barlow picked up his red card) which earned him a red card in the 42nd minute.

On the play, sophomore goal keeper Zac MacMath was shaken up.  If MacMath didn’t make the stop, Barlow would have scored.

Sophomore forward Casey Townsend didn’t miss a step from his 3 weeks injury hiatus.  He was quick on the turn and was a dangerous option throughout the game.  In the 29th minute, he put a diagonal behind the defense that was tantalizing to the defenders but that was beyond their reach.  It was a picture perfect pass.

Sophomore DM Matt Kassel struck a side volley in the 105th minute that hit the post.

Freshman center back Ethan White misplayed a ball “on the wet field” which led to an opportunity that Ownby fired wildly.

Senior center back Kevin Tangney made several key tackles.

Herrick may have pulled a groin in the second half.

Sophomore midfielder Kaoru Forbess had a pair of wicked long shots that were just off target.

Philadelphia, PA – #5 Louisville dominated Villanova 5-0 on a wet field with a persistent drizzle.  With the rain, it was difficult to take notes.

While the game may have looked statistically even, Louisville pulled many of their starters early in both halves.

Starting Lineups:

Louisville 4-4-2.

F: Mark Knight, Colin Rolfe

M: Freddie Braun, Othaniel Yanez, Paolo DelPiccolo, Gerardo Chavez

D: J.T. Murray, Phil Edginton, Chase Rodgers, Kenney Walker

G: Andre Bourdreaux

Villanova 4-4-2

F: Mike Seamon, Andy Amann

M: Anthony Griffith, Emerson Lawrence, Nick Rouzier, Jake Heyer

D: Kevin Garcia, Chris Christian, Kyle McCarthy, Ryan Whalen

G: Chris Bresnahan

Louisville observations:

I was surprised that Louisville allowed Villanova hope by pulling many of their starters midway through the first half.  In the second half, with the game out of reach, I didn’t have the same concern.

Junior left back J. T. Murray got Louisville on the board in the 9th minute.  Freshman midfielder Paolo DelPiccolo tapped the ball over to Murray who was able to take a few touches before burying the shot into the far post from 20 yards.

DelPiccolo started the next goal from a free kick that was earned from Villanova’s junior defender Chris Christian full body block in the 24th minute.  DelPiccolo set the ball perfectly enticing the goal keeper to come out but Villanova’s sophomore goal keeper Chris Bresnahan was only able to weakly punch it away.  One of the Louisville’s player (couldn’t identify who) got the ball to the far side of the goal to sophomore forward Colin Rolfe who mis-hit the shot but it bounded to junior forward Mark Knight stationed on the near side of the goal.  Knight one touched it from 5 yards for the second goal.

Exactly 1 minute later, senior midfielder Freddie Braun got the first of his two header goals for the thirdy tally of the half.  DelPiccolo stroked a corner kick onto Braun’s head.  Braun struck it with authority from 4 yards down onto the goal line.  This was too easy.

In the 55th minute, the carnage continued with Braun adding an assist from a hard fought tackle and immediately getting the ball to Rolfe. (Braun was not credited with the assist – I believe this will be rectified after the tapes are reviewed).  Rolfe controlled the ball outside of the box before dipping his shoulder and exploding to the center and striking the ball well into the lower far post for the fourth goal.

In the 73rd minute, the final goal was similar to the third goal except that the ball started 45 yards from goal but the players were the same, DelPiccolo to Braun’s head – but this time the header floated over the goal keeper.

It was a dominating performance. DelPiccolo had 3 assists.  Braun had 2 goals and an assist.  Rolfe had a goal and a assist.  Knight had but just one goal.

Senior right back Gerardo Chavez doesn’t create enough separation from his defender.

Rolfe is very creative on the ball; I might even say, audacious.

Freshman midfielder Ryan Smith has zippy speed, but needs some seasoning on his passing on the break.  He’s going to make an impact next year.

I really like the way that Murray plays defense, but with enough technical skills to aid in the attack.

Red shirt freshman Chase Rodgers is a solid defender.

Senior central defender Phil Edginton is good in the air.  He didn’t need to get forward much.

Red shirt sophomore Andre Boudreaux let one ball slip from his grip. He made a fantastic stop to preserve the clean sheet in the 78th minute. But other than that Boudreaux wasn’t challenged too significantly.

Villanova observations:

Simply, Louisville is just much better than Villanova.  Any other explanation is either rhetoric, illusion or insanity. It wasn’t the ref’s fault; it wasn’t tactics; it wasn’t bad luck; it wasn’t the rain.  It is much simpler.

