Blue Jay Blogger

Etown vs Albright

2007-09-28T20:10:00.000-05:00

Etown vs Albright

Etown starters
Zach Galbraith
Michael Terry
Wes Bunting
Andrew Filewicz
Steve Petrosky
Cameron Gettle
Matt Diller
Bryan Holt
Taylor Helsel
Jeff Mullen
George Severini

This game was cancelled Wednesday night about 10 minutes before kickoff so Albright was thrilled they had to make the journey back up to lovely Etown.

It’s chilly and windy here tonight after a beautiful day.

Albright has a total of 16 players on there team and no backup goalie, very weird. They look slow, small, and stupid. (sorry to be mean but I needed a third “s” word.)

Wes head butted Michael Terry during the Star Spangled Banner. I see everything.

45:00 Albright tap. GREAT NEWS THE S.I.D brought a hand held radio and we are listening to the Phillies game. I probably won’t be able to focus on the blog tonight, but I might write a sweet Phillies blog instead, I have playoff tickets for the first home game.

42:42 Albright looks out matched early. If they can hold on early maybe they can frustrate the Blue Jays.

42:16 A very unthreatening chance from the fierce Lions.

41:21 Great pass from Filewicz to Diller inside the 18, shot blocked by Albright defender.

39:35 Corner kick Jays taken by Holt. Mishandled by the goalie, he almost knocked it in his own net, but just wide and out for another corner by Holt. This one is caught and held by the keeper.

37:00 Galbraith takes a shot, well I don’t know if it was a shot of if he just stubbed his toe. Filewicz makes a great move in the corner and gets a cross off that sails past everyone for a 6.

Albright coach “We are second to every ball.” In my opinion they are more like fifth to every ball.

34:39 Great pass from Sunny to Filewicz who finds Severini in the box for the good look but no shot.

34:01 GOAL!!!!! Cross from Galbraith to Diller’s head defected right to Taylor Helsel’s feet for an easy goal. First-ever of his Blue Jay career.

Etown 1 Albright 0
Phillies retire the Nationals in order to start the game.

The girl in the press box working the clock thinks Richard Winstanley is from Australia.

32:25 Jays corner kick by Holt. Cleared out by the Lions.

It seems like the Jays are getting frustrated because they aren’t winning by 5 goals already. They will be soon enough.

31:30 Corner by Holt. Cleared out by the Lions, Petrosky gets it back and serves a perfect ball into Diller who heads it over the goal. Good opportunity there, Diller should have done better.

30:33 SUB Severini out Dirty in.

29:46 Jays long throw in headed out for another Jays corner. Holt plays a short one to Petrosky who has all day to serve a cross and he trips over himself, everyone is looking around for a sniper.

28:58 GOAL!!! Petrosky redeems himself with a ball served into the box right to Buntings head for his first goal of the season.

Etown 2 Albright 0

Looks like no hang over from the Wilkes loss.

26:46 Great opportunity by the Lions, shot high and wide. Blue Jay defense fell asleep for a minute. I think Wes is still cherishing his first goal of the season.

25:51 Injury to Albright player. The Lions players are talking around me and they seem pretty upbeat for being down 2-0. Kudos to there coach for keeping them positive.

24:18 Subs Mike Helsel in, Brian Raveling, and Adam Liddle in. OUT Matt Diller, Taylor Helsel and someone else I missed.

Shocking development here as Raveling is not wearing long sleeves, I am he regrets that decision.

21:09 The Blue Jays just strung together about 15 passes in a row.

20:45 Galbraith doesn’t stub his toe on this shot. He releases a MISSLE that everyone just stood and watched with AWE as it broke the crossbar in half. I had no idea Zach could shoot like that. Probably the best shot of his life.

19:15 Great passing gets the Jays another chance on net, but Micahael Terry juuuuust missed it, strike 1.

SUB Sheibler in Terry out.

13:25 Albright has adjusted to the speed of the game and are containing the Jays much better.

9:57 Subs Brian Gallagher and Tony Pacella in. Dirty and Petrosky out.

8:44 A ball played into the box Raveling goes up for it against the keeper and they collide and the ball is free at the top of the 18.

8:05 Probably the best save of Albright goalies life. A ball played across the 6 yard box, one timed by Gallagher and the goalie made an incredible reaction save and hold.

7:02 Great ball from Mike Helsel to Raveling on the back post headed just wide into the side netting.

5:12 Wes completes a pass to Liddle. He complains to me if I don’t mention when he ACTUALLY completes a pass.

3:35 Helsel crosses it in to Liddle, headed just high. The flanks are so wide open, it’s a field day for the Jays outside halves.

1:05 Cross from Raveling to Gallagher who lays it back to Sheibler to rip a one time shot from the 18, low and wide. It’s just a matter of time before the Jays start connecting on these opportunities and piling on the goals.

HALFTIME

Stats
Etown 9
Albright 2

Phillies 0 Nationals 0 top 3rd
Marlins 2 Mets 1 Bottom 2nd

45:00 As the teams take the field, Jeff Mullen decides now is a good time to go pee. He is only in his 8th start so he will learn to pee sooner.

Jays tap

44:05 Corner kick for the Lions. Headed out by Servini.

43:15 Filewicz tries a long shot, Skip yells at him to look for an assist. The freshman scored two last home game so he figured he should try and keep it up. Skipper continues to remind Filly that he should only get assists.

42:11 Jays corner. Cleared out but quickly crossed back in by Adam Liddle who finds Severini’s head for the GOAAAAAL!

Etown 3 Albright 0

41:38 Wide open shot from the top of the 18 by Liddle on his left foot, high.

Marlins 4 Mets 1

39:03 Great through pass from Severini to Sunny. Sunny has a defender all over him and is only able to push the ball on net, just wide.

37:34 Severini draws a PK. Severini takes the PK, rips it left. GOAAAAAL!

Etown 4 Albright 0

Time to unload the bench for the Jays who have another game tomorrow against a team equally as bad.

35:35 SUB John Cook in for Wes Bunting.

7 rookies, 3 seniors, one junior make up this Blue Jay squad on the field right now.

Possession must be 75%-25% for the Jays. Even with the subs in.

If I were calling this game on the radio I would feel like the announcer from the Simpsons….he passes it, he holds it, holds it, HOLDS IT! HOLDS IT! Passes it...passes it…holds it, holds it, holds iT!!!!!!!!!!! I’m bored and Albright stinks.

28:27 Corner kick Jays taken by Filly.

I quit this game stinks. I am worried tomorrow will be the same thing against Arcadia....

Final score 5-0.

Etown vs Mules

2007-09-19T20:26:00.000-05:00

Etown (5-1) vs Muhlenberg Mules (3-1, 0-1)

No prediction for tonight’s game. I was embarrassed by my earlier prediction this week where the Philadelphia Eagles would dominate the Washington Redskins on MNF, I was so wrong I am turned off of predicting for the week, at least.

What I do know is that this game will be a defensive battle between two very physical squads. This year’s Etown team is less physical then past teams, probably on account of so many freshman, but from what I hear and see this Mules squad is big. A lot of North Jersey boys on the squad so from my experience playing against a ton of north Jersey teams growing up is they love contact.

Fun facts:
Michael Terry is sporting some form of gel in his hair to make his Mohawk look super sweet.

Liz Muller, Wes Bunting’s girlfriend, is celebrating her 22nd birthday today. Added pressure on Wes to perform well, maybe…

It was taco night in the cafeteria tonight. From my experience, Tacos + Soccer = SUCCESS.

New warm –up CD is in. Way better.

It is a beautiful night for a soccer game. And a baseball game, GO PHILLIES! (Sorry.)

Mules starters
Not that tall. Much bigger guys on the bench.

ETOWN Starters
Jeff Mullen
Michael Terry
Andrew Filewitz
George Severini
Steve Petrosky
Bryan Holt
Wes Bunting
Cameron Gettle
Matt Diller
Zach Galbraith
Tony Pacella

Mules athletic trainer is wearing a Phillies hat, I like hit lots.

45:00 Jays tap.

41:44 Hard tackle on Pacella. Ouch! Mules are rumored to be physical, I hope not dirty too.

41:15 Cross finds Michael Terry at the top of the 18 for a one time volley, wide right, good thought.

39:36 Michael Terry hardly ever loses the ball. He is such a factor in the midfield for the Jays because of his strength on the ball.

38:15 Pacella is struggling with his new position of outside halfback. He is right next to Skip so everytime the freshman is on the ball, he has Skip in his head. Not sure if that is helping or hurting him.

35:41 Diller gets stuck in very hard just past midfield. Good play by Diller, he will remain physical all game now that he has already been stuck in. Foul called on him.

34:09 Wes completes a long ball down the line to Servini. I always give Wes crap about not being able to pass and him only being good in the air, so props to him for actually using his feet to play soccer.

32:11 Filewitz megs a defender sends a cross into the box and Mules GK wins it in the air.

30:50 SUB Pacella out Mike Helsel in. Tough not for the rookie.

29:35 Great overlap by Petrosky in the corner to get a cross off into the box.

Jays are looking very comfortable on the ball. Really controlling the possession of the is game and following the game plan they have in place for tonight.

27:40 Great move by Helsel to get past the defender. His cross was AWFUL though. Sorry Mike, but COME ON!! He realizes it and has to take some crap from Skip and Graham for it.

24:55 Corner for the Jays. Filewitz will take it. Jays looked very confused on what the play was suppose to be. Wes gets called for a foul in the box because #10 on the Mules is 50 lbs. and Wes is kinda big.

18:09 SUBS Brian Raveling, Taylor Helsel, OUT Severini, Filewitz.

16:40 Taylor Helsel earns a Jays corner kick. Mike Helsel will take it. Went out of bounds on the corner.

14:46 Pet is falling down and asks the ref for a call in mid air. The ref just gives him the head shake. Winstanley gave him a 4.9 on the dive.

12:42 The Jays have committed 10 fouls, Mules 1 at this point.

11:54 Great cross by the Mules springs a one time shot, gets past Mullen Bunting clears it off the line. One time shot at the top of the 18 by the Mules had a shot at goal but Buntings skull made contact with it first. Stopped at least one goal, maybe two.

10:34 Mike Helsel gets off a great cross, one time shot by Taylor Helsel blocked, Diller shoots, save keeper. Helsel made up for the previous poor cross there as the scoring chances are finally coming in this game.

9:27 Corner kick Jays. Mike Helsel will take it. Knocked out to the top of the 18 one time hit by Holt well off the mark.

8:22 SUB Dirty in Diller out.

6:35 Corner kick Jays. Balled dropped back served into the box, Taylor Helsel finds the ball at his feet about 6 yards in front of goal, can’t get the shot off.

I am willing to bet if they tracked head balls won, Wes Bunting would beat all of DIII soccer…combined.

2:55 Ball played in the middle of the 18 on a quick counter, one time shot RIPPED upper 90. GOAL MULES. Wow, no offense all game then a sweet goal.

Etown 0 Mules 1

2:05 Mike Helsel earns a corner kick that the ref overrules with an offsides call.

:09 Great service into the box by Galbraith, almost a chance for Bunting to get on the other end of it in the box.

HALFTIME
ETOWN 0 MULES 1

2-1 Nationals over the Mets is the big talk at halftime. Can the Nats really pull off the sweep? I hope so. I haven’t been to the Phillies playoff game since 1993 when they beat the Blue Jays, I’m overdue.

Halftime interview with Wes as he got his foot operated on by the trainers, “They are soft.”

2nd Half

45:00 Mules tap.

44:34 Confusion by the Jays defense. Mules take a very very weak shot off the mistake.
41:38 Great scoring chance for Diller, shot wide left. Jays needed that to be better.

40:26 Foul on Wes about 35 yards from goal in the middle of the pitch. Played out wide and crossed swallowed up by Mullen.

39:23 Free kick Jays 35 yards out middle of the goal. Another miscommunication on the play. That’s the second one tonight.

37:51 Great touch from Filly, to Raveling right back to Filly for a cross collected by the keeper.

32:01 Galbraith plays a free kick into the box, easily collected by the keeper, Michael Terry yells at Zach that “He is 6’5!” I guess he wants that service a little lower.

27:03 Great play by Adam Scheibler to beat a double team in the corner, he drops it back to Helsel at the top of the 18 headed in by Filly! GOAAAAAAAAAL!

Etown 1 Mules 1

26:30 Momentum shift. Corner kick Jays. Filly takes it. Knocked out one time hit by Holt. Keeper drops it Wes all over the rebound and the keeper gets stuck in as well. Keeper gets the worse of it as Wes gets up he gets shoved to the ground, yellow card given to #5 on the Mules. Almost a major mistake by the keeper on that one. He paid the price though.

24:44 Wes gets stuck in on a tackle and again pushed down after the play, refs sees it but chooses to ignore it. Wes is probably going to rip someones head off soon. I’m excited.

17:26 I catch a ball in the press box. The hill cheers for me. I am just happy my laptop is okay.

16:41 Brian Raveling subs in. Skip was talking to him when the ball went out for a 6 Raves demanded the horn go off for a sub because last time he waited an eternity to sub in.

15:51 Foul by the Mules outside the 18 on the near sideline, Mules coach isn’t happy and kicks over water bottles in disgust. He felt way more manly after doing that.

13:36 Wes lost a head ball on a 6 yarder. I check to make sure the world isn’t coming to an end.

12:39 Corner kick Mules. Punched away by Mullen. Eventually cleared out.

Not much to blog about, Jays controlling the ball but unable to really get any good opportunities out of it.
3:46 Great layoff from Servini to Diller, Diller rips a shot from the 18, goalie mishandles it AGAIN Filly ALL OVER the rebound, GOAAAAAAAAAAAL!!!!!!!!

Etown 2 Mules 1

2:36 Helsel gets fouled. Helsels pissed, he attacks the player who fouls him, earns a yellow card.

GAME OVER!

Goalie cost the Mules this game.

Man of the Match: Filly, two goals, well done rookie.
Buffalo Bills Award: Adam Scheibler, great move to spring the Jays for the goal

Etown vs Alvernia

2007-09-16T01:59:00.000-05:00

Etown (4-1) vs Alvernia (1-4)

First home game blog of the season, pretty exciting stuff.

Fun facts as we await the start of the game…

It’s kinda of cold. About 55 degrees now but windy and definitely going to get colder.

Etown has increased its tuition about two grand every year I have been here and the school has only gotten cheaper. I called the game on the radio Thursday night thinking people from anywhere in the country could hear it. Turns out the school did not renew its contract with Shoutcast.com and only people in Etown could hear the game, so basically I called the game for no one. I know several parents and alumni that love to listen to the games but can’t now because of the cheapness of Etown. So as much as I love to call the games on the radio I will probably only do a few more and stick to blogging. Sorry to those of you who tried to listen on Thursday.

The cold is already setting in and my fingers and cold, typing might become a challenge tonight.

The Jays warm-up CD is awful. Sorry to Josh Hoffman who created it but it does the opposite effect of pumping one up for a game, minus a few songs. I heard one Blue Jay say “it sounds like music I would hear at a gay martini bar.” So a poor effort by Hoffman on the CD, the boys will try again for Wednesday against Muhlenberg.

Brian Raveling is an early favorite to win the Golden boot tonight for the Jays as he is doing an awesome job helping the guys warm up, as he must sit tonight due to a red card against Drew.

No other fun facts to report, other then the fact that Alvernia is going to get crushed tonight. If the Jays get up early in this one, I could get very loopy for the 2nd half and just write ridiculous things.

As the captains report to the ref Wes does a tremendous job of kissing butt. I still say he and Cam “the bash brothers” get a yellow tonight.

Etown Starters
(Assistant coach “Z” has in formed me he is not starting tonight…. ☹)
Jeff Mullen
Michael Terry
Andrew Filwitz
Steve Petrosky
Wes Bunting
Taylor Helsel
Bryan Holt
Cameron Gettel
Zach Galbraith
Tony Pacella

45:00 Jays tap.

