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Men's Soccer

Instant Reaction: Creighton – UConn (Elite Eight)

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I know, I know I missed the Akron recap, please have mercy. I was in Vegas and am still trying to recover. I promise I will get to that match eventually.

But for now, how ’bout them Bluejays?

Down starting fullback’s Eric Miller (Injury) and Jose Ribas (Red-Card ban), the Jays entered the match against UConn underdogs. Despite the loss of its two dynamic fullbacks Creighton had capable reserves in Benito Amaral, Vincent Keller and later Jake Brown who played a huge role in today’s match, neutralizing the Husky attack for much of the game. This truly shows the depth of this 2012 Creighton team, and one of the main reasons it is back to Birmingham.

The Jays struggled early in the match to gain a foot hold, allowing UConn to dictate the play and stretch the game out. It was clear the Huskies gameplan revolved around testing reserve defenders Amaral and Keller. Credit to Bolowich and staff, he had them ready. Keller, Amaral and starting centerback duo Brendan Hines-Ike and Andrew Ribiero caught the talented Husky attackers in multiple offside traps. This seemed to frustrate and confuse UConn which really allowed Jose Gomez, Bruno Castro and Brent Kallman to find their game.

Creighton looked dangerous a number of times in the first half following the introduction of Christian Blandon (remember him for later). Blandon combines so well with Gomez and Castro and opens up lanes for others in the opposition’s box. He and the Jays were close a number of times, including one in which All-American Andre Blake saved with his foot that the announcers called “magic.” Seemed like an optical illusion as I could have sworn I saw the ball trickle over the line.

The second half was less impressive from an offensive point. The Jays survived a number of good Huskies opportunities including one spell where freshman Jeff Gal saved three great UConn shots. Gal has been nothing short of spectacular in the Creighton net. Key to playoffs? Ride a hot goalkeeper.

It seemed a forgone conclusion that Creighton and UConn would head into extra-time, when Gomez and Blandon once again combined for a nice move in the box that saw Christian pound home the game winner, propelling Creighton to its second College Cup in 2 seasons (Coach Bolowich’s 6th straight!).

More insight to come, be sure to book your trip to Birmingham soon, #12 Creighton matches up against #16 seeded Indiana at 7:30 Birmingham time n (6:30 Central) next Friday the 7th.

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