Wednesday November 8th
Elizabethtown College Blue Jays vs Hobart College Statesmen
1:00 pm Cozzens Field
Conditions: Upon further review...upstate New York should really be called upstate Pennsylvania seeing as the weather is exactly the same...crappy and rainy.
Starting 11
Etown - 11-5-2 (overall)
GK- AJ Fleisher
4- Michael "Sunshine" Terry
5- Mike Helsel
7- Mike McCabe
8- Brennan Reichenbach
11- Wes Bunting
14- Rick "King Richard" Winstanley
16- Bryan Holt
18- James Runyon
25- Owen Friedrich
27- Zach Galbriath
Coach- Skip Roderick
Hobart- 12-3-2 (overall)
GK- Peter Van Dellon
2- Brad Weinberg
6- Matthew Schwartz
7- Matthew Foley
14- Matt Geswell
16- Tyler Webster
17- Thaddaus "Keenan" Simons
18- Peter "Jamie" Smith
20- Samuel Wisner
21- Benjamin Crosky
23- Tucker Crockett
Coach- Shawn Griffin
Pre-game Notes: Well, here we are....it seemed like only yesterday we were praying for a Widener defeat of Albright just to QUALIFY for the conference playoffs. Then a good finish to the end of the season, a hard fought victory over #1 Messiah, a quality thrashing of Susquehanna to capture the Commonwealth for the second time in three years, and the Jays are flying high. Hobart on the other hand, is trying shake off some suspect play of recent, and regain the form that had them ranked #8 in the nation. The biggest item of interest are two Hobart injuries...the Statesmen will be without leading scorer Dan Riso, and their tall German playmaking mid-fielder, Philipp Schoeniger. They were injured in Hobart’s conference playoff game against St. Lawerence. Although this will undoubtedly have some impact on the Statesmen game plan, they are a very well balanced team, who should be able to rebound with the lost of their two leaders. The Blue Jays made the four and a half hour trip yesterday, leaving at 9 am, so they would get an opportunity to practice on the field, and get a good nights rest before today’s big contest. Also of note was the fantastic pasta dinner we had last night. If the boys play anything like they eat, I’m predicting a five-nil victory for the big bellied boys in blue.
1st: Pitch is definitely going to be a factor in this one....very slippery.
1st: Loose ball in the Blue Jays box, but AJ comes flying out to win the ball.
2nd: Hobart free kick from 35 yds out...they play it short to the side then send a long one in the box, but it’s headed out of danger.
3rd: There are two female Hobart College students calling the game on the radio...they are the "Wes Mantooth" to WWEC’s Jim Pollak’s and Bill Welliver’s Ron Burgandy...I’ll keep you posted on a possible rumble.
4th: Blue Jays free kick 30 yds out on the far flank....King Richard sends it back post to Wes’s feet, after a skirmish it’s booted out of play for a goal kick.
5th: Hobart with a great look early on...Webster sends a left-footed rocket off the crossbar...goalkick.
6th: Blue Jays with a great counter at the other end....Helsel with the ball in the corner sends it across the goal mouth, Runyon has his defender beat, but his shot just misses it’s mark.
9th: Hobart looking to be the aggressors early....4 fouls to Blue Jay’s 1.
10th: Footing is a serious issue, players are being very cautious with every move...there’s no room for error in a game of this magnitude.
12th: Brennan has a Blue Jays throw, but the ball slips out of his hands...oh Bubs.
13th: Ball played deep into Blue Jay Territory...Richard and Crockett going head-to-head....Crocket gets off a shot, as Richard bodies him off...Crockett looks for a foul, all he gets is a "wanker" from Richard.
13th: Hobart Corner...Webster’s cross sails out of bounds...goal kick.
14th: Brennan with a tough tackle at the top of the box....yellow for Bubs.
14th: Statesmen free kick goes into the wall.
17th: Owen taken down from behind right outside the box...Blue Jays free kick.
17th: Off the kick...Runyon sends a blast at the goal...Van Dellon looks shaky but makes the save.
18th: Another Hobart foul from behind...not sure when the ref is going to start showing the Statesmen a yellow or two.
19th: Runyon gets the ball played deep into the box at his feet, turns to shoot, but his shot is blocked.
20th: "Jamie" Smith with a low free kick...outed by the Jays.
21st: I’ve decided that if Peter Smith can refer to himself as "Jamie"...then I wish to be called "Henry" for the remainder of today’s blogging.
21st: Etown- Matt Diller and Pete Moore for Owen and Runyon
23rd: Helsel with the ball on the goal line...sends a dangerous ball across the mouth, but it’s safely cleared by Hobart’s defense.
23rd: Hobart- Troy Miller and Thomas Moulton for Crosky and Crockett.
27th: Webster with a harsh tackle from behind on Richard
28th: McCabe with the ball on the far corner...dribbles circles around the Statesmen defense...sends a nice cross in, but it’s cleared.
29th: Ball played in the air right around Hobart’s 18....Diller wrecks the keeper, but can’t possess the ball...good hustle up front by Dills.
29th: Hobart- Grant Morrison for Moulton...Etown- Josh Hoffman for McCabe
29th: Blue Jay free kick from 30 yds out...low kick by Richard cleared by Hobart defense.