43:51 Jays controlling early, Jays look much faster and much more comfortable on the ball.

43:16 Great header won by Cameron. He gets fouled.

42:40 Alvernia wins a header and the entire team is happy. I think to myself, that it was just a header in the middle of the field hate to see if they score how happy they get.

41:37 The Crusdaders are packing the box hoping to stay in the game as long as possible, pretty good game plan.

40:51 Filewitz drives the sideline maybe gets fouled, ball goes out for a 6-yarder.

40:20 Bunting has the ball in the middle of the field and has more time on the ball then he knows what to do with.

39:48 Corner Jays. Filewitz finds Bunting back post and his header goes just wide. I think Alvernia is playing the same defense Drew against the Jays on corner kicks, which is to leave Bunting wide open. Note to other coaches…NOT SMART.

38:17 Alvernia clanks a shot off the post ALMOST a goal. A scary moment for the Jays as the defense fell asleep for a moment. But the posts continue to kind to the Jays this season. It will eventually even out, it always does.

37:11 Petrosky earns a corner kick. Filewitz will serve it. Finds Bunting but can’t get much on it as it goes out for a 6-yarder.

35:17 My fingers are cold. Blogs will start to become fewer and fewer as my pockets become my best friend.

32:51 Long distance shot from Taylor Helsel. Easy save for Kessler.

31:54 Diving save from Mullen. Alvernia keeps sneaking in these great goal scoring chances. They go from no offense for 10 minutes then one great goal scoring chance.

30:26 Alvernia is doing a terrific job of countering the Blue Jays. This might be a game if the Jays don’t score soon.

29:52 Corner for the Jays. Filewitz lays it back to Pacella who loses it.

27:57 Mullen punches out a throw in into the box. He looks more and more confident each game. He was the MVP against Drew.

27:26 Severini almost scored off a cross with his chest, good thought, but just wide.

27:01 The fans on Alumni Hill are demanding a goal from the Blue Jays as the game is stopped for blood on a Alvernia player.

26:54 Bunting wins a head ball. I think he has won 95% of the head balls he has challenged for. That number is probably down from last year.

25:30 Poor 6-yard kick from the goalie and Micahel Terry sends Severini in on a break away where he is fouled from behind in the box, penalty kick!

25:28 Severini takes it. Perfect finish. GOAL!!!!!!! Severini helps my predictions be even better!

Etown 1 Alvernia 0

SUB Diller in.
24:41 Cameron wins a header off a punt, just like his soul mate, Wes.

23:47 Alvernia Kyle Keller steps on Severini’s head as he is down on the ground. The ref missed it, and Michael Terry lets him know about it. “There better be a card in your hand,” Terry says. No card given, but a great threat none the less.

22:14 It’s been almost 10 minutes since an Alvernia chance, hopefully they are done with those scary chances.

21:37 Adam Lush for Alvernia flips Michael Terry over his back. Lush receives a yellow card, about time. Terry’s threat worked.

21:23 Filewitz gets his first yellow card for a tackle from behind. He got ball but still an aggressive tackle.

20:43 Severini called offsides, close call there.

19:32 SUB Dirty and Hoffman in. Filewtiz and Severini out.

18:50 Probably the sickest move of the year by Mike Helsel in the corner to beat the double team. He must have learned that move playing Fifa Street.

18:07 Half valley rip on goal by Dirty, right at Kessler though.

17:44 Cameron kills a kid. Hence the nickname Killa Cam. He deserved a yellow card there for no reason but to make my prediction right.

17:06 Free-kick for Alvernia in a dangerous spot headed away by Galbraith.

15:05 Another great win in the air by Cameron. Him and Wes will have no brain cells left by the end of the season. I know Wes needs all the ones he has left, he is an Oakland Raiders fan.

13:25 The Jays are having a lot of chances in the Alvernia zone but are showing no patience and serving balls in the box way to early or trying to shoot when they should pass.

10:05 Wes blocks a ball in the box with his hand, by accident. Should have been called but Wes played it cool like nothing happened.

9:26 Someone gets in Mullen’s way, he gets them out of his way with a bruising shoulder that sends him to the ground. Sheer brilliance by Mullen.

7:48 It is confirmed that Mike Helsel has been playing a lot of Fifa Street cause he just left two guys in there shoes and earned a corner kick. Nothing comes from the corner.

5:58 Wes is pissed off and shouting a lot. I think he gets more tired from yelling then he does from playing.

4:23 Corner kick Jays. Short take. Helsel beats a man and gets in the box for a shot GREAT save from the keeper. Another brilliant move by Helsel.

2:36 Bunting called for a foul for pushing in the back. Ref has a word with him but no card, probably because he kissed his butt earlier.

HALFTIME
Etown 1 Alvernia 0

The Jays are forcing it, plain and simple. They are the better team but in the final third of the field can’t put it together for a goal. The Jays just need to be patient and take the opportunities that are available to them. Alvernia is no threat offensively except on the counters, which are few and far between.

The teams agree to only a 10 minute halftime. Great news! I get to be back for the USC vs Nebraska game sooner.

Stats at the half

Shots
Etown 8
Alvernia 4

Corners
Etown 6
Alvernia 0

Fouls
Etown 9
Alvernia 9

Saves
Kessler 4
Mullen 2

I hope the Jays put it together early so I can have a lot of fun with the second half.

45:00 Alvernia tap.

41:00 I’m still alive. Not much going on really.

38:04 Galbraith gets a yellow card for delay of game. Sweet call, sir, he is really looking to slow the game up with 38 minutes left. Zach has earned the softest yellow card ever and will be ridiculed for it. Unlucky.

37:06 Sevrini fouled just outside the 18 yard box on the far left side. Severini takes it. Finds DILLER’S HEAD…. GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!! Diller on a brilliant run and a great ball off the restart. Skip is a mastermind of the restart goal.

ETOWN 2 Alvernia 0

Alvernia coach, “Two dives, two goals,” referring to Servini being fouled in both instances where the Jays scored.

34:46 Free kick for Alvernia just outside the box. Served by Tim Marcinek headed by Morgan Davidheiser, GOAL. I’m pretty sure it was the exact same play Etown just ran for there goal. I think they stole our play, is Belichick around stealing our signs?

ETOWN 2 Alvernia 1

Alvernia has new life now. Maybe my preseason prediction of 3-1 was better then my switch to 4-0.

31:41 Great one, two play by Helsel and Severini.

30:57 Great cross by Galbraith to Diller for a header for a goal, but he was called off sides.

29:35 The ref gets right in Pacella’s face to talk to him. I wasn’t sure if he was going to kiss him or talk to him he got so close. I think Pacella checked his breath afterwards to make sure it was still fresh if the ref tries to kiss him again.

The coaches of both teams talk about it and decide that the refs have no idea what off sides is. Graham says “It didn’t hurt you guys on the goal a little while ago.” “Nope,” says formal Etown player and now Alvernia assistant coach Casey Moore.

28:07 Diller RIPS a shot off the cross ball. Sick shot, just a little high, Diller started off slow when he came in the game but after Wes yelled at him, he has been playing his best game of the year.

25:35 Corner for the Jays. Filewitz serves it, headed by Wes but cleared out.

23:34 Great ball in the box by Galbraith, passed by Filewitz to Diller GOAL!!!!! No one is sure if it was off sides or not. After a moment of silence, it appears to be a goal this time. Yay! Diller’s 2nd goal tonight. I knew someone would score two tonight, I thought Terry, it was Diller, I’m pissed. I tell the Sports Information Director that Galbraith deserves the 2nd assist on that one but he doesn’t really care. I tried Zach, sorry.

Etown 3 Alvernia 1

19:46 Dirty gets stuck in hard. His pants LITERALLY fall off. The ref gives him a yellow card. Dirty fixes his pants and the ref can’t stop starring at his butt. It is awkward for everyone.

17:54 Adam Sceibler tries the most awkward bicycle kick ever.

17:27 Diller in on a breakaway but has to shoot it on his first touch, right to the goalie but Diller continues to give them fits.

16:36 During an Alvernia injury, the Alvernia coach earns a yellow card. This ref refuses to give a player or coach a card unless they are right in his face. Its so strange, I guess he just wants … I don’t know how to finish this sentence.

16:12 Etown gets fouled, no call. Taylor Helsel earns a yellow card for arguing. This ref is bad. Seven yellow cards tonight. None to Wes, this is a first.

15:30 Wes is like Peyton Manning on defense call out blitzes and what not. Wes does not have as many commercials on TV, so maybe he is more like a Rex Grossman. I don’t really know what that means but comparing anyone to Sexy Rexy is just funny.

12:27 Scheiber gets a yellow card for a great challenge where he went for the ball. This ref is card happy. The linesman on the otherside of the field walked off the field because he does not feel well. I have never seen this before. The linesman is saying he needs to use the bathroom, I’m not sure if I should blog this or not so I will. The other refs have decided not to wait for the linesman to go to the bathroom and we will have two refs on the field for the last 12 minutes. I’m not making this up.

11:13 Filewitz crosses it Diller can’t redirect it on net for the hat trick.

10:31 Michael Terry has a rip off the cross bar! Then gets the rebound and plays it to a wide open Diller and the Alvernia goal stones him from point blank range. Then someone on Alvernia got a yellow card, total chaos those last 15 seconds.

9:24 Corner kick Alvernia. Knocked out for a 6-yarder.

If you would like to help keep the BlueJayBlogger’s hands warm send gloves to 1046 Baugher Ave. Elizabethtown, PA 17022.

6:54 What did Hesel eat today? He is leaving everyone in the dust with his moves. Can he please score now so I get close with my prediction.

3:40 Corner kick Jays. Filewitz takes it headed right to the goalie by Bunting.

GAME OVER
ETOWN 3 Alvernia 1

Golden Boot: Matt Diller, two goals and could have had about four tonight
Buffalo Bills award: Mike Helsel he beat a lot of people

Person I hate the most tonight after the game...Wes Bunting, he told me that the defense would get a shutout tonight and the offense would put AT LEAST 4 goals on the board, so I should change my preseason prediction from 3-1 to 4-0. I listened. I now look like such a fool!! I hate you Wes, hence the reason I compared you to Sexy Rexy tonight.

Prediction against Alvernia

2007-09-14T23:54:00.000-05:00

My preseason prediction has the final score being 3-1 ETOWN, I am going to tweak it just a little bit and say the boys win 4-0. The defense is really starting to click and the offense was looking good against Drew until Brian Raveling got a red card (which shouldn't have been).

Against Drew the guys played there best game of the year yet. The lone goal came off a corner kick from Filewitz to Bunting who headed it on goal and Bryan Holt buried it. I predicted the goal would be Buntings and it almost was so I am going to continue to predict the goal scorers.

*Side note* Drew didn't mark Bunting once on corner kicks, you would think they would have covered him after the first four corner kicks went to his head.*

For tonight's game I will say Michael Terry scores two goals, George Severini nets one, and the last one will go to Mike Helsel on a breakaway.

I am also going to predict that "Killa Cam" earns his first yellow card of the season as he follows in the footsteps of Bunting and racks up the cards.

I am having way too much fun with these predictions, but I have been pretty damn close on all of them.

Prediction against Drew

2007-09-11T21:58:00.000-05:00

I will stick with my preseason prediction on this one of a 1-0 Blue Jay victory. I've been telling the guys all week that Drew is going to win 1-0 and the lone goal will be scored by a former club soccer teammate of mine and Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year last year Greg Zizick but I can't buy into that prediction (and I have a perfect record going as of now, which I plan on keeping).

Ziz is a pure goal scorer but undersized so if the Jays knock him around a little bit he could struggle.

Lone goal on the day will come from Wes Bunting off a corner kick. I told Wes on his 21st birthday last Saturday night that he wouldn't score all year but I was just tossing fuel to his fire.

I am going to be calling the game LIVE on WWEC 88.3 FM. If you want to listen go to www.shoutcast.com search WWEC and it should open up with iTunes or WinAmp. So tune in!!

No blog this weekend

2007-09-07T09:31:00.000-05:00

Sorry, no blog this weekend as I have to head home to care for an ill family member. I'll talk to the guys after the weekend and put something up about the games.

I'm sticking with my original predictions for the weekend though:

Etown 5 St. Vincent 0
Etown 2 Hampden-Sydney 0

First-home goal of the season will belong to.....(drum roll).....MATT DILLER

Steven's Tech Tourney and a beg for money

2007-09-02T21:42:00.000-05:00

I would have updated the blog this weekend right after the games ended but I was not willing to pay 10 bucks for the internet. BUT if you click the ads on my site I receive 10 cents per click! After I earn a 100 bucks, or 1,000 clicks, they will send me a sweet check that I will only use towards the good of the site. So click away at my ads! Just click and close it for all I care...

Etown vs. Skidmore

2007-09-02T21:08:00.000-05:00

*Editor's note: Again this is unedited from today, I will fix it soon.*

If there is such a thing as good omens and bad omens before a game, I think today was the ultimate good omen for the boys in blue. As we sat on the bus waiting to leave the hotel parking lot this ridiculous man who was about 6’4 250lbs. was sun bathing in the parking lot. If this isn’t weird enough, how about the man wearing only a bright orange banana hammock (aka a speedo) as he basked in all his glory just standing up and drinking beers. This is opposed to last game where we got lost and were late for warm-ups.

Long and the short of it…the Blue Jays are going to win today. No doubt in my mind. Last game the Jays showed a lot of rust, but shed it in the second half. Skidmore got toasted yesterday by Stevens Tech 4-0 and I don’t foresee them stopping the Jays on this beautiful day in Jersey.

Starters
Skidmore
#2-Ernie Economides
#3-Kevin Regan
#6-Dan von Allmen
#7-Mark Roseboom
#8-Steve Hazarian
#9-Chris Fincke
#11-Pete Brownell
#13-Silas Doyle-Burr
#20-Albert Ottati
#23-Keil Corey
#27-Jake Densen GK

Etown
#2-“Dirty” Dan Flahirty
#4-Michael Terry “Sunny”
#8-Andrew Filewicz
#9-George Severni
#11-Wes Bunting
#14-Taylor Helsel
#16-Bryan Holt
#17-Cameron Gettel
#27-Zach Galbraith
#36-Tony Pacella
#35-Jeffery Mullen GK

45:00 Skidmore ball.

44:08 Taylor Helsel tries a shot from about 35 out. Not close at all but the Jays are determined to get more shots then 10 from yesterday.

42:34 Nice give an go by Skidmore cuts through the Etown defense but Mullen asserts himself early and makes a nice slide through save. Advantage on a foul given so a free kick from about 30 yards out, wide left, poor take on such a good opportunity.

41:09 Severini fouled 10 yards behind 18 wide right. Served in, goalie bobbles it but hops on his rebound.

38:50 Game is being played a lot more in the midfield, yesterdays game Etown’s midfield was nonexistent, so this is a good sign.

36:49 Taylor Helsel has a nice move to beat one defender but has three more in his way and tries to take them on rather than passing. The upperclassmen let him know that he needs to be more friendly and pass.

34:53 Holt draws a free kick from about 30 yards out in the right center of the pitch. Poor execution on that, leads to a corner for the Jays luckily. Filewicz takes corner finds Wes’s head on the back post, he heads it back into the middle headed off the crossbar and out for a 6.

32:39 GOOOOOOAL Severini!!! Off the poor 6-yarder the Jays went straight to goal where Taylor Helsel ended up with a point blank shot, great save by the keeper but Severini was there to knock the rebound in. Second goal of the season by Severini. 1-0 Etown.

31:06 Skidmore takes a long throw into the box, punched straight up by Mullen, headed back towards Mullen and he collects it.

28:56 Quick restart by the Jays earns them a corner. Corner by Filewicz caught by the keeper JUST before it got to Wes’s head.

