18th October 2009
Dark Times Continue as Hopkins Lose Third in a Row
Maryland Scores Winner in the Dying Minutes of the Game
By Chris de LaiglesiaWith regionals canceled, the Blue Jays are now required to be ranked top 3 by November the 1st. Currently ranked second, Hopkins are now required to win their following fixtures to maintain the position to go to Arizona. Maryland, currently ranked 6th, were one of many top ten teams that needed to play the top 3 in order to knock them out. This was going to be the closest game to regionals that the team had faced so far.
Kickoff was at 6.45pm on the JHU practice field. The weather, chilly, was better then that earlier in the weekend, as the rain had finally stopped and no wind was present. After a minute of silence for Miriam Frankl, a Hopkins student who was a victim in a hit-and-run this past Friday, the game was initiated.
The Terrapins were feisty from the start, with tough challenges, always contesting for the ball, and pressurizing the home team to an extent where Hopkins were not able to play their soccer. This would lead to an early goal scored by Henry into his own net, as he attempted to clear a ball out as a Maryland striker pressed from the side. Unfortunately, Henry hit the ball over Mavrothalassitis, as he came out to help out the defender. This wake up call did help the Blue Jays move on to play the soccer that they are known for.
Chances were being made from all angles, as Tait, Ruppel, Roscoe and Mieles terrorized the Terrapin's defensive end. Macgriff and de Laiglesia were close in scoring an equalizer several times, but could not beat the deadlock. Henry made several runs on the right wing, assisting the attack, and even though Hopkins were controlling the game, their efforts came to no avail. The whistle was then blown for halftime.
The second half involved Hopkins dominating play for the whole half. Although this was the case, in a rare corner, Maryland furthered their lead. After the ball was improperly cleared, the Terrapin player collected the bouncing ball from the right edge of the area, beat two Hopkins players and finished far post, as the keeper was mispositioned. This did not dishearten the boys in blue, as Hopkins scored moments after.
From the edge of the area, Dunlap sent in a ball into the area that met Henry's head, which he managed to guide over the keeper to make it 2-1. With all the possession and opportunities, Hopkins continued this bombardment of Maryland. Eventually Hopkins got what they deserved. Plover got a ball in the area, and hit it into the keeper, who was unable to keep a firm hand over the ball, and proceeds to push into his own net. This seemed as though it could have been a fairy tale ending, but alas, it was not to be.
In the dying minutes of the game, the ball was floated in to the Hopkins third. Hamilton and Henry were unable to clear the ball in time, and the Maryland forward ended what hoped to be a chance to leave the game with a point. Hopkins continued to threaten but there was no time left, and the referee ended the game.
This result leaves Hopkins relying on their opposition to see if they make nationals for a second year running. All we can do now is hope and wait.
