Wednesday, May 7, 2003

USLIA National tournament - St. Louis - Round 1

CSU 18 BOSTON COLLEGE 2

It only rained about a half inch overnight, but we played on a very slippery artificial surface.

I don't think we have ever had a first round win here that I was less pleased with. Despite the fact that we led 9-0 at the half after a flurry in the second quarter, and even though they (BC) were never really in the game, I remain dissatisfied with our performance overall. I think many of our individuals had less than stellar games. I think I did a poor job of preparing us, too. It's kind of hard when you don't have a clue what to expect from the other team.

Disney got us going with a pretty early hat trick, and we did, in fact, roll. Everything was just a little off, though, offensively. Defensively, we took the ball away most every time before they got any shots off, or we rode the ball well, and many times the Eagles were unable to get the rock over the middle of the field at all. Maybe that's why I'm a little disappointed. We owned the ball, but still we sometimes acted like we were just borrowing it. I know how we can move the ball at times. I guess I just want THAT all the time.

We know we have to play better tomorrow against Texas A&M, who beat Chico State this morning. I got to see a little of that game. A&M has some excellent players, and they are well coached. The game they played with Chico was close until the 4th quarter when the Aggies put Chico away. They come after you all game. We played them last year in Michigan We beat them, but it was not easy, and they have good defenders and some great attackmen and ball handlers. It should be a real test for our defense. I'm sure they (A&M) are eager for some measure of revenge, too.

Our scoring was spread around as everyone played today, and actually some of the young players played great. The highlight of the game for our team was when senior Josh Loose scored.a goal. This is a kid who works so hard and tries even harder. He has made himself into a player capable of scoring a goal in St. Louis. He evolved from someone who was not capable of scoring a goal in St. Louis. I am happy for him and proud of what he has accomplished here in his 4 years. In many ways he is the heart and soul of us.

So it's on to the quarterfinals. Tonight we barbeque at the house of one of our players who lives here in the Kirkwood area. I will be chatting with several individuals while there. It is so great to be on the road because it truly allows us the time to be together and work on game planning and fine points any time we want. I have a few ideas about how I want to approach tomorrow's test. I'll run them up the flag pole and see if anyone salutes.

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