27:54 Wes goes in hard on a clean challenge but gets called for a foul. Skidmore complains that he went studs up. Wes claims he “played the ball” and for the first time…I believe him. Yellow card given, that brings the count to two on the season.

26:33 Skidmore injury, bloody nose.

25:07 Mullen called for a hand ball out of the box. 16 yards out, nothing comes from it.

23:59 GOAL SEVERINI!!! Off a poor clearance by Skidmore the ball takes a perfect hop off the turf to Severini who hits a one-time rip low and to the corner. It hits the post but clanks in. Severini 3 goals in the early going. Skidmore was playing a man down at the time because of the players bloody nose.

Etown 2 Skidmore 0.

21:39 Nice cross from Taylor Helsel and it finds Dirty who rips a shot off the side netting.

18:07 Great ball movement by the Jays leads to a great cross from Zach. The Jays are dominating this game now.

17:34 Corner kick by Filewicz right to the keeper.

15:56 SUBS: Original Helsel for Filewicz. Hoffman in for Dirty.

15:07 Raveling in for Taylor Helsel. Diller in for Severini. Zach out for Scheibeler.

14:04 Weak shot by Skidmore easy first save for Mullen.

13:00 Great ball work by Sunny, he dumps it in the corner for Helsel and he plays a great cross to Diller who has a wide open net but has the ball deflected by a Skidmore defender. And almost a great goal.

10:58 Wes screams out a mark to someone. His voice cracks. Unlucky. The free kick goes right to Mullen though.

6:24 Long throw into the box. Mullen comes out and snags it.

5:03 Mullen asserts himself again in the box with a nice punch out.

2:55 Great pass from Sunny to Helsel. Helsel has a defender all over his back and can’t get the shot off, another great opportunity.

HALFTIME

Great half by the Blue Jays. If they can avoid allowing Skidmore any silly goals, they will coast to a victory here this afternoon. I am personally hoping that the score remains 2-0 because I predicted to Diller that this would be the final score.

Looking overall at Skidmore you can tell they are frustrated by the Blue Jays physical play in the first half. Several players have ice on the back of their necks and knees. The Jays have dominated this game in the air.

STATS
Shots: Etown 8
Skidmore 4
Fouls: Etown 12
Skidmore 9
Corners: Etown 3
Skidmore 0
Saves: Mullen 1
Densen 2

During halftime the Skidmore players relieved themselves in the corner of the stadium on the turf. This girl sitting next to me in the press box is a Stevens Tech field hockey player and really “pissed” off about it. She is disgusted by the entire situation. The bathroom is a good 7-minute journey away, I side with Skidmore, pee away!

43:32 Sunny tries a chip shot from the top corner of the 18. Keeper collects it.

42:44 Foul by Cameron. Free kick left corner top of the 18. Ripped off the near post and headed out for a Skidmore corner. Corner cleared out.

I just realized that the back four for the Jays right now is Wes and three freshmen: Tony Pacella, Cameron Gettel and Brian Gallagher. Three other freshmen are on the field to start this half as well.

36:40 Mullen has a drink.

31:51 Corner for Skidmore. Easily cleared. The Jays are doing a much better job of controlling their 18-yard box today.

30:08 Off-sides Skidmore but a great save from Mullen anyway.

28:17 SUBS: Mike Helsel in for Chris Cartwright. Bryan Holt in for Adam Liddle.

26:47 Wes commits a foul going up for a head ball. I think he was getting bored defensively.

25:39 Tony Pacella is having some serious shin guard problems as it keeps popping out on him. He has now lost both of them. They are all over the place on the field. Silly freshman.

23:42 Winstanley throws Pacella some tape. Good work coach.

I am just informed that the Phillies lost and I have lost the desire to blog. But I will push through.

23:29 Skidmore injury, Pacella has time to fix his life. Also the girl who was grossed out by the pee, has just let out a HUGE burp. She grosses me out. The injured player gets no remorse from this girl saying “he shouldn’t have peed on the field.” The kid gets assistance off the field.

23:10 I talk to Raveling before he goes in the game. I let him know that he should score twice. I let Diller know that he has child on the way and he subs in the game with that thought on his mind.

21:58 SUBS: Raveling in for Severini. Diller in for Taylor Helsel.

20:03 Mullen comes out of the box and clears one away with his feet.

19:43 SUB: Petroski in for Brian Gallagher.

17:11 Great pass from Helsel to Raveling who rips a one time shot high and wide.

14:49 GOAL DILLER!!! Raveling lays a pass off to Dirty, who crosses it back post to Helsel, he heads it to the 6 where Diller rips a one-time volley near post upper 90. Sick goal.

ETOWN 3 Skidmore 0

That’s the nail in the coffin. Skidmore was already looking bad now that just crushes them as the Jays look to pile it on. And this freaking girl continues to point out to me who peed on her field. Someone should pee on her. A little harsh, I know, maybe I should just hope that she slips on the pee.

11:28 Corner kick Skidmore headed out by Wes.

10:11 Corner kick ETOWN by Dirty caught by the keeper just before Wes can head it. A repeat from the first half.

8:19 Goal Skidmore! Too bad they were off-sides. Great save by Mullen on the first shot but the rebound was put in by a guy who was off-sides. “THAT’S BULLSHIT,” he claims.

7:07 Mullen does a pull-up on the crossbar as the ball sails over. He is a strong, strong man.

6:00 Brian is having a hand fight with someone and then gets stuck in very hard on a challenge that sets the Skidmore coach off on a tirade. A player gets in Brian’s face and curses at him and Brian gives him a friendly smile and a “Are you kidding me?” It was all very adorable.

I feel like Bob Uker in Major League Baseball when he is really wasted and doesn’t care about the game anymore. The game is at that point now where nothing much matters except somehow making the girl next to me slip in the pee. Also knowing the Phillies lost is crushing my soul.

GAME OVER!! Easily won just as I predicted. Jays dominated in every aspect, the bus ride home is going to be a good one.

Etown vs NYU

2007-09-02T21:06:00.000-05:00

**Editor's note: it was a long weekend and I am tired but I want to get this up now...so it is unedited. However it came out from the time I typed it while watching the game is how it appears, I will edit it sometime soon. Enjoy, leave me some feedback**

Thus far the day has not being going well for the Blue Jays. The bus driver got lost, and then was unable to complete several right hand turns on the tiny streets of Hoboken with the gigantic bus. We caused tons of traffic and made a lot of Jersey folks very unhappy. The team finally arrived at the field with just 30 minutes before the game started. NYU has granted the Jays more time for warm-up. The Jays were getting ankles taped up on the bus by their awesome trainer Caitlin who had to struggle through some tough conditions to get the boys ready to play but did a superior job (she’s in line for the Buffalo Bills award). Skipper was also affected by the delay as he had to give his pre-game speech on the bus, and cut it short. But he let the team know how much he has been dreaming about this season. He also wants the boys to come out and put a lot of pressure on the NYU defenders.

NYU will be playing a 3-1-4-2. At first look at them they have a good mix of speed and size.

I get the feeling both teams will be keeping the ball on the floor and try and win the possession battle.

It’s a beautiful day here at Stevens Tech, about 80 degrees with a cooling breeze coming off the Hudson river which is about a 5 minute walk from the field. A really beautiful stadium with a turf field, a great venue with great teams here to start the season, should be a fantastic match as the boys are getting ready to take on the #4 team in the country the NYU Violets.

Some fun facts I just though of as I wait 13 more minutes until kickoff….

NYU school size…. 40,000
Etown school size…. 2,000

NYU vs Messiah last year, 3-0 Messiah in the Final Four
Etown vs Messiah, Etown 1-0 in the Commonwealth Semi-Finals

Etown has players from 5 states.
NYU has players from 14 different states and one from a different country, London, England. (Finally someone that can understand Richard Winstanley, our Manchester, England native coach).

A Violet vs a Blue Jay- Let’s face it a flower is not an intimidating school mascot. In fact, it’s plain embarrassing, I for one hope NYU doesn’t say “1-2-3- GOOOOOO VIOLETS!” if they do, advantage Blue Jays right off the bat. At least the Blue Jay is an angry bird.
Update: They did not say go Violets ☹

Wes and Winstanley have a good long talk with freshman starter Cameron Gettel about what is expected of him from center back. (Who better to talk to, Winstanley former second team all-conference player at that position, and Wes First Team All-Region at the position. Wes is excited to have Cam back there with him)

Starting Line-ups
Etown
Greg Snow- GK
Wes Bunting (captain)- center back
Cameron Gettel aka “Killa Cam” (freshmen)- center back
Zach Galbraith-right back
Josh Hoffman- left back
Michael Terry aka “Sunshine” (captain)- halfback
Steve Petrosky-halfback
Mike Helsel- halfback
Bryan Holt- halfback
Matt Diller- forward
Taylor Helsel (freshmen)- forward

NYU Starters
Chris Wright-GK
Nicholas Palmer-D
Matthew Tier-D
Jeritt Thayer-M
Branden Neal-F
Chris Wolf-D
Sami Ibrahim-M
Adam Dhanens-F
Matthew Ramirez-M
Anthony Tumbiolo-M
Devin Freeman-D
4 seniors and 4 juniors

GAME TIME!!!!
NYU ball
44:37: Foul NYU soft foul called on Holt.

44:03 Cameron Gettel doing a lot of communication with Wes in the back. Ball comes dangerously close to the BlueJayBlogger and I now realize my laptop is in danger here…

43:04: Cross headed out by Jays right to 26 for a wide open shot, GREAT save by Snowman for a corner.

43:00 Corner kick, wide-open header on goal, right at Snowman, thankfully, two big saves early by him.

40:07- Neither team really composed on the ball in the early going, NYU with some early chances but neither team doing a good job of possessing the ball.

39:08 Looked like a ball out of bounds off of Wes but called a six-yarder. Not a great six yard kick by Snow.

36:35 Free kick Etown, in the position of a corner kick, first scoring chance of the season…Perfect service by Hoffman to Diller’s head, wide left, but out for a corner.
Holt drills a low cross of NYU’s keeper’s hand but he recovers the rebound.

35:00 Shot by NYU from about 30 yards out, no real danger easy diving save by Snow.

33:47 Great header by Helsel to Hoffman for a good cross, NYU keeper nabs it out of the air.

32:57 First foul of the year by Wes, took him long enough—jeez.
Free kick put in box headed the wrong way by a Blue Jay shot on the goal off the cross bar from about 8 yards out, had Snow beat if it wasn’t too high, that makes three defensive scares already.

31:09 Holt take a ball right off the face from point blank range, has a bloody nose must be taken off. #8 Andrew Filewicz subs in, freshmen.

30:30 Filewicz gets stuck in for a aggressive challenge, ref has a word with him, no card. Biggest tackle of the game thus far. Free kick to the top of the 18 headed high and wide for a 6-yarder.

15 minute update…
After the first 15 minutes it’s been a rocky start for the Jays. Neither team is stringing passes together but NYU is creating the opportunities. Jay’s need to regroup quickly before they find themselves one down. Also the ref is a real stickler for having jersey’s tucked in, its annoying.

26:38 Sunny makes a great move towards goal and get fouled just to the right on the 18 yard box. Zach serves the ball headed back to him headed back by Zach, shot by Zach knocked out for a corner. Nothing from the corner.

25:02 Skips got the subs up, looks like George Severini and Brian Raveling in for Matt Diller and Taylor Helsel. Maybe the senior’s can bring something to the game for the Jays offensively.

22:55 Turf monster gets 19 for NYU after he had a good run…unlucky.

22:36 Nice combo by Raveling to Filewicz to George for a corner.

21:49 Corner by Filewicz to Severini for a GOAL off a header!

The seniors up top, Raveling and Servini, are bringing a lot more offensively to the Jays just in the first 5 minutes of being in. The Jays have been working on retstarts ALL week long in practice, and it paid off. The Jays net most of there goals off of restarts.

20:44 Wes directs Cam to get stuck in…the freshman listens and wins a nice tackle and shoulders the NYU player off the ball. The goal is relaxing the Jays on the ball.

19:02 Off a free kick from 40 yards out to the top of the 18 flicked on by Jeritt Thayer in the back corner of the net. 1-1 game now.

This is the 2nd opportunity the Violets have had off a long free kick the Jays need to dominate their 18 yard box in the air and they aren’t right now.

17:11 Cam is reminding off a mini-Wes as he wins another hard tackle. Wes might have a bash brother back there with him.

14:22 Long throw into the box by Zach, called for a foul throw-in, I’m pretty sure the last time I saw that call I was 7-years old. I disagree with the call referee. UPDATE: Zach admits to being over the line on the throw in

12:25 Dangerous opportunity by the Violets but Wes steps in and forces a poor pass that goes right to Snow.

11:51 Linesman, who called the foul throw, calls a 6-yarder but overruled by the head ref for a Jays corner. Poor kick easily cleared.

Adam Liddle, freshman, in for Helsel.

11:00 Great give in go by NYU that had NYU in on a breakaway but called for off-sides.

9:21 NYU is kicking a lot of long balls into the box for Snow to come out a grab. I’m not ready to pronounce NYU a kick and run team quiet yet, but I’m getting closer.

8:50 Great pass from Raveling to Servini. Great save from NYU keeper.

8:27 Shot by NYU off their GKs punt (I think), save by Snow

7:05 The wind off the Hudson river is picking up. Its been a disadvantage for the Jays thus far but if it keeps blowing this hard it will be a major advantage for the Jays in the 2nd.

5:47 Free kick to the right of the 18, hits off someone and trickles to Snow.

5:13 Over the walkie-talkies I hear that Etown’s pizza will be delievered at 2pm ☺. To bad the game will still be going on, but the Stevens Tech people are planning on keeping them warm in the kitchen.

3:35 Shot for NYU from 25 yards out blocked by Wes. Corner kick

Corner headed out of the box by Wes played back in by NYU for an NYU shot right at Snow for a good save.

1:58 Great move by NYU #8 for a wide-open rip from 25 yards out, off the upper 90 post. Snow loves his posts today.

HALFTIME 1-1

Halftime Analysis- The Jays have to be happy to get out of that half tied. The Violets have had all of the chances thus far and can’t capitalize. It could have easily been 3-1 if not for the crossbar and some good saves by Snow. BUT, the game is tied. That gives a mountain of hope to the Jays who will play the second half with the wind at their backs opposed to the uphill battle that they had to fight with the wind in their face. The Jays pick up right where they left off last year offensively, scoring off of a restart, but other than that have had less than a handful of opportunities. Both teams are very well matched athletically so far, we will see if the fitness last for both teams in the second half. It is definitely an early season game as neither team is really stringing together passes or looking very comfortable on the ball.

STATS:
Shots: NYU 11
Etown 4

Saves: Snow 6
Wright 1

Corner kicks: Etown 4
NYU 2

Fouls: 5 each

The wind is really starting to howl here, my guess is 15 mph. Papers are flying off the press box table as I am the only one still sitting here, I just watch as the refs go and chase them down and bring them to me.

2nd Half
Same starting lineup for the Jays except Adam Liddle is in for Petroski and Diller is out for Servinin. And Filewicz is still in for Holt, who is dealing with his bloody nose.

45:00 Jays ball WITH the wind.

42:13 Great cross into the box shot by BYU 26 OFF THE CROSSBAR again. WOW! Snowman better kiss his posts after the game.

40:49 Throw in Jays deep in NYU territory, thrown in to Filewicz makes a nice pass to Sunny who makes a great move but gets stopped by the 2nd defender before he can get his shot off at the 18.

40:42 Injured NYU player #27 Devin Roche, after a few minutes he limps off.

39:41 Taylor Helsel has the ball about 35 yards out in the middle of the field plays a long ball tote corner out from a 6. Skip tells him to shoot.

