Rutgers men's soccer prepares for tough road test at No. 11 Michigan
- Thread starter Tango Two
- Start date
We were lucky to come away with the point. Michigan dominated possession and opportunities for most of the game, while Rutgers could barely get out of its own end because of UM's aggressive high press. In the 2nd half, we resorted to just firing long balls most every time we actually gained possession since attempting to dribble and pass through the press was becoming a futile exercise. The long balls created a few opportunities -- including one shot by Cameron Boumsong about 12 yards out in traffic on which the UM goalie made a terrific save -- but were mostly a failure.
The other thing that was absolutely maddening was that we were losing just about every 50-50 ball. The UM players just played smarter and were "stronger" in gaining possession when the ball was contested. It was really unbelievable.
Anyway, happy to get out of there with a draw, and yeah Dalton was really outstanding, especially on those three late saves in the closing minutes and seconds.
We are now in a three-way tie for third place (with Michigan and UCLA) with 7 points, with three more teams lurking immediately behind with 6 points, with most teams having played 4 conference games (and a few having played 5). At least it's fun watching MSOC again!
The other thing that was absolutely maddening was that we were losing just about every 50-50 ball. The UM players just played smarter and were "stronger" in gaining possession when the ball was contested. It was really unbelievable.
Anyway, happy to get out of there with a draw, and yeah Dalton was really outstanding, especially on those three late saves in the closing minutes and seconds.
We are now in a three-way tie for third place (with Michigan and UCLA) with 7 points, with three more teams lurking immediately behind with 6 points, with most teams having played 4 conference games (and a few having played 5). At least it's fun watching MSOC again!
I THINK we've got a shot for the NCAA's here (currently 16th in the RPI):
Currently 7-2-2 with (2-1-1) with remaining matches against (and predicted outcomes):
Wisconsin - this is a MUST WIN
@Maryland - would be thrilled to pull of a tie on the road but likely "L"
Wash - at top of the B1G BUT only 43rd RPI let's get the W at home
@UCLA - not a "must win" BUT a "should" WIN as the Bruins are 102nd in the RPI
MSU - just WIN
@IU (L) - until we win at IU, this is an "L"
....I think we're looking pretty good for a possible home game (or two) at this point.
Currently 7-2-2 with (2-1-1) with remaining matches against (and predicted outcomes):
Wisconsin - this is a MUST WIN
@Maryland - would be thrilled to pull of a tie on the road but likely "L"
Wash - at top of the B1G BUT only 43rd RPI let's get the W at home
@UCLA - not a "must win" BUT a "should" WIN as the Bruins are 102nd in the RPI
MSU - just WIN
@IU (L) - until we win at IU, this is an "L"
....I think we're looking pretty good for a possible home game (or two) at this point.
Pretty good match, but we missed opportunities that were there, regardless, an expected “L” on the road to a very, very good Maryland side. Get the “W” at home against Washington Friday night and keep on track!!!
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yes they were very good I was only able to watch till 1-0; They controlled possession in the first half and had only one good chance; we came out pressing in the second half and controlled the action for the first 15 minutes had a couple of good chances and could not convert; then Maryland scored on a counter which was actually a lucky goal(not the actual shot that was a rocket) but the pass to the Md player deflected off our defender and went right to the open player and he finished it
Good effort like you say this is a definite top ten team and they have not lost all year