At least we tried to attack a couple of times in the second half. I thought (Luka) Bezerrra provided calm possession and passing when he came on that we really needed. Harms had a good game, as well. Man, it's amazing what happens when you win rather than tie! We're now 13 in Dan's RPI. Hope we can stay w/in the seeds.
An away tie would have boosted IU as well but a win with max bonus points on the road can really help. Another win over Rutgers and IU will def be a seed.
I just watched a shitshow. We couldn't dribble, trap, pass, or play D. We looked gassed - couldn't keep up w/ Rutgers (or didn't want to?). Our midfield may as well have been absent, altho that might have worked out better. I've never seen an IU midfield play like this - horrible passing, poor traps, really bad in the air, etc. At the end of the game we had to try and rely on our defense to provide offense, as our midfield and forwards didn't seem to interested in doing so. There were a few bright spots Wittenburg had another excellent game (maybe because he can actually trap a ball that's passed to him?). He was unlucky not to have scored our second goal. Harms did well, well enough until he gave up an Olympico. Had he started 2 yds inside the far post as many people coach, he might have gotten to it. RU scored their third goal because we didn't win the pass in the air. It would be nice to see out team play with sound fundamentals, but I don't hold out much hope for that this season. BRF
"Do you really want to drive down there on Thursday and watch them play this badly?" Ouch, hunny. (Obviously, I don't think we get a seed either...)
Well, a good showing for the most part. Once again, it was Wittenbrink cutting back onto his right foot and a Beckham-like shot to the far post for the win. Harms had a very good game and Yeagley shored up the midfield in the second half. We should have had another goal, but the ref apparently wasn't ready to call an egregious foul on Goumbale in the area. Oh, well. In addition, Marshall beat UVA, so we host the next match!
We're at the "just win, baby" point of the season so I won't complain. That being said, I understand coach' very visible frustration throughout the game.
Internet was out all over town all afternoon and early evening. Miraculously, it came back on for the second half, and we didn't miss the goal. UNCG came through out west so we avoid a long trip this weekend. Despite feeling like this was a down season, we find ourselves on the cusp of another CC appearance. And once you get there, anyone can win it.
Well, it was an excellent effort all game long. Could've been because Danny O'Rourke gave a pre-game speech. Everyone contributed. Sarver was a pain in the rear for the Herd D all game long. The IU defenders and midfield played really well, taking care of the ball and getting up the field relentlessly. We got around the corners time and again, resulting in 12 corners. It paid off with Brett Bebej's goal. I got the feeling that Sessock was the spiritual leader last night. He had a very good game and I think his effort galvanized the rest of the team. What also impressed me was that we did not bunker and continued to pester the Herd D and GK. This season is reminding me more and more of the 2012 run, including playing in NC in the quarters.
And back we go! Great intensity by everyone. Harms was great and everyone else was pretty darn good. Great game by Sarver, as well. Goumbale scored a beautiful goal early. Merry Christmas to us!
I don't know that we've played a better game this year. We're definitely peaking at the right time. I still can't believe this is the same team we saw in September.
Well, in case anyone was wondering - there aren't any semifinal tickets left for the fans of the four teams in the Cup. Wake Med is a 10k seat stadium. Each team gets 250 "courtesy" tickets for staff families & school dignitaries. The rest were sold to the organizers of a large youth soccer tournament. One of our strengths is our fan base (check out pics of Hoover when we last won) - I guess our dedicated fans will be turned away.