Morrison Stadium had a special fall feel to it on Thursday, as Elmar Bolowich’s Creighton men’s soccer team took the field for their annual Blue-White scrimmage.
This season Bolowich seemed to mix the squads up pretty evenly. He told White and Blue Review on Futbol Friday that he was hoping to see an even match, and players who are competing for spots to face off against another. And that’s what he got.
The match was played mostly in the midfield, with Christian Blandon, Zach Barnes, Bruno Castro, Ricardo Perez, Vincent Keller, and Timo Pitter finding it tough to find space to create. Both defenses looked incredibly tough to break down, with both Alex Bolowich and Connor Sparrow looking solid in net.
Here are some answers to some of the questions we posed before the scrimmage.
Where does U.S. Youth International Eric Miller Play?
As we guessed Miller started at center-back next to Sophomore Eric DeJulio. Miller was beat by McCrary for the goal, but looked solid in this spot. We believe Miller will start in this role next to incumbent Brendan Hines-Ike. On a side note both Benjamin Kucera and Eric DeJulio looked solid. Suddenly a position Creighton looked vulnerable at might be one of extreme depth.
Who starts up top with the first team?
Well it’s tough to determine which forward was starting with the “1st team.” Both McCrary and Kollie started up top, and both looked solid. Sean Kim came in at the second half and did his normal buzzing around. If we had to guess right now we see Kim starting yet both McCrary and Kollie subbing in at some point. Forward by committee might be the way Creighton handles it this year.
What will we see from the new Germans?
One of the biggest things we came away from was that Fabian Herbers is the real deal. He was lively and active with the ball. Near the end of the second half Herbers slipped into the attacking midfield role and created a number of opportunities. Herbers could see significant minutes from day one. I was not the only one who came away impressed, but Topdrawersoccer.com editor JR Eskilson who was watching the game on stream said this: “Fabian Herbers (Creighton freshman) looked good during 1st half of Blue-White scrimmage. Attacking midfielder who isn’t afraid to defend.” Exactly what Creighton needs from its newcomers.
How will Alex Bolowich lead the back line?
Tough to assess Bolowich’s command of the defense because he was playing behind Miller and likely three reserves. Alex made a number of good saves, and should not be faulted for the White’s only goal. Bolowich was vocal and active putting players where they belong.
What will Ricardo Perez do?
Perez is in a tough position. As a true freshman he’s coming in to college soccer as a top recruit, preseason 1st team all-freshman, and replacing an All-American. If that were not enough, I have placed a ton of pressure on the new #10’s shoulders. Perez found it hard to gain footing in the game, yet showed flashes of brilliance. It was his early ball to Amaral that lead to the White’s goal. Perez will settle down and be an integral part of this team.
Who will play in the “Choco” role?
Mahk, Pitter, Perez, Castro, Blandon, and Herbers all played this position at some point in the match. With not one of those players standing out, this spot remains the most interesting to monitor.
Will Ribas play as left-back?
Ribas’ was the most impressive player on field. His darting runs down the left wreaked havoc on the Blue defense. He is arguably the most talented creator on this team. If he wasn’t so valuable as a left back he would be my choice to replace Choco in the attacking midfield role. Another revelation was the play of true freshman Alex Prusa at this spot on the Blue side. He was cerebral, sprayed lovely balls to the forwards and was tough to beat. He could see some playing time this season if he continues to impress as a LB.
Who will captain the side?
Nothing to report here, yet we will still guess the Barnes and Bolowich will wear the armbands.
Previewing Notre Dame
Head Coach Bobby Clark loses some important players from his side. Ryan Finley and Dillon Powers were two of the bigger names in college soccer last year both now playing in MLS. The Fightin’ Irish do return there second leading scorer in Harrison Shipp as well as dangerous sophomore Patrick Hodan. Nick Besler will be an important piece to the Irish midfield along with Grant Van De Casteele in defense. Despite their losses Notre Dame is an experienced side with leadership in the back.
This will be an excellent preview of the type of teams Creighton will be facing in the Big East. Notre Dame is talented yet rely on size at all levels in attempts to dictate play. It will be tough for the Jays to muscle any of the Irish players off the ball, yet look for Creighton to try and keep possession.
The Irish also welcome a number of highly touted freshman including Brandon Aubrey and Matthew Habrowski.
It will be critical that the Jays limit set pieces an corner kicks.