29th: Hobart- Matt Vesonder for Foley.
31st: Great through ball finds Helsel behind Statesmen defense...Helsel’s cross can’t find any Jays...goal kick.
33rd: Hobart- Greg Davidson for Wisner...Etown- Brain Raveling for Diller
37th: Hobart free kick 30 yds out....quick ball to Geswell....sniffed out well by Blue Jay defense.
39th: Galbraith sends a ball in the box to Ravs feet...Ravs can’t quite get enough on it, and it’s saved by Van Dellon.
40th: Morrison with a nice rip from 25 yds out....right at AJ.
42nd: Etown- Tommy Reinmiller for Helsel
44th: Hobart with a late chance from 25 yds out....Smith sends a low-driven ball into the box...cleared by Galbraith.
45th: Weinberg unmarked at the top of the box...sends a shot that sails just over the cross bar.
End of Half.
First Half Recap: Teams have been pretty even in the first 45. I think the Blue Jays are the better skilled team thus far, but the wet field has definitely played a big role in this game. The Statesmen currently hold a 7-5 edge in shots, but I feel the Jays have had higher quality looks. Both teams are pretty equal at the half. I’m really afraid however that the Statesmen are going to capitalize on a quick counter. Jays defense is looking solid, but AJ hasn’t really been tested yet, so I’m a little leary. I’m very excited for what the second half has instore.
Stats at the Half-
Shots 7-5 Hobart
Corner 1-0 Etown
Saves 2-2
Fouls 9-6 Hobart
Start of 2nd: Highlight of halftime was definitely the PG-13 Streaker that bustled across the field.....Picture Skip 20 lbs. heavier in a pair of ill-fitting boxers and a bright red cape....Hopefully no players or fans were permanently scarred during this incident....In related news Warusz gets the nod to start the second half.
47th: Blue Jay fans who made this hellacious trip to Geneva try to get a "Let’s Go Blue Jays" chant going.
49th: Off a Blue Jay throw....ball trickles to Hoffman at the top of the box...Hoff unleashes a shot, but it’s blocked by a Statesmen defender.
50th: Hobart with a very dangerous look right outside the 18...Webster sends a rocket but it flies just wide of goal.
52nd: Jays sending long balls from the back up to the lone forward...they need to start linking with their middies.
54th: Holt sends a long ball in the box from the far side...Van Dellon uses his size to snag it out of the air.
54th: McCabe with the ball deep in the far corner...taken down from behind by Smith...Smith shown a yellow.
54th: Blue Jays free kick...Hoffman’s cross cleared out.
55th: Ball played through the crowd and into the box to Owen....O tries to flick it on goal, but a great block by a Statesmen defender.
55th: Blue Jay corner..low driven near-post...knocked out for another corner.
56th: Blue Jay corner...Hoffman sends a low drive in...knocked around...Blue Jay foul.
57th: Etown- Helsel for Warusz
59th: Blue Jays look like they are starting to gain a little momentum.
60th: Weinberg wins the ball at mid-field and sends a nice through ball to Crockett whose shot goes just wide...nice look for the Statesmen.
62nd: Holt heads the ball into the box...Sunny slips past the Hobart defense and tries to volley it in, but he’s meet by a Hobart defender.
64th: Helsel with some nice moves on the far side....sends the ball on the ground across the 18 to Hoffman, but a Statesmen defender beats him to it.
65th: Blue Jay free kick sent well into the box...right into Van Dellon’s hands.
66th: Hobart- Morrison for Foley.
67th: Blue Jay free kick 30 yds out....Brennan’s attempt can’t find any Jays.
68th: Crockett with a hard tackle on Holt at mid-field...Radio announcers suggest "Crockett’s just throwing his weight around."....I can assure you, he has been blessed with quite the arsenal to "throw around."
70th: Sunny with a great look to McCabe...but he’s whistled off-sides.
71st: Hobart- Miller for Crockett
72nd: Wisener booked for a tough tackle.
73rd: King Richard with a cheeky English spin quickly followed by a two-footed English tackle that gets him in the book.
74th: Hoffman gets the ball in the box, drops it off to Holt who hits it off a Hobart defender and out for a corner.
74th: Etown- Moore for Owen
75th: Blue Jay corner...knocked around, but eventually cleared
76th: Hobart- Davidson for Crosky.
79th: Hobart defender misplays a ball into the middle of the field....Sunny intercepts and plays a great ball through the seam to Helsel...Helsel settles and fires a point-blank shot....Van Dellon with a kick save.
81st: Hobart- Crockett for Miller. Etown- Owen for Pete
81st: Dangerous ball sent across to Sunny’s head...Hobart defender just edges him away...out for a corner.
81st: Blue Jay corner....low on the ground...knocked out for a goal kick.
82nd: Bunting with a harsh tackle...ref gives a delayed call....Wes gets a yellow.
83rd: Hobart-Crosky for Wisener
84th: Blue Jay free kick 30 yds out on the near side....sent in to the back of the box, cleared out by Hobart.
86th: Galbraith sends a ball deep into the box...everyone goes up for it, Van Dellon goes down...ball at Owen’s feet, but his shot, yet again blocked by a Hobart defender.
