Mid-Atlantic Region

[Maine Soccer Fan]

This is a digression, but I had to vent.

I think most Falcon players would say that their best soccer player is Groothoff; I certainly think so and have said so before, that he's their version of Messi. It's not evident in his stats, but IMO the main problem is that the scorer almost never gives two assists on a goal, even if the first pass is the decisive one—no goal without it. Very often, that crucial pass is Groothoff's. To see this in tonight's game, watch the clip for the goal by Cole Cristian, the assist is given to Ben Lefever from the right corner—fully deserved, but possible only because of the great pass to Lefever from Groothoff right at the start of that clip. Why no assist for that?

G does that all the time, it seems, slots a perfect ball forward that leads to a another pass for a SOG, or to a shot wide of the goal that should have been on frame, or to a blocked shot that G ultimately set up. IMO he should have at least a dozen genuine assists in his line, without being generous in the scoring. That's what he does for the Falcons.

As far as technical ability, decision-making, and athleticism, Groothoff is certainly the best player. He has an incredible engine to boot although it hasn't been needed yet this year. Additionally, putting one man on him in the middle of the field is essentially to leave him unmarked as he turns players so easily. However, there are other players who play their positions so well that for as good as Groothoff is, his effect on the team isn't head and shoulders above the rest.

Case in point was watching Marlotte glide by guys with the ball tonight after being out for weeks. I was like, "Oh yeah, they also have one of the best right-backs in the country but I'd forgotten how good he is because his absence didn't handicap the team."

And you have to give some love to Ben Lefever....he is dangerous on the wing, and holds up the ball better than anyone I've seen.  Also, he scored the first goal of the game tonight  - and it was insane - literally going through 3 York defenders to finish.

Yep, and as I mentioned in my rambling coverage, it came 90 seconds into the game. You gotta be wide awake when you're playing Messiah. They don't mess around.

As Coach Mike Babcock was fond of saying, "You have to start on time"

I don't if he still says it, but I remember Bruce Arena telling the USMNT before a game in the 1990's, "First foul, first shot, first goal."

[Hopkins Walk-On]

It's game time baby!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT6n1ycW4PE

[Hopkins92]

That Hopkins shot is EXACTLY what I'm talking about in terms of "shots" in the stats. You gotta do better than that.

--=-=

Wow. Muhles score VERY early off of  corner kick.

=-=-==

Good version of the Jays showed up to play tonight.

This announcer. Treinen gets absolutely trucked and he thinks the call is offsides. C'mon dude.

Nice scrappy play from the Shoremen here.

With that said, I like this version of Hopkins. Good possession, but I've noticed a willingness to spray the ball around and over the top when that option is available. Don't want to be a broken record, so I'll leave it there.

=-=-=

The camera angle/slant at F&M is goofy. It's just off and makes me not really able to follow that game.

[Hopkins92]

I'm not saying Hopkins is dominating, but they should've buried at least 2 goals at this point. Right on the doorstep, just not finishing.

=-=-=-=

Mont. St and Rowan also tied at zeds at HT.

The MS announcing crew is peak Jersey and I love it. Also, they just had an interview with the striker of the women's team and she was an absolute delight. Now I'm weirdly rooting for them? She was kind of like, "OK, I'm not gonna match your energy dude, but I'll answer your questions." I just found it charming. (She didn't say that, for the record, I'm just reading into the vibe.)

[camosfan]

fantastic game underway between MSU and Rowan, 0-0 at the half!

[Hopkins92]

fantastic game underway between MSU and Rowan, 0-0 at the half!

Yeah, please take notes or whatever. I can't focus on 3 games but the limited time I had spot checking, seems spirited.. Nice crowd up there.

[Hopkins92]

Dips haven't trailed at the half all year.

Muhles are 4-0-4 since late September.... Like i said, very tough out.

[camosfan]

Dips haven't trailed at the half all year.

Muhles are 4-0-4 since late September.... Like i said, very tough out.

you not watching Hop v Was? I have that on live stats!

[Hopkins92]

Dips haven't trailed at the half all year.

Muhles are 4-0-4 since late September.... Like i said, very tough out.

you not watching Hop v Was? I have that on live stats!

Just flipping around during HT.

[Hopkins92]

You get the feeling that Hop is grinding the Shoremen down... But the lack of any real danger in the final 3rd also leaves you thinking this game is destined for PKs.

Penny for a striker, man.

This ref is pretty bad. Just saying.

Jee-Zuhs. Hopkins shots are just ridiculous. HIT THE BALL.

So annoying.

[Hopkins92]

Dips haven't trailed at the half all year.

Muhles are 4-0-4 since late September.... Like i said, very tough out.

you not watching Hop v Was? I have that on live stats!

Just flipping around during HT.

Dips just hit the crossbar while I momentarily flipped over there.

[Hopkins92]

PK for Hop!

WTF is this ref doing?? I've never seen anything like this before a PK. WTF.'

Ian Wammond is a stud.

1-0 Hop.
'

[SimpleCoach]

If someone can please tell me what the F&M Keeper was doing on the second goal, I would appreciate the insight.

SC.

[Hopkins Walk-On]

Hopkins up 1-0 on a PK. Very weird situation after the PK. Hopkins tried to switch PK takers and the ref wouldn't allow it. Took about 5 mins to resolve

[paclassic89]

PK for Hop!

WTF is this ref doing?? I've never seen anything like this before a PK. WTF.'

Ian Wammond is a stud.

1-0 Hop.
'

Weird refs today