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Post by pOkLE on Feb 23, 2011 16:52:28 GMT -6
All-in-all, I would toss the first result out the window .... No doubt the first result (IMO) will have little to do with this game (except lighting a fire under BF and leading to a bit of overconfidence by NLC - both things being difficult to avoid after the first meeting). I'm sure NLC is doing everything in its power to forget that game. Sorry, talariajones - I have not seen NLC play and thus can't give an overview/comparison for this game. But both have extremely competent coaching staffs (from what I've experienced - we played against BF this year and I have seen them in a couple other games & I went to school/played with NLC's coach in college), which along with the talent on those teams, should make for a fantastic game . I will have to disagree with flat a bit, in that I think BF has (and relies on) more than 2 players for its attack. In fact, I'm pretty sure neither of the two players he's referring to scored the winning goal in the semis (of course, i'm just trying to read his mind, and i'm sure one of those two had a hand in the goal).
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Post by Scott Crawford on Feb 23, 2011 17:42:37 GMT -6
Bringing up a vignette on the entire Division III 2010-2011 season, a season I think will be remembered for having no elite teams but instead about 15-20 very good teams, let's look at Lusher. Here was a team that graced the top ten for a couple of weeks, getting a few votes here and there. Seeded 17th, Lusher's season ended with a first round playoff loss to Episcopal School of Acadiana. But if you recall the earlier part of the season, Lusher went toe to toe with the two finalists. In both of Lusher's first games with Northlake and Franklin, Lusher held a 1-0 lead until the 60th minute. Northlake would end up winning 2-1 and Franklin won 3-1. It speaks volumes about the evenness and depth of Division III when the 17th best team in the division was up 1-0 with twenty minutes remaining against both of this year's Finalists.
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Post by futbolfiend on Feb 23, 2011 18:18:44 GMT -6
I actually got to watch both these great teams when Shreve played them back to back the first morning at St. Paul's Invitational. I know BF was missing Vanya and another player for the tourney. I can't make a true accurate comparison but giving BF some credit for the return of their star player I still see them coming up a little short in this match with NLC.. NLC just seemed to have the better defense, We had double or triple the chances against BF than we did against NLC..still when you have a player the caliber of Vanya, he could make something from nothing and win this thing in a tight contest..I have it NLC 2-1 over BF (tied at half) in the finals competition.
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Post by nolasoccerkid on Feb 23, 2011 20:03:44 GMT -6
vanya = overrated. who cares what he did the in the quarters and semis, unless he shows up for the finals with the rest of the franklin team and plays a strong game, it won't matter.
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Post by mcsoccerplayer on Feb 23, 2011 20:08:02 GMT -6
id give it to ben frankiln.not only have few exceptionally talented kids but the untalented kids show tons of heart and passion 2-0 ben franklin
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Post by pOkLE on Feb 23, 2011 20:11:46 GMT -6
vanya = overrated. who cares what he did the in the quarters and semis, unless he shows up for the finals with the rest of the franklin team and plays a strong game, it won't matter. Care to give anything (facts, examples, etc) that supports your player critique (I use that term as loosely as possible here regarding your one-word evaluation). As far as the captain obvious statement that the team must show up and play well to win a state championship, since the thread is aimed at breaking down the game and past games and accomplishments are all we have to go on, I guess we (besides you) care about which players influenced the outcome of the games leading up to the final (although those past accomplishments will mean nothing come kickoff on Fri).
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Post by nolasoccerkid on Feb 23, 2011 20:24:57 GMT -6
He barely heads the ball and doesn't take on people enough, and sometimes gets lost in the game. He lacks a killer instinct that I think could set him apart. He's a great player that could be better is all I'm saying. His finishes in the past two games have been textbook (besides the missed PK) and he deserves credit for that.
I know nothing about NLC so I can't contribute to what I think they could bring on Friday. As long as they don't let the past score influence the game and bring the right attitude (again an obvious statement, but much easier said than done), it should be a pretty even match; but I'm basing that on their record.
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Post by talariajones on Feb 23, 2011 20:33:42 GMT -6
Assuming Vanja is the tall #10, he is not overrated. He is undoubtedly one of more talented players in Louisiana high school soccer. His ability to make plays is high, and when he learns more about how to actually use this talent effectively with those who surround him, look out. Though, I think sometimes he flies too solo and he plays lighter than he should as a big guy.
That said, the Franklin players seem to get the game...at least, above the level of the league in which they are playing, so with that, look out for the addition of Vanja, if he uses his team. He is a good part in a better whole - like any player.
If you think he will go back and win the ball in the midfield/back, and dribble the entire other team, score, etc....all alone. Nope. But make no mistake - with a team who understands how to play, Vanja is more dangerous than he is on his own. Same goes for the other popular kid that his been talked about.
Those two + a smart team is way more dangerous than just adding them to any team.
Is Vanja even their most effective player?
Jesuit - maybe (maybe) don't get drummed by a bottom of the barrel, dead last D-1 college team, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. When I think D-1 College, I think decent teams in D-1...and they are not even close. Good, maybe great high school team - not on college level, though. Do not get me wrong, they are a fine team, and a couple of their guys could play at good D-1 schools, but I think the comparison is a bit much.
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Post by nolasoccerkid on Feb 23, 2011 20:39:27 GMT -6
Agreed Tjones - vanya is even too unselfish at times - but we all have our faults . And definitely agree with the Jesuit comparison
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Post by d4enthusiast on Feb 24, 2011 8:18:10 GMT -6
A couple of things. I can easily see this game going to OT and maybe PKs since all matchups during this playoff involving two of the top 6 teams has gone to OT or PKs. I see this trend continuing. If it goes to OT, I take Ben Franklin. They have a knack for scoring late. Ben Franklin's goalie who keeps improving is also a weapon in PKs having blocked multiple this season. Should be a great game. As a final note, the 6-0 game earlier this season will have no effect on how either team goes about this game.
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Post by backline on Feb 24, 2011 18:07:40 GMT -6
Northlake by 1. I want BF to win, but I want the team that was in my half the bracket to be the victor. Good luck to both.
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Post by soccerrules1 on Feb 24, 2011 18:11:45 GMT -6
Northlake takes this game by 2 goals.
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Post by Scott Crawford on Feb 25, 2011 6:36:02 GMT -6
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Post by chelsea007 on Feb 25, 2011 7:52:03 GMT -6
Good luck to Northlake from all of your buds at Covington High School. And before anyone points this out...yes, I am favoring my former players. Coach Chetta will have his squad ready. Coach Inman
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Post by coachm90 on Feb 25, 2011 9:42:03 GMT -6
i can't wait untill this game tonight.
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Post by pOkLE on Feb 25, 2011 10:03:18 GMT -6
i can't wait untill this game tonight. yeah, i don't think i've wanted to see a game more this year.
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Post by soccerfamily on Feb 25, 2011 13:00:41 GMT -6
Good luck Ben Franklin from your Houma friends. We'll be at the Vandy girls' match tonight but will be cheering you on from afar.
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Post by dalglish on Feb 25, 2011 13:15:31 GMT -6
Player for player Ben Franklin is much more skilled team than Northlake. However, Northlake plays with passion and heart. It certainly will be an interesting match up.
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Post by loJic on Feb 25, 2011 13:43:54 GMT -6
i can't wait untill this game tonight. yeah, i don't think i've wanted to see a game more this year. Are we going to have the pleasure of seeing you tonight sir?
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Post by Scott Crawford on Feb 25, 2011 13:51:27 GMT -6
Will anyone be at this game Fri 7 (Tad Gormley) who can give in-game updates here? Thanks.
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