Villanova started senior Adam Amann as his last regular season home game of his career in place of freshman Kyle Soroka.  I understand – but it forced Villanova to take away a weapon early in the game.

The best player on Villanova is senior forward Mike Seamon.  He has professional potential.  His dribbling, vision, passing is outstanding.  The problem is that he doesn’t have enough support.  For example, in the 70th minute, he flipped a pass to junior midfielder Sean Mergenthal behind the defense in the box.  Mergenthal’s volley was off target.

Another example is sophomore forward Will Ogden.  He was a sieve with the ball in the first half.  Between poor first touches (in the 40th minute) to tip-toeing with the ball (and losing it in the 36th minute), he kept turning it over.  In Ogden’s defense, he did have a header cleared off the line by senior Zachary Hernan late in the first half.

In the 78th minute, Mergenthal had a quick turn and strike in the box to the near post that made Boudreaux make a fantastic save.

Junior defender Chris Christian is tremendous in the air.  On the ground, not so much.  His tackling is inconsistent.  He uses his body too much rather than moving his feet.  I’m not much of a fan.  In the 80th minute, he misplayed an easy ball allowing Knight to get behind the defense.  Freshman defender Ryan Whalen was able to close Knight down from behind to save yet another goal.

Freshman forward Kyle Soroka has a nice first touch.  He passes accurately.  I’ll need to see him again.

Washington DC – Howard beat Houston Baptist (HB) 1-0 on a cool evening in a match that was frustrating to watch.

Howard deserved the win, but they squandered too many chances for my liking.

Starting Lineups:

Howard 4-4-2.

F: Phillip Borde, Lamar Hyde

M: Jamil Devers, Kareem Williams, Rodino Wright, Rotimi Iziduh

D: Gary Clark, Matthew Marshall, Anye Ngalla, Fredrick Burgess

G: Victor Thomas

HB 4-4-2

F: Duke Ogega, Francisco Diaz

M: Tanner Fyfe, Dan Dwyer, Adi Mesic, Chris Meyer

D: Mateo Jimenez, Richard Ojeda, Joelle Daniel Andrew Collins

G: Michael Bouchahine

Howard observations:

In the 87th minute, senior defender Harvey Livingston served a driven corner kick to junior forward Matthew Marshall’s head that he powered into the box.

Howard had much of the possession.  Their shooting acumen is lacking.  Moreover, they were too static on their numerous set pieces (e.g., corner kicks) until the goal.  Even then, it was more of overpowering height than superior movement or tactics.

It was frustrating to watch Howard play.  Not only do they miss the goal, but much of the time they don’t have good looks, because of frenetic build-up.  It’s organization.

Lastly, they lack midfield shape.  The DM(s) retreats too deeply into the back 4 even when Howard is attacking.  The AM advances too closely to the forwards. The wide defenders will remain stationed in the back.  Now, I’m not suggesting that all of the players go up or stay back. The Howard shape looks like a barbell – the defenders in line; the attackers (including midfielders) in line with a DM and AM in the midfield like the bar.

Freshman forward Philip Borde is very talented.  He gets his head up quickly.  He missed an open opportunity (1v1 with GK) in the 3rd minute.  Borde’s shot was wide.  He is slight and can be knocked off the ball.  An off-season weight program will help his game.

Marshall is a tall target.  He misses too many open looks – though he did score the game winner.

Freshman central defender Anye Ngalla cleans up any attack with his strong tackles and closing speed.

Junior forward Lemuel Lyons had problems calming the ball on his first touch which caused his second touch to be rushed.

Senior midfielder Lamar Hyde is confident dribbling through defenders. He seems shy to shoot – more comfortable handing the responsibility to his team mates.

HB observations:

HB did little to resist Howard attacking other than hope that Howard would tire out.

Junior forward Duke Ogega was the best attacking option.  He has a slick first touch and the size and physicality to shed defenders.  In the 15th minute, he broke down the defense with a single touch, but his shot was wild.

Senior midfielder Chris Meyer is settled on the ball, but he must be the teeniest player that I’ve seen in division I (at 5′ 3″).

Sophomore midfielder Tanner Fyfe had several scoring chances but lacked the quality to finish.  In the 23rd minute, Fyfe had an open point blank shot from 5 yards but was right at the goal keeper.  In the second half, Fyfe provided the only glimmer with a pair of just off-target shots (in the 50th and 83rd minutes).

I came to this game to watch HB, but came away disappointed and unimpressed with a team that essentially slept walked through the game.


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