Did I mention possibilities in the last post ? Well, they are certainly present and include finishing 5th and out of the conference tournament if we lose and winning the HCAC regular season championship if we win--but that would take an unlikely turn of events elsewhere. Mount plays a compact, high pressure game which is very well suited to the size (small with a pronounced crown) and surface (turf) of their field. They have beaten first place Hanover on this field and played a tight, tense game here two years ago when we won 1-0 to get into the HCAC tournament on the last day of the season. Last year they beat us at EC 2-1.
We come out well with the lineup as it has been in recent games with the exception of Felicien Muyumba. Tamru Taye and Ameer Yusuf are up front, Jacob Ebbs, Mussa Ibrahim, Corey Campbell and David Jones in midfield and Frank Mbaya, Mike Nsoesie, Arsene Kabeya and Alex Ferreira in the back, Sam Embry in goal. A large number of Earlham people, mostly students, have made the trip down to Cincinnati to watch the match and their support is much appreciated We keep the ball well and limit their chances in attack but no great chances to score happen for either side in the first half.
We begin to create a bit more against the high defensive line MSJ uses and in the 58th minute Ameer gets through into the area and is taken down by the keeper: PK to Earlham but no card for the keeper (?). Jacob Ebbs nails the PK into the corner and we lead with a half hour to go.
Shortly thereafter, our season gets put on the line when Mount gets a PK in the 72nd. The PK is hit high to Sam Embry's left and Sam gets a hand to it to save the shot, game and season. After we see out the inevitable barrage of air balls into our box and Sam makes another timely intervention in the last minute of play, coming out to the feet on a Mount player to save again, we go to the locker room assured of a place (maybe second) in the HCAC tournament. For the game, we have the better in shots (13-10) and decidedly in shots on goal (8-2). Justly, this time, Sam Embry is carried off the field by his team mates for the second consecutive season--- albeit this time in dramatically different circumstances.
In the modern era of devices like iphones you can track events elsewhere and updates have been flowing, mostly from Shane Meridith to Sam Byrd, that Defiance and Hanover are tied 0-0 late in the game. If Hanover fail to win then we are champions ! I play "gloomy Gus" the entire time as we go to dress in the stadium and the Defiance/Hanover game goes to OT. How can Defiance, who have little to play for except pride, prevail playing away from home against a team who need to win to claim the title ? What I don't know but learn later is that Defiance have had a man sent off in the 20th minute (#15, their best player) and have played with ten men almost the entire game. Pelle Tracey (or his iphone) wins the prize as he shrieks "Defiance has scored !" Partial pandemonium breaks out until everyone realizes that it is a "golden goal"---game over ! We are now champions and the clamor reaches full roaring unanimity. I find I have to step outside the locker room to collect myself until I realize that our crew might tear the place apart in celebration. Back in I go but no need, we are at least partially in control.
We are a team that won 1 conference game a year ago and were picked 6th in the conference preseason poll and we have gone almost worst to first. Analysis later, we enjoy a lovely bus ride home. Tales I hear of the team's reception on campus that night are epic. Crowds chanting players' names in the dorms, parties....best of all, I wake up on Sunday with no voicemails or texts from Campus Security or the RPD: a sweet victory.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
EC 1 Rose Hulman 0
We come to our last home game with much to play for. To be sure of a place in the conference tournament we must get at least 4 points from these last two games (Rose at home, MSJ away) and both will be tough assignments. Rose are second at the moment but after looking at their matches on line, I feel they're the best of the HCAC teams (except us !). Rose's strength is the organization of their defence; they always seem to have all 11 players behind the ball immediately after losing it and their goals against average (0.47) confirms this. The two strikers they use, Will Senat and Drew Belk are excellent and always ready to score on the break.
The first half produces a couple of chances for each team but nothing resembling a solid opportunity. Sam Embry in goal gets to an errant cross that threatens to drop behind him and this becomes the closest either team gets. Rose needs a win here if they are going to overtake Hanover, who top the table currently and the respect they show us by letting us play in front of them surprises me a bit.
In the 59th minute Mike Nsoesie has time to get his head up and play a ball forward on the ground to Ameer Yusuf. The pass beats the Rose center back that defends Ameer and he's through on goal. After rounding the keeper Ameer has the smallest angle to play the ball with his left into goal and when he does, the fans on the other side and our bench erupt. 30 minutes to play and we lead---but that's been a danger signal for us because our opponents often find the best way to beat us by playing directly and especially in the air---witness the Anderson game. Scary moments ensue as Rose now come forward with less caution and create a series of chances but Sam deals with them all including a scramble in front inside the last 10 minutes. This time the presence of Frank Mbaya and Tamru Taye see us through to the end. Frank and Mike conduct a master class on defending against the Rose danger men.