87th: Hobart-Wisener for Davidson
88th: Richard sends a ball deep into the box...captured by Van Dellon.
89th: Etown- Runyon for Hoffman
90th: Helsel sends a great ball into the box...but it’s headed out by Hobart defensemen.
End of Regulation.
End of Regulation Recap: Although the Statesmen got a couple good looks, Jays definitely seem to be the stronger team. Etown had a number of chances up close that were thwarted away by Hobart defenders. If we keep chipping away, hopefully we’ll find the game winner.
Stats at the End of Regulation:
Shots- 14-10 Etown
Corners- 7-2 Etown
Saves- 4-3 Van Dellon
Fouls- 23-11
Overtime Rules are as follows: two 10-minute Overtime Periods....Each period is Golden Goal, so the first team that scores, wins. If it’s still scoreless after those two periods, then we go to Penalty Kicks...Ugh.
93rd: Both teams playing a little ping-pong....no one wants to make a mistake.
93rd: Helsel sends a ball across the box...no Jays in position, but it goes to the other side to Hoffman who sends a cross back in the mixer...McCabe’s header sails just over the bar.
94th: Hobart- Foley for Webster.
96th: Breakdown in the Blue Jay defense...Foley picks up the ball at mid-field takes off on a breakaway towards goal....dribbles well inside the 18....his shot hits the post....new life breathed back into the Statesmen.
97th: Etown- Steve Petrosky for Owen.
98th: Another break in the Blue Jay defense gives a breakaway to Wisener...Bunting slides in out of nowhere to knock it out for a corner....Scary to see the Blue Jay defense which has been rock solid so far in the season look so shaky late in this crucial game.
98th: Hobart Corner....hits the outside part of the net. Goal kick.
End of 1st OT.
End of 1st OT Recap: Sloppy Play in the Blue Jay back lead to a couple quality chances for Hobart. Blue Jays had the momentum going into OT, but after that period I’d say the Statesmen definitely looks to be the better squad. Someone is going to have to step it up this period or we’re headed for PK’s..
113th: Wisener with the ball outside the 18...his left-footed shot sails just above the bar.
113th: Ref with another delayed call...Morrison receives a yellow.
114th: Hobart free kick....sent into the box...Wes heads it up...AJ snares it.
115th: Etown- Owen for Pet
116th: McCabe was some nice moves in the far corner...his cross knocked out for a Blue Jay corner.
116th: Blue Jay Corner...sent in to the back of the box...headed out for a Blue Jay throw.
117th: Long throw by Richard cleared out of bounds....corner.
117th: Another Blue Jay Corner...sent well into the box...cleared out by Hobart Defense.
118th: Vesonder has the ball and space around the 18, but he’s eager to get it off his foot...shot sails wide...goal kick.
120th: Richard with a deep throw for the Jays....headed out for an Etown corner.
120th: Etown Corner...sent in the mixer...cleared to Reichenbach at the 18, he rips a blast top shelf...ridiculous diving save by Van Dellon....Helsel with a shot off the rebound...deflected out for another Blue Jay corner.
120th: Blue Jay corner sails wide....we’re heading to PK’s.
End of 2nd OT.
Recap: Van Dellon loooked incredibly strong at the end of the 2nd OT...AJ still hasn’t been tested. I hate PK’s
1st Kick:
Hobart: Tyler Webster’s shot goes low to the left, AJ guesses his left.
Etown: Holt shot nicely struck to his left....Van Dellon guesses his left
1-1
2nd: Kick
Hobart: Smith’s shot hard to his right....AJ guesses right, but can’t get a finger on it.
Etown: Owen’s shot hit low to his left...Van Dellon guesses left.
2-2
3rd: Kick
Hobart: Geswell’s kick solid to the left side-netting...AJ again guesses correctly but no one’s touching this one.
Etown: Richard’s kick goes wide right.
3-2 Hobart
4th:
Hobart: Wisener’s kick goes side-net left side...AJ guess right again...unlucky.
Etown: Runyon shot trickles just inside left post...Van Dellon can’t get to it.
4-3 Hobart
5th:
Hoabrt: Morrison’s kick just inside the post....AJ guesses right, and lays out full extension but he can’t get to it.
Hobart wins 0-0 (5-3 PK’s)
Final Stats-
Shots 18-13 Etown
Corners 7-2 Etown
Saves 4-3 Van Dellon
Fouls 25-12 Hobart
Man of the Match: Hobart’s defense for saving Van Dellon’s bum time and time again
Buffalo Bills Award: Mike Helsel
End of Game Recap: As is the case with most PK results, the better team did not win this one. Blue Jays dominated the stat book and the majority of play. Nothing to be taken away from the Statesmen however, some of the best struck penalties I’ve ever seen. AJ guessed right on four out of five and still couldn’t get a finger on them. As for the boys in blue, their roller coaster season finally comes to an end at 11-5-3. As the season closes I would personally like to thank the guys for a memorable season. Agreeably it wasn’t always the prettiest soccer, but regardless of our opponent we always had more heart. Although I’ve never played a single minute for Etown, it’s that contagious Blue Jay spirit that really made me feel like I was part of the team. I was anxious and nervous before every game, heart-broken and pissed off after every loss, and downright giddy following the victories (I would actually like to credit that giddiness which propelled me past Messiah’s security/lacrosse team and onto Shoemaker Field to celebrate our recent conference championship). But thank you again for playing with such emotion night in and night out, it was a pleasure to be a part of it. You are a tremendous group of athletes and a fine group of gentlemen.
