17th September 2011
Delaware Punish Hopkins's Poor Finishing
Although the Blue Jays Dominated, They Were Not Able to Capitalize
By Chris de LaiglesiaWith tryouts over, it was time to see how this years team fared against one of the top 3 teams from the region. Due to injuries and last minute unavailability of players, de Laiglesia was forced to take a smaller squad to face Delaware. The location of the match was obscure to say the least, and with only 15 minutes of warm up time for most of the team, it wasn't the ideal start imagined. However, as the clock hit 3pm, the refree blew his whistle and it was game on.
The team started strong, keeping the ball with ease, passing effortlessly across the field, even though there were many players that had never played together before. Using a simple 4-4-2, the Blue Jay's game play was to play to target man Nussdorfer, and release the faster forwards, Mourmouras and Fisher (two players in their debut game). Rotating the midfield with the creative Lawson (also playing his first official game), Lee and Valentin, it was difficult to not see the boys in blue capitalize on the chances that were being made. Seebacher was good on the left wing, but Heaney, another debutante, was particularly impressive on the other side. The back was a little shaky at times but that also had to do with the midfield not looking too sharp defensively. Henry and Sise were great working together in the center, which was mostly due to it being their third year with the team. New boys Carter and Schneider were fantastic on the flanks, with Carter making some mesmerizing runs throughout the game. Son also looked solid whenever he was needed to play on the wings.
Delaware were clearly the more physical side, getting two yellows by the end of the game, but still contained several players that broke down many plays. However Hopkins were able to get a few shots on target, with a shot hitting the post, and having the keeper make a few key saves. At times the team didn't pull the trigger around the area, but still managed to keep Delaware for the majority of the game. However, during the last 10 minutes of the half, Hopkins found themselves weathering the storm, with Delaware continually making good chances. They got close to scoring when Henry miss kicked a ball, and their forward was through on goal, but Mavrothalassitis was able to keep the Blue Jays from conceding. The number 1 for Hopkins was phenomenal during the game, and the score may have been worse had he not been in the net.
The half time talk was simple: Keep the ball, and finish off the chances that we were continually making. The second half started well, with Fisher making a chance immediately after the break, but on a counter, Delaware managed to get the ball on the edge of the Hopkins area. With the defense backing off, and no midfielders near the player, he had all the time to strike at goal, where Mavrothalassitis was not able to keep it from turning into 1-0.
Hopkins continued to press and try to find the equalizer with Fisher, Mourmouras and Nussdorfer all knocking on the door, but were unable to find the net. Seebacher and Heaney kept terrorizing their fullbacks, but it just wasn't working out for them, and after failing to score for the majority of the half, Hopkins ended up watching Delaware double their lead. Henry misread a headed from a long ball that found their forward in one-on-one against the Blue Jays keeper, who was chipped by the forward to see the Blue Hens extend their lead to 2-0.
Hopkins at this point were visibly tired, and with the lack of substitutes on the bench, it was going to be tough to comeback against Delaware, and as the game went on, Valentin, Lee and Fisher all picked up knocks, in particular Fisher, who may be out for a week or two. The final whistle eventually came, but despite the scoreline, the team looked fantastic at times. Heaney was the man of the match, with some amazing work on the flanks.
This result leaves Hopkins with a 2-1 record, as they beat Mount Saint Mary's two weeks beforehand, and the forfeit from George Mason game the team an automatic 3-0 victory. Its still a good start to a young and very talented side.
