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Thursday night saw us return under the lights at Engelmann Field, where where we played two 70-minute matches against Whitewater and the Bavarian Majors - a team which consisted of a lot of former alumni - many of whom had gone on to play professionally at some level. So, both games represented a good test for the boys.In the first game against Whitewater, our play was much improved from the previous weekend against Lewis. And, although we went in at halftime scoreless, we had created a lot of good chances which we really should have capitalized on in all honesty. However, in the second half, the players continued to play good soccer and we eventually ran out comfortable winners gaining a 2-0 result, thanks to goals from Cody Banks (his sixth so far this spring) and freshman Kevin Ferron after a well-worked move.
In the second game against the Bavarians, the boys really played well in the first half and we went in at halftime with a commanding 4-0 lead, thanks to two goals from Robbie Refai - taking him to six goals this spring - as well as a penalty from Ross Van Osdol and an excellent strike from Kevin Ferron from outside the box.
Although the first goal was a mix-up at the back which gifted Robbie his first goal, at times our play was incisive and at a good tempo, as we passed the ball well and created some good chances - keeping things very simple which was pleasing to see.
In the second half, we were able to get everyone some good minutes and although we were not as dynamic as the first half. We ran out 6-2 winners with further goals from Robbie Boyd, who scored an excellent individual effort, and Edison Crespo after some good work down the right hand side, again from Robbie Boyd.
The Bavarian goals were netted by Neal Dombrowski, which was an excellent chip from just inside the box and a header from Adam Schultz.
Although our play was a little sloppy towards the end of the game, there were a lot of positives to come from the game overall and it was another good exercise for the team. It was pleasing to score eight goals on the night, with three freshman notching as well.
Next Sunday, May 1st, will see us finish out the spring as we play down at Valley Fields in the Wisconsin Cup with our first game slated for a 10 a.m. kickoff against Marquette. We look forward to seeing you all at the game.