A nice ending to Senior Day as the 13 seniors on the team are honored at halftime and the announcer reads a statement from them to the fans that I will include later. The crowd this day is huge, reminiscent of scenes from the late 90's and their vocal support means much to the men on the field. We head to Mount St. Joseph with possibilities....
The first half produces a couple of chances for each team but nothing resembling a solid opportunity. Sam Embry in goal gets to an errant cross that threatens to drop behind him and this becomes the closest either team gets. Rose needs a win here if they are going to overtake Hanover, who top the table currently and the respect they show us by letting us play in front of them surprises me a bit.
In the 59th minute Mike Nsoesie has time to get his head up and play a ball forward on the ground to Ameer Yusuf. The pass beats the Rose center back that defends Ameer and he's through on goal. After rounding the keeper Ameer has the smallest angle to play the ball with his left into goal and when he does, the fans on the other side and our bench erupt. 30 minutes to play and we lead---but that's been a danger signal for us because our opponents often find the best way to beat us by playing directly and especially in the air---witness the Anderson game. Scary moments ensue as Rose now come forward with less caution and create a series of chances but Sam deals with them all including a scramble in front inside the last 10 minutes. This time the presence of Frank Mbaya and Tamru Taye see us through to the end. Frank and Mike conduct a master class on defending against the Rose danger men.
A nice ending to Senior Day as the 13 seniors on the team are honored at halftime and the announcer reads a statement from them to the fans that I will include later. The crowd this day is huge, reminiscent of scenes from the late 90's and their vocal support means much to the men on the field. We head to Mount St. Joseph with possibilities....
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Anderson 4 EC 1
Fresh from the win over Transy, we travel to Anderson to play a tough conference game made tougher by the absence of Tamru Taye and Frank Mbaya. Tamru, a geology major, has been invited to a conference in Colorado and Frank has to return to Lexington on family business. Enough that we miss these starters but crucially both play important roles in our defending at corners and set pieces. Corey Campbell and Zander Ansara are in the first eleven with Aaron Falsetto in goal.
The first half is tightly contested, with our best chance coming on a ball played across goal by David Jones that Feli Muyumba just misses. Their statistical edge in shots doesn't reflect the evenness of the game.
Just after half time (47th), Jacob Ebbs plays a classic one-two with Ameer Yusuf and finishes with his left from about 18 yards for a 1-0 lead for us. We get another couple of half chances in the next few minutes that result in nothing. As often as not, when we score our opponent tends to become more direct and we often have problems with that---which are multiplied today by our missing players. Anderson equalizes in the 62nd minute through leading scorer Todd Canal and proceeds to score 3 more at 8 minute intervals, 2 coming from far post headers from corners in the area often defending by Frank or Tamru.
No excuses: Anderson have a 4-1 win on their homecoming and despite their slow start to the year, they have a clear path into the HCAC tournament if they keep winning especially since they now have the tiebreaker against us. At this point, the possibilities are almost endless with 6 teams alive for the 4 tournament places.
The first half is tightly contested, with our best chance coming on a ball played across goal by David Jones that Feli Muyumba just misses. Their statistical edge in shots doesn't reflect the evenness of the game.
Just after half time (47th), Jacob Ebbs plays a classic one-two with Ameer Yusuf and finishes with his left from about 18 yards for a 1-0 lead for us. We get another couple of half chances in the next few minutes that result in nothing. As often as not, when we score our opponent tends to become more direct and we often have problems with that---which are multiplied today by our missing players. Anderson equalizes in the 62nd minute through leading scorer Todd Canal and proceeds to score 3 more at 8 minute intervals, 2 coming from far post headers from corners in the area often defending by Frank or Tamru.
No excuses: Anderson have a 4-1 win on their homecoming and despite their slow start to the year, they have a clear path into the HCAC tournament if they keep winning especially since they now have the tiebreaker against us. At this point, the possibilities are almost endless with 6 teams alive for the 4 tournament places.
Friday, October 25, 2013
EC 3 Transy 1
It could be because Transy has dominated the HCAC in recent years, with our shootout win over them in 2011 marking the only time in the last 4 years that they have not made the NCAA's, or because we have a number of players from Lexington who know the Transy guys and no doubt exchange trash talk in the summer, or because we have played them 3 consecutive times away at TU---or could it be something else ?
