Ben Franklin 2 Vandebilt 0

[copakid14]

Saturday Feb 23 11:00am @ Tad Gormley

Weather calls for 60% chance of rain.

Who wins and why?

[papacub]

My heart says Ben Franklin but my brain says Vandy - I suspect their offense will be too much to contain. Hope I'm wrong on this one.

[pompey]

Vandy 4-1

[BCGatorCoach]

I'm going with Ben Franklin.

[lasoccer3355]

Here's a (very) general comparison of the two teams:

Key Wins:

Ben Franklin (19-0-0): Newman (Div III #7) 3-1, Teurlings (Div II #2, Semifinals) 3-2
Vandebilt (26-2-1): Northshore (Div I #10) 2-1, St. Joseph (Div 1 #11) 2-0, East Ascension (Div 1 #14) 2-0, Lutcher (Div II #5, Semifinals) 7-1, Mt. Carmel, Fontainebleau, Sacred Heart, Hahnville 

Like Opponents:

(Div II #9) Pearl River: Vandebilt: 4-1; BF: 5-0, 6-0
(Div II #6) Lakeshore: Vandebilt: 4-0; BF: 4-1, 1-0, 1-0
(Div II #16) St. Michael's: Vandebilt: 7-0; BF: 5-0

My take:

This game pretty much comes down to weak schedule vs. strong(er) schedule. Hopefully this game ends the argument that seems to have been going on all season long. Basically it looks like BF has only played its district schedule with around 6 additional games, not including playoffs (gotta give them credit though, their district does include 2 top 10 teams). But in BF's victory over Teurlings they proved that they are capable of performing well in a very difficult match, kind of disproving the weak schedule = unsuccessful season theory, especially since Teurlings' schedule seemed to be the strongest out of these 3 teams. Vandebilt has played stronger schedule, but honestly, I don't see this giving them an advantage. As far as schedule goes, I say the teams are about even, with neither having a distinct advantage.

Being completely unbiased, I see this game as going either way - different day, different result kind of thing. The teams seem to be fairly evenly matched, and I can see this one coming down to factors outside of technical skill. Patience/stamina/concentration/confidence are all going to be important factors when teams are on an equal playing level. Obviously both teams are skilled in these external factors, but which has more? This game is going to be determined by mentality, more so than most games (IMO). If it rains, that could also add an interesting factor.

Taking a stab in the dark, I say Ben Franklin, maybe 3-2, in overtime. (Eleanor Pratt seems to be on a roll in scoring game-winning goals in the playoffs this year, so I'll use that to make my prediction)

[backpass]

lasoccer,

You seem to have left out Vandy's 3 most important wins of the season (Mt.Carmel, Fontainebleau, and Sacred Heart). Another Win and Draw against an often-times dangerous Hahnville could also be considered "key"
Their two Losses were against Dominican and Mt.Carmel.

Not that I believe any of this will affect the result of the game, but it just surprised me to read that you thought neither had a "distinct" advantage in terms of schedule. With those 7 games factored in, I don't think anyone could argue that Vandy had a much tougher schedule.

Let me be clear, so that I am not attacked by the Laprep police, tougher schedule does not necessarily = better team/winner of the finals

[soberreflection]

I swear I hear sirens. Hide! Quick!

[lsufutbol]

backpass.

Vandy's win over Sacred Heart is less important to your case since Sacred Heart played that game without 3 key starters, including their high scoring forward, Sarah Martin. Even so, Vandy definitely had a much harder schedule than BF.

[lasoccer3355]

Feb 19, 2013 9:59:41 GMT -6 backpass said:

lasoccer,

You seem to have left out Vandy's 3 most important wins of the season (Mt.Carmel, Fontainebleau, and Sacred Heart). Another Win and Draw against an often-times dangerous Hahnville could also be considered "key"
Their two Losses were against Dominican and Mt.Carmel.

Not that I believe any of this will affect the result of the game, but it just surprised me to read that you thought neither had a "distinct" advantage in terms of schedule. With those 7 games factored in, I don't think anyone could argue that Vandy had a much tougher schedule.

Let me be clear, so that I am not attacked by the Laprep police, tougher schedule does not necessarily = better team/winner of the finals

Ah, I thought I saw those Vandy wins somewhere but must've missed them last night. Yes, that does change the scheduling argument when factoring them in. Since Vandy does appear to have a stronger schedule, this should be a true match of weak/strong schedule (hopefully this ends the never ending debate)

[soccerB]

Ben Franklin lacks some power with only one great forward while Vanderbilt has 2. Vanderbilt defense has more speed, while the mid field is of equal quality on both sides. I will give that one to Vanderbilt on the power of their offense.
Vanderbilt 3- BF 1

[BCGatorCoach]

Down 2-0 to the 2 time defending state champs and win 3-2 that says a lot about BF. I think it will be a be a close game, Vaderbilt is a phenomenal team.

