Game Day Blog St. Peter's

The game of soccer can be very frustrating on times and today was one of those times.  After making the trip to New Jersey yesterday on our off day we played a St. Peter's team that was searching for their first win although their record was a little decieving given the teams they had played against and each game was a single goal loss or tie.

With almost everyone fit and available for selection just picking the starting 11 has become difficult.  I'm not complaining as its a good problem to have when everyone is healthy and there's competition for places and the group knows that each game we have rotated guys in to try and keep the high energy and commitment.  Whether guys start or not, when they are on the field they have to be ready and contribute to the team because we have the next guy waiting for his chance.

The first half was a close affair with both teams struggling to find any kind of rhythm and goal scoring chances limited to set plays and speculative shots on goal.  A worrying trend for me was our inability to recognize when to try and play and when to put safety first and make their back 4 turn and defend balls over the top.  In games where our width has created chances by our ability to switch the play diagonally quickly we lacked that today for most of the game and it would cost us in the second half. 

After a scoreless first half it took only a minute into the second for St Peters to find the back of the net. Mentally we were still in the lockeroom and another silly foul and the quickly taken free kick to get the ball out wide found us slow to get there and a service into the box found a player all alone to tap home from 6 yards.  The worst possible start to the second half and as we tried to find our way back into the game we again conceded a goal that we had as much to blame for rather than them earning it.  You can't give goals away and expect to win games and its hurt us both times for our games here in New Jersey. (staying in the same hotel that we stayed at against NJIT was probably a mistake on my part considering we lost that game and I'm very superstitious about these things)

I did admire the fact that we never gave up and after Ranalli blasted home from inside the 18 yard box to make it 2-1 we were in for a 5 minute finale that we would push forward but come up just short.  The goal was a sign of confidence and the extra work he has been doing with coach Ouimet has certainly paid off the last 2 weeks so all credit to Tyler I hope he keeps his run going.  

With the final score 2-1 it was another long ride home.  Back to work and Practice tomorrow as we have to keep our heads up and get ready for a quick turn around and game Saturday v Navy.

Raise High Moment of the Day

Goal from Ranalli or Angel's shorts post game.  The vote goes to Ranalli !