Orange Slices: Mid-season Commentary on Creighton Men’s Soccer

The Creighton men’s soccer team has reached the halfway point. A tremendously difficult non-conference schedule coupled with a daunting Big East Conference slate has given Jays fans more ups than downs thus far.

Creighton has consistently been ranked at, or near, the top of every national poll. Multiple players have received plaudits on the national level, as well as a number gaining Big East recognition. Recently the Jays topped the initial NCAA RPI rankings, slipping to No. 4 after a slight hiccup down in St. Louis.

Just when you think Creighton’s gauntlet couldn’t get any harder, they go on the road to play Michigan as well as league foes Marquette, Butler, and Seton Hall with a home match versus Villanova sprinkled in. Five matches in 14 days.

This stretch will shape Creighton’s season. Unlike Creighton’s previous tough stretches, these coming games will primarily be played away from Fortress Morrison and with a number of players battling knocks, including the loss of senior Sean Kim to a season-ending knee injury.

Despite these challenges, head coach Elmar Bolowich and his staff assembled the deepest and possibly most well rounded squad we’ve seen at Creighton in a number of years. There are multiple players who struggle to find time on the pitch this season that could have been regulars for the Jays in seasons past. If CU is to come out of this stint in a positive fashion, they will need to rely on the services of these players.

I’ll take a look at each player who has seen action for the Jays attempting to sum up their first half of the season in one word.

Alex Bolowich — Stunning

The Creighton #1 has been nothing short of superb. Bolowich has made countless amazing saves with his trademark quick reflexes. Saves versus Tulsa and St. Johns, two of the more impressive offensive teams, not only kept Creighton in the match, but ultimately led to shutout victories. The young Bolowich has also really stepped up and become one of the more vocal leaders of the team, adding real tenacity to the back line.

Jose Ribas — Marauding

When we previewed this team, we told you Ribas would be a focal point of the Creighton attack despite no matter where he lined up. I’m not going to pat myself on the back because it’s clear to anyone that Ribas has the skills that will land him a pro contract soon. Ribas plays with fire, and is never one to shy away from a challenge. He owns the left flank nearly every match and has really formed a nice partnership with both left midfielders Fabian Herbers and Ricardo Perez.

Brendan Hines-Ike — Clutch

Few Jays seem to be playing with as much confidence as Hines-Ike is right now. Bolowich’s inclusion of the Hines-Ike as a true freshman last year is really paying dividends this season, as the Jays’ defensive stalwart seems to be playing like a fifth-year senior making crucial interceptions and solid challenges. Brendan has also become a free-kick specialist employing the ball striking technique as Cristiano Ronaldo, something the St. John’s keeper saw first hand.

Eric Miller — Class

No Jay current or past can boast the CV that Miller has. His experiences with Tab Ramos and the U.S. U20 National team have really given Miller the composure that few players at this level possess. Despite this being Miller’s third position in as many years, he’s really come into his own as a central defender and formed one of the more formidable central back partnerships in NCAA soccer with Hines-Ike.

Vincent Keller — Versatile

Keller is Creighton’s version of a Swiss Army Knife. Not only has Keller been deployed at a number of positions, and thrived at each one, he is one of the more fit players on the team. He’s a tireless runner and often wins challenges he really has no business winning. He’s been great at the right back spot and also shifts in to the field to help settle the defensive midfield.

Zach Barnes — Unsung

Plain and simple Creighton would not be where it is without the efforts of Barnes. His ability to link the defense with the attack goes easily unnoticed by many but Barnes is often at the heart of both big defensive and offensive plays. Barnes has been the leader on the field for the Jays, a role the senior told us at the beginning of the season he was looking forward too. Next time you’re watching the Jays just focus on Barnes for a minute, you’ll see the Texan thinks two moves ahead of the opponent.

Christian Blandon — Tidy

Blandon has blossomed as a central figure for the Jays this season. Christian is as clean with the ball at his feet as he is making challenges against opposing attackers. He often finds pockets of space in which to operate and has been one of the stars of this year’s squad. His goal against Xavier this last weekend further shows another developing aspect of Blandon’s game going forward.

Bruno Castro — Savvy

Castro is not the fastest or tallest player on Creighton’s roster, but he always seems to find himself one step in front of his defender. Castro possesses the technical ball skills and composure on the ball that allows Creighton to build its attack. The senior leader has been playing his best ball over the last few games putting a slight early season knock well behind him.

Fabian Herbers — Dynamo

Herbers has been a revelation for Creighton. He has the power and technical ability to change the game with one strike of the ball. Herbers is much more than just a powerful runner. We’ve seen Herbers’ skills on show against some of the better defenses in the nation already. He picked up a slight ankle bump against SLU, a knock that might keep him out of the game against Michigan.

Timo Pitter — Lethal

Kim’s absence seems to have really taken a toll on Pitter. Kim’s pace and allowed Pitter to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. Pitter has seen his role expand to include more pressuring of the back line, which at times can take him out of his right wing position that makes him so dangerous. Despite this Pitter is undoubtedly the star of Creighton’s attack and once again leads the Jays in scoring.

Marvin Iskra — Bruising

The German freshman has stepped up into Creighton’s striking role following Kim’s injury. Iskra has been good in front of goal and is one of the few Jays that can compete physically with some of the more imposing defenders in the Big East. His partnership with Pitter and Herbers is developing, and the German Trio seems to be improving by each game.

Subs

Benito Amaral — Enigmatic

Amaral’s been a very effective right back when given the chance. He’s solid defensively and very good joining the attack. The problem for Amaral is that Keller has been excellent and making it real tough for Benito to see the field.

Connor Sparrow — Dependable

The UMKC transfer has been called into duty following Alex Bolowich slight injury, however the Jays have lost very little in terms of goalkeeping.

Eric DeJulio — Steady

DeJulio’s lack of minutes speaks only to the talent in front of him. He is a solid backup nearly anywhere on he back line and will likely see his minutes increased over the next few weeks.

Benjamin Kucera — Imposing

Like DeJulio, the only reason we haven’t seen Kucera is because of the talent in front of him. He’s more the able to contribute to this team, and might find a role as this rough schedule moves along.

Ricardo Perez — Balanced

It’s clear to everyone that Perez has unbelievable potential. When deployed in the midfield Perez keeps Creighton’s shape extremely well and works within the system beautifully. If there is one thing holding Ricky back it seemed to be his hesitancy in the final third, something we saw him shed against Xavier. Big things to come from Creighton’s young #10.

Myles Englis — Speedy

Englis is one of the quickest players on the roster and has the ability to slot right into the role vacated by Kim. I find Englis seems to be thinking too much on the pitch and is much more effective when he just plays instead of continually think about his next move.

Zarbarle Kollie — Flashy

Kollie has shown signs of true striking potential. Since Kim’s injury he’s been given chances to fill that role, but cannot seem to fully take control of the it.

Carlos McCrary — Powerful

I’ve continued to champion that Creighton has no better pure finisher on its roster than McCrary. He has a true striker’s mentality and its potent as any in the penalty box, his issues seems to be his inability to maintain the constant pressuring that Creighton requires from its lone striker.