[alto1smom]

I wasn't going to comment on this thread because all seemed like sensible predictions, but soccerB I have to debate your theory on BF's defense. Slower than any team is just not accurate. I have yet to see a team DI, DII or DIII that have an amazing speed advantage over the BF back line. I am not saying that all of the girls are sprinting the 100 in under 13, but 2 are!! The angles they take and reading of the field are also equalizers. Might I add that NOT 1 GOAL has been scored on BF through sheer penetration this season. You can give the nod to Vandy, they are a good crop of girls, but not because BF's defense is slow.

Vandy is on a mission with older seasoned girls who only need to add a high school championship to their resume. BF's forward is fair, but struggles with execution on occasion. The mid field is strong for both teams. This will be a mental game, and I agree defense will dictate the result.

[cuttysark]

Feb 20, 2013 9:39:18 GMT -6 alto1smom said:

I wasn't going to comment on this thread because all seemed like sensible predictions, but soccerB I have to debate your theory on BF's defense. Slower than any team is just not accurate. I have yet to see a team DI, DII or DIII that have an amazing speed advantage over the BF back line. I am not saying that all of the girls are sprinting the 100 in under 13, but 2 are!! The angles they take and reading of the field are also equalizers. Might I add that NOT 1 GOAL has been scored on BF through sheer penetration this season. You can give the nod to Vandy, they are a good crop of girls, but not because BF's defense is slow.

Vandy is on a mission with older seasoned girls who only need to add a high school championship to their resume. BF's forward is fair, but struggles with execution on occasion. The mid field is strong for both teams. This will be a mental game, and I agree defense will dictate the result.

This is not my Div but I have seen the forward for BF play many times. To describe her as fair is not fair. The sky is the limit for her. Hope for a good game and best of luck to both teams.

[soccerB]

Feb 20, 2013 9:39:18 GMT -6 alto1smom said:

I wasn't going to comment on this thread because all seemed like sensible predictions, but soccerB I have to debate your theory on BF's defense. Slower than any team is just not accurate. I have yet to see a team DI, DII or DIII that have an amazing speed advantage over the BF back line. I am not saying that all of the girls are sprinting the 100 in under 13, but 2 are!! The angles they take and reading of the field are also equalizers. Might I add that NOT 1 GOAL has been scored on BF through sheer penetration this season. You can give the nod to Vandy, they are a good crop of girls, but not because BF's defense is slow.

Vandy is on a mission with older seasoned girls who only need to add a high school championship to their resume. BF's forward is fair, but struggles with execution on occasion. The mid field is strong for both teams. This will be a mental game, and I agree defense will dictate the result.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I apologize if I ruffled some feather here. I have seen both team and I should have said that had a "feeling" that Vandy defense was faster. I could be wrong of course. I agree with you,  Vandy is on a mission to win that championship that eluded them for years which means the pressure is on them kind of. #8 for Ben Franklin is awesome, she is one of the fastest striker around and she can shoot with both feet, the problem apparently, is that she is a bit alone up there. That's why I'd give an advantage to Vanderbilt.

[lookmaNOHANDS]

Hey soccerB have you had the opportunity to be in a State final?

[soccerdad23]

being awfully hard on soccerb....sounds like just giving their opinion on the outcome of the game, and even gave rationale behind the prediction....whats wrong with that?

[alto1smom]

soccerB, I wasn't upset so please don't misunderstand my representation in my post about BF's defense. I am a defense junky and those kids NEVER get the credit they deserve and they work hard for everyone. They cover all the mistakes their team makes. Just wanted to give props to the girls who really win games for ALL teams.

[barnacle13]

Defending the set pieces will likely be the key. Whoever fails to cover their mark or doesn't get a clean clear out will likely walk off with head hung low. Extremely difficult to score in run of play at this level in te playoff. Not saying it can't happen, but defenses that make it to championship games are usually stout and handle almost any threat they face. Maybe a PK, but likely a corner or set piece determines this one.

[time2retire]

Feb 21, 2013 8:29:53 GMT -6 lookmaNOHANDS said:

Hey soccerB have you had the opportunity to be in a State final?

What does that have to do with anything? soccerB puts his heart into his team. They were ecstatic to make the playoffs this year. Judging him singularly on whether he's ever "had the opportunity to be in a State final" is very superficial and is straight douchebaggery.

Since I've had the opportunity to be in a state final...with the whistle...direct your question at me.

[lookmaNOHANDS]

I see a post can still be read differently than it was posted to be read. Miss good old fashioned discussions face to face. Like the "superficial". That is different.