This is one of the interesting matchups of the second round (at least for me). One of the most prolific scorers in college this year versus a freshman keeper with 0.35 goals against number (I'm assuming Williams is in UAE with the 20s, besides his goals against is higher than Hughes'). UNC-CHs defense is going to have to get tough and provide initial support for their keeper. I'm thinking that brother Ngwenya is going to get at least one. Put the golden medallion in your hand and be healed.....
Talked to a friend who watched Coastal throttle Davidson the other night. He says Coastal's speed up top is going to give UNC's MF and backline some major problems. Of course UNC has some world class speed up top too. I guess this match could be a track meet.
It should be an interesting match, though I'm not sure how many people will see it at 3pm on Wednesday. The obvious match up is Ngenywa and Co. versus the experienced UNC back line. Much has been made about the fact that none of UNC's defenders is a "real" defender. Yet, they have proven to be stellar in all but one game this year (Wake). What they lack in "trueness" they make up for in experience--each of the back four played for the NCAA championship team in 2001. Porter is the backbone of the defense, and Merritt has improved a great deal to become a legitimite ALL-ACC defender. He's good in the air and dangerous attacking on set pieces. As I see it, things will depend on Ngenywa's supporting cast. It's not out of the question to bottle up even a great player if he's all by himself. But I hear that CC has another guy up top with a lot of goals as well. I don't know, because I haven't seen them play, but the 2nd forward could be the one that disrupts UNC. So much attention could be given to the Ngenywa that the other players reap the rewards. A thrilling game...maybe OT or PK's. I say UNC sneaks out with a win they maybe don't deserve.
Apparently Coastal has a very good Attacking mid, and he might be the guy you're talking about cantona. Anyway, I'm sure Coastal will try to isolate Ngenywa on Fumo (assuming he plays left back) because that's an obvious mismatch. McGinty has more speed on the right. Can't wait to see what lineup UNC has on the field for the start of this one.
not to worry Playing at home is a major factor in the tournament. I doubt CC has ever seen, much less played in front of 3-4000 fans screaming for the home team. UNC is very solid in the back, especially the two centerbacks and with Hughes there is no drop off in goal either with Williams away. Look for CC's speed to be negated by a flat backline that compresses space and keeps the attacked offsides. I originally thought UNC would be an early causality but with a top four seed I think they will be a very tough out playing at home.
Re: not to worry One of the unfortunate casualties of squeezing two rounds over the Thanksgiving break will be attendance, particularly students at the Wednesday games. Checking the schedules, it looks like three of the sixteen games have been move to early - mid afternoon, but all the rest are in the evening with few students remaining on campus the night before the holiday.
You may be surprised at how small the crowd will be Wednesday in Chapel Hill. Students are leaving for home, which is why the game is scheduled for 3:00, a really odd time.
I predict . . . . . . CC will pack it in the back going with something like a 442 with one permanent AM. They will give up on wing play against UNC. Look for lots of quick play from CC's top three players. UNC will try to intimidate CCU. Sending in cross after cross. The outcome will depend on the referee. If he let's UNC push CC around then I think UNC has a better than even chance. If he calls a tight game . . . . . . UNC has no chance. With the 3pm start time I might just make the trip from Asheville for this one.
Terp Fan Great prognosis. I too, doubt that CC has ever faced a back line that can do what UNC can do. The fact thet they will be on the road adds to the frustration they will encounter.
Re: not to worry http://www.coastal.edu/athletics/?f=soccerm/stories/msoc11-27-02&m=soccerm/soccermmenu
Have you seen Carolina play this year? They don't exactly have a bunch of physical players. Merritt, at a solid 6', is the biggest player on the team. I don't imagine that UNC will try to win physically, rather that they will attempt to get behind the Coastal D with Storey, Ashe, and Watson.
You're right. The last time I saw UNC was last year when they had Kniepper (sp?) and Co. I can't believe I forgot they added Ashe and Watson. (Ashe is one of my favorite BS topics ) Good luck to both teams and I hope it is high scoring.
Never played in front of big crowds. C'mon. http://wakeforestsports.ocsn.com/sports/m-soccer/recaps/082303aaa.html Wake Forest is a pretty fast team but I think Coastal is faster. I think they'll beat UNC.
UNC/ CCU Speed should not be a problem for UNC.. blazing fast up front and in MF. I have been watching UNC all year, and there have been no offensive explosions, and only one defensive one (WFU). For anyone to think that UNC has "no chance" without referee help is ridiculous. Just ask Maryland about playing here. The game will not be crowded, though. Class lets out at 1:00.. and the students will be cleared out. UNC is very though at home... the experienced back line wil hold out for the heels,and they will win a close one... 2-1 or 3-2.
I can't make it to the game today. Someone please let us know how it goes. I'd am particularly interested in how well CC plays the inside passing game compared to UNC. Secon is Joseph faster than Storey (I really doubt it) or fast enough such that when he beats Storey that Storey stays beat. I wish I was their to see how well the CCU DM's support the attack with their positioning. I'd also like to know if Ashe puts any nice touches on the ball, any medium range pases through the air that shows he can control himself even when playing at 100% effort. I really doubt he can do anything more than whack at the ball while running at 100% and would hope to be surprised. Obviously I wish I was there.