So here we are, ready for first-timer Stevens to try and bring down Messiah and claim their first ever title.  I am sitting right next to the Messiah radio guys and down the row from the Steven’s SID Rob Kulish, so I’ve got an even amount of bias surrounding me – and a lot of free opinions, I’m sure.

I think the key in this match is the Duck’s Terrance Johnson.  If Johnson can get a lot of touches in today’s match, we could see some good back and forth action.  It is a given that Pezon and the Thompsons will be pushing hard on the Duck’s keeper Zach Carr, and so Stevens has to be able to control the midfield and distribute effectively to Johnson.

We had two rather lopsided contests yesterday, so here’s hoping for a tight, well-played match that takes us down to the wire.

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What a match this was.  No on ehad scored more than a goal or two on Amherst all season long and here is Stevens puttng up two in the first half.  After the break, a third goal by Stevens resulted in some problems for the refs.  After the goal by Johnson, the goal was announced, but then waved off.  It seems that an Amherst player was injured and down, but the play continued.  Both Johnson and his Lord Jeff defenders continued play as there was no whistle.  Some of the Amherst team behind the play had slowed down in anticipation of play stoppage.  After the goal, it was argued that the goal shouldn’t count due to the injured player on the field.

This situation was a tough one as both coaches knew that the play should stop, but yet there was no way to communicate that to the players involved downfield.  The goal ultimately counted as there was no whistle, but there was no love lost between benches after that incident.

Amherst came back with a goal minutes later off a strike by Ducker, but Stevens could not be kept off the board.  They scored again to make it 4-1.  It was not a score nor a loss that Amherst had experienced this season.  And it was a departure from the last two matches for the Ducks.

And now it is Stevens and Messiah in the finals tomorrow at 1:00.  Stevens knows that it has it’s hands full with the Falcons.  But Stevens should match up well as they have more speed and offensive power than Messiah saw today in Loras.

Greensboro College staff is doing an excellent job hosting this event.  Kudos all around to the Pride!

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Messiah scored two more times in the second half to make 3-0 and now look to return once again to the finals.  Last season, Messiah was eliminated in the semis by Trinity.

The stats will tell the story of this match.  Even as Messiah rotated their players through the second half, the pressure only increased on Loras.  It was also obvious that the DuHawks were feeling the pressure as they were forced into a defensive posture for most the remaining minutes.

While Loras and their fans will feel demoralized with this loss, it is important to remember that this DuHawk squad has now played in the Final Four two years in a row.  Through the season, they proved that they were clearly one of the top programs in the country – and that is something about which to be proud.  Congrats on a great season, Loras.

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It is sunny and 45 degrees.  Not Florida-like weather, but better than Chicago!

Greensboro College and the Bryan Park administration has set up a great venue here for the tournament.  And there is a very vocal Messiah and Loras crowd here adding to the atmosphere. 

Messiah has taken a 1-0 lead on a beautiful goal by Nick Thompson.  It was set up as a cross from a throw in by Pezon.  The oportunity for Thompson was too good to miss and DuBois really didn’t have a chance for a save.

Loras has been on their heals a bit after the goals but at the 35 minute mark, they started applying pressure, creating some nice opportunities.  Loras is good when they can control the midfield – and slow down Messiah’s attack as a result.

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