38:15 Long ball over Cm’s head into the box, he recovers and is able to knock it away to Snow.

37:33 Long ball served in the box Taylor Helsel challenges the goalie for the ball, fouls the goalie, tiny scrum ensues.

36:06 Servini subbed out for Diller.

35:24 Great ball across the entire field by Zach to Taylor Helsel at the top of the 18. His shot gets blocked.

34:06 Great move by the original Helsel (aka Mike) to get off a cross but NU GK collects it in.

32:34 Shot wide by NYU #15 about 17 yards from the goal on the right.

31:22 Hard foul by Wes and he gets the first of many yellow cards of the season. Free kick for NYU on the left about 10 yards behind the 18. Deflected by the wall and cleared out. Played back in the box, Snow hesitates off the line and header sneaks in over his head. NYU goal by Thayer his 2nd of the game.

2-1 NYU.

30:54 Extremely aggressive tackle by Wes leaves an NYU player down, ref is havng a talk with him and decides to leave him in the game and not give him a 2nd yellow. Dangerous foul there by Wes the team can’t afford to lose him down 2-1.

29:48 NYU showing some very unselfish play and rather than taking a long shot they pass it around. SUB: Holt back in for Liddle.

28:45 Corner for the Jays off another great ball into the box by Zach.

Corner kick by Zach right to Wes headed right down to the corner good save from NYU keeper.

26:26 Great ball into the box from Zach, Diller challenges for it and takes the keeper out. Clean play by both on a 50/50 ball. Keeper is down but just has the wind knocked out of him.

25:30 Free kick for the Jays 45 yards from goal. Wes called offsides.

21:56 Miscommunication between Wes and Snow almost results in a goal for NYU. Shot goes just wide. Seems like Snow called it and stopped as Wes is screaming at him.

20:14 SUBS: Helsel and Cartwight in for Diller and Hoffman.

19:13 Great play by Taylor Helsel who gives Sunny a chance on goal. Tough shot that trickles wide.

16:00 Taylor Helsel takes a throw in outside the box and proves he can throw it a mile but right to NYU keeper, who is very strong and confident off his line.

13:04 The Jays have finally gained control of this game. They looked settled in both offensively and defensively.

11:07 Filewicz in for Taylor Helsel.

9:31 Free kick Jays 35s yard out on the right. Zach serves it right to NYU keeper.

8:20 Corner kick NYU. Headed by Wes but leaves it in the box for shot that sails high.

5:31 NYU corner. Through Snows hands headed out for another corner.

4:48 Corner knocked high over the net for a 6.

4:30 Pacella out for Servini…Crunch time.

3:36 Zach tries a shot from about 40 yards out. Good tought, ya never know.

3:30 Skip instructs boys to push up and stay up.

2:46 Servini earns a corner.
Filewicz takes it Wes heads it Jays claim a hand ball, play continues Wes saves the ball form going out and Holt has a great shot that ws blocked. Great defensive play by NYU.

1:17 Left ball in Etown territoty, Skip checks the clock.

GAME OVER 2-1 Violets.

Jays didn’t really look comfortable until the 2nd half after NYU went ahead 2-1. A disappointing lose for the Jays here to start the season but NYU had the majority of the chances. Skidmore will be facing an angry group of Blue Jays tomorrow.

FINAL STATS:
Shots: NYU 21
Etown 10

Corners: Etown 6
NYU 5

Saves: Snow 7
Wright 2

Fouls: NYU 10
Etown 7

Records:
NYU 1-0
Etown 0-1

Etown now has the same record as Messiah.

Season Preview

2007-08-28T21:26:00.000-05:00

Alexander Cole
Sports Writer, Etownian

Heartbreak is the only word that can describe the way last season ended for the Blue Jays as Hobart College knocked the Jays out of the NCAA Tournament with penalty kicks.

“It was miserable to play that hard and lose like that to a team we knew we were better than,” junior captain Wes Bunting said. “It was a hard way to end the year.”

But that was the past. The team has put the loss behind them and is ready to defend their Commonwealth Conference Championship.

“We’re farther ahead this year at this point in time than we were last year,” coach Arthur “Skip” Roderick said of his team’s preseason training.

The boys in blue and gray will need to be at the top of their game at the sound of the first whistle this season, as they have one of the most challenging lists of opponents in the nation.

“I think we have one of the toughest schedules in the country,” Roderick said. “It’s going to be a challenge for this young team.”

The Jays’ schedule features three of the four Final Four teams from last season: New York University, Wheaton College (National runners-up) and Messiah College (National Champions). They will also face other quality out-of-conference opponents, like Franklin and Marshall College and Arcadia College.

Roderick isn’t trying to beef up his strength of schedule to impress the committee that gives out the at-large bids into the NCAA Tournament.

“I’ve had seasons where my teams have gone 18-2 and 19-1 and haven’t gotten an at-large bid,” Roderick said. “It’s a computer system that doesn’t even take into account the strength of schedule. I’m just trying to play good soccer.”

“If you want to be the best you have to beat the best,” All-Mid- Atlantic-First-Team Bunting said. “We will be battle-tested from day one and it will only make us stronger as a unit for the playoffs.”

Last season the Jays’ (11-5-3, 3-3-1) defense was their strength, only allowing 13 goals in 19 games. But they graduated two key players to that defense, Brennan Reichenbach and Rick Winstanley.

“The thing that made the defense so strong last year was the relationship we all had back there,” Bunting said. “We have just as much talent this year and if we can build the chemistry that we had last year we can be just as good, if not better.”

Offensively last season the Jays struggled, only scoring on 10.7 percent of their 270 total shots (29 total goals). Reichenbach was a co-leading scorer on the team with four goals. Junior Matt Diller was the other leader and has already shown a knack for finding the goal this year with two pre-season goals against Millersville University.

“We are hoping to score by committee,” Roderick said. “Matt Diller, George Severini, Mike Helsel and also three first years — Brian Gallagher, Tony Pacella and Taylor Helsel — all can score for us.”

The first-years have been very impressive for the Blue Jays in pre-season. Of the 26 guys that will dress for the team almost 10 of them are first-years.

“Talent-wise they [first-years] are very good and if they can pick up the system and believe in the system we will be very deep,” Roderick said.

The first-years aren’t the only ones who will need to pick up a new formation, as the Jays will be playing in a 4-2-2-2 this season, rather than the 4-1-4-1 that they played last season. The team had success with the new formation in spring season but is having some problems with it early in the pre-season.

“The upperclassmen forgot how to play the system,” Roderick said. “We had to start all over, so it has been frustrating as a coach that from last spring they forgot what to do.”

But Roderick is very impressed by his team’s work efforts in the two-a-day practices they have been having for the past two weeks.

“We are extremely fit,” Roderick said. “Early in the season our fitness has to win the game.”

The Jays will travel to Stevens Institute of Technology this weekend for the Stevens Tech Classic. They will face New York University in the first game and Skidmore College in the second.

“We want to come back undefeated,” Roderick said, “but we have our hands full.”

New York University (15-4-4) only lost three starters from last year’s Final Four team. They also return with an All-American and their leading goal scorer.

Lighting Halts Game, still something to Blog about

2007-08-25T18:25:00.000-05:00

Alumni who came back that I can recognize (sorry to those that I forget):
Jeff Boushell
Coach “Z” (looking very cheeky in his 1980 Etown throwback jersey)
Brennan Reichenbach
Rick Winstanley
Peter Moore
Jame Runyan
AJ Fleischer
Brian Nolls
Andrew Krummer

Etown’s Starters
(not necessarily the starters come game day, a lot of guys are in there to prove something)
Dirty (FW)
Chris Sinclair (Left half)
Wes Bunting (right center back)
Luke Mitchell (left center back)
Steve Petrovsky (center defensive mid)
Greg Snow (GK)
Brian Raveling (FW)
Brian Kuppe (right back)
Mike Helsel (Right half)
Sunshine (center back)
Sean Tyree (left back)

During pregame warm-ups Mullen and Snow invite AJ over to warm up together. There just so cute at this age.

Hopefully AJ is imposing even more wisdom upon them as both are fighting to become the starter.

Probably the biggest disappointment to me as I get my first look at the Blue Jays is Zach Galbraith’s hair. Last year he looked like a girl his long ponytail. Nothing has changed. Some other noticeable hair cuts: Michael Terry (aka Sunshine from now on) a sick little Mohawk. Bunting is going with the buzz cut this year opposed to last years mop top, looks very Beckham like minus the accent and boyish good looks…

One thing you notice right off the bat about this team is their size. Very imposing, the younger guys are tall and skinny while the upper classmen are big and muscular (minus Brian Raveling, kid will be skinny forever).

Sad bit of news to report as Thomas Reinmiller has informed me that he won’t be able to play this year due to several back injuries, he remains hopeful for senior year comeback, and will remain on the team as a manager.

There must be about 40 Blue Jays on the roster; the team won’t be caring all 40 so tonight is big for many of the players. Skip is not here due to family priorities but will be watching the game film.

The game will be three 30 minutes halves.

30 mins left…Graham questions weather Winstanley has graduated, he responds by calling him a wanker, way under his breath.

28:00: Desention between the alumni as to who will take a throw in, this could be bad for morale.

27:24: Krummer taunts Bunting about how his Oakland Raiders will suck this year, Bunting decides who he should two-foot.

26:30: Nice pass from Helsel to Raveling who gets a shot on goal, wide right, good start for the Jays.

24:34: Alumni are taking the game to the boys in Blue, too bad they will lose their wind soon otherwise this could be a great game.

24:00: Snow takes command of his box and makes a nice call of the ball to avert danger.

22:10 Cheeky touch by Krummer gives Winstanley a decent opportunity that gets wasted.

21:21: Sinclair has a shot on goal go wide left.

19:02: The crowd has finally settled in. Estimate around 250, not too bad consider no one is on campus until tomorrow.

18:02: Lightning strikes. Game is halted. Everyone sent to seek shelter. I would hold my post in the press box but lightning and laptops don’t mix, plus it looks like doomsday is coming.

Well as of right now the game doesn’t look like it will be played…

Awards for the 10 minutes of play that did happen
Sticking with Timmy the Tooth’s traditon…

Golden Boot: the weather, it kicked everyone’s ass

Buffalo Bills award (aka the 2nd best player award): Blue Jay Blogger, not only was I blogging the game but I also took over as scoreboard operator.

Alumni Game Tonight

2007-08-25T15:45:00.000-05:00

The annual Etown Alumni game will be played tonight at 7pm on the turf field this year. The reason for the change of venue is all the rain has soaked the grass field.

If you plan on going here are some key things to look out for...

Etown Rookies
This is one of the strongest recruiting classes in a very long time. I have heard rumors of as many as four freshman starting this year right off the get go. The rookies even beat the Varsity team in a scrimmage at one point during the preseason. The rookies also had there way with DeSales University's varsity sqaud in a recent scrimmage only losing 1-0.

Goalkeepers
With only two on the squad (Jeff Mullen and Greg Snow both juniors) it will be interesting to see which one Skip goes with. Mullen has the intensity and will sell out his body for every ball. Snow has the height advantage and extremely long arms making him a very solid candidate to start. It will be interesting to see which one is able to control the back 4 as well as A.J did last year. Right now I think the inside edge has to Mullen, but we shall see...

4-2-2-2
A new system in place, interesting to see how well the Jays execute with it so far so good as there preseason games thus far have gone well... Etown 1 Gettysburgh 0 (goal by George Servini), Etown 2 Millersville 0 (both goals by Matt Diller)

I will be blogging the game, so check back tonight to read all about it.

Schedule thoughts and predictions

2007-08-06T21:12:00.000-05:00

Sat., Sept. 1 vs. NYU
NYU was the biggest surprise in the final four from last year. This is a great opening game to gear where you are as a team, NYU only graduated four of their seniors so a good portion of the final four team is still around.

Prediction: NYU wins 1-0, Jays will probably dominate the game but struggle to score.

Sun., Sept. 2 vs. Skidmore
Skidmore is traveling to China for ten days in the preseason from August 15-25 and to come back with the time difference and play two games a week later spells disaster for them.

Prediction: Blue Jays major bounce back game 4-0.

These opening games are in the Stevens Tech Tourny

--- ---
Fri., Sept. 7 ST. VINCENT
First home game of the year in the Blue Jay Classic, typical push over competition. St. Vincent, an NAIA team will have their heads spinning with the Blue Jays.

Prediction: 5-0 Blue Jays flying high. Important thing to watch out for here is who scores the first HOME goal of the season for the Jays. As is tradition first goal gets their name put up just under the scoreboard. Last two years it's been Wes Bunting. I'll predict he doesn't get it again.

Sat., Sept. 8 HAMPDEN-SYDNEY

Tough opponent from Virginia in this game.

Prediction: 2-0 Blue Jays

The Blue Jay Classic (hats off to the scheduling on this tourny, Friday and Saturday so we can all watch the opening weekend of the NFL without having to worry about the Jays against a so-so team)

---- ---
The rest of the games I will just make a quick prediction on, when we get closer to the actual game I will revisit an make more accurate prediction.

Thu., Sept. 13 DREW 1-0 Blue Jays
Sat., Sept. 15 ALVERNIA 3-1 Blue Jays
Wed., Sept. 19 MUHLENBERG 2-2 Draw
Sat., Sept. 22 at Wilkes 2-0 Blue Jays
Wed., Sept. 2 ALBRIGHT 4-0 Blue Jays
Sat., Sept. 29 ARCADIA 1-0 Arcadia
Wed., Oct. 3 at Moravian 1-0 Blue Jays
Sat., Oct. 6 WILLIAM PATERSON 1-0 Blue Jays
Tue., Oct. 9 at Franklin & Marshall 0-0 Draw - Das Boot goes back to F&M because of a lame rule
Sat., Oct. 13 at Lebanon Valley 3-1 Blue Jays
Wed., Oct. 17 at Lycoming 1-0 Lycoming on the upset
Sat., Oct. 20 WIDENER 2-1 Blue Jays
Mon., Oct. 22 WHEATON (IL) 3-0 Wheaton (National Runners-Up last year just before the National Champions spells let down)
Sat., Oct. 27 MESSIAH 1-0 Blue Jays, major bounce back in Marshmallow Cup

Final record: 12-4-2 (4-1)

Overall thoughts on the schedule: Very challenging with three of the four final four teams from last year. Tons of home games though. They only go on the road back-to-back-to to open the season and once in October for two conference games and the F&M game. That will be a tough stretch but very doable.

Good news for Blue Jays is 8 of their 11 home games are night games, only Homecoming against Widener and William Patterson game are slated for the afternoon. Of course the Messiah game is moved to the early afternoon to ruin the game, whoops, I meant to prevent students from consuming alcohol before the game.

Three words for that plan... Kegs and Eggs.

If the Blue Jays are successful with this schedule and don't win the MAC Playoffs the committee has to show some love to the Jays facing some of the best out of conference teams in the country.

Less than a month till the season...

Messiah's Recruiting Class

2007-06-07T09:33:00.000-05:00

This is straight off the Messiah team website...Seven solid players, the only name with any significance on here is Keaton Kasiguran, Kai's younger brother. Is he on the team because of his big brother? Or does he really deserve to be there? Time will tell if there will be more headaches for Skipper from the Kasiguran family... I'll try and get Etown's recruiting class info for you soon...

Sean Cunningham - Forward - Mullica Hill, New Jersey
Member of Kingsway Regional High School...New Jersey All-State Selection...All-South Jersey as Junior and Senior...1st Team All-County as Junior and Senior...Senior Year--14 Goals and 3 Assists...Career--44 Goals...Member of South Jersey Barons...7 Years Super Y League...NJ and Regional ODP Experience...

Jon Burke - Center Back / Midfielder - Ellicott City, Maryland
Member of Centennial High School Soccer Team...1st Team All County Selection...Team Captain...Senior year--7 Goals and 5 Assists...Varsity Starter since Freshman year...Member of SAC United Premier...State Finalists (1)...State Semi-Finalists (2)...

