It was a cold night a Morrison, literally and figuratively. Over 1400 Jays faithful braved the weather and skipped out on the huge Nebraska-Ohio State game, to watch the Creighton Men’s soccer team possibly save its season.
Having tied Drake in Des Moines last week, the Jays needed a victory to keep pace in the Valley. SIU-E, who will likely be Creighton’s main competition for the regular season title, brought a well-organized, disciplined squad to Morrison, in search for a top-notch resume win.
Creighton played well tonight, but did not look sharp in the final third. The Jays squandered multiple chances in front of the SIU-E net, including a penalty kick which rattled off the crossbar from senior Choco Gomez’ right boot. The Jays looked most dangerous in attack when Eric Miller, Benito Amaral and Jose Ribas were getting wide. This seemed to open up the middle for Pitter, Gomez and Barnes to have a look at goal. Barnes again shored up the midfield, spraying balls to both Miller and Castro who were effective when they got wide.
Red-shirt freshman Christian Blandon has looked extremely useful playing as the “1” in the Jays preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. Blandon hustles after every ball, and tonight showed a skill set that caused the SIU-E back line lots of trouble. Blandon and true freshman Timo Pitter looked the most dangerous, constantly threatening the Cougar defense. Pitter continues to look like the teams most aggressive player going forward.
SIU-E is a good squad that will likely make noise in this season, and barring something crazy, is a tournament team.
Alex Bolowich got the start in net again over Jeff Gal, who had little to do in a victory over Loyola-Chi. Bolowich made some good saves, but the Jays defense has looked very shaky when defending balls driven into the box. True freshman Brendan Hines-Ike played the entire game next to Brent Kallman, Andrew Ribeiro and Jake Brown. Kallman has looked great over the last few matches, despite the Jays slide, and has allowed Coach Bolowich to move Ribeiro into the midfield allowing him more freedom to get forward.
This proved vital toward the end of the match tonight. With Brown and Kallman being able to partner with Hines-Ike, Ribeiro can push forward and sweep up after Gomez who can play with less defensive responsibilities. Ribeiro is also extremely effective in the air, as evidenced by his golden goal with minutes remaining in the 2nd OT tonight.
It might be dramatic, or all the hot chocolate I consumed tonight, but this victory could be the spark to set the Jays back on the right path. Starring at a possible 0-0-2 start to Valley play having to head to Central Arkansas (who will likely line-up and pray for a 0-0 tie) would be devastating for Creighton. However, Ribeiro’s golden effort, puts the Jays at 1-0-1 and likely in charge of its own destiny.
It was a great moment for the senior captain Ribeiro and judging from the staff’s reaction, is a huge moment in the 2012 season.
What You’re Saying:
Good day for Creighton athletics withbaseball, volleyball and soccer all getting a win. #RollJays
— Bryan Sova™ (@Bova4) October 7, 2012
That game was crazy #creighton
— alex coe (@coe_bag) October 7, 2012
Creighton soccer defeats edwards 1-0 in OT off a header #CU
— sam the man (@Getsoccersam) October 7, 2012
Great double overtime win for creighton soccer! #bluejaysnation
— Mogboluwaga Oginni (@motheshow24) October 7, 2012
Overtime win? Yessir..thanks to all the fans who came and supported once again! #bestfansinthencaa
— Myles Englis (@mylesenglis11) October 7, 2012
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOIAAAALLLLLLLLL! Jays win it with time winding down in the second OT. Andrew Ribiero!
— Bluejay Banter (@bluejaybanter) October 7, 2012
Creighton soccer games go ham #likeactually
— Ben Bergman (@berg_istheword) October 7, 2012
Creighton soccer game: cold as balls but fun as hell
— Alex Kramer ⚓ (@countxela) October 7, 2012
Lil creighton soccer yfrog.com/h8xlguvj
— aaron smit (@aronsmitty41) October 7, 2012
Appreciate everyone who came out in the cold to witness the win. #jays
— Zach Barnes (@_ZachBarnes_) October 7, 2012
Creighton soccer game.
— Ellis Wiltsey(@ellisblairr) October 7, 2012
