9th October 2009
Loyola Bring Down Hopkins from the Heavens
Complacent Blue Jays lose to bring unbeaten run to an end
By Chris de LaiglesiaHaving beaten their last opponents by 8 goals, Hopkins went into this away fixture with a confidence at an all time high, which may have even bordered on arrogance. This game proved that the team was not, in fact, invincible.
Loyola, with the home field advantage, and an actual crowd, played hard from start to finish. It was clear from the start that this was going to be a physical side, and if put in a 50-50 situation, would probably end up winning the ball. Hopkins then attempted to play the passing soccer that they've been playing over the course of the previous games, but due to some sloppy play across the field, constantly gifted the greyhounds with misplaced passes and bad controls. Eventually, in a play where the ball was brought into the Hopkins area, the ball bobbled around until it was at the feet of the Loyola striker, who from 5 yards buried it into the net.
Hopkins attempted to recover, and did threaten at times, but were unable to really test the keeper. With all the possession, there was still no urgency and the team was always a step too slow. After a good 20 minutes of a stalemate situation, the half ended.
The second half started in a much better way, with Hopkins constantly threatening and the ball in the Loyola half at all times. This did lead to some problems as Hopkins were all constantly attacking, they left Henry all by himself at the back. However, he had a fantastic game and was able to keep the strikers at bay for the majority of the game.
Eventually, Roscoe, with the best chance in the game, takes the ball into the right side of the area and takes a shot that rifled into the left post, with no follow-up from the Blue Jays. The strikers and midfielders kept trying to find an answer until Loyola, late in the second half, managed to get a counterattack that led to the decisive blow. The player was put through on the right side of the field. As Henry and Hamilton attempted to close him down, the player passed across the area to the left mid, who coolly finished passed Edwards.
Hopkins kept making the opportunities till the end, but could not get one past the Loyola defense, and the final whistle was eventually blown.
All in all, its better to lose now than at regionals. Lets see what happens against Georgetown tomorrow.