11.06.2006
Hobart College: Meet the Statesmen
http://www.ncaasports.com/soccer/mens/brackets/viewable/straight64_dyn/2006/DIII
...Here is a link to the brackets that were released this morning. Our first match is Wednesday November 8th against Hobart College.
In the NCAA's final poll which was released October 31st Hobart ranked 8th in the nation (2nd in the Northeast Region) with a 12-2-2 record. However, a poll conducted by D3kicks.com doesn't have the Statesmen in the Top 25 nor are they receiving any votes.
The NCAA poll traditionally show favor to teams that perform well in region, whereas the D3kicks poll is based simply on 'how good a team is.'
Hobart finished the season up at 12-3-2 after losing to St. Lawrence in the Liberty League Semifinal. Hobart took the 2nd seed in the tournament finishing up with a 5-0-2 league mark. They defeated 1st seed Hamilton in the regular season 2-1 but the Statesmen two ties prevented them from being in the top slot.
Hobart's other two loses came against Rochester and Ithaca (0-2, 0-2). Their ties came against Skidmore and Union (0-0, 0-0). Roster being the only tournament team out of that group.
Hobart's regular season victories over St. Lawrence and Hamilton (1-0 2-ot, 2-1) are the only wins the Statemen have over tournament teams.
The Statesmens offensive attack is led by two sophomores and a junior. Sophomores Dan Riso and Philipp Schoeniger lead the team in goals with 6 and 4 goals respectively. Riso also has 3 assists for Hobart to make him the leading scorer with 15 points from the striker position. Schoeniger is a 6-1 midfielder from Erlangen, Germany. Junior Midfielder Brad Weinberg leads the team in assists with 4.
They use a two-keeper platoon system rotating between sophomores Pete Van Dellon and Phil DaCosta. Van Dellon has seen more action (10 games compared to 7) and has a better GAA (.57 compared to .98). He has also been in net for the Statesmen last four games.
On that note, in their last 5 games the Statesmen are 1-2-2.
Here's a breakdown of the stats:
Goals By Period-------1st 2nd OT OT2 Total
Hobart 13 13 1 1 28
Etown 11 16 1 1 29
Shots By Period 1st 2nd OT OT2 Total
Hobart 126 149 7 6 288
Etown 115 126 7 4 252
Saves By Period 1st 2nd OT OT2 Total
Hobart 38 39 1 1 79
Etown 38 35 1 0 74
Corner Kicks By Pd 1st 2nd OT OT2 Total
Hobart 41 46 2 1 90
Etown 43 51 5 0 99
Fouls By Pd 1st 2nd OT OT2 Total
Hobart 142 119 6 5 272
Etown 120 112 5 0 237
Gametime is set for 1:00 pm tomorrow @ Hobart...I encourage everyone to try to make the trip, but if you absolutely can't, the game will be broadcast live on WWEC 88.3 (check the website for live webcasts)...and as always, you can check the blog after the game to get some better details. Cheers!
...Here is a link to the brackets that were released this morning. Our first match is Wednesday November 8th against Hobart College.
In the NCAA's final poll which was released October 31st Hobart ranked 8th in the nation (2nd in the Northeast Region) with a 12-2-2 record. However, a poll conducted by D3kicks.com doesn't have the Statesmen in the Top 25 nor are they receiving any votes.
The NCAA poll traditionally show favor to teams that perform well in region, whereas the D3kicks poll is based simply on 'how good a team is.'
Hobart finished the season up at 12-3-2 after losing to St. Lawrence in the Liberty League Semifinal. Hobart took the 2nd seed in the tournament finishing up with a 5-0-2 league mark. They defeated 1st seed Hamilton in the regular season 2-1 but the Statesmen two ties prevented them from being in the top slot.
Hobart's other two loses came against Rochester and Ithaca (0-2, 0-2). Their ties came against Skidmore and Union (0-0, 0-0). Roster being the only tournament team out of that group.
Hobart's regular season victories over St. Lawrence and Hamilton (1-0 2-ot, 2-1) are the only wins the Statemen have over tournament teams.
The Statesmens offensive attack is led by two sophomores and a junior. Sophomores Dan Riso and Philipp Schoeniger lead the team in goals with 6 and 4 goals respectively. Riso also has 3 assists for Hobart to make him the leading scorer with 15 points from the striker position. Schoeniger is a 6-1 midfielder from Erlangen, Germany. Junior Midfielder Brad Weinberg leads the team in assists with 4.
They use a two-keeper platoon system rotating between sophomores Pete Van Dellon and Phil DaCosta. Van Dellon has seen more action (10 games compared to 7) and has a better GAA (.57 compared to .98). He has also been in net for the Statesmen last four games.
On that note, in their last 5 games the Statesmen are 1-2-2.