Kyle Fulks - Goalkeeper - Fredericksburg, Virginia
Member of Massaponax High School Soccer Team...Team Captain...Defensive Player of the Year...Member of Virginia ODP...Member of SASA Strikers...

Mark Jeschke - Right Wing - Vienna, Virginia
Member of James Madison High School Soccer Team...2 Year Team Captain...Started on Varsity All 4 Years...All-District Selection...Leading scorer past 2 seasons...19 Career Goals...Member of Virginia ODP...Member of VYS Vipers...Captain past 6 years...

Keaton Kasiguran - Left Wing / Left Back - Oakwood Village, Ohio
Member of Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Soccer Team...4 Year Letterman...All-Conference...Senior year--15 Goals and 12 Assists...Sophomore Year--State Champions...3 Year Member of Ohio ODP...Member of Super Y League Team...National Semifinalists in 2004...

Geoff Pezon - Left Wing - Blandon, Pennsylvania
Member of Fleetwood High School Soccer Team...All-State Nominee...All-County Team...Senior Year--18 Goals and 7 Assists...Sophomore Year--State Semi-Finalists...Member of BSA Rage Super Y League Team...National Finalists in 2006. ..

Nick Thompson - Center Back / Midfielder - Hudson, Ohio
Member of Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Soccer Team...NSCAA All-Region ...1st Team Ohio All-State Selection...1st Team All-Conference as Junior and Senior...Sophomore Year--High School State Champions...

Only Four Months to Kick Off...

2007-06-07T09:13:00.000-05:00

Alright, so it is still a long time until the season starts BUT with Tim out of the picture I (Alex Cole) will be taking over the reigns of blogging about the best soccer team in Division III. So what Messiah has won three straight National Championships, we got two of the three last MAC Titles from them (that's waaaaaay better).

Some of the things to look forward to with me as the blogger are some cool pictures to go along with the fantastic writing, (if you look above you can see I already made a sweet banner for the site), in-depth news from practices, player profiles, but sadly there will be no Wanker count because "King Richard" Winstanley has not be granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA.

The Blue Jay schedule should be coming out soon and I will make my very, very early predictions on the season. But Messiah's schedule is out, so I can tell you now to save your calenders for October 27 @ Etown.

If your wondering where Tim is, well, I shipped him out to Montana where he is a weekend sports anchor. I am sure he will be allowed a guest post from time to time...Anyway, here is Tim's new look for Montana.

Anyone else in favor of Tim making this his new FaceBook picture?

Etown vs Hobart: NCAA Tournament Round One

2006-11-08T23:27:00.000-05:00

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.

Hobart College: Meet the Statesmen

2006-11-06T18:52:00.000-05:00

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!

Etown vs Susquehanna: Commonwealth Conference Championship

2006-11-05T15:21:00.000-05:00

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.

Etown vs Muhlenberg: The Game That Wasn't

2006-10-05T10:30:00.000-05:00

Wednesday October 4th
Elizabethtown College vs Muhlenberg College Mules
7:00 pm Muhlenberg Field
Conditions: Dark and Stormy night in Allentown, Pennsylvania

Pre-game Notes: When we travel on the road to away matches, I try to email the home teams Athletic Director at least 3 days in advance to see whether there’s a press box, and if I’ll have a spot to plug in my computer...Well for this match, Muhlenberg’s AD assured me, "I could go ‘up top’ where there would a power strip."...We got here and there was no power strip and ‘up top’ was a shaky, shanty/booth, that definitely rivals the quality of Etown’s press box...There was just a flash of lighting and the teams are being sent into the locker rooms...So in lieu of blogging the game, I’m going to keep you up-to-date on the happenings throughout the rain delay.

1st: As soon as we walked into the building we found a lounge with a cafe....Randy immediately looked for a hot dog.

2nd: Helsel, Raveling, Galbraith, and Hoffman debate whether the "Powerhouse Café" is better than our beloved Jays Nest....I love the Powerhouse’s decor, but nothing beats the ability to stealthily stalk people through those tinted Jays Nest windows.

3rd: Skip approaches Randy while he’s at the check-out line....Randy scratches the Hot Dog and checks to Salad.

4th: Runyon orders a Starbucks Double Shot...Initially I’d never heard of it before, but after further inspection, I’ve concluded it’s a combination of sugar and cocaine in a liquid brown substance.

5th: Skip sits down at a table with all three Officials, and proceeds to tell them the entire history of Elizabethtown College Mens Soccer, beginning with the Book of Roderick Chapter 1, Verse 1.

8th: The official rule for delays is to wait 30 minutes from the last lightning strike...Randy and Owen pass time by watching the bolts and declaring, "There’s half-an hour....There’s another half-an hour.

10th: Skip continues to shmooze the officials, personally introducing them to every member of our team.

11th: Pete Moore’s mom came over and commented on my blog, admitted to be the anonymous "Duck Call on the Road," and then asked Tommy why they call him "Woo"...He excitedly responded, "Because I’m Asian."

13th: Randy and Woo engage in a high stakes game of Paper, Rock, Sisscors.

15th: Unbeknownst to everyone...Mullen just ran 2 miles at the indoor track....I think he juices....unless he’s reading this...then I think he’s The Man.

18th: Helsel, Raveling and Zach are partake in a nasty game of table ball....innocent people may be injured.

19th: Skip is beginning to show the refs pictures from his wallet.

20th: Geno has his hat flipped around backwards...I had to do a double-take, but I’m near positive he may have been one of the founders of Hell’s Angels.

23rd: The lights on the field have to be turned off at 10, and it’s already 7:30....30 more minutes, and we gettin food baby.

25th: Exactly 25 minutes ago, Brennan asked me for a piece of paper and a pen to start working on some homework...he then sat down to talk to Graham and hasn’t moved, or started any work since.

26th: Brennan sees me looking at him...his body language admits "academic defeat," and he tosses me my pen back.

28th: Muhlenberg players are starting to creep into "our lounge"....there could be a rumble.

31st: Skip continues to sweet talk high ranking officials...I’ve concluded he’s simply a social butterfly.

35th: Game officially called because there’s a town ordinance that call for all light to be off after 10 pm....A flash of lighting was just seen at 7:45, which means we wouldn’t be able to start until 8:15, which in turn means we wouldn’t be finished til around 10:15...ballocks.

35th: Despite the depression over the cancellation, I just got word we’re going to Friday’s for dinner...so once again I’m pretty giddy.

Final Stats
Wings - 144
Mozzarella Sticks - 96
Potato Skins - 96
Platters of Fried Macaroni - 10

Recap: I think I really showed Skipper something at the dinner table...if we ever challenge Messiah to an eating contest, I’m pretty confident I’d be in the starting 11...Skip and Graham were pretty busy however, they were already thinking about the Moravian game by drawing up plays with the sugar packets....But seriously, today was a tough cancellation, Muhlenberg is a quality regional opponent, and it could have been a HUGE win for the boys...No worries though, there will be other chances with Gettysburg, Wilkes and Alvernia....We just have to come up strong against Moravian this Saturday, and turn out another strong performance similar to the LVC game.

Next Up:
Etown vs Moravian
Saturday October 7th
7:00 pm
Ira R. Herr Field

Etown vs Lebanon Valley: Bloggers Hate the Rain

2006-09-30T12:57:00.000-05:00

Today's game with Lebanon Valley is still being played...however the combination of rain and Etown's lack of a true press box prevents me from taking the computer out in the rain. I apologize for the inconvenience...I'll try to put up some post-game info.

The next match is Wednesday October 4th at Muhlenberg.

Etown vs Albright: Terrors on the Turf part duex

2006-09-27T20:50:00.000-05:00

Wednesday September 27th
Elizabethtown College vs Albright College Lions
4:00 pm Shirk Stadium...Albright’s Brand Spankin’ New Turf Field of Luxury and Pleasure
Conditions: Bright, Warm, Sunny afternoon...sleeves are rolled all the way up.

Starting 11

Etown - 5-2-1 (overall) 1-0 (conference)
GK- AJ Fleisher
4- Michael "Sunshine" Terry
5- Mike Helsel
8- Brennan Reichenbach
12- Josh Hoffman
14- Rick "King Richard" Winstanley
15- Luke Mitchell
16- Bryan Holt
18- James Runyon
27- Zach Galbraith
28- Brian Raveling
Coach- Skip Roderick

Albright- 4-2-1 (overall) 1-0 (conference)
GK- Joe Hartmann
8- Mike Depasquale
10- Steve Moran
11- Matt Fleissner
12- Tim Legendre
13- Brad Mease
14- Michael Goffredo
15- Matthew Spolski
17- Dan Martin
23- Joseph Kelly
25- Tommy Talarico
Coach- Pat Stanco

Pre-game Notes: I have been in many press boxes on both the professional and collegiate levels, and Albrights ‘box’ is by far one of the greatest...there is a kitchen, bathroom, even sliding windows...It’s FANTASTIC!...Although I despise playing on turf, this is a brand new facility with top of the line carpet....Albright enters the match-up coming off a pair of 2-1 wins against Gwynedd-Mercy and Moravian...However, the Lions competition looks to get stiffer as they continue into the season, after today’s match against Etown, they travel to Messiah, and then several days later face York....At the other end of the spectrum, the Blue Jays are coming off a devastating 1-0 loss to Lycoming College. While the Jays, lost earlier in the season to nationally ranked Stevens Tech, the Lyco upset came as an absolute shocker and will definitely have an impact on their chance to make the NCAA tournament if they do not win the conference...The Jays have a tough road ahead, but they must remain focused and take everything one game at a time...Today SHOULD be an easy victory, but the boys must capitalize on their opportunities (Skipper mentioned 5 missed breakaways in the Lycoming contest)...The Jays will be without the services of Junior George Severini and Sophomore Wes Bunting today(Have no fear, the blue Bunting throwback is still proudly being worn atop my shirt and tie)...Both are nursing injuries and are not dressing for the match....Etown will miss Bunting’s great air play and hard tackles in the back...Albright Sophomore forward Tommy Talarico, last years Conference Rookie of the Year, is currently tied for the conference lead with 5 goals, his goal this past Saturday marked the 20th of his young career.

1st: Blue Jays come out in a 3-5-2...everyone looks to be in a new position, I’m anxious to see how this works out

2nd: Just noticed Runyon’s freshly bic’d head...definitely more aerodynamic

5th: Zach sends a great through ball to a streaking Hoffman on the far side...Hoff can’t quite reach it though, and it’s scooped up by Hartmann.

6th: Raveling sends a great ball into the box, but it can’t find a head.

7th: Helsel with a shot from 20 yards out, but it’s high, wide and not at all handsome...I’ve always wanted to say that.

9th: Galbraith with a fantastic cross near the corner... Helsel’s unmarked, but his header sails just over the goal.

10th: Lions get first corner of the game...Martin sends an out-swinger into the box but it’s headed out for a Blue Jay throw.

12th: Hoffman shot from 25yds out easily picked up by Hartmann.

13th: Hoffman with another good look...If Jays keep knocking on the door, they’re bound to find the back of the net soon.

16th: Etown doing a real good job possessing the ball...Albright’s doing all they can just to get a foot on it.

18th: Blue Jays have 6 shots early on...only 1 has been on goal though.

20th: Etown- Matt Diller for Runyon

21st: Diller chases a ball deep into the corner...I just realized Diller looks like a giraffe when he runs...a menacing, vicious goal-scoring giraffe.

23rd: Albright foul 30yds out...Hoffman free kick sent into the mixer, but can’t find any Jays.

26th: Albright- 5 for Goffredo... "#5" is not listed on the Albright roster and no one has any idea who this mystery player is...this severely chaps my hide.

27th: Albright send a long ball into the box, but several Lions are called off-sides...where’s their pride???...I know I said, ‘never again,’ but I can’t help it, I have a soft spot for animal puns.

28th: Rick gets another shot, just wide...Blue Jays still having a tough time finding the wood work.

30th: Albright Foul 30yds out...Galbraith sends a beautiful ball into the box...Diller rises above the pack and sends it on goal...punched out by Hartman for a Blue Jay throw.

31st: Blue Jay Corner...Rick sends a low drive into the box, but it’s cleared by the Albright Defense.

32nd: Fleissner receives a yellow for a hard tackle.

33rd: Albright- Abdul Khawam for Talarico

34th: Blue Jay Corner...Rick serves a great ball...Diller flicks it back post to Helsel who drives a header on goal...Nice effort, but Albright defense to save a goal.

38th: Hoffman with a hard shot from 25 yds out..nice save by Hartmann.

39th: Albright corner late in the half...Martin sends the cross right into AJ’s hands.

40th: Zach with another great serve from the corner...Helsel with a well-struck header that whizzes just past the post.

42nd: King Richard with some fancy footwork in the corner, but his cross can’t find anyone.

First Half Recap: Jays have out-shot the Lions 12-0 and are totally dominating every aspect of the game...I hope this doesn’t turn out like the Lycoming game...3-5-2 is working really well for Etown...Across the back, it’s Mitchell, Holt, and Raveling...In the mid-field it looks like Rick and Brennan are playing defensive, while Sunny’s attacking with Hoffman and Galbraith on the flanks...Runyon and Helsel started up top, but it’s the basic idea of a big target, with a little guy running off of him....Galbraith is playing really well, I like him making runs up and down the line, and he’s had some quality services...The three in the back look very solid, with Holt anchoring the trio...Jays just need to start making their shots dangerous, and the goals will come.

Stats at the Half-
Shots 12-0 Etown
Corner 3-2 Etown
Saves 3-0 Hartmann
Fouls 7-7

Start of 2nd: Despite my praises, Galbraith will start the 2nd on the bench in favor of Reading’s favorite son, and my former ‘Estate Neighbor,’ Pete Moore....Owen Friedrich in for Brennan in the back

47th: Hoffman with a great service...Helsel with a well-driven header...Nice save by Hartmann

48th: King Richard with a long throw deep in Albright territory, Runyon flicks it on to Helsel who keeps it going across to Sunny who drives it low and into the back corner of the net...GOAL! 1-0 Etown...Good Teamwork.

50th: "#5" is still in the gam and has yet to be identified...I hate him.

52nd: Blue Jays have numbers on the attack, but Rick one-touches it right to the keeper from 30yds out...I think King Richard may be exhausted from spending nearly 2 hours on our Greater China test earlier today...the average finishing time was 45-60 minutes.

56th: Jeff Warusz for Helsel, and Steve Petrosky for Diller

57th: Rick settles it 25yds out and hits a nice ‘square ball’ to Sunshine...Sunny’s shot not as quality as his last strike, and it sails high over the bar.

58th: Warusz flicks a great ball through to Petrosky who fights off two defenders and gets off a shot...Saved by Hartmann.

60th: Lions are tired, lazy, or just plain awful, and Jays are having their way in their offensive third.

61st: Lion foul 30yds out...Rick sends a great ball into the box that’s punched out by Hartmann...ball sent back into the mixer before Owen fires a shot from point-blank range that’s saved by Hartmann.

63rd: Rowdy Albright Hooligan-Thugs are starting to congregate along the sidelines and taunt the Etown players...Paging Nancy Latimore.

65th: Albright- Goffredo for Matt Metanchuk

67th: The game is two-thirds over and Albright has yet to record a shot on goal...I’m pretty sure my intramural team is better.

69th: Etown- Helsel, Runyon, Reichenbach, and Tommy Reinmiller for Warusz, Petrosky, Hoffman, and Winstanley....Before the game Skip assured me he wouldn’t be making that many subs...He lies.

72nd: Albright- Khawam for "#5"...could he possibly be out for the rest of the game???

