Loras, for the past decade or so, has been a great measuring stick for programs that are willing to line up against them. They are currently #9 in the country. Theirs is a physical, direct, and athletic brand of soccer that has obviously served them well. I scheduled them as a test to see who was up to the task of fighting tooth and nail for their family. My hopes for the season were boosted by how the team rose to the challenge.
It took about 10 minutes for the boys to settle into the pace forced by Loras’ brand of soccer. Unfortunately, during that spell we conceded on a deflected set piece. The boys responded by banding together and crawling back into the match by equaling the pace, intensity, and physicality that initially left a competitive gap. At the 22’ mark, Patrick Erredge almost leveled the score with a shot that fizzed past their outstretched keeper and, unfortunately, the post.
With a better understanding of how this contest would progress, the boys were much improved in the second half. Though we conceded a second on another deflected set piece, we outshot Loras 8-6 down the stretch. That included an attempt by Guy Mohs that was bicycle kicked off of their goal line, a stunning save on Patrick Erredge’s curling effort, as well as another heroic save on Paul Wadsworth’s well-taken penalty after Matt Anderson was hacked down in the box in desperation.
As we enter MIAC play 3-1 on the season, we must be aware that the conference as a whole has done some serious work by posting a 33-16-7 record. This includes an undefeated Concordia (4-0) team that we open conference play against tomorrow. They have outscored their opponents 15-1 during the opening two weeks and really look to be in great form especially on their home pitch.
We also have two home games in Collegeville this weekend. We host an organized and resilient Hamline (2-2) side on Saturday at 4pm after the football game. Then we have another top-class regional opponent this Sunday at 3pm in UW Whitewater (8-0).
Our FAMILY vs. their team,
John