12th September 2009
A win against UMBC, but barely
The scoreline stayed at 2-1, although it should have been 10-0
By Chris de LaiglesiaTry-outs over, and a roster finally announced, the first game on Homewood was seen as one where the new talent could try to claim a place on the starting eleven. UMBC has never been a strong team, and previous results against this team strengthen this claim. This game, however, did not prove to be the "walk-through-the-park" scenario that the team had anticipated.
Although the day was not a pleasant one the rain did cease well before the kickoff time, and the Homewood faithful were eager for the game to start. The "Asian Hooligans" were particularly loud, voicing their love for Edwards throughout the game. Ref Bobby Dye blew his whistle and started the game.
With the ground still wet from the rain, there were many balls wasted from either side, although from start to finish Hopkins did dominate. From the kickoff, they constantly pressured the opposing defense and had numerous chances fall to the forwards and midfielders. Macgriff, de Laiglesia and Mieles had some great chances, but were unable to capitalize. However, in the midst of a scramble, where the UMBC defense attempted to clear the ball was Khan, who took a bouncing ball at a half volley and finished in the bottom right of the keeper.
The game, much under the control of Hopkins, continued with more chances for the boys in white. The defensive players, such as Henry and Dunlap, were constantly in the opposing half assisting Tait and Ruppel, as Hamilton and Contijoch were barely troubled at the back. The introduction of Mandel, Roscoe, Balfour and Plover continued to provide UMBC with problems, and chances came from all places.
With the game looking very much in favor to the home side, Hopkins made essentially a whole line change, where the new players were given their debut for the Club Team. Preminger, Seebacher, Hage, Seo and Sise were brought in later on in the half.
The team continued to dominate, although the chances were not coming in as often. Preminger and Seebacher looked dangerous when dribbling, while Sise and Seo were solid in the back. However, going towards the end of the half, disaster struck as the ball was in the Hopkins area. Edwards called out for the ball, but Sise, who didn't hear the call, directed the ball past Edwards into his own net. This gave UMBC the lifeline they needed.
In the second half, the starting team came on and desperately searched for a winning goal. Time and time again the team knocked on the door, with the attack coming in primarily from the wings. Henry, Mandel, Roscoe and Hage used their pace to bring the ball up and provide, although nothing seemed to be working out for the team. UMBC had their only shot on goal in the game, but Mavrothalassitis, who was brought in at half time for Edwards, made a valuable save.
Going towards the middle of the half, Hopkins made a great team move, which ended with Balfour passing it to Tait, who finished in calmly into the goal. The team continued to play well, but this was one of those games where nothing was working out in the finishing department. With the final whistle, the team kept its unbeaten run at 2-0-0, and are now looking towards the SJU round robin the following weekend.