73rd: Albright Corner...Martin sends an out-swinger into the box Legendre climbs over his defenders and hits a nice header top shelf..Goal! 1-1...It really looked like Legendre’s hands were all over his defender, but no call was made and the Jays are gonna need another late goal to get a victory.

76th: Albright- Fleissner and "#5" in for Mease and Khawam....why do you plague me #5??!?!?

78th: Mood has definitely changed from "Romping and Frollicking" to "Oh my goodness, we’re tied with Albright."

79th: I’m trying to come up with a fictional name for #5...right now I’m torn between Turd Ferguson and Dick Trickle.

79th: Another Albright Corner...Martin sends another in, but AJ punches it out for a Lion throw.

80th: Blue Jays being very cautious with the ball, they're waiting for the perfect shot.

80th: Albright- Mease for Ferguson/Trickle...I still haven’t decided.

82nd: Eotwn- Rick and Diller for Runyon and Owen

83rd: Albright sends a long cross into the box...AJ gets beat near post but Raveling saves a goal with a header that ricochets off the cross-bar, but back into the middle of the 6...Another Blue Jay defender ends the madness and clears it out for a corner.

84th: Alrbight corner...AJ tries for diving save, but is bowled over by Albright player...foul is called, Lion fans protest....I’m pretty sure they’ve never actually watched soccer before.

85th: I just heard what sounds like a duck call, and I know there are no water fowl in beautiful downtown Reading...It’s music to my ears, but will it rally the Jays?

86th: Albright has no desire to win this game...Lions have everyone bunkered in, and are playing for a tie.

88th: Brennan gets a shot from 18yds out...deflects off Albright defender, great diving save by Hartmann.

89th: I hate looking up at the scoreboard...the realization of what is going on right now makes me sick.

90th: 30 seconds left...Blue Jays get free-kick from 20yds out...Holt drives a hard shot off the wall...ball bounces out-of-bounds...End of Regulation.

End of Regulation Recap: All you need to know is this...SHOTS: 21-1 ETOWN...Jays scored early, they didn’t stop attacking, but Albright scored a lucky, possibly controversial goal off a corner to equalize late...Blue Jays have dominated, and just need to continue playing the way they have, and they’ll net the winner in one of the two 10-minute OT’s.

Start of First Extra Period: Starters are back in, except Diller is uptop for Runyon.

91st: Albright with a great look from 30yds out...ball sent back stick but can’t find a head.

93rd: Talarico touches the ball...I forgot he was playing today.

94th: Albright free kick 40yds out...cleared by Blue Jay defense.

95th: Rick settles and sends a great ball to Helsel down the flank, but the speedster can’t quite get to it...Albright goalkick.

96th: Albright keeper has wasted a full minute between retrieving the ball, and taking the kick.

96th: Diller with a great look 10yds out...leans back just a little too much while striking it, and sends it just over the bar.

96th: Etown- Runyon for Diller, Albright- Martin for Mease.

97th: Deep throw for the Jays...cleared by Albright.

99th: Rick with a nice move, is tripped up, he falls on the ball, then grabs a hold of it...that’s a cheeky move from the Englishmen...Blue Jay free kick 20yds out

99th: Hoffman shoots a laser right at Hartmann.

100th: Galbraith with a good, clean tackle outside the Blue Jays box...Albright supporters screaming murder...No call.

100th: Helsel takes it baseline and peppers another shot at Hartmann.

End of 1st Extra Period Recap: Jays continue their dominance....they’re painfully close with their shots...they just need a little extra from someone...who will it be?

Start of 2nd Extra Period: Warusz and Petey are into the game for Zach and Helsel.

102nd: Albright with a free kick from 20 yds out...eventually cleared by King Richard.

103rd: Rick makes a clean tackle...but ref calls a foul from other side of the field...and there’s the first ‘wanker’ of the game.

105th: Albright Corner...Martin’s outswinger cleared for an Albright throw.

105th: Albright has officially wasted more time than they spent warming up for the game.

106th: Petey with some nice moves along the baseline but his bangu can’t find anyone.

107th: If desparation hasn’t sunk in yet, it should...we’re 3 minutes away from tying Albright.

109th: Etown- Helsel for Runyon, Albright- "#5" for Mease...There was honestly NO need to sub him back in...I think Coach Stanco is simply trying to spite me.

110th: 20 seconds... Blue Jay corner...Warusz with a nice ball, finds Brennan head....but it sails wide...End of Game...1-1 tie.

Final Stats-
Shots 23-1 Etown
Corners 5-5
Saves 11-0 Hartmann
fouls 15-13 Albright

Man of the Match: Michael Terry
Buffalo Bills Award: Joe Hartmann

End of Game Recap: The stats tell the story of this game...The Jays had all the opportunities but couldn’t net the goals when they needed them...I thought several Jays had strong performances including Galbraith, Holt, Helsel, Hoffman, and Sunny.... Although a draw isn’t a horrible result, it’s far from ideal. The Blue Jays are now in a position where they cannot afford to have anymore games like this for this rest of the season....They host Lebanon Valley this weekend, but in the near future they play Muhlenberg, Getysburg, and Wilkes, all of whom are ranked higher than the Blue Jays in the regional rankings....Someone needs to step up and be a finisher on this team.

p.s. I still think my intramural team is better than Albright.

Next Up:
Etown vs Lebanon Valley
Sunday October 1st
2:00 pm
Ira R. Herr Field

Disappointing News...

2006-09-20T12:40:00.000-05:00

I am very sorry to say that I will not be able to make the Susquehanna-Etown game tonight. I am also the station manager of our college TV station, ECTV40, and that needs my full attention tonight. I also will be unable to make the Lycoming game this weekend. Once again my apologies, it pains me greatly to be missing such quality soccer. I promise you though, that I will be in attendance of the remaining games. Thanks for all the positive feedback thus far, and I look forward to rejoining you on Wednesday September 27th when the Jays travel to Albright to tackle the Lions.

Bad News for the Bloggers: Etown vs PSU-Altoona Postponed

2006-09-16T18:05:00.000-05:00

Since the boys game with PSU-Altoona got cancelled, I thought this would be an ideal time for the "news and notes" portion of this blog.

As for the game itself, the powers to be have not selected an official date and time to reschedule, but I’ll let you know as soon as I find out.

Secondly, speaking of the powers to be, Etownian sports editor Alex Cole had FANTASTIC article this week regarding our kill-joy athletic director, Nancy Latimore. Here’s the link to the article:

http://www.etownian.com/103/09.14/sports/athletic.department.asp

I could honestly fill up at least two posts speaking my mind on this matter, but I don’t feel that’s necessary. I simply feel that if the Athletic Department Regime continues to prevent the fans from "experiencing the game", it will have a negative affect on recruiting and the future of Etown sports. Let’s be honest when potential athletes come up for visits and they see the heart and spirt of the Etown faithful on a Saturday afternoon or evening, they instantly want to be a part of that atmosphere. I just encourage the Hill Monsters to "stand strong" and keep bleeding royal blue and white(ironic, because our school colors are navy blue and gray, but that’s a whole ‘nother can of worms).

Next on the agenda is my beef with sophomore Wes Bunting. Now I have always been a strong supporter of Wes Man Tooth...I even wear my Bunting throwback to away games, but in my most recent Etownian article, Wesley had some serious issues with my word choice :

"A final highlight over the weekend for the Jays was the overall play of Bunting. The YOUNGSTER raked in Defensive MVP honors for the tournament, by making several goal-saving tackles, and even scoring a goal Saturday."

Wes chose to ignore my praises of his performance and the note of his accolades, rather focusing on my non-significant youthful description. I merely was trying to help the young lad, by pointing out his "boyish good looks."

Wes, however, was not keen with my generous efforts. Apparently Wes had been fuming over this horribly inacurate description all day, stating the "he was a Sophomore darnit, not a "youngster." His unharnessed rage and furry finally boiled to a head later in the evening at the Jays Nest when he lashed out at me with a verbal and physical onslaught that ended with curly fries being used for purposes they were not intended for.

Ok Wes have it your way...I have no choice but to reveal your deepest darkest secret: You are actually a member of the feline family. I bet you thought you could sneak this one by me...by oh no young Bunting, this is precisely why you don’t screw with members of the media...we have the tools and resources to dig up the deepest of skeletons. Through extensive research, I actually have photographic evidence of Wes and one of his close relatives....

Above is a picture of Wesley Bunting, and below is his dearest relative Mufasa Bunting.

Yes, Wes Bunting is actually a LION!!!!

I know, I know...I was just as shocked as you are. The clues were there all along though...his ungroomed mane, his fierce tackles out on the field, and his primal death growls that can be heard all over the pitch....I'm sorry Wes, but you gave me no choice.

In non-fictional news, the Blue Jays travel to Susquehanna Wednesday September 20th to take on the Crusaders in a 7:00 pm showdown. I'll give a better preview as the game nears, but seeing as 'hanna has NEVER beaten the Blue Jays, I guarantee they will come out firing.

Turf Time: Etown @ Drew

2006-09-14T01:09:00.000-05:00

Wednesday September 13th
Elizabethtown College Blue Jay vs Drew University Rangers
7:00 pm Turf Field of Doom and Demise
Conditions: Overcast, chilly...but it’s turf, so nothing really matters.

STARTING 11
Etown (3-1-1)
GK- AJ Fleisher
3- Jeff Warusz
4- Michael "Sunshine" Terry
5- Mike Helsel
7- Mike McCabe
11-Wes Bunting
12- Josh Hoffman
14- Rick "King Richard" Winstanley
16- Bryan Holt
22- Matt Diller
27- Zach Galbraith
Coach- Skip Roderick

Drew (1-1-1)
GK- David Brigandi
2- Dan Bonder
8- Justin Starnes
9- Brian Dempsey
10- Matt Sidie
13- Joe Favata
15- Glenn Fitzgerald
16- Marc Chiarello
18- Matt Bonder
20- Bredin McCord
21- Dan Wehrle
Coach- Lenny Armuth

Pre-game Notes: During my college search, I initially looked at Drew for their beautiful campus and rigorous academics, however, after a 3-hour bus ride I hate the entire state of New Jersey...Highlight from the bus trip: Someone asked McCabe how long it took to get here, and he replied 2 hours and 45 minutes...without missing a beat, Skipper turned around and with a very straight face stated, "No Mike, It was 2 hours and 40 minutes"..Etown comes in following first loss of season 1-0 to 12th ranked Stevens Tech following tough series of games....Drew enters the matchup also coming off their first loss, a shocking upset at the hands of Dickinson 2-1 in overtime....During his pre-game pep talk Skip once again dug up some great material that inspired even me to blog the best game of my life...for luck, over my shirt and tie I’m rocking my blue #11 Wes Bunting throwback jersey circa 1975...ignore the fact that Wes will not be born for another 12 years or that everyone else in the press box think I’m a douche bag...it cost 2 dollars at homecoming last year, and I’ve gotta represent for the boys...When these two teams have hooked up in the past, it’s always been an exciting match...hopefully tonight will be no different..did I mention the turf might be a big factor?.

3rd Minute: Turf is definitely taking a while to get used to...ball is bouncing all over the place.

6th: Drew player sticks head into a dangerous tackle...fans hungry for a call in favor of Drew....ref opts for the Blue Jays.

7th: Hoffman volleys a nice shot on goal but Brigandi has no trouble and scoops it up.

8th: Rangers with a quick counter...Dempsey looks to be sprung on a breakaway but Galbraith gives a nice bump and ball goes out for a goalkick.

9th: Helsel with some space on the right flank, tries to cross, ends up with a shot....unlucky.

13th: Etown defense tries to clear the ball, but mishits it...falls right to the feet of Wehrle who winds up and rips a shot right at AJ...that was a little to close for comfort.

15th: Drew with ANOTHER early foul...that’s five on the game for the Rangers....maybe trying to set the tone early.

18th: Free kick opportunity for the Rangers...Sidie sends a long kick from mid-field into the box, but AJ rises above the pack and snags it out of the air.

20th Drew- Walsh and Pisani in for Matt Bonder and Fitzgerald.

23rd: Drew with some dangerous opportunities in the box, but shots keep getting blocked by Blue Jay defenders.

26th: Rick with a couple nice tackles out of the back...King Richard is looking pretty sharp early on.

29th: Drew- Costa, Pumphrey, Zizik in for Dempsey, McCord, Dan Bonder...Etown-Tommy Reinmiller for Matt Diller

31st: Favata with a hard foul on Sunshine...first yellow of the game goes to Drew.

32nd: Etown- Dirty Dan Flaherty for Diller

*Let it be noted that at some point during the game George Severini came into the game...neither the people in the press box, nor myself have the slightest idea when this substitution took place....I have reason to believe George may have simply materialized onto the field.

36th: 50-50 ball in Drew’s box...keeper can’t get a handle and Severini knocks the ball loose...he fires off two shots, but Drew defenders protect the goal

36th: Etown- James Runyon, Pete Moore, and Owen Friedrich for George, Sunny, and Hoffman

39th: Drew- Dempsey for Pumphrey

40th: Etown starting to keep the ball in Drew’s end....the boys look more comfortable with the turf.

40th: Rick with a hard tackle on a Drew player, foul is called....people in the stands think Rick is the whanker.

41st: Bonder with a great through ball to Dempsey that burns the Blue Jays defense....Dempsey dribbles toward goal then unselfishly dishes to Zizik who finishes the wide open opporunity...GOAL! Drew 1-0.

First Half Recap: Neither team looked all too dangerous in the first...still not sure how TWO Drew players got that wide open, maybe an off-sides trap gone bad...despite earlier comments, still not sure if the boys are comfortable with the turf, it’s definitely not making for very pretty soccer from either side...It’ll be a tough second half battle for the Jays...they just have to settle down, show some composure, and capitalize on any Drew mistake.

Stats at the Half-
Shots 5-5
Corners 0
Saves 5-1 Drew
Fouls 15-4 Drew

Start of 2nd: Runyon up top to start the 2nd...looks like we’re only playing with 3 in the back...this could be interesting.

47th: Bunting goes up and wins the ball out of the air, but commits a foul....I didn’t really notice him in the first...he definitely has to be more of a force in the second.

49th: Jays with an early look, free kick from 30 yards out....Hoffman sends it in but it sails over the Blue Jays target and out of play.

53rd: Runyon sends lazy cross into Drew box, Owen flicks it on, Tommy runs it into the goal for the first score of his Blue Jay career...GOAL! 1-1

53rd: Drew- Matt Bonder and Anthony Pisani...Etown- Diller for Runyon

57th: Drew- Glen Fitzgerald for Jeff Walsh...Etown- Bryan Kuppe for Helsel

58th: Dempsey with a wide open look from 6 yds out, but duffs on the shot...out for a throw

59th: Etown- Dirty and Helsel for Sunny and Reinmiller

59th: Drew player beats his man, serves a nice cross, but AJ comes up big again.

60th: Diller receives a nice pass inside Drew’s box, hits it wide....both teams getting some good chances to net the winner.

62nd: Great hustle by Wehrle, he sprints to save the ball from going out, then Zizik prevents it from going out on the baseline, beats his man and makes a beautiful cross to Dempsey whose header sails just above the crossbar.

63rd: Etown- Sunny for Rick

67th: Wehrle sends a dangerous cross into Blue Jays box, AJ again punches it out of danger.

68th: Blue Jays get first corner of the game....Hoffman sends a long high in-swinger deep to the back of the box...can’t find any Jays...cleared by Drew defense.

68th: Etown- Steve Petrosky for Dirty

70th: Rangers get their first corner down at other end...Matt Bonder curls it into the box, but it’s outted away from danger.

70th: Etown- Brian Raveling for Kuppe

71st: Etown- George for Diller

72nd: Matt Bonder with another corner for Drew...beautifuly struck, looks like it’s curling in but one of Etowns backs heads it out.

74th: Dangerous opportunity for Drew....foul called on Etown right at the top of the 18...Dempsey with great strike upper-90, but AJ makes a ridiculous saves to tip it over the bar.

