Powellfan
Renowned lacrosse analyst
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The Orange face-off against the Cavs in what is for all intents and purposes a playoff game for SU. It should be a really tough game for the resurgent Orange. The Cavs are strong all over the field with no inherent weaknesses. A win for the Orange frankly looks unlikely, but heck, anything can happen right? That's why they play the games they say. Let's see what the Orange can do.
UVA has a dynamic attack, so much so that the number 2 recruit in the country is on the bench and the number one recruit from last year is playing midfield. I am frankly not sure how the Orange defense matches up with the Cavs attack. If Landon Clary is still out (we still think concussion?) I have to imagine Olexo will be on Shellenberger, Dwan on Cormier and Kol on Dickson. UVA has really great ball movement, and for a slide happy defense that could spell trouble. The UVA first midfield is no slouch either and it feels like SU's diminutive SSDM's could struggle against a group that includes heavyweights like McConvey and Schutz (one will get the pole, but still). Perhaps this is a game that SU decides that a zone defense is the best option.
On offense I do think SU can score on UVA. The Cavs like to press out on defense but despite not matching up well physically with their ACC counterpart, SU has historically been able to score on them. Good ball movement and snappy passing can create problems for any defense. And while Matthew Nunes is coming off a 17 save performance against Duke, he's only saving the ball at a 51% percentage. If the Orange have possession I think they can put up points.
That therein lies the issue however. The Orange have been struggling against good face-off units and they face one of the better ones in Petey LaSalla. He's perhaps not having his best season but he's at 56%. Perhaps the Orange can find a spark here and expose some sort of weakness. If not they will have to be really careful with the ball, last week's adventures in clearing the ball simply can't happen.
Here's to a competitive game. The Orange lost the face-off and possession battle last weekend and still won, but can't expect the same to happen against a good Virginia team. If they are going to lose face-offs they need to make saves and clear the ball effectively. They'll need to be on their A game for this one.
UVA has a dynamic attack, so much so that the number 2 recruit in the country is on the bench and the number one recruit from last year is playing midfield. I am frankly not sure how the Orange defense matches up with the Cavs attack. If Landon Clary is still out (we still think concussion?) I have to imagine Olexo will be on Shellenberger, Dwan on Cormier and Kol on Dickson. UVA has really great ball movement, and for a slide happy defense that could spell trouble. The UVA first midfield is no slouch either and it feels like SU's diminutive SSDM's could struggle against a group that includes heavyweights like McConvey and Schutz (one will get the pole, but still). Perhaps this is a game that SU decides that a zone defense is the best option.
On offense I do think SU can score on UVA. The Cavs like to press out on defense but despite not matching up well physically with their ACC counterpart, SU has historically been able to score on them. Good ball movement and snappy passing can create problems for any defense. And while Matthew Nunes is coming off a 17 save performance against Duke, he's only saving the ball at a 51% percentage. If the Orange have possession I think they can put up points.
That therein lies the issue however. The Orange have been struggling against good face-off units and they face one of the better ones in Petey LaSalla. He's perhaps not having his best season but he's at 56%. Perhaps the Orange can find a spark here and expose some sort of weakness. If not they will have to be really careful with the ball, last week's adventures in clearing the ball simply can't happen.
Here's to a competitive game. The Orange lost the face-off and possession battle last weekend and still won, but can't expect the same to happen against a good Virginia team. If they are going to lose face-offs they need to make saves and clear the ball effectively. They'll need to be on their A game for this one.