Well, welcome back to reality! Our mistake free game of a week ago, did not last, as we lost on the road to Hendrix College 2:3. The mistakes this game were different from what had been happening this season, but not unlike what happened in the 2008 season. We decided to revert back to 2008 and the inability to clear a ball properly out of our defensive third. That is how all 3 goals scored by Hendrix manifested itself. Their 1st goal came in the 10th minute on a penalty kick. It began with a very poor clearance out and the ball was sent back in and a foul of pushing was called for the penalty kick inside the box. They converted and the score was 0:1. Their 2nd goal came in the 23rd minute on another poor clearance that did not clear the box and the ball was sent back post and they scored. The score is now 0:2. The 3rd goal came in the 35th minute, again on a poor clearance wide and the ball sent back in for the 3rd and final goal of the first half.
During the first half, Hendrix dropped 8 players back in the defense shutting down our obvious passing lanes and out of that formation, they would play the ball long waiting on us to make mistakes that they could capitalize on. We certainly had the better of the possession during the 1st half, but had nothing to show for it. We should have known what to have done with this type of defensive style in the 1st half, but just did not react properly to what was available to us to draw them out of that packed defense. During halftime, we discussed what we should have done and what we now must do in order to get back into the game. We will now keep the ball wide and run 2 and 3 players diagonally to draw them out and open up the backside for some scoring opportunities.
The 2nd half began and we did just what we described during halftime and things started opening up on the backside. We kept possession throughout this 2nd half and completely dominated them. However, we still could not get the ball in the net. We had one shot off the crossbar and another cleared off the post. Still the score remained 0:3. With time running down, we finally got our 1st goal in the 76th minute off a ball played wide, a run diagonally and a cross to the back post for our goal. Andrew Shelton played the cross and Garner Shivers finished the goal. The score with 14 minutes remaining was BSC 1, Hendrix 3. We continue to press forward with the insertion of more attacking players, but could not get one in the net. Finally, in the 88th minute, another wide ball, with a soild run through and a cross from Tony Crocker to Garner Shivers for our 2nd goal. The score now stood, BSC 2, Hendrix 3 with 2 minutes remaining in the game. We had Hendrix on their heels and continued to press forward, but it was not meant to be. The final whistle was blown and the final score stood BSC 2, Hendrix 3.
We played a very good 2nd half, but it was just too little, too late. We gave everything we had in trying to equalize the score, but it was not meant to be. Hopefully, this will be a nice building point for our game on Sunday at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. If we can play with the sense of urgency we had in the 2nd half of the game against Hendrix on Sunday, we should be able to prevail. That is our hope! There were some bright spots in the 2nd half and hopefully, that will carry over for the remaining 4 games on our schedule. But, I have learned with this team, that we must only look to a minute by minute improvement in making it a 90 minute effort. We must begin by playing each minute as if it is our last and build each one into a 90 minute game. If we do that consistently, we will be successful. We must also learn to be tough and determined against any and all opponents and not be "nice" guys to them. Each play is a "battle" and it is how we approach each and every "battle" of the 90 minute "war" that will determine the winner of that game or "war." You can play the game as "gentlemen", but we must develop an "attitude" inside the "lines" that no one will push us around, nor will they be afforded any "gentleness"
from our play. Now, after the game, we can become true gentlemen of the game and respect the result, either good or bad. This is what we must learn in order to have that "killer instinct", that is currently missing from this team. I must tell you, we are way too nice and not determined enough with that instinct that separates winners from losers. We will get there, but it must be now!
I want to also thank our parents who were at our game and say how much it truly means to have that wonderful support. I hope to see you all on Sunday. I do know a few of our Alumni will be at the Rhodes game and it will be nice to see them again.
So, until Sunday at 2PM, goodbye from the road,
Coach G on the bus heading to Memphis
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