warrior16
Data Expert
Michael Stein - Volunteer Assitant
Posts: 2,169
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Post by warrior16 on Feb 22, 2015 20:34:05 GMT -6
I agree. If anything, the wider the field, the better for St. Louis since they can really exploit the space on the wings and use their speed. I've never quite been able to pin down the formation they use, but one thing that's always been consistent is that St. Louis uses their wingers very aggressively. They're very patient, but as soon as they see a 50-50 ball they think they can win, they'll throw 7 or 8 guys into the attack very quickly.
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Post by lashowboat21 on Feb 22, 2015 20:42:17 GMT -6
I agree with warrior16. Five of the Saints starters played on the 2013 State Champion team that won it all at Tad Gormley. The size of the field and the type of turf will make no difference in the outcome of this game. The more wide open and faster the field, the better for St. Louis. NCS played in the Championship last year and is returning 5 starters as well. These kids have been playing together for a while now and are very sound. Now I do admit I am a bit biased since I have a brother who plays for NCS, but I expect a close game. St. Louis is very good off of set pieces but #18 (Richard, can't think of last name) from NCS is deadly on free kicks. I expect to see a game similar to NCS Uhigh except with more technical skill on St. Louis's part compared to Uhigh. However I think NCS on a larger field will ultimately win since they will be in their element. Either way should be a very exciting game and can't wait to watch!
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Post by lasoccer97 on Feb 22, 2015 20:42:23 GMT -6
Well in the 3 times NCS has played STL in the past 2 years they've only allowed 2 goals and 2 of those games were played on a smaller grass field when NCS was smaller and less experienced defensively so I think they will be able to handle STLs air attack
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Post by thisisamerica on Feb 22, 2015 20:42:47 GMT -6
Five of the Saints starters played on the 2013 State Champion team that won it all at Tad Gormley. That's interesting. Although most of the starters for Northlake this year played in the state championship last year. I believe the only one that played in the championship they won in 2011 was #21 (Indiana Brunner) who was in 8th grade at the time. Little dude almost scored too. I believe he plays defense for the most part, but with his speed it will be interesting to see if he makes an appearance up top.
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Post by ikickstuffwithmyfeet on Feb 22, 2015 20:50:31 GMT -6
That's interesting. Although most of the starters for Northlake this year played in the state championship last year. I believe the only one that played in the championship they won in 2011 was #21 (Indiana Brunner) who was in 8th grade at the time. Little dude almost scored too. I believe he plays defense for the most part, but with his speed it will be interesting to see if he makes an appearance up top. I remember that haha! Little dude is probably one of the fastest on their team. It would be interesting to see him try and make that goal with an appearance up top. But he is also a strong defender and I don't know if he will be moved from that spot.
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tboy
Bench Warmer
Posts: 10
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Post by tboy on Feb 23, 2015 8:06:55 GMT -6
Good luck to Brunner and all the NLC players, and speedy recovery to Mason Cook. See you Thursday at the game!
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Post by benchwarmer1 on Feb 23, 2015 8:12:58 GMT -6
If University can beat St Louis (2-1) then Northlake will for sure beat them.
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Post by lasoccer97 on Feb 23, 2015 10:44:42 GMT -6
These are 2 teams with tons of experience in state championships and this isn't going to be a cakewalk for either it's gonna be a great game and I just can't wait
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Post by tikitaka1898 on Feb 23, 2015 14:39:48 GMT -6
After having seen both semifinal games, i think it would be unwise to bet against Saint Louis given the form that they've been in for the latter part of the season. That said, if Northlake can withstand the inevitable storm of pressure that will come in the first fifteen or twenty minutes of the game i think they could make life hard for the saints and we could see a more competitive match. However, if saint louis gets that early goal (like they did against Newman in the semis or like against Beau Chene in the finals two years ago) i think we could see them going into halftime up two goals. Whether or not that happens depends on whether or not the saints can score before northlake has the chance to settle into that rhythm that can be so important in a big game such as this one. Whatever the case, it will be interesting to see the dynamic of the matchup between the two teams as saint louis will obviously try to apply alot of early pressure but will have to be especially disciplined with their pressing on such a big, fast field and against a team with the technical ability of northlake who, as seen in the second goal and more so in the second half against university, can open up a team at the back with some quick, incisive passing. The ability of either team to win the ball in the midfield is probably the biggest key (as it allows either team to sustain pressure in the offensive third) and its hard to make an argument against saint louis in that category. The best case scenario for saint louis is that they get that vital early goal and run away with the game before northlake has any chance to impose itself on the gameand settle in. Best case scenario for northlake would be fighting off the early pressure and trying to work the ball around and look to be opportunistic against the saints defense (which has proven to be a lot easier said than done this year). Taking all this into account as well as the fact that saint louis has an incredible record in final games and knows how to win in these situations, i have to go with the saints by 3 goals to 1. really looking forward to seeing how this one plays out.
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Post by jesterla on Feb 24, 2015 13:36:53 GMT -6
After watching University's forwards numerous opportunities against NLC I cannot see how they lost that game. Mason played a great game that night. It is a terrible thing when a player gets hurt Mason will be needed in the final match. Without him I believe NLC will definitely struggle.
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Post by Bish on Feb 26, 2015 10:50:54 GMT -6
Historically, how can you bet against St. Louis in a championship game, when they've won 9 out of 10? There's been one constant that whole time, and that is their coach. He will have his team more than prepared for this game. The question is if the team can execute their set pieces well and play their possession / passing game. If yes, then the odds are strongly in their favor.
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p_malinich
Data Expert
www.elevenlions.com
Posts: 4,201
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Post by p_malinich on Feb 26, 2015 18:53:59 GMT -6
For anyone reporting on the game, please note the minute each goal is scored. Also, please post cards as they are issued. Bragging rights are on the line in the pick em competition so I would appreciate your help.
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Post by C'monMaaan on Feb 26, 2015 18:54:47 GMT -6
3-1 St. Louis.
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Post by kevin on Feb 26, 2015 19:15:18 GMT -6
Teams are warming up. About 5 more minutes until the lineups, anthem, etc.
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Post by Rabid Monkey on Feb 26, 2015 19:18:25 GMT -6
Great job reporting on the girls side Kevin! Can't wait for this game
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Post by kevin on Feb 26, 2015 19:23:44 GMT -6
Starting lineups being introduced now.
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Post by kevin on Feb 26, 2015 19:26:52 GMT -6
SL with all white uniforms and orange numbers. NC in navy/gold/navy with gold numbers.
Big cheer during the player introductions for NC's injured Mason Cook.
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Post by kevin on Feb 26, 2015 19:33:34 GMT -6
Pregame formalities done. Closing in on kickoff.
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Post by kevin on Feb 26, 2015 19:35:27 GMT -6
SLC playing from my left to right. Wind will be at NLC's back.
NLC kicks off!
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Post by watchforfun on Feb 26, 2015 19:36:26 GMT -6
Height advantage to SLC very noticeable during introductions.
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