Here's a breakdown of the stats:
Goals By Period-------1st 2nd OT OT2 Total
Hobart 13 13 1 1 28
Etown 11 16 1 1 29
Shots By Period 1st 2nd OT OT2 Total
Hobart 126 149 7 6 288
Etown 115 126 7 4 252
Saves By Period 1st 2nd OT OT2 Total
Hobart 38 39 1 1 79
Etown 38 35 1 0 74
Corner Kicks By Pd 1st 2nd OT OT2 Total
Hobart 41 46 2 1 90
Etown 43 51 5 0 99
Fouls By Pd 1st 2nd OT OT2 Total
Hobart 142 119 6 5 272
Etown 120 112 5 0 237
Gametime is set for 1:00 pm tomorrow @ Hobart...I encourage everyone to try to make the trip, but if you absolutely can't, the game will be broadcast live on WWEC 88.3 (check the website for live webcasts)...and as always, you can check the blog after the game to get some better details. Cheers!
11.05.2006
Etown vs Susquehanna: Commonwealth Conference Championship
Saturday November 4th
Elizabethtown College Blue Jays vs Susquehanna University Crusaders
7:00 pm Sassafras Field
Conditions: It’s the Frozen Tundra of Sassafras Field.
Starting 11
Etown 10-5-2 (overall) 3-3-1 (conference)
GK- AJ Fleisher
3- Jeff Warusz
4- Michael "Sunshine" Terry
5- Mike Helsel
7- Mike McCabe
8- Brennan Reichenbach
11- Wes Bunting
14- Rick "King Richard" Winstanley
16- Bryan Holt
25- Owen Friedrich
27- Zach Galbraith
Coach- Skip Roderick (24th year 400-91-41)
Susquehanna 10-7-2 (overall) 4-3-0 (conference)
GK- Austin Kelsey
2- Isaac Laubach
3- Philip Smeltz
6- Matthew Gawlas
7- Matthew Campbell
10- Seth Baughman
13- Nate Snyder
14- Justin Makar
17- Ralph Larsen
19- Ryan Rispoli
22- Bill Morgan
Coach- Jim Findlay (9th year 74-80-5)
Pre-game notes: 47-0-1...that is the Jays all-time mark against the Crusaders. Some would consider this a "jinxing statement," to that I reply you haven’t been a Blue Jay fan for very long. Every single time these two teams get together, regardless of circumstance, this outstanding stat is brought up. However the past couple times these two teams have hooked up, they’ve provided a very intense exciting game of soccer. With the exception of Messiah (the playoff game, not the Marshmallow Game) this is the most excited I’ve been for a game all season. I’m pretty familiar with Susquehanna, and fairly close with several of their players. Isaac Laubach is my best friends little brother, and one of the best soccer players I’ve ever played with...he plays on the back line for the Crusaders and is very solid through the air. Although I am desperately pulling for a Blue Jay victory, there’s no one I’d rather see succeed tonight more than Isaac. Austin Kelsey is a fine goalie. I feel he’s been underused in the platoon system that Susquehanna employs, but he’s definitely capable of making big saves. One more key player for the Crusaders is senior Nate Snyder, the former MAC Co-Rookie of the Year has a nose for the goal and despite having a less than desirable year, he has to be someone the Blue Jay defense keys on. On the Etown side, after Tuesdays 1-0 win over hated rival Messiah, I’d say the Blue Jays are flying higher than any other team in the nation in terms of momentum and spirit. AJ’s been on a roll and the Blue Jay defense is looking rock solid. The only question is will Wes still be a prominent factor in the air despite the 12 stitches he received from those nice, upstanding boys from Grantham? Bottom line though, (as it’s been all season), if someone steps up on the offensive end, the Jays defense is strong enough to hold any lead.
1st: Etown faithful traveling well and making their presence felt with that SU cheer that never goes out of style "Suck My Hanna"
1st: Hard foul on Snyder right outside the box...low driven ball sent in but no trouble as it’s cleared out by Blue Jay defense.
3rd: Etown Corner....McCabe sends it right into Kelsey’s hands.
5th: Susquehanna with a seemingly innocent free kick at mid-field but it falls in the box at Laubach’s feet...his shot beats the Etown defense but trickles just past the post.
6th: It’s cold.
8th: Warusz is sprung free on a breakaway and fires a shot but it’s easily handled by Kelsey.
9th: Helsel gets the ball down in the corner and sends a nice ball across the goal mouth....McCabe beats his defender and gives a cheeky flick past Kelsey and into the back of the net....GOAL! 1-0 Etown.
10th: After 10 minutes of false hope I realize that I won’t be able to continue typing with my hands in my pockets.
12th: Etown faithful starts singing dirty English soccer chants...It’s incredibly offensive and I love it.
15th: Makar with a tremendous shot, but AJ just tips it over the bar... out for a corner.
15th: SU corner...Dangerous ball, but Owen rises above the pack to clear it out.
19th: Susquehanna and Etown Fans are standing right next to each and yelling loudly...this is truly a great soccer atmosphere.
21st: SU free kick from 45 out...headed up in the air, but AJ comes out of nowhere to snag it out of the skies.
22nd: King Richard with a tough English tackle to break up an SU breakaway....that’s just how they breed ‘em over there.
23rd: Baughman with a tough tackle on the far sideline and the ref shows him a yellow.