Whatever the reason, the match this year was on everyone's calendar and it did not disappoint. The match began with the two teams even in possession and with few clear cut chances until the 17th minute when we regained possession in the Transy half and the ball came to Tamru Taye on the left. Tamru beat his marker around the corner and played a ball across that went past a number of people in the box until it found Tiqi Brown at the far post. Tiqi volleyed home and we were up one.
The lead didn't last as TU scored a far post header off a corner 8 minutes later and the game returned to the tight, close contest it had been. In the 40th minute, Jacob Ebbs ran a ball toward goal and after disrupting migratory bird flocks with his earlier efforts, hit a 25-yard left foot bomb which the keeper got a hand to but couldn't keep out (Scott Lawrence was lurking for the rebound anyway) and we had a crucial lead again.
The second half saw the pace of the game never slacken and we began to get the upper hand in terms of possession. A header by Tamru forced a great save by the Transy keeper and in the 73rd minute Feli Muyumba recovered a ball on the right side about 40 yards out and proceeded to dribble the Transy defender and the goalkeeper before slotting home an insurance goal. The later stages of the match were well under our control and this sweetest victory was ours. Helps build confidence because Amir Yusuf's absence did not hinder our attack---not that we don't need him.
When Hanover fell at Mount St. Joseph the next night, we are now tied with them at 5-1 behind 5-0-1 Rose Hulman, whom we entertain next Wednesday at EC. First up is a difficult match away at Anderson.
Whatever the reason, the match this year was on everyone's calendar and it did not disappoint. The match began with the two teams even in possession and with few clear cut chances until the 17th minute when we regained possession in the Transy half and the ball came to Tamru Taye on the left. Tamru beat his marker around the corner and played a ball across that went past a number of people in the box until it found Tiqi Brown at the far post. Tiqi volleyed home and we were up one.
The lead didn't last as TU scored a far post header off a corner 8 minutes later and the game returned to the tight, close contest it had been. In the 40th minute, Jacob Ebbs ran a ball toward goal and after disrupting migratory bird flocks with his earlier efforts, hit a 25-yard left foot bomb which the keeper got a hand to but couldn't keep out (Scott Lawrence was lurking for the rebound anyway) and we had a crucial lead again.
The second half saw the pace of the game never slacken and we began to get the upper hand in terms of possession. A header by Tamru forced a great save by the Transy keeper and in the 73rd minute Feli Muyumba recovered a ball on the right side about 40 yards out and proceeded to dribble the Transy defender and the goalkeeper before slotting home an insurance goal. The later stages of the match were well under our control and this sweetest victory was ours. Helps build confidence because Amir Yusuf's absence did not hinder our attack---not that we don't need him.
When Hanover fell at Mount St. Joseph the next night, we are now tied with them at 5-1 behind 5-0-1 Rose Hulman, whom we entertain next Wednesday at EC. First up is a difficult match away at Anderson.
Manchester 0 EC 3
Nice, crisp fall day and we're at Manchester to play a team that has been a thorn in our side for years. No one on the team at the moment has beaten them (2 losses, 1 draw) and we need this one to keep momentum going forward. Manchester hasn't had the best of years but this rarely means anything in conference play. We are without Frank Mbaya, sitting out a card accumulation suspension, which puts Zander Ansara in the back with the now regular crew of Ferreira, Nsoesie, Kabeya. We are pleased by having old boy Omar Dreidi with us for the day.
The game starts evenly and they have as much possession as we do early on but in the ninth minute Jacob Ebbs again scores a neat chipped goal to get us in the lead. As the half progresses, as in many of our games, we get more and more in possession and on top but the half comes with the score 1-0 us.
The game restarts and Manchester applies some pressure until the 50th minute when a punt from Sam Embry is nodded on by Tamru Taye and finished by Feli Muyumba when the deftest (and least) of touches. We now begin to exert more and more control and in the 73rd minute Salvador Rivas finds a ball in front of goal and pokes it in for the goal Latinos call "el solido"---the third goal marking the certainty of one team's superiority in the contest.
As the match continues we're able to get other players in for a spell in the match, giving Demise a chance to bike a ball out of the back and Daniel Wilson the experience of contesting 3 consecutive air balls with bigger opposition. An important win, but with one disappointment: Ameer picks up a fifth yellow, meaning he'll sit the Transy game coming up.
The game starts evenly and they have as much possession as we do early on but in the ninth minute Jacob Ebbs again scores a neat chipped goal to get us in the lead. As the half progresses, as in many of our games, we get more and more in possession and on top but the half comes with the score 1-0 us.
