Creighton men’s soccer is the #2 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, which continues this weekend with the round of 16. The Bluejays host UC Santa Barbara Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Morrison Stadium. We caught up with Elmar Bolowich to talk about the Jays’ win against Northern Illinois and the match-up with the Gauchos this weekend.
WBR: Were you pleased with the performance last Sunday?
EB: For the most part. I thought we came out strong and were able to control the majority of the game. We played aggressive and had some nice shots on goal. When I went back and watch those goals again, they were some really nice ones.
WBR: The team seems to be clicking at the right time and coming out strong; would you agree?
EB: Yes, and I am very pleased with their efforts. We need to keep up the effort and we need to continue to play our game. We need to stay sharp, and if we do those things, we should have some success.
WBR: What can you tell us about UC Santa Barbara?
EB: They are a very skilled team. They are very technically sound. They have a solid four or five really good players on their team and they are very quick to transition from defense to offense. We will really have our work cut out for us.
WBR: Could you talk a little about the benefit you have from playing in the tournament in being in the College Cup the number of times you have?
EB: I really don’t think of it as a huge benefit from being in the tournament. I think the fact that I have coached for so long is a benefit. Over time, I have learned that you need to continue with that got you there, and not make changes. You see some many times, in all sports, that when a coach gets to what he or she considers the top of the mountain or the final four, they change their game plan. In the College Cup, you will see a team that was very aggressive all season turn around and start packing it in and playing a defensive game. They are not adjusting to their opponent, they are simply changing because they think it is the safe and right thing. I believe that you continue what got you to that position and in our case, we continue to be aggressive and smart. All that comes from being in the game for as long as I have. Having a guy like Johnny [Torres] on the sidelines with me, and player that has played at the highest level, is a huge benefit as well.