25th: Helsel fights through his man...but ref calls a foul. If he thought that tackle was a foul, I’m worried that King Richard may pick up at least 3 red cards this game
27th: Ball heading straight for my computer and out of nowhere comes Matt Diller to save my life and my blog...God bless you Dills.
29th: Etown- Diller for Warusz.
29th: SU- Eric Baltimore and Dan Husko for Smeltz and Campbell.
30th: SU free kick sent into the box but a Crusader player is whistled for going over the back.
32th: Both my big toes are numb.
34th: Mark Richter for Baughman
36th: SU- Ed Lamy for Larsen...Etown- James Runyon and Josh Hoffman for Diller and McCabe...this is Hoffman’s first action since breaking his foot against Lebanon Valley on September 30th.
37th: SU corner...Richter sends it in but a Crusader heads it away from goal.
38th: SU- Malek Giet for Snyder.
38th: Hels anf Runyon with some nice combo work in the corner.
38th: Hoffman with the ball on the far wing, sends a beatiful cross in the box...Helsel beats his defender and volleys it out of the air top shelf to beat Kelsey.....GOAL! 2-0 Etown...prettiest goal I’ve seen from the boys all year.
40th: SU- Ian Hutchinson for Gawlas....Etown- Dirty Dan Flaherty for Helsel.
43rd: Hoffman wide open 20 yards out drills a shot...unfortunately it hits Runyon square in the leg....even more unfortunate is that it’s negative 2-million degrees outside...As a result, James hates Hoffman.
End of Half....2-0 Etown.
First Half Recap: WOW! Great half of soccer for the Jays...However I can hear Skip yelling from the bench, "A two goal lead is like kissing your sister"...Hopefully those wise words will continue to bring inspired play from the boys in blue. As the stats will show, SU had some chances, they just couldn’t convert. Blue Jays definitely need to keep pressing in the second half. Also of note, I just got word from WWEC’s Jim Pollak that our girls defeated Messiah 1-0 AT GRANTHAM to capture the womens conference championship. Great win ladies! Jim was especially excited for this news, because his girlfriend is on the womens team, and now he says he is definitely going to "get some" tonight....whatever that means.
Stats at the Half-
Shots 5-4 Etown
Corner 3-3
Saves 2-2
Fouls 12-9
Body parts that are frozen and not in use: 7
Start of 2nd: At the half, I was seriously contemplating sticking my tongue to the metal pole behind the scorers table...however, I was unable to move because my bum was still frozen to the luxurious and comfy metal bench that the University of Susquehanna has provided me on this sub-arctic November night...Cheers!
48th: I hear an air-horn from the SU student section, and I’m pretty sure if duck calls are illegal during conference playoffs, so are air-horns...paging Nancy Latimore.
50th: Holt pulls a spin move that could probably land him a contract in the Premier League....but McCabe is off-sides...DOH!
51st: Susquehanna with a couple dangerous looks up close....ball knocked out for SU corner.
51st: Corner easily covered by AJ.
52nd: I just talked to a polar bear. He said it was too cold and he’s heading back to the North Pole.
53rd: SU- Makar for Baltimore
55th- Etown- Andrew Sinclair for Runyon...SU- Baughman and Rispoli for Richter and Campbell.
58th: After a boisterous first half...Etown fans have quieted down a bit.
60th: Etown- Warusz for McCabe and Diller for Sinclair.
61st: I haven’t made a meaningful entry in several minute...not because there’s nothing going on, but more so because I can’t feel either of my hands.
65th: Warusz with a great diving slide to save the ball...but the ref calls it out....Bollocks.
67th: SU with a great chance from 19 yds out, but the shot by Baughman is high wide and not at all handsome.
70th: Etown- McCabe and Pete Moore for Owen and Warusz...SU- Kyle Elsenbaumer for Smelthz.
72nd: SU- Baltimore for Laubach.
75th: We’ve just notched our 23rd foul....we’re a bunch of uncouth barbarians.
75th: SU- Laubach for Baughman and Smeltz for Larsen....Etown- Runyon for Diller.
77th: Holt does a great job to win a tackle then Larsen slides in hard....ref gives a yellow.
78th: Susquehanna with the ball in our third...Skips excitedly exclaims, "Oh my god everybody’s open!"....that’s never a good thing to hear from your head coach.
80th: Etown- Owen for Pete.
81st: Crusaders never say die...Richter with a close shot...Gawlas tries to deflect it in but it sails just wide.
83rd: Etown- Warusz for McCabe.
84th: Runyon with a nice shot from point blank...nice save by Kelsey.
85th: Runyon with the ball again, this time he breaks out the double step-over...and although no one was faked out...he looked awful good doing it.
86th: Etown- Sinclair for Runyon.
88th: Crusaders keep up the pressure with a ball deep into the box....but AJ still playing strong.
88th: Etown- Brain Raveling for Sinclair.
End of Game... 2-0 Etown!
Final Stats:
Shots 10-10
Corners 7-5 Etown
Fouls 31-16
Saves: 3-3
Man of the Match: Mike Helsel
Buffalo Bills Award: AJ Fleisher
End of Game Recap: Impressive victory for the Blue Jays....Everyone was playing well and in-sync....If we play like this in the tourney, it could be fun. AJ deservedly wins Conference Tournament MVP. I apologize for the lack of blogging in the second half...at first I thought I was turning Blue with pride for my Jays, but then I realized it was probably something a little more realistic, like hypothermia or frostbite. Oh well...Blue Jays pull it off and are headed to the NCAA TOURNAMENT!!!!!