The game restarts and Manchester applies some pressure until the 50th minute when a punt from Sam Embry is nodded on by Tamru Taye and finished by Feli Muyumba when the deftest (and least) of touches. We now begin to exert more and more control and in the 73rd minute Salvador Rivas finds a ball in front of goal and pokes it in for the goal Latinos call "el solido"---the third goal marking the certainty of one team's superiority in the contest.
As the match continues we're able to get other players in for a spell in the match, giving Demise a chance to bike a ball out of the back and Daniel Wilson the experience of contesting 3 consecutive air balls with bigger opposition. An important win, but with one disappointment: Ameer picks up a fifth yellow, meaning he'll sit the Transy game coming up.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Hanover 3 Earlham 2
We go to Hanover to meet one of the other teams tied on top of the HCAC. Hanover's field is the same one they've had for a while as they await overdue improvements. Rain begins almost at kickoff but I think this actually improves the ball action on the field surface.
As we have in a couple of our away contests, we start slowly and pay a price. We give the ball away in our own half of the field and Hanover pounces and scores when a shot is deflected by Alex Ferreira's slide past Sam Embry in goal. Slowly we begin to gain control and are rewarded in the 40th minute when Jacob Ebbs chips a beautiful ball over the keeper's head to tie the score at 1-1 going into halftime.
Our momentum continues after the break and a series of 1-2 moves get us chances leading to an Ameer Yusuf finish in the 60th minute. Crucially the lead doesn't last as Hanover equalize through a header by John Wittich 4 minutes later. We knew that Wittich presented an aerial threat but the cross was unexpected and he met the ball mid goal at the 6 and the shot beat Sam Embry in the goal. Minutes later he struck again as a free kick (was it a foul?) finds him at the far post and Hanover leads again.
With 20 minute to go we're a goal down away from home. Our response was great; a succession of chances nearly get us an equalizer including Ameer getting through only to miss inches wide of the post, a cross from Cory Campbell that finds no one home in front, a shot by Cory that hits the inside of the near post and runs across goal behind the keeper and out the other side, and 2 chances for Jacob including one in the last minute. No matter, Hanover wins a great game and can claim first place for the moment. We can't be disappointed with the effort because we played very well over the entire game. It doesn't help that Hanover's captain said to Ameer during the game "I can't believe we're winning this game". They do win and we must look forward to the potential for a rematch in the tournament.
We are, of course, not close to guaranteeing a place in that tournament and we must get a result at Manchester this weekend when we play them on their homecoming. Actually it's ours as well but we're away.
As we have in a couple of our away contests, we start slowly and pay a price. We give the ball away in our own half of the field and Hanover pounces and scores when a shot is deflected by Alex Ferreira's slide past Sam Embry in goal. Slowly we begin to gain control and are rewarded in the 40th minute when Jacob Ebbs chips a beautiful ball over the keeper's head to tie the score at 1-1 going into halftime.
Our momentum continues after the break and a series of 1-2 moves get us chances leading to an Ameer Yusuf finish in the 60th minute. Crucially the lead doesn't last as Hanover equalize through a header by John Wittich 4 minutes later. We knew that Wittich presented an aerial threat but the cross was unexpected and he met the ball mid goal at the 6 and the shot beat Sam Embry in the goal. Minutes later he struck again as a free kick (was it a foul?) finds him at the far post and Hanover leads again.
With 20 minute to go we're a goal down away from home. Our response was great; a succession of chances nearly get us an equalizer including Ameer getting through only to miss inches wide of the post, a cross from Cory Campbell that finds no one home in front, a shot by Cory that hits the inside of the near post and runs across goal behind the keeper and out the other side, and 2 chances for Jacob including one in the last minute. No matter, Hanover wins a great game and can claim first place for the moment. We can't be disappointed with the effort because we played very well over the entire game. It doesn't help that Hanover's captain said to Ameer during the game "I can't believe we're winning this game". They do win and we must look forward to the potential for a rematch in the tournament.
We are, of course, not close to guaranteeing a place in that tournament and we must get a result at Manchester this weekend when we play them on their homecoming. Actually it's ours as well but we're away.
Earlham 1 Bluffton 0
On the Saturday of Fall Break we play Bluffton, who are without a win in 2013---a situation that makes them very dangerous in my mind. The crowd is quite good considering that campus is almost deserted and we have 4 prospective players present, 2 from the Cincinnati area, 1 from St. Louis and 1 from North Carolina.
