Random thoughts on NW/SV

Yes it was a foul in the box. Refs did a GREAT job. AR’s were un-noticed, doing what they are supposed to do. On the shoulder/push save by NW, the AR was in position and paying attention. If the ball had crossed