LAX Action for Feb 5-7 | Page 4 | Syracusefan.com

LAX Action for Feb 5-7

Hoo's That said:
In a ZOOM with MLax alums, Tiffany said that Aitken and Saustad could play but they're working back into full lacrosse shape. Aitken transitioning from football and Saustad from his injury.
Expand...
The same thing could hamper Jared Bernhardt some in the early going. Of course, the Terps don't start till Feb 20, which gives Bernhardt 2 more weeks.
 
Duke . One game. First game.

Duke hardly had the ball in first half , cant score without it. Their offense scored 8 in 2nd half despite still losing most faceoffs.

Plethora of o talent at both attack and mid which will take advantage of Sowers ability to distribute to all which should be his focus on this team. ONeill looked like a seasoned AA and Caputo is an emerging star .

Faceoffs, D and goaltending for Duke all raised some questions .

Stathakis dominated Ginder, McDonnel and Symth. Duke trio along with Naso was considered a team strength but didnt look that way yesterday.

Duke D was average last year without their best defender Van Raaphorst and that showed again yesterday

Duke was fortunate Hannah, Sullivan and even Walker were off cage on several open shots. Dano goalie switch to Upgren worked out as he came up with several big saves, kudos to that mature vet for not only his performance but supportive comments about Adler, quickly diffuses any internal controversy whether he starts or not next game.

Strange how Denver manups bogged itself down with indecision. Moved ball better 6 on 6.
 
CuseNHouse said:
So, a typical February Duke team that always gets much better as they go ...but...I think this year looks a little different and Duke has more work to do than usual. They are far from a slam dunk.

Duke did not play well today, they were ok. Denver fell apart in the second half.

From what I saw, Duke could have big trouble in three critical spots - The dot, their D poles (other than Harris) and goalie -- Upgren had a day, but is historically up and down and Adler saw what real D1 lacrosse looks like ,,,,both a big question mark...

If we are clicking, I think the balance of our squad far outweighs their high octane attack...can't win if you don't have the ball ..and can't stop the ball ..

Dino always finds a way to get the most from his guys, but I think all of the Duke attack hype has overlooked and overshadowed the need for strength and balance up and down the field ...

we will see,...
Expand...
I think you underestimate Duke's accomplishment yesterday. They won going away with possession for about a third of the game. They are very imposing, Sowers assisted on several goals. Exactly what the defense gave him. Brennan played like a veteran, let the game come to him. Montgomery can take a game over but does disappear from the action around the ball. He did not disappear for the Denver defense which put a long on him and doubled to his side most of the time. Duke is going to be trouble for everyone including cuse. They adjusted to Denver beautifully in the second half after taking the first half off. In the first, the Duke ssdms toreadored the dodgers. In the second they smothered them. They will find a way to gain possession far more often in the coming games.
 
A couple things on Denver.
1. That was by far the worst game I have ever seen Jack Hannah play. When he is on he is possibly the best middie in the country, but he looked completely lethargic and uninterested. Not sure what the deal is there, but their offense will look a good deal better when he finds his game.

2. Alex Simmons is a talented middie who will help them when he returns. When searching for Owen Hiltz culver footage he was always the player that stood out the most. I think we are yet to see his ceiling in college. They need him though because pretty much all of those reserves were extremely low impact. Even Sillstrop did not strike me as fast enough to be a consistent threat. I think in the end they will have an effective starting 6 on O, but that lack of depth to their options could keep them out of the top tier.
 
sholokov2 said:
I think you underestimate Duke's accomplishment yesterday. They won going away with possession for about a third of the game. They are very imposing, Sowers assisted on several goals. Exactly what the defense gave him. Brennan played like a veteran, let the game come to him. Montgomery can take a game over but does disappear from the action around the ball. He did not disappear for the Denver defense which put a long on him and doubled to his side most of the time. Duke is going to be trouble for everyone including cuse. They adjusted to Denver beautifully in the second half after taking the first half off. In the first, the Duke ssdms toreadored the dodgers. In the second they smothered them. They will find a way to gain possession far more often in the coming games.
Expand...

You may be correct, but I maintain my position that their D is weak and they are a lopsided team with several trouble spots. Time will tell.
 
UVAs D looks like it will be an issue for them this year as well, Towson getting a lot of good looks
 
UVA O is potent even without Moore and Aiken. Shellenberger and Betrand can play . Moore is a star and Cormier is a beast UVA has as many talented bodies in all facets as any.

Wont surprise me if they beat Duke twice
 
Turned it on at 4-4 and was surprised to see a tie game in the second. Then UVA seemingly turned the after burners. Cormier is a scary matchup and Bertrand looks like a body double out there. Seems like they are switching off between attack and mid. Don’t think Towson is bringing much to the table here (especially down their head coach) but it’s still impressive.


Think both Duke and UVA allow teams to stay in it with the way they play defense. They over extend and seem to only know one way to play at all times. Think this will always make them vulnerable but you gotta have the horses to keep up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

TexanMark
    • Like
Florida Based Hoops Fans (and Snowbirds)
Replies
0
Views
672
TexanMark
TexanMark
OrangeXtreme
CFB Playoff Rankings for Nov 5
Replies
8
Views
1K
sugga
S

Forum statistics

Threads
171,609
Messages
4,967,739
Members
6,022
Latest member
OldeOstrom

Share this page

Online statistics

Members online
197
Guests online
4,653
Total visitors
4,850
Totals may include hidden visitors.


...
Top Bottom