We begin brightly and dominate possession from the outset when, in the 18th minute, Ameer Yusuf breaks through and is tripped up by the keeper in the box for a penalty. The penalty, taken by Ameer, is saved by the keeper and the game remains scoreless. We have a series of half chances, the best of which is Salva Rivas' chest down to a volley, which the keeper saves well. Halftime and the game is tied 0-0.
In the first minute of the second half David Jones takes a corner from the right and Musa Ibrahim gets a head to it in front of goal and finishes under the crossbar. After the game Musa takes about a minute to recall when he last scored a header goal. No matter, we're up and I'm thinking we'll do some more damage soon. Doesn't happen. Bluffton's center back #6, Ryan Johnson-Evers, holds things together for his team at the back and the game ends 1-0 EC. For the second consecutive game we go 90 minutes without conceding a corner kick, which reflects our dominance in possession as much as the accuracy of our defending. However, we do commit over 20 fouls and wee the need to correct that before our next game.
We end the day tied for first in the HCAC with Rose Hulman and our next opponent, Hanover, who've made huge strides since Matt Wilkerson took over as coach 2 years ago.
We begin brightly and dominate possession from the outset when, in the 18th minute, Ameer Yusuf breaks through and is tripped up by the keeper in the box for a penalty. The penalty, taken by Ameer, is saved by the keeper and the game remains scoreless. We have a series of half chances, the best of which is Salva Rivas' chest down to a volley, which the keeper saves well. Halftime and the game is tied 0-0.
In the first minute of the second half David Jones takes a corner from the right and Musa Ibrahim gets a head to it in front of goal and finishes under the crossbar. After the game Musa takes about a minute to recall when he last scored a header goal. No matter, we're up and I'm thinking we'll do some more damage soon. Doesn't happen. Bluffton's center back #6, Ryan Johnson-Evers, holds things together for his team at the back and the game ends 1-0 EC. For the second consecutive game we go 90 minutes without conceding a corner kick, which reflects our dominance in possession as much as the accuracy of our defending. However, we do commit over 20 fouls and wee the need to correct that before our next game.
We end the day tied for first in the HCAC with Rose Hulman and our next opponent, Hanover, who've made huge strides since Matt Wilkerson took over as coach 2 years ago.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Defiance 1 Earlham 2 OT
Our second conference game with Defiance ends up being played at the Athletes In Action complex in Xenia, Ohio near Dayton. DC's field was hit with 3+ inches of rain earlier in the week and was judged unplayable. AIA provided a turf facility with good size and both our men's and women's team traveled to play a conference game at a neutral site.
Defiance are an interesting side with a different outlook tactically to most. They play with 3 in the back and flood midfield while leaving one player up who is the main target of their attack. Earlier they had played nationally ranked Ohio Northern really close (0-1) and that's easier to see now. They concede possession to you in your defensive half and fall back to defend less space. There's some skill in their midfield and they counter effectively.
We dominate possession without creating that many chances early but then the game turns Defiance's way in a hurry. A corner is directed at the big striker and is deflected to one of their players in front who has a simple finish. Not the way you want it to go against a team built to defend a lead. Jacob Ebbs has a frustrating time with the woodwork, hitting the bar or posts 3 times including one on a header.
The half arrives and we are struggling to make an impact in the final third in the second until the 78th minute when Arsene Kabeya (!!!) runs a ball up field from left back and hooks a "goal of the season" ball which curls into the upper near 90, actually hitting the crossbar and goalpost at the same time before settling in the back of the net---a stunner. We have couple of more chances late, including one saved by the DC keeper as Ameer Yusuf broke through.
By now Defiance is covering up and defending for all they're worth; on the day, shots were 16-3 us and we conceded no corner kicks, which is crucial when you're as small as we are. The game appears headed for a draw in th e 108th minute when David Jones gets in the are with the ball and is hacked down. Tamru Taye has been taking PK's for us until he missed at Otterbein a week ago (Actually. he was saved and scored the rebound). Jacob Ebbs steps up and rips it high into the net and we walk off with all 3 points.
We're tied for first in conference and we're returning home to face Bluffton on Saturday. We're also glad to leave all our mid semester exams and work behind. There were a few boys operating on limited sleep on Wednesday.
Defiance are an interesting side with a different outlook tactically to most. They play with 3 in the back and flood midfield while leaving one player up who is the main target of their attack. Earlier they had played nationally ranked Ohio Northern really close (0-1) and that's easier to see now. They concede possession to you in your defensive half and fall back to defend less space. There's some skill in their midfield and they counter effectively.