Next Up:
Seedings for the Tournament aren’t released until late Sunday Night...As soon as I catch wind, you, my faithful blog readers, will be the first to know.
Elizabethtown College Blue Jays vs Susquehanna University Crusaders
7:00 pm Sassafras Field
Conditions: It’s the Frozen Tundra of Sassafras Field.
Starting 11
Etown 10-5-2 (overall) 3-3-1 (conference)
GK- AJ Fleisher
3- Jeff Warusz
4- Michael "Sunshine" Terry
5- Mike Helsel
7- Mike McCabe
8- Brennan Reichenbach
11- Wes Bunting
14- Rick "King Richard" Winstanley
16- Bryan Holt
25- Owen Friedrich
27- Zach Galbraith
Coach- Skip Roderick (24th year 400-91-41)
Susquehanna 10-7-2 (overall) 4-3-0 (conference)
GK- Austin Kelsey
2- Isaac Laubach
3- Philip Smeltz
6- Matthew Gawlas
7- Matthew Campbell
10- Seth Baughman
13- Nate Snyder
14- Justin Makar
17- Ralph Larsen
19- Ryan Rispoli
22- Bill Morgan
Coach- Jim Findlay (9th year 74-80-5)
Pre-game notes: 47-0-1...that is the Jays all-time mark against the Crusaders. Some would consider this a "jinxing statement," to that I reply you haven’t been a Blue Jay fan for very long. Every single time these two teams get together, regardless of circumstance, this outstanding stat is brought up. However the past couple times these two teams have hooked up, they’ve provided a very intense exciting game of soccer. With the exception of Messiah (the playoff game, not the Marshmallow Game) this is the most excited I’ve been for a game all season. I’m pretty familiar with Susquehanna, and fairly close with several of their players. Isaac Laubach is my best friends little brother, and one of the best soccer players I’ve ever played with...he plays on the back line for the Crusaders and is very solid through the air. Although I am desperately pulling for a Blue Jay victory, there’s no one I’d rather see succeed tonight more than Isaac. Austin Kelsey is a fine goalie. I feel he’s been underused in the platoon system that Susquehanna employs, but he’s definitely capable of making big saves. One more key player for the Crusaders is senior Nate Snyder, the former MAC Co-Rookie of the Year has a nose for the goal and despite having a less than desirable year, he has to be someone the Blue Jay defense keys on. On the Etown side, after Tuesdays 1-0 win over hated rival Messiah, I’d say the Blue Jays are flying higher than any other team in the nation in terms of momentum and spirit. AJ’s been on a roll and the Blue Jay defense is looking rock solid. The only question is will Wes still be a prominent factor in the air despite the 12 stitches he received from those nice, upstanding boys from Grantham? Bottom line though, (as it’s been all season), if someone steps up on the offensive end, the Jays defense is strong enough to hold any lead.
1st: Etown faithful traveling well and making their presence felt with that SU cheer that never goes out of style "Suck My Hanna"
1st: Hard foul on Snyder right outside the box...low driven ball sent in but no trouble as it’s cleared out by Blue Jay defense.
3rd: Etown Corner....McCabe sends it right into Kelsey’s hands.
5th: Susquehanna with a seemingly innocent free kick at mid-field but it falls in the box at Laubach’s feet...his shot beats the Etown defense but trickles just past the post.
6th: It’s cold.
8th: Warusz is sprung free on a breakaway and fires a shot but it’s easily handled by Kelsey.
9th: Helsel gets the ball down in the corner and sends a nice ball across the goal mouth....McCabe beats his defender and gives a cheeky flick past Kelsey and into the back of the net....GOAL! 1-0 Etown.
10th: After 10 minutes of false hope I realize that I won’t be able to continue typing with my hands in my pockets.
12th: Etown faithful starts singing dirty English soccer chants...It’s incredibly offensive and I love it.
15th: Makar with a tremendous shot, but AJ just tips it over the bar... out for a corner.
15th: SU corner...Dangerous ball, but Owen rises above the pack to clear it out.
19th: Susquehanna and Etown Fans are standing right next to each and yelling loudly...this is truly a great soccer atmosphere.
21st: SU free kick from 45 out...headed up in the air, but AJ comes out of nowhere to snag it out of the skies.
22nd: King Richard with a tough English tackle to break up an SU breakaway....that’s just how they breed ‘em over there.
23rd: Baughman with a tough tackle on the far sideline and the ref shows him a yellow.
25th: Helsel fights through his man...but ref calls a foul. If he thought that tackle was a foul, I’m worried that King Richard may pick up at least 3 red cards this game
27th: Ball heading straight for my computer and out of nowhere comes Matt Diller to save my life and my blog...God bless you Dills.
29th: Etown- Diller for Warusz.
29th: SU- Eric Baltimore and Dan Husko for Smeltz and Campbell.
30th: SU free kick sent into the box but a Crusader player is whistled for going over the back.
32th: Both my big toes are numb.