75th: Drew- Walsh and Pisani for Fitzgerald and Matt Bonder

76th: George deep in Drew’s box, pass to Sunny....Sunny winds up, but shot is blocked by Drew defense.

77th: Drew- Degernes for Dempsey

80th: Wes with a great step to the ball...ref calls foul, good look for Drew.

80th: Drew free kick, headed out by Etown defense.

81st: Man in front of me has been cheering all game....but I wouldn’t really call it cheering, it just consists of "HEY BONDER" and "WHUD YA SAY MATTY"....I think he’s either mentally challenged or one of the Sopranos.

85th: Diller with a great one-touch to Rick running on...King Richard settles but hits it just wide.

85th: Drew- Dempsey and Fitzgerald for Zizik and Walsh.

85th: Rick with some more action up top....Skipper LOVES putting Rick up top...Rick hates it.

87th: Alex Degernes with a nice dipping shot that goes just wide of goal.

88th: McCabe fouled deep in Drew territory...free kick for the Jays

88th: Hoffman sends it across, headed away by Drew player... Etown corner

89th: Blue Jays with a vicious foul on Drew player in middle of the field....no call...Drew fans call ref a whanker and I don’t even think he’s British

90th: All hell has broken loose...Etown player goes down, but Ref doesn’t immediately blow whistle...players don’t know what to think, Drew player has breakaway, but realizes play has stopped...AJ, unsure of what Drew player is going to do, "drops the hammer" on unsuspecting Drew player...Drew fans say dirty things about ref’s mother...9 seconds left in game...MASS CHAOS...24 seconds put on the clock....yellow cards issued to AJ and the player who "Hammer was dropped on"....Etown free kick....I hear fans calling for tar and feathers.

End of Regulation Recap: Jays got just what they needed in early goal...both teams busted their tails and had great opportunities...I think the Jays switched up to a 3-5-2...worked pretty well...But with this Referee, I can’t really be sure of how this one will end up.

Start of First Extra Period: Skip leaves same formation in back with Galbraith, Holt, and Wes...Ravs and George up top.

94th: Sidie with a harsh tackle on English Rick...both players collaspe to the ground for several minutes...ref issues Sidie a yellow.

95th: Drew fans think Galbraith and his pony-tail look like a member of Hanson... they start singing "Mmm Bop"....I think they’re nincompoops.

98th: Helsel sends a dangerous ball into the box...Brigandi tries to punch it out but Wes leaps above and gets a head on it to flick it out....Severini controls the rebound and scores on the wide open goal....GOAL! 2-1 Etown. Game over.

Final Stats-
shots 13-11 Drew
corners 4-3
saves 5-3
fouls 24-11

Man of the Match: AJ "Golden Gloves" Fleisher
Buffalo Bills Award: George Severini

End of Game Recap: Despite refereeing, turf, tough opponent, the Jays never stopped hustling and picked up a HUGE victory...Good play front to back tonight, if the boys would have played tonight on grass they would have won big...I like the momentum...good start early in the season....and best of all, we’re getting pizza on the way home...I’m giddy.

Next Up:
Etown vs PSU-Altoona
Saturday September 16th
7:00 pm
Ira R. Herr Field

Championship Match of the Jako/Brothers Pizza/Longest and Most Utterly Ridiculous Name for a Soccer Tournament Blue Jay Classic: Etown vs Stevens Tech

2006-09-12T14:25:00.000-05:00

Sunday September 10th
Elizabethtown College Blue Jays vs Stevens Tech Ducks
Jako/Brothers Pizza Blue Jay Classic Championship
4:00 pm Ira R. Herr Field
Conditions: Bright, warm, sunny afternoon...slightly blinding sun.
Records: Stevens enters the contest ranked 12th in the nation, and currently hold a 3-0 mark, coming off a 5-2 thrashing of SUNY-Oneonta...The Blue Jays stand at 2-0-1 coming into the contest.

Pre-Game Notes: After two exhilarating victories and a painfully long bus ride to Illinois, the Blue Jays must now face a national powerhouse, if the boys are up to the challenge this could be a HUGE victory in their young season...A player to watch out for on Stevens side is speedy freshmen Terrance Johnson. The youngster notched hat trick all in the second half yesterday, and will be looking to make his first collegiate start today. If the Blue Jays back line can slow down the Ducks attack...maybe they can get a quick counter and pull out a "W."...Either way it’s Blue Jays vs. Ducks, and members of the Audubon Society are rejoicing...Also seeing as this is the championship game of the Jako/Brothers Pizza Blue Jay Classic, I would simply like to take this opportunity to point out what a silly name that is for a tournament....Despite today being the first Sunday of "American" football...I’m still very impressed with the Hill Monsters...they’re out in full force with percussion and painted chests.....come to think of it, I wondered if they even bothered to shower last night.

1st minute: Runyon gets the nod up top following last nights game winner...he’s joined by Tommy and McCabe...I’m very intrigued to see how this works out....Runyon is still not wearing my boots.

3rd: Both teams just feeling each other out right now....however even though it’s early, Rick is being very loud and decisively English...good sign for the Jays and the "whanker count"

10th: I hear a bullhorn from the hill...I love the creativity

12th: Jays first corner....Hoffman takes a short one to Tommy who then sends a long cross which McCabe one-times off a Duck defender in the box.

12th: After heavy self-debate, I have concluded that I love "The Ducks" as a soccer mascot...they just have to watch their fowls.....never again, I swear.

14th: Hoffman services a great ball from midfield to Tommy in the box...he can’t find the handle, but it was a great look.

17th: Steven’s Mike Kaiser gets a good look at a bicycle inside the Blue Jays box...totally whiffed, but it looked aesthetically pleasing.

20th: Ducks get first opportunity from the corner...inswinger punched up by AJ, finds the head of a Stevens player and richochets off the crossbar....somewhere in the chaos a foul is called....Blue Jay kick

21st: Moore, Diller, Waruz, and Helsel for McCabe, Runyon, Reinmiller and Hoffman

22nd: Kaiser gets another good look inside the box, Wes throws his body in front of the ball to block the shot....falls at the feet of a Stevens player he shoots on the open goal but defender Zach Galbraith is in the right place at the right time and presents the goal....great work from the back four.

23rd: Stevens corner...shot fired, AJ makes initial save, then scoops up the rebound

25th: There’s no major action in the game, but I just wanted to apologize for the previous "fowl" comment....I’m truly sorry.

27th: Jays with a deep throw into the box...Wes with a great volley that dips just over top the bar.

27th: I hear Etown Athletic Director Nancy "No Fun" Latimore making a commandment on her walkie-talkie to silence the bullhorn on the hill..I think she has a direct line to Satan.

29th: Rick shoves a guy in the back a midfield...ref stops the clock and whips out a ....no wait, he’s actually talking to a player and warning him before just throwing around cards....what a novel idea....Rick still calls him a whanker.

32nd: Galbraith hits a strong free kick...sails over keeper finds Wes back stick...tries a volley...knocked out for a corner

33rd: Ball cleared out off the corner...Brennan sends great ball into the mixer to Diller who lays off to Sunny...Sunny mishits it, but great combo work.

34th: The bullhorn has now been taken away, but I hear the lovely pangs of the duck call...great retaliation.

34th: I think Nancy Latimore just made a decree to outlaw puppies and sunshine throughout the world.

35th: Rick with a great free kick opportunity from 20 yards out...blocked by Duck’s wall...Stevens tries to counter but it sails too long, and right into AJ’s arms.

37th: Brian Raveling for Jeff Waruz.

38th: Galbraith sends a fantastic ball into the box...finds Diller...he heads it back to the top of the box...questionable foul called on Pete.

42nd: Great control by Pete Moore in the midfield, links up with Sunny...Sunny sends long ball to Helsel...questionable offsides.

43rd: Stevens with a good opportunity at the end of the half from 25 yds out, but the blast by Nick Gkionis bounces off the Etown wall.

45th: Stevens plays long ball into the box...AJ rises above Ducks striker and punches it out of danger...end of half.

First Half Recap: Good work...nothing to spectacular for either team...Stevens is definitely the best team the Jays have played thus far...they can’t just go over the top to Diller and Bunting...I think we’ve recognizing that though, and we’re doing a good job linking together at times...they’re getting good looks they just have to capitalize and watch the Ducks counters...I also think Nancy Latimore needs a hug.

Stats at the Half-
Shots: 7-5 Etown
Fouls: 7-6 Etown
Whankers: 1

Start of the Second Half: Owen Friedrich and Dirty Dan Flaherty get the nod to start the second...Owens in for Holt and Dirty’s in for McCabe....haven’t seen a lot of Owen yet, hopefully the Big O can get out there and make some good things happen.

48th: Sunny sprung on a breakaway...taken down from behind...no call

48th: Stevens with a quick counter...Craig Moquin sends a great ball to an unmarked Johnson...he duffs...deflected out for a corner.

49th: Moquin with another solid ball this time to Gkionis who hits it off the first touch top shelf....FANTASTIC SAVE BY AJ

50th: Raveling gets drilled deep in the corner...bleeding profussely no call

50th: McCabe for injured Raveling.

52nd: More Stevens brutality...pace has definitely picked up...and Stevens looking to do some damage.

56th: Bunting with goal saving tackle to prevent Stevens fast break.

57th: Reinmiller taken down inches outside the box on the near side...great opportunity for the Jays...Hoffman sends it back stick to Wes’s head...hit over for a goalkick.

58th: Helsel and a bandaged up Raveling for Reinmiller and McCabe

60th: Flaherty fires a long shot from 30 yards out...nice hit, but sails wide....Jays are gonna need more than that to win this one.

61st: Ref with a definite makeup call for Stevens right outside Etown box...free kick outted....but Stevens gets another chance by Johnson...sails wide by you can feel the Ducks bringing the heat.

63rd: McCabe, Diller, and Holt for Dirty, Owen, and Ravs.

64th: Steven’s superb freshmen Johnson gets breakaway at midfield...Etown defense caught flat...Johnson burns through the seam and slides a shot right past a diving AJ...GOAL! Stevens 1-0...ridiculous speed, great composure.

68th: Ball has been in Blue Jays defensive third for last 10 minutes.

70th: Bunting with seemingly solid tackle....foul called...Wes is irrate....enter: Wes Mantooth

71st: Stevens continues to send long balls to Johnson up top...one-on-one with AJ....Another HUGE save by Fleisher.

74th: Severni for Diller.

74th: Moore for Hoffman.

75th: Rick is starting to speak fluent British and I can’t understand a single word....but hopefully it’ll rile the troops....and hopefully it’ll involve a "whanker"

77th: There’s lots of yelling coming from the Blue Jay players....they got to keep playing as a team despite frustrations.

79th: Stevens content to pack it in the back...with Johnson as the lone striker....it’s gonna be tough to sneak a goal through that defense.

80th: Stevens corner late...goal here could seal the deal.

80th: Corner outted...quick counter by the Jays....just out of the reach of the Blue Jay striker...they’re just not on the same page.

82nd: Warusz gets the ball up top...but a poor touch turns it over to the defense....I love the youngsters hustle...but he looks a little out of place up top.

85th: Boys are down by one...but they’re not really playing with any desperation.

86th: Ravelling, Dirty, Hoffman for Moore, Sunny, and Waruz

86th: Stevens gets off a harmless shot that AJ saves...we got to pick it up.

87th: Jays move Wes up top to try to spark a late equalizer.

88th: Stevens gets off another shot...Jays gotta get them out of their defensive third.

90th: Jays have a throw deep in Stevens territory....Rick throws it long...knocked out...Rick gets rebound, but cleared out. Game Over.

Final Stats-
Shots: 15-10 Stevens
Saves: 4-4
Whankers: 1

Man of Match: Terrance Johnson
Buffalo Bills Award: AJ Fleisher

End of Game: Johnson named offensive MVP with four goals over two days...Bunting rakes in defensive MVP honors with a solid performance...I also thought AJ was a great candidate for the award...Jays loss tough one to a top-notch opponent...I primarily blame the loss on Nancy Latimore’s analness and Rick’s lack of British profanity...Game was pretty even....Stevens just got lucky with Johnson’s fast break...he’s a good young kid, who’s going to receive a lot of attention both regionally and nationally. The boys played well, but this weekends tournament and last weekends tournament have definitely taken a toll. The Jays have to rest up before they travel to Jersey to take on Drew.

Next Up:
Wednesday September 13th
7:00 pm
Somewhere in the bowels of New Jersey
Etown @ Drew

First Round of the Blue Jay Classic: Etown vs W&J

2006-09-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

Saturday September 9th
Elizabethtown College Blue Jays vs Washington & Jefferson Presidents
2006 Jako/Brothers Pizza Blue Jay Classic
7:00 pm
Ira R. Herr Field
Conditions: warm night, grass looks mildly dewy
Records: Washington and Jefferson enters tonight 1-2 overall, Blue Jays 2-0-1 following big 2-1 "boot victory" against Franklin & Marshall

Pre-Game Notes: Let it be dutily noted that I’m in an absolutely horrible mood following todays college football action (PSU was down 41-10 when I left)...so I’m really looking to the Jays to lift my spirits....also what’s with college’s with TWO NAMES!?!??!...first Franklin & Marshall now Washington & Jefferson...to express my displeasure I shall simply refer to them as "The Prez"...some changes in the lineup tonight...sophomores Mike McCabe and Bryan Holt breaking into the starting 11...McCabe up top, and Holt at the Midfield...also I’ve just noticed we have that horrible "weasel-looking" referee who has screwed up many times...hopefully we’ll get a good result tonight....Hill Monsters looking full of spirit with painted bodies, there’s even some females rocking the body paint...Me-ow.

4th minute: The Prez have a player named Dustin Jaieson-Strazdas....I vow to not type his unnecessarily unorthodox name for the rest of the eveing.

5th: The Prez looking to be the aggressor early with two hard fouls near mid-field.

6th: Blue Jay Corner... Josh Hoffman hits a beautiful in-swinger right to Wes Bunting’s head...knocked out for another corner.

8th: Another Blue Jay free kick....Hoffman with another superb service that finds Bunting unmarked at the far stick...Wes’s attempt hits the inside post but crosses the goaline...GOAL!. ETOWN 1-0.

9th: A clear by the Blue Jay defense nearly hits WWEC play-by-play man Alex Cole...This is starting to turn into a semi-enjoyable night.

13th: McCabe receives a pass on the flank, makes a nice little move and provides a great cross to Mike Helsel whose header sails inches wide.

16th: The Blue Jay defense hasn’t really been tested thus far, but I’d really like English Rick to call someone a "whanker"....It’s kind of therapeutic.

18th: Diller gives a good look with a header on goal...thought he could have maybe used his foot, but I love the effort from the big guy.

20th: The Weasel ref is proving to be one of our greatest assets...calling ANOTHER foul on The Prez...quickly followed by a Yellow issued to Mike Seminerio....don’t mess with The Weasel.

22nd: English Rick with deep throw into the box, he finds Sunshine’s head, but he hits it just over....just for the record there was a kid standing in front of Rick while he was throwing, and I’m pretty sure Rick called him a whanker.

24th: Galbraith with a hard tackle in the corner...potential opportunity for The Prez.

25th: Ball struck well skids all the way across the box...mildly frightening.

26th: Tommy Reinmiller for Mike Helsel

28th: Hill Monsters really start to ride the Prez goalie with chants of "A.J.’s Better"...simply riveting.

29th: Pete Moore for Mike McCabe

30th: Rick called for an illegal throw....definitely called the ref a whanker.

33rd: AJ gets his first action of the game on a harmless dribbler.

34th: Good work by Pete on the side, looks up and finds Tommy Reinmiller...Tommy hits a hard shot that’s punched out by the keep.