We dominate possession without creating that many chances early but then the game turns Defiance's way in a hurry. A corner is directed at the big striker and is deflected to one of their players in front who has a simple finish. Not the way you want it to go against a team built to defend a lead. Jacob Ebbs has a frustrating time with the woodwork, hitting the bar or posts 3 times including one on a header.
The half arrives and we are struggling to make an impact in the final third in the second until the 78th minute when Arsene Kabeya (!!!) runs a ball up field from left back and hooks a "goal of the season" ball which curls into the upper near 90, actually hitting the crossbar and goalpost at the same time before settling in the back of the net---a stunner. We have couple of more chances late, including one saved by the DC keeper as Ameer Yusuf broke through.
By now Defiance is covering up and defending for all they're worth; on the day, shots were 16-3 us and we conceded no corner kicks, which is crucial when you're as small as we are. The game appears headed for a draw in th e 108th minute when David Jones gets in the are with the ball and is hacked down. Tamru Taye has been taking PK's for us until he missed at Otterbein a week ago (Actually. he was saved and scored the rebound). Jacob Ebbs steps up and rips it high into the net and we walk off with all 3 points.
We're tied for first in conference and we're returning home to face Bluffton on Saturday. We're also glad to leave all our mid semester exams and work behind. There were a few boys operating on limited sleep on Wednesday.
EC 0 Wooster 1 OT
We come into our game with Wooster playing our 3rd game in 5 days while Wooster is playing for the first time in 8 days. Blame the scheduler (me). Nonetheless it's a bright Sunday morning at 11 when we kick off.
Felicien Muyumba hits an angled shot from the left and Amir Yusuf hits another one high over the goal early but the game is mostly even in the first half. A Wooster forward hits a 25 yarder straight at Sam Embry in goal in the 20th minute. A through ball from Salvador Rivas puts Ameer in on goal in the 40th but a back cuts the ball off just after Ameer has rounded the keeper.
We get the better of play in the second half but no real chances. In the overtime a Wooster corner bends tight to our near post and skips off a back's head into the upper 90. The end was discouraging to say the least but we played well.
Felicien Muyumba hits an angled shot from the left and Amir Yusuf hits another one high over the goal early but the game is mostly even in the first half. A Wooster forward hits a 25 yarder straight at Sam Embry in goal in the 20th minute. A through ball from Salvador Rivas puts Ameer in on goal in the 40th but a back cuts the ball off just after Ameer has rounded the keeper.
We get the better of play in the second half but no real chances. In the overtime a Wooster corner bends tight to our near post and skips off a back's head into the upper 90. The end was discouraging to say the least but we played well.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Earlham 3 Wilmington 0
After the disappointment with our play at Thomas More you got the feeling the team would make a statement in this game. Wilmington arrived having beaten Thomas More in Lexington 1-0 in OT but we were prepared to do the necessary.
That is, after we survived a scare in the first minute where a Wilmington player missed a "sitter" in front of our goal. We got control thereafter and in the 6th minute Alex Ferreira finished in front after Ameer Yusuf was set free by a long ball from Frank Mbaya. I had spoke to Alex throughout much of preseason about following play into the box and it was gratifying to see this goal. So often Ameer's "mazy" runs forward end in a cul-de-sac of defenders but here things worked to perfection and Alex was there to score a simple goal.
In the 29th minute Mike Nsoesie recovered a ball in our half, played Frank in and Frank played up field to Jacob Ebbs. Jacob sent a diagonal ball across to Ameer behind the Wilmington back line and Ameer ran in to finish, wrong footing the keeper and rolling the ball in past his left. The whole move was a classic counter but Jacob's ball over the back's head was a real beauty. The half ended 2-0 us.
The second half saw WC with a bit more possession and a couple of chances which resulted in one great clutch save by Aaron Falsetto in goal for us. In the last minute of play a goal kick from Aaron found its way to Jacob who volleyed over a defender to Ameer. Ameer played a one-two with Tiqi Brown to split two defenders and ran in to score a clincher for a 3-0 final score. A good win over a good team.
That is, after we survived a scare in the first minute where a Wilmington player missed a "sitter" in front of our goal. We got control thereafter and in the 6th minute Alex Ferreira finished in front after Ameer Yusuf was set free by a long ball from Frank Mbaya. I had spoke to Alex throughout much of preseason about following play into the box and it was gratifying to see this goal. So often Ameer's "mazy" runs forward end in a cul-de-sac of defenders but here things worked to perfection and Alex was there to score a simple goal.
