Quote from: dontshootthegoose on November 23, 2015, 09:20:36 PM
Was at the Loras/Wheaton game in person, here are my thoughts:

First half felt like Wheaton had an extra man on the field and Loras was chasing. Wheaton connected the ball beautiful and danced around the Loras midfield. With that being said, Loras still really had the only two chances in the first half.

Second half, the swarm was in full effect. Loras started to win 50/50's and began flying at Wheaton's back line. Loras scored a well crafted header off a set piece and it felt like the game was about to be wrapped up. Then Hollingsworth decided to take the whole Duhawk's team on by himself and set up Golz for his last name. Wheaton had another chance with the Hollingsworth, Borge, Golz combo but it sailed wide. Loras had a couple good opportunities but came up short.

Overtime went mostly to the Duhawks. Mike Gordon found himself on a break away in the final minutes and was stuffed. But this lead to the eventual goal off the corner.

Overall takeaways, Wheaton was the much more talented possession team.  Could connect 8 1-2's in a row, but couldn't get a real good look on goal. Loras played their typical kick-ball game, but it exposed the weary back line of Wheaton. The combination of speed and playing direct was the eventual collapse of Wheaton. I do think that this Wheaton team was not quite the same as last years, but still have some true ballers on their team. I think Hollingsworth is one of the best in D3 soccer. This Loras team doesn't have a Cavers/Figura/Pizzello, but they have a bunch of players that have stepped up collectively. I would wager the bet that either of the 2012/2013 Loras teams would beat this team however.

I would take that bet, there is one X factor on 2012/2013 and 2015 Loras teams. #3 this cat is the one that creates opportunities with his constant pressure on the back lines. He was on all three of these teams and all tournament 2013 with Cavers. Without #3 like last year opportunities were hard to come by for the Loras attack.

I would add Johnny Rummelhart and Alex Bradley of Loras to the list of All Americans.