35th: Brian Raveling and Andrew Sinclair in for Zach Galbraith and Hoffman

36th: Dirty Dan Flaherty for Sunshine

41st: Bryan Holt fires a low shot from 35 yards out...sloppy play by Prez goalie, out for a corner.

42nd: Off the corner...ball deflects high in the air...Wes and goalie collide on a 50-50 ball...foul is called...I think Wes could eat The Weasel.

44th: Dirty with a sweet little step-over on the far side...and yes, it was dirty.

44th: Brennan serves a great ball to Diller in the middle of the pitch...Diller settles and rips a shot, but deflects off the keeper.

45th: With 30 seconds left, English Rick makes an amazing tackle, but a foul is called.....and I’m absolutely POSITIVE he called him a Whanker.

First Half Recap: Blue Jays put together a solid first...no one on The Prez can handle the Blue Jays height....Wes and Diller are simply too tall. Other positives...I really like McCabe up top...he’s got good speed, and lots of hustle. Hoffman has been superb on free kicks...he’s doing a great job of finding his targets heads...AJ hasn’t really been tested, but he’s played well thus far. I think Diller and Wes will get some more good looks in the air and the Jays will break this game wide open.

Stats at the Half-
Shot: 9-1 Etown
Fouls: 11-4 Prez
Saves: 4-1 Prez
Whankers: 3

Start of the 2nd Half: Petrosky and Grabiak get the start in the second for Holt and Diller...gives the fellows a more physical, defensive look.

48th: The Prez fire off an early shot, but it falls safely into AJ’s hands...hope the boys don’t get too relaxed with their lead.

51st: Prez foul results in a yellow for Brent Kenndy and a dangerous opportunity for the Jays...the Weasel strikes again.

51st: Prez goalie comes flying out to make a solid grab on a deep throw by Rick.

52nd: The Weasel has become infuriated and has issued another yellow to The Prez...this victim is Ryan McDonald.

55th: McCabe sends Sunny down the flank...defender clears the ball, Sunny comes up gimping...bad news for the Blue Jays.

55th: Reinmiller hits a shot off a Prez defender...Blue Jay corner

56th: Hoffman’s inswinger takes a bounce and is quickly scooped up by the keeper.

56th: Dirty and Diller for Sunny and Randy....definitely has the makings of a pretty badass rock and roll band.

58th: Diller gets taken down outside the box, but The Weasel further proves his "Weaseliness" by turning a deaf ear to his pleas.

58th: Prez striker Tyler Messenger gets a good look inside the box, but AJ snags it...never in doubt.

60th: English Rick with a deep free kick...it goes through the mixer and nearly misses the goal....no "whanker" this time....I’m thinking more of a "bloody hell."

62nd: Prez with some cheeky moves in the box...Kennedy receives the ball with his back to the goal, then sends a flick-on to Messenger who fires it one time into the back of the net....Goal!...nice goal, caught the boys on their heels....1-1

62nd: Helsel for Tommy, Ravs for Hoffman, Holt for Petrosky

64th: Game is starting to turn physical..Jays need to pick it up.

65th: Prez get a nice through ball to Marshall Fant..shot sails wide but Jays back four looking shaky.

66th: I hear the duck call from the hill....it’s music to my ears

67th: Ball in the air sent into the Prez goal box...McCabe goes up for it and is punched in the head by the keeper...Weasel is proving that he is not the Allie I was hoping for.

69th: Prez’s Marc Clayton gets a yellow...Weasel trying not to let the game get out of control

70th: Sunny for Dirty....after early injury, Sunny appears to be fine

71st: Foul called on a Prez player right in front of the Hill Monsters....they LOVE IT!

72nd: Hoffman for Raveling...would definitely like to see some more of those great free kicks from the lefty.

73rd: McCabe gets a great look inside the box fire a shot that handcuffs keeper but knocked harmlessly away.

73rd: Weasel gives a caution to Prez’s assistant coach for dropping the F-Bomb, and sentences him to sit on the bench for the rest of the game...The Weasel is definitely showing some cojones.

75th: Diller turns and gets a good look...shot deflected for Blue Jay corner

76th: Holt hits a low corner that’s knocked out of danger...Jays need to play in the air more.

77th: Rick launches a deep throw into the box...finds Wes’s feet, but deflected out for a goal kick....Prez doing a lot better job defending Bunting and Diller in the second half.

79th: Pete Moore for McCabe...good day for McCabe

80th: Winstanley sends a great ball into the box...Sunny rises above the pack but header goes just wide.

81st: Hard Prez foul gives the Jays a great look from 30 yards out...show me some Hoffman.

82nd: Hoffman drives it low into a sea of Prez defenders and it’s cleared out.

82nd: Diller breaks free in the box drills a shot that sails inches wide into the side netting.

83rd: Sunny links up with Pete in the mid-field....Petey sends a great ball on the ground to a streaking Diller, but the big guy gets tied up.

85th: Winstanley has the ball in the defensive third and gets drilled by a Prez player...another "whanker"

87th: Holt plays amazing through ball to Helsel who beats Prez defense...with a only the keeper in front of him, Helsel tries a chip but a great save by Hodgins.

88th: Blue Jay corner...Holt sends a low liner...knocked out for another corner.

88th: Holt tries to find Wes’s head off the corner...but it’s cleared out by the Prez defense.

89th: Wes makes great tackle in the Etown box to thwart Prez attack.

89th: Prez player fires off a long shot which skips off the wet grass...but AJ smothers it.

90th: Bunting sends a long ball in the box from mid-field...Sunny heads it low, but Hodgins makes a great reflex save to send the game into extra time.

*There will be two 10 minute extra periods, then since it is a tournament format there will be penalty kicks to determine a winner to play in the championship tomorrow...although the game will be officially scored as a draw for both teams if it reaches PK’S

End of Regulation Recap: Overall the boys need to step it up, they seemed comfortable with their lead and the Prez goal took all the wind out of their sails...they never stopped hustling but the level of play was certainly not where it was in the first....On set pieces they need to go through the air and try to find Bunting or Diller....I think the wet grass may be affecting the players ability to lift the ball.

91st: Jays get an early free kick...Winstanley hits a low kick that takes a bad hop of a Prez defender..out for a corner

92nd: Hoffman finally hits one in the air deep to the far post, Bunting gets a head on it, but it goes straight into Hodgins hands.

93rd: Hoffman tries to send a long ball to spring Pete Moore, but can’t get any lift on it...damn the grass.

94th: Helsel with a nice play on the far flank..kicks it off a Prez defender for a corner.

94th: Hoffman with a another low corner... knocked away by Prez defense.

97th: Bunting makes a diving tackle to stop a Prez breakaway...atta boy Wesley

97th: Hoffman wide open down the flank sends a great ball across to an unmarked Mike Helsel... but Hels can’t connect.

98th: McCabe for Moore....McCabe was all over the place in regulation, hopefully he’ll have something left in the tank.

99th: Blue Jays bringing the heat...flurry of shots frantically cleared by Prez defense.

99th: Runyon for Diller...I gave Runyon my blue adidas boots to wear, but he opted not to wear them... this upsets me, but if he scores a goal I think I could forgive him.

End of First Extra Period Recap: Jays put A LOT of pressure of Prez defense towards the end of the first extra period, if they can keep it up for the second period, I’m feeling a Blue Jay goal.

103rd: Mike Helsel sends a long ball in the air finding a unmarked Mike McCabe who unselfishly sends a cross to James Runyon who hammers the ball into the back of the net...GOAL!!!! .BLUE JAYS WINS...but let it be noted that Runyon’s hard-on from being so wide open almost got in the way of his strike.

Final Stats-
Shots: 22-7 Etown
Corners: 12-1 Etown
Fouls: 23-15 Prez
Saves: 10-5 Prez
Funny British Catch Phrases: 5
Cautions: ...There were five yellows issued in the game and The Prez received all five of ‘em.

Man of the Match: James Runyon
Buffalo Bills Award: AJ Fleisher

End of Game Recap: Great win for the boys...it was good to see them come-from-behind against F&M, and now tonight they’re able to get the late winner...very impressive from a young squad. I’m just concerned how much gas they have in the tank....they’ve already had a grueling test over the past couple days, and they’ll face their toughest opponent tomorrow in 12th ranked Stevens Tech...we’ll have to wait and see...and for you Mr. Runyon...you can wear whatever-the-hell you want on your...just keep scoring game-winners.

Next Up:
Sunday September 10th
4:00 pm
Ira R. Herr Field
Champion Game of Jako/Brothers Pizza Blue Jay Classic
Etown vs Stevens Tech

Das Boot- Elizabethtown vs Franklin & Marshall

2006-09-10T21:58:00.000-05:00

Elizabethtown College Blue Jays vs Franklin and Marshall Diplomats
Time: 7:00 pm
Weather: Warm breeze, wet grass

Pre-game Notes:
Seeing as this is my first game blog, I should be giving it my FULL attention however, I'm foolishly attempting to blog WHILST calling play by play with Alex Cole on WWEC 88.3
Crowd on the Hill Meter : Strong Showing....Drums, painted chests, chants...and duck call
Referee: looks like that angry bald-headed world cup ref
Fleisher has to wear a green penny...because his black keeper jersey looks to similar to F&M jerseys...controversy already

First 5: Jays look shaky...might be tired from the long weekend tournament in Illinois

5th: Wireless connection found Blue Jay Bloggers everywhere rejoice!

6th: Warusz strong on the tackle....good to see the freshie mixing it up early

7th: Dips free kick....Keil shot doesn’t look dangerous but AJ tips it over the bar for a corner

8th: What’s with McGonigle's hair...last year mohawk...this year it's just a patch of blonde in the front...hopefully his game will be able to catch up with his loud hair.

12th: Diller Foul....F&M free kick Brandon Corday seemingly harmless free kick sneaks through the pack....Fleisher caught at back post....GOAL! F&M 1 Etown 0

17th: Blue Jays starting to spend time on offensive end....great idea

20th: Winstanley gets open look from 25 out....sends it across the pond and back to Manchester

25th: Dips are starting to bring the heat....sounds like potential boy band single

26th: Holt for Warusz....Brennan drops back to Defense....Galbriath slides over to Right back...Holt moves to defensive middie

27th: Chris Cambell shot goes just wide for the Dips...

28th: Brian Raveling for Severni...

29th: Through ball to Raveling finds the seam...can’t chip over aggressive Eddie Steltz....goalkick

30th: Hoffman fouled 30 yds out....a chance for the Jays

32th: Danny Shuptar kicks Holt in the back of the head....then has words with Wes Bunting and English Rick.....pretty sure Rick called him a ‘whanker’

35: Bunting goes studs up into a tackle and gets a foul....I believe he may have been fed nails as a child...this could be the first glimpse of Wes Mantooth on the night.

37th: Runyon and McCabe for Hoffman and Diller

40: Melee in front of the net....Dips corners.

41st: ball bouncing around 18 yards out.... F&M 's David Steiner gets an open look drills shot wide

43rd: flurry of shots in front of goal...Jose Cabolla sharp header off post convienantly rebounds to Eric Corsini who rifles off two close range shots....but AJ's playing a big game between the posts.

End of Half:
Shots 12-3 F&M
Fouls 11-11
Offsides 1-0 Etown

Second Half:
AJ no longer wearing penny...McGonigle switched his boots new wearing Bright Green.....I loathe him...our middies and forwards need to link up...Etown needs to play with spirt....they’re running around but they have no direction....need to set the tone early, I’d like to see a bunting tackle or some early shots....or if Rick could say something English that would also help...Petrosky gets the nod to start the second

48th: Jays and Dips playing ping pong with the Ball....but Bunting had a big hit...I like it

51st: Shuptar takes out Holt... first yellow by the possibly European Ref

52th: Warusz retaliates for the Shuptar fouls and drills a Diplomat

52th: Terry sends a through ball that hits a streaking Helsel in the back....that pretty much sums up the Blue Jays performance....great thoughts, but can't quite get on the same page

52th: Rick gets a free kick that goes straight to agressive Eddie....definitely not bent like Beckham

53th: The Hill Monsters have stopped the cheering....yells have stopped, drums are silenced, and duck calls have been reduced to innocent squawks....I could use a cheer.

53th: Hoffman for Pet...I LOVED Pet’s hustle...good call Skipper

55th: Flaherty for Helsel...need something extra...hopefully Dirty can provide

57th: young Shuptar commits hard foul on Winstantly...pretty sure Rick called him another dirty English name....can’t say it was the best idea for Shuptar

59th: Blue have zero offense

60th Lazy ball heading for endline young Shuptar with unnecessary shove of Bunting....Bunting throws the ball back at Shuptar

60th: DOG IS LOOSE ON THE FIELD...after brief chase pup is heavily reprimanded by embarssed owner...Etown should look into using the pup as a striker

61th: Etown Corner....Flaherty takes it....finds Bunting head....off Steltz, rebounded volley by Bunting good save by Steltz...another corner

62th: Holt corner finds Bunting....shot whizzes past not so aggresive Eddie and into the back of the net....GOAL...1-1

63th: The Hill Monsters have been awaken, and you know what that means......return of the duck call.

65th: Brennan gets yellow card....game might be getting a little bit physical

67th: Dirty finds loose ball sends a great ball to Diller head.....GOAL Etown 2-1...

77th: Game has definitely picked up...I think the two goals are finally starting to sink in to F&M players

79th: Blue Jays throw in deep in F&M territory...Skipper frantically crying to "run the play"....I don’t think any Jays have any idea what that means

81st: Brandon Corday knifes through Blue Jay defense...drops off to Cabolla, Fleisher comes out for the challenge...shot sails harmlessly past unattended goal.

82nd: Agressive Eddie comes out of box and misplays an ugly ball out-of-bounds...Hill Monsters let him know he sucks

82: Ravs for Diller....good work Matty

85th: Fellow play-by-play announcer Alex Cole has unknowingly called F&M player Ryan McGonigle "McGoogle" for the 273rd time tonight... at this point, I just smile and nod at him

86th: McCabe for Helsel

87th: Dips are getting desparate....another great song

87th: Another aggresive eddie kick flies out of bounds....Hill Monsters come up with catchy chant..."Hey Eddie.....you SUCK!"

89th...Steve Loscalzo breaks free unleashes a bullet that AJ punches away

90th: All hell has broken loose....F&M receives several dangerous throw-ins....Aggressive Eddie is all the way in the Etown box....He is alledgedly trying to score a goal...I personally feel he’s just realized he’s no good in goal.

Final Whistle: Etown 2 F&M 1
Stats:
Shots: 17-11 F&M
Saves 8-6 Etown

Man of Match: Wes Bunting
Buffalo Bills Award(2nd Best): AJ Fleisher

Recap: ETOWN wins BOOT....not the prettiest soccer from the Jays, but after a long weekend trip to Illinois they'll take it anyway they can get it...

Next Up: At Home Blue Jay Classic vs Washington & Jefferson 7:00 pm

2006-09-10T20:34:00.000-05:00

So over the summer I read a good world cup blog done by Michael Davies...so I got the brilliant idea that it might be something fun to do for the Boys in Blue...mind you, I have ZERO previous blogging experience, and my views may not always remain biased...but whether or not you like it, I'd love to get some feedback....I'll try to post a couple times during and then promptly after all games.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it out to Illinois with the boys, so my blogs don't start until the Boot Game with F&M...A little background on the game..."The Boot" is actually a shoe that was worn by the legendary coach Al Hershey who graduated from Etown in '64 and was a two-time All-American for the Jays in '62 and '63. Hershey later went to coach at both F&M and Etown. The Smith-Herr Trophy however is named for former F&M coach Robert Smith and former Etown coach Ira R. Herr. The trophy was established in 1978. Going into the contest, Etown leads the series 21-4-3. However the Diplomats are the current owners of the hardware after last year's 1-1 draw...The game will be played in Etown at 7:00 pm on Wednesday September 6th.