In the 29th minute Mike Nsoesie recovered a ball in our half, played Frank in and Frank played up field to Jacob Ebbs. Jacob sent a diagonal ball across to Ameer behind the Wilmington back line and Ameer ran in to finish, wrong footing the keeper and rolling the ball in past his left. The whole move was a classic counter but Jacob's ball over the back's head was a real beauty. The half ended 2-0 us.
The second half saw WC with a bit more possession and a couple of chances which resulted in one great clutch save by Aaron Falsetto in goal for us. In the last minute of play a goal kick from Aaron found its way to Jacob who volleyed over a defender to Ameer. Ameer played a one-two with Tiqi Brown to split two defenders and ran in to score a clincher for a 3-0 final score. A good win over a good team.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
EC 0 Thomas More 2
ON yet another record hot day in September we head to Crestview Hills, KY to play Thomas More. A conference champion and NCAA tournament participant last year, TMC has added a transfer from Northern Kentucky that we had spoken to when he was in high school named Austin Juniet. I thought he'd be a significant add for them---and he was.
Not to make excuses, but the lack of a warm up area meant we had to improvise as the TMC women's game ended (half hour late as it went to OT). We came out flat and paid the price in the third minute as a sloppy pass gave possession away and TMC #6, Juniet, made us pay. In the half hour following we began to have possession and made some headway against them but got no results. As we came in at halftime, we were flat as a pancake and needed to re-energize quickly.
We came out in the second half with a good bit more aggressive an attitude but we left some of our control of possession behind. We struggled to possess at times but by battling we had about a 20 minute period where we had them under pressure. With about 5 minutes to go Juniet got to a loose ball between our keeper and the backs and made it 2-0.
Neither our best nor worst game but disappointing because the goals were soft and we fouled far too often (17 on the day). Late yellow cards may also come to haunt us.
Not to make excuses, but the lack of a warm up area meant we had to improvise as the TMC women's game ended (half hour late as it went to OT). We came out flat and paid the price in the third minute as a sloppy pass gave possession away and TMC #6, Juniet, made us pay. In the half hour following we began to have possession and made some headway against them but got no results. As we came in at halftime, we were flat as a pancake and needed to re-energize quickly.
We came out in the second half with a good bit more aggressive an attitude but we left some of our control of possession behind. We struggled to possess at times but by battling we had about a 20 minute period where we had them under pressure. With about 5 minutes to go Juniet got to a loose ball between our keeper and the backs and made it 2-0.
Neither our best nor worst game but disappointing because the goals were soft and we fouled far too often (17 on the day). Late yellow cards may also come to haunt us.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Road Weekend at DePauw, Wabash
Second weekend: DePauw 2 EC 0, Wabash 0 EC 1
We play DePauw, who are ranked 20th nationally, and Wabash away on a hot early September weekend. DPU are a bit more direct than past teams of theirs have been and provide a stern test for us. We play an excellent first half and have an edge in possession, forcing a good save from their keeper on a header from a corner. DePauw have the deepest team we'll see this year---they dress over 40 players and in the second half they gain more control. In the 58th minute they score on a nice combination in front. Now down one, we press and DePauw have more chances but Sam Embry, in his first appearance since his injury last Fall makes some key saves to keep us in it. A lovely ball played over the top by Ameer Yusuf to Tamru Taye almost gets us level but with 5 minutes left they get a second following a mixup in our back. Games ends 2-0. Center backs Frank Mbaya and Mike Nsoesie have very solid games for us in the back. Ameer plays only the first half after a foot injury.
One thing learned is not to send kids who went on Wilderness (Pelle Tracey in this case) to chase balls over the fence because they'll come back with every variety of burr or wild seed imaginable.
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After serious refueling at Pizza Hut in Crawfordsville, we prepare for Wabash on Sunday. The game opens with us getting some excellent chances early on and holding a clear edge in possession. In the 38th minute, Ameer breaks through and plants the ball in the upper near corner with his left and we lead 1-0. At half time we appear to be in control. Early in the second half, Arsene goes into a tackle best forgotten and gets red carded. We play more than a half hour with 10 men and face some real pressure. Again, our goalkeeping, this time Aaron Falsetto, comes to the rescue and with one really excellent save and some secure work at the back, we see the game out. We're 2-1 on the year and looking at a busy (3 games) week ahead. Ameer's foot injury and cramps limit him again to one half of play but Jacob Ebbs, David Jones, Alex Ferreira and Musa Ibrahim have solid games in midfield for us.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Frank McParland, ASE Camp regular, Liverpool Academy Director and Earlham Supporter Interviewed
As the United States men’s national team continues to ascend in the rankings and Major League Soccer is starting to retain its high-profile American stars, McParland believes that soccer is entering a new phase in its evolution in America.