34th: Mark Richter for Baughman
36th: SU- Ed Lamy for Larsen...Etown- James Runyon and Josh Hoffman for Diller and McCabe...this is Hoffman’s first action since breaking his foot against Lebanon Valley on September 30th.
37th: SU corner...Richter sends it in but a Crusader heads it away from goal.
38th: SU- Malek Giet for Snyder.
38th: Hels anf Runyon with some nice combo work in the corner.
38th: Hoffman with the ball on the far wing, sends a beatiful cross in the box...Helsel beats his defender and volleys it out of the air top shelf to beat Kelsey.....GOAL! 2-0 Etown...prettiest goal I’ve seen from the boys all year.
40th: SU- Ian Hutchinson for Gawlas....Etown- Dirty Dan Flaherty for Helsel.
43rd: Hoffman wide open 20 yards out drills a shot...unfortunately it hits Runyon square in the leg....even more unfortunate is that it’s negative 2-million degrees outside...As a result, James hates Hoffman.
End of Half....2-0 Etown.
First Half Recap: WOW! Great half of soccer for the Jays...However I can hear Skip yelling from the bench, "A two goal lead is like kissing your sister"...Hopefully those wise words will continue to bring inspired play from the boys in blue. As the stats will show, SU had some chances, they just couldn’t convert. Blue Jays definitely need to keep pressing in the second half. Also of note, I just got word from WWEC’s Jim Pollak that our girls defeated Messiah 1-0 AT GRANTHAM to capture the womens conference championship. Great win ladies! Jim was especially excited for this news, because his girlfriend is on the womens team, and now he says he is definitely going to "get some" tonight....whatever that means.
Stats at the Half-
Shots 5-4 Etown
Corner 3-3
Saves 2-2
Fouls 12-9
Body parts that are frozen and not in use: 7
Start of 2nd: At the half, I was seriously contemplating sticking my tongue to the metal pole behind the scorers table...however, I was unable to move because my bum was still frozen to the luxurious and comfy metal bench that the University of Susquehanna has provided me on this sub-arctic November night...Cheers!
48th: I hear an air-horn from the SU student section, and I’m pretty sure if duck calls are illegal during conference playoffs, so are air-horns...paging Nancy Latimore.
50th: Holt pulls a spin move that could probably land him a contract in the Premier League....but McCabe is off-sides...DOH!
51st: Susquehanna with a couple dangerous looks up close....ball knocked out for SU corner.
51st: Corner easily covered by AJ.
52nd: I just talked to a polar bear. He said it was too cold and he’s heading back to the North Pole.
53rd: SU- Makar for Baltimore
55th- Etown- Andrew Sinclair for Runyon...SU- Baughman and Rispoli for Richter and Campbell.
58th: After a boisterous first half...Etown fans have quieted down a bit.
60th: Etown- Warusz for McCabe and Diller for Sinclair.
61st: I haven’t made a meaningful entry in several minute...not because there’s nothing going on, but more so because I can’t feel either of my hands.
65th: Warusz with a great diving slide to save the ball...but the ref calls it out....Bollocks.
67th: SU with a great chance from 19 yds out, but the shot by Baughman is high wide and not at all handsome.
70th: Etown- McCabe and Pete Moore for Owen and Warusz...SU- Kyle Elsenbaumer for Smelthz.
72nd: SU- Baltimore for Laubach.
75th: We’ve just notched our 23rd foul....we’re a bunch of uncouth barbarians.
75th: SU- Laubach for Baughman and Smeltz for Larsen....Etown- Runyon for Diller.
77th: Holt does a great job to win a tackle then Larsen slides in hard....ref gives a yellow.
78th: Susquehanna with the ball in our third...Skips excitedly exclaims, "Oh my god everybody’s open!"....that’s never a good thing to hear from your head coach.
80th: Etown- Owen for Pete.
81st: Crusaders never say die...Richter with a close shot...Gawlas tries to deflect it in but it sails just wide.
83rd: Etown- Warusz for McCabe.
84th: Runyon with a nice shot from point blank...nice save by Kelsey.
85th: Runyon with the ball again, this time he breaks out the double step-over...and although no one was faked out...he looked awful good doing it.
86th: Etown- Sinclair for Runyon.
88th: Crusaders keep up the pressure with a ball deep into the box....but AJ still playing strong.
88th: Etown- Brain Raveling for Sinclair.
End of Game... 2-0 Etown!
Final Stats:
Shots 10-10
Corners 7-5 Etown
Fouls 31-16
Saves: 3-3
Man of the Match: Mike Helsel
Buffalo Bills Award: AJ Fleisher
End of Game Recap: Impressive victory for the Blue Jays....Everyone was playing well and in-sync....If we play like this in the tourney, it could be fun. AJ deservedly wins Conference Tournament MVP. I apologize for the lack of blogging in the second half...at first I thought I was turning Blue with pride for my Jays, but then I realized it was probably something a little more realistic, like hypothermia or frostbite. Oh well...Blue Jays pull it off and are headed to the NCAA TOURNAMENT!!!!!
Next Up:
Seedings for the Tournament aren’t released until late Sunday Night...As soon as I catch wind, you, my faithful blog readers, will be the first to know.
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