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Men's Soccer

Reaction: Creighton vs. Washington (NCAA Round of 32)

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Creighton could not have picked a better time to be playing its best soccer of the year. It’s Elmar-time.

All those who follow this Creighton team knew there was going to be some growing pains at the beginning of the season. Replacing the leadership, firepower and class from the 2011 team was a near impossible task. Creighton’s early season ranking did not reflect just how green the Jays were. To be fair, the only thing a top 2 ranking was a reflection on, was the level of respect the rest of the coaches in the NCAA have for Coach Bolowich.

Tinkering with line-ups and tactics led to a few hiccups along the way including two losses at home to eventual NCAA tournament squads Old Dominion and Saint Louis. Bolowich refused to listen to media/fans, continuing his search for the right group of players he could lean on come tournament time. Winning in October is not as important as winning in November, just ask Old Dominion and Saint Louis who will be watching the rest of the tournament from their couches.

This is why Elmar Bolowich is, well Elmar Bolowich. He has constructed a team around senior leaders Choco Gomez, Brent Kallman and Andrew Ribiero, who form the spine for the Jays. He has paired their leadership with seven underclassman, including five freshman! Red-shirt freshman Jeff Gal has played excellent since Alex Bolowich went down with an elbow injury. Reserves Benito Amaral, Sean Kim and Christian Blandon contribute greatly with each opportunity. Then there are the leaders of the squad. Timo Pitter might be one of the top 3 freshman in the country. Kallman has turned into one of the better defensive midfielders in the midwest. Riberio is a surefire MLS draftee, and Gomez is the most dangerous creative player left in the tournament. These ingredients are a recipe for success, and were astutely prepared by Chef Bolowich.

Creighton’s match versus Washington was indicative how far the Jays have progressed over the year. The Jays dominated nearly ever facet of the match against Washington and  former Creighton head coach Jamie Clark. Pitter, Gomez and Bruno Castro have developed the type of understanding that strikes fear into the heart of a defense. They caused problem after problem for the Huskies, coming close a number of times following Kallman’s opening goal.

Credit to Washington, they knew their strength. They played for throw-ins all night, and it was clear that eventually they would get their goal. Tied at ones, the crowd became nervous as to just how this young team would respond. That is when the flood gates opened. Gomez found pockets of space all over Morrison, teasing Washington defenders and springing fullback Eric Miller and Jose Ribas into dangerous positions. Pitter and Ribiero scored off corners within 10 minutes of each other and Blandon tapped in a pass from Pitter capping off the most impressive offensive performance of the season.

A rematch with Akron is next on the docket for the Jays. The Zips and Creighton tied earlier this year at Morrison, however the Jays were fortunate to get a result. Akron is the most talented team in the NCAA’s and was snubbed by the selection committee with the #5 overall seed. The Zips will be looking for revenge, yet this Creighton team will have a much different look and be playing with a great more confidence than the Creighton in August.

 

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