WEEK 3 | Matchday 3 & 4

✍️ Notes from Week 3

This past weekend took us on the longest road trip of the year. We were down for the UNF/Jacksonville Exchange Tourney. Unlike years past, most events now have a two day rest period which is encouraged by the NCAA Medical Department. Our team had some focused sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday before we departed on Wednesday afternoon.

⚽ Matchday 3: @North Florida

❌ L, 1-3

A clever kickoff saw us in on goal right from the first whistle, but we were unable to convert. North Florida was a very direct team playing in a 3-5-2. A big and physical team and the backline withstood pressure up until the 42min of play. We defended a corner well and gave them another. An inswinger and the attacker knew little about it. Bounced off his hip and slipped into the goal. We responded well and freshman Caleb Swenson was fortunate enough on a press on their goalkeeper to get a foot on it and score his first career goal. We made some adjustments at halftime and were flat from the start of the second half. Some poor positioning reading of the game allowed North Florida to put two away in the first 15 minutes of the second half. We adjusted again and went for it. Putting lots of pressure and getting many shots in the last 20 minutes of the match. It was hard to play as well as we did in the second half on the ball. First half very good defensively and struggled to get forward. Inverse in the second half and lots of play going forward and struggled on the defensive side of the ball.

💤 Rest Days

We had a few days in between matches and were able to get two sessions in and recovery. Got to see video of our game and pre for Jacksonville (JU). The boys enjoyed a few hours on the beach and some surfing on one off day. A massive thank you to former assistant, Teddy Meyer, for helping to get us a grass practice field on Saturday. Should also note we held study hall on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Lot of the guys took advantage of scheduled time to stay on top of classes.

⚽ Matchday 4: vs. Jacksonville

🟰 T, 1-1

A gritty and tough performance from the team. Not a pretty game by any means but coming home with a 1-1 draw was a positive result. JU was even more direct which was hard to believe. We created a fair amount of chances in the first half and conceded on another corner kick late in the half. The challenge was to get even more attacking chances and with about 14 minutes left Bruno Riveron Saggero curled a left footed shot from the right side into the goal. We had a few more chances late but to no avail. Ethan Marks was a standout off the bench in the second half and brought some directness which we needed and just positive energy. Headed back after the game to Rock Hill and had Monday off. Back at it Tuesday

🫡 Captain's Note

UNF was a tough game but also one where as a team we learnt a lot about how we want to move forward in the season. First half we defended well but had little of the ball to play ourselves into the game. In the second half after a formation change we had good amounts of the ball and created more chances in the second half. We was able to build out the way we wanted to. However, we didn’t defend well. It was a game of two halves. Good first half defensively but had little possession. A better second half with the ball but poor defensively.

 Jacksonville game was a scrappy game one that could’ve gone either way. Positive from this game is that we tied and didn’t come back with another loss. The team worked hard to grind out a result and showed good character to fight back after being a goal down. The Jacksonville goal was a set piece goal, which is something that isn’t acceptable at this level. Although a tie was a positive the performance offensively wasn’t our best. Didn’t have much of the ball and the players didn’t incorporate tactics given by coaches.

Sam Pidegon and Diego Candia

➡️ Next Match: vs. Queens

If you are an alum please let us know if you are planning to attend and games or training. Door is always open!