CHS loses to Medical Lake in Penalty Shootout

 

Things seemed to start out very well for CHS as Jordan Semanko sent a beautifully paced and weighted ball to Austin Durfey who scored the first goal of the match at the 4 minute mark. The match continued as Medical Lake had many opportunities to score an equalizer but were unable to finish. Just as the second half was winding down Austin Durfey took control dribbling through two Medical Lake defenders and as the goalie closed the gap near post, Austin creatively flicked the ball over the goalie’s head into the back of net. CHS closed the half with a 2-0 lead.

The second half continued with Medical Lake keeping most of the possession. CHS lost possession many times by clearing and forcing ball forward. Medical Lake’s persistence paid off with a goal off a cross in the 60^th minute. 10 minutes later another goal was scored on a corner curling back into the far post making it 2-2 at the final whistle.  Two overtime sudden death periods went scoreless leaving the result to be determined by penalty kicks.

 

KUDOS:

Justin Robinette is playing very well defensively staying composed under pressure and looking confident especially heading out loose balls on corners.

Things to work on:

Better pace and weighted balls sent on attack. A lot of balls just cleared up field instead of changing point of attack or combinations up field.

Outside midfielders need more field awareness and teammates need to communicate they have time.

Look to throw-ins to the middle of field. You have space and need to change up from down-line and the long throwers.

~Jim

North Central Game Analysis

Its always difficult for a coach to  be positive when they are constantly looking for areas for a team to improve upon. With that said the CHS boys have all the skill and ability as they demonstrated last season, in city league and other off season play. As I watched the game I noticed some things that when resolved will allow CHS to win decisively and not the nail biter that took place. For example the stats show NC with many more shots and if able to finish could have won the game. Both teams had a jumbled goal (meaning it had no clear direction and happened to land in front of attacking player).

Some might assume that CHS defense had a strong showing but balance was poor and communication lacking which allowed for many more attacking opportunities for NC. I wonder if this game occurred later in season or if there was a rematch would they have finished more goal scoring opportunities?

Jordan Semanko’s goal was great, a true showing of CHS’s ability to score when needed. I would also like to acknowledge Austin Durfey’s assist  to Jordan as well. It was the correct decision and provides a glimpse of the magic that these two can produce when working together. Keep it up guys! 

I would also like to applaud Austin on picking up an NC player off the ground after stumbling over him during an earlier play. The action shows a lot in regards to sportsmanship and maturity on the field when often the game is overlooked in order to make a “hit” on a guy or retaliate, which in the end looks bad for the team and the game itself.

Immediate focus needs to be spent on freeing the central defender to play “balance” and remaining defenders mark sooner while communicating to midfield to recover when they are overloaded. Plus many times I counted multiple players defending in the non-shooting zone allowing for more space in front of goal. When crosses occur majority of defenders need to stay compact in front of goal not chasing ball into the corners.

I also noticed many players need to work on seeing when the opponent has possession of the ball or is getting possession. Many times CHS challenged for ball and NC had the ball under control, while other times CHS waited for them to get control of ball before applying immediate pressure.

Those three things could increase CHS possession, scoring and limit the opponents to less penetration.

Overall I am excited for the season and this first win for CHS. They have all the potential if they continue to work together as a team and avoid complacency. Put everything you have into practice and getting better together. CHS is 1-0!

~Jim

North Central Game Summary

Clarkston Boys soccer is off to a great start with their first game and first win of the season. The match began with the majority of attacking by North Central and it was no surprise they scored the first goal early in the first half. At half NC registered 18 shots and 9 being on goal. At 50% and the high number of shots a goal was almost guaranteed. CHS had 50% as well but only 6 shots and 3 being on goal. CHS continued fighting down by one and were rewarded when a lose ball turned into a jumbled deflection ended up in front of Austin Durfey who scored it to tie the game at 1 early in the second half.

CHS had a goal scoring opportunity taken away from them as a NC player fouled them to stop the play above the penalty box. The official awarded a direct free kick to CHS after issuing a red card to the NC player. Jordan Semanko converted the free kick giving CHS the lead 2-1. But NC wasn’t done as they continued to pressure and scored on a jumbled deflection near penalty spot (12 yards out).

Now at 2 a piece the first game of the season was again up for grabs. NC had many open shot opportunities and were unable to finish. Austin Durfey seeing limited time due to a knee injury broke through the defensive line and sent a hardd flighted ball across the goal. The NC goalie bobbled it, but it didn’t matter as Jordan Semanko timed his run well, putting the ball in the net. CHS 3-2.

After that NC started pressing with numbers and taking more risks to find the equalizer. NC scoring opportunities were there but they continually missed finishing. With CHS freshman goalie Sean West playing very well by making some key saves point blank and in the air, it made scoring even more frustrating  for NC. One pass provided a beautiful set up just inside the right corner of the penalty box for NC. Everyone sensed the danger as the shot was crushed. But not today, as Curtis Richards made amazing slide blocking the shot with his body. Time expired and CHS has their first win in as many games. Again congratulations guys!