Juan Agudelo has been heavily scouted by European clubs over the past few seasons. (AP Images)McParland and the U18s were involved with Newark’s Liberty International Soccer Summit hosted by St. Bendict’s Prep high school. The man who helped developed many of Liverpool’s top young first teamers, including Raheem Sterling and Suso, took some time to touch on various topics including Clint Dempsey’s decision to return to MLS, Marc Pelosi’s recovery from a double fracture on his leg and how the club scouts North America for prospects.
[Editor’s Note: Responses have been edited for length]
Goal: Frank, what your thoughts on American youth talents especially considering that you are facing a few in this tournament that Liverpool’s U18s are in?
McParland: We delighted to be a part of this really prestigious tournament. It gives us a chance to look at some of the American players and it’s a really good competition. [American youth teams] They are always well coached with good technical players. As you know at Liverpool, we signed the captain of the U20s, Marc Pelosi, and he’s a very good player.
Where can youth teams improve?
As the league [MLS] gets better and it gets more [top] American and foreign players, it’ll improve. I think what the league has done is based on good concepts. They had Beckham come over along with real top players and I think his legacy will continue to help it grow. I think it’s a terrific place to play football and be involved with it as well.
Speaking about MLS signing top American players, are you surprised to see Clint Dempsey back in the league? It’s no secret that Liverpool tried to sign him just a year ago.
Obviously, I know that our manager [Brendan Rodgers] is really keen on the player because he was a fantastic footballer and a proven goalscorer. When you can score goals in the Premier League, I’m pretty sure you can score them in any league around the world. I’m not surprised that he’s come back. It’s his country, he probably got a really good deal and he enjoys playing football there so it’s a fantastic situation for him.
Back to Marc Pelosi, how is he recovering from the double break in his leg?
I was at the game when he did it and it was a really bad break. I speak with Marc and the physios everyday. He’s really way ahead of schedule because of his professionalism and his determination. He’s such a good professional and a good athlete. He’s desperate to get back quickly. He’s a couple of months ahead of schedule so everyone at the club is delighted for him.
Timetable on his return?
We would hope that he would back before Christmas. It’ll probably a year out [since his injury] but because of his age, we don’t want to risk it and bring him back too quickly. But he is chomping at the bit and I don’t think it’ll be too long before he’s training with the squad. He’s actually already weight bearing and running, so he’s certainly on the way back.
Speaking about young American talents, Juan Agudelo, a guy that trialed with you guys two years ago signed a pre-contract with Stoke. What are your thoughts about his talent?
Yeah he’s obviously a very talented and athletic boy. I think if he keeps on improving and gets comfortable... obviously we didn’t have him for too long but I know the coaching staff really liked him. Let’s wait and see but I think he has a good chance to do well in England.
Obviously, American soccer fans always want to see top prospects sign for clubs like Liverpool. How often does the club scout North America?
We don’t go scout colleges but we do scout a lot of leagues and the national teams [from the region]. I don’t have a major spreadsheet with all of the stats for example but we do scout the national teams a lot. I’m sure that the scouts have a number of targets that they look at.
How do you make sure that a player is the right fit for a team like Liverpool?
The best thing to do is to bring him for a few days and have a look. With Pelosi [for example], I had a number of meetings with his parents and you could tell by speaking to him and looking him into the eye… you know that he was someone who is very rounded and is able to cope with things. With the guys on the U.S. national teams, they are usually used to being away from home anyways.
Practicing at the Stadium
One of the neat things about having a turf field on campus is the opportunity to practice on the surface before you play on turf---as we will this coming weekend at Wabash. From the players' perspective this is a mixed blessing since their coach can schedule a 6:30 practice under the lights. Oh, yes, that's 6:30 AM on Thursday September 5.
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Tuesday, September 3, 2013
ElRo Classic Day 2: Los Vinotinto
We were set to play Maryville (TN) on Day 2 (Sunday) in the ElRo Classic but mother nature intervened and persistent storm and lightning forced a cancellation after hours of waiting. All I have for it is this pregame photo of the locker room with our maroon kit ready to go. As a consolation, we were awarded the tournament championship on goal difference with 3 points and a +5 versus Maryville with 3 points and +3.
More than happy to share colors with Venezuela, Hearts of Midlothian, Russia and a host of other fine sides
Monday, September 2, 2013
El Ro Classic Day 1: Los Blancos
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