The folks at GoCreighton.com are calling it a national soccer showdown. The players are pumped for a week of high profile non-conference games. And you can bet the fans at Morrison Stadium will be rowdy and dressed in White and Blue.
Creighton (7-1-0) hosts Tulsa (7-1-0) tonight in a matchup of highly ranked soccer sides. WBR caught up with head coach Jamie Clark just a few hours before opening kick to talk about what promises to be an exciting contest.
Creighton will need a big showing from the student section against Tulsa
White & Blue Review: What can you tell us about Tulsa from a scouting point of view?
Jamie Clark: Tulsa is a very good attacking team. They have two Hermann Award finalists up front that do a terrific job of complementing each other. [Ashley] McInnes is a real quick and talented player that has a great ability to make things happen. They should have an up-tempo style of play and should be really entertaining to watch from a fan’s perspective.
WBR: When you look at a team like Tulsa that has a strong attack, a few players up top who complement each other, and a solid defense, they have a number of similarities to Creighton. How do you counter playing a team that is so similar to you on paper?
JC: Well, that is just it, we may be similar on paper, but they will run a different system. They will attack a lot more with their fullbacks, and we will need to be ready for 90 minutes of attack and pressure, something we have not seen since we played SMU. However, because of their style of play, I think we should have a few opportunities with some openings in the back and the ability to counter their offensive surges.
WBR: Who is a player that Creighton fans should keep their eye on tonight?
JC: I would say Sergio Castillo. He has been quiet that last couple of games, and he loves playing in these types of matches. He loves an aggressive style of game and really gets after it when the opponent is pushing us. I expect a good game out of him tonight, and he should be fun to watch.
WBR: Overall thoughts on the match-up?
JC: It should be a fun one to watch, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it ended up 3-1 or 4-2.