On Saturday, 9/5 my plan was to go and watch both of the games at Hopkins. Unfortunately, it was also my long run day. I was up at 530 to run a dreaded 18 miler and upon completion, took the greatest nap of all time. Woops, missed both games. Fortunately, the money game was the following day on Sunday 9/6 - #6 Johns Hopkins vs. #10 Lynchburg. What a great game it was...great weather, close to home, and great soccer. Johns Hopkins totally dominated the first half and scored off of a dead ball/header. Hopkins really just outplayed Lynchburg early on and they got whatever they wanted, making Lynchburg chase. Lynchburg did show a solid defense though, not allowing any quality chances or looks on goal. Hopkins finally did just put one away off of a foul at the end of the half.
The second half was another story though. Lynchburg utilized the flanks very well. The right winger(s) did a great job of beating their defenders; however, did a very poor job of service, something of which is obviously key to scoring goals! A terrible thing to work so hard to beat your defender and then waste a great opportunity. Another thing that really stood out in my mind was the significance of the "half-turn." Wow. Especially, on this type surface (turf) where the ball just runs. The half-turn was just something that was engrained in our minds in college. Neither team used this effectively and it showed. The times when it WAS used...poor. Ok, enough criticizing. I was not disappointed with the soccer and was encouraged to see nothing extraordinary. Messiah should have no problem with either team, although I do believe that wins and losses can and may be a product of how teams match up. Hopkins plays at Messiah tomorrow at the Shoe - 7pm. Should be a good game and it will be interesting to see Hopkins play away where the grass is green and white lines freshly painted! Home of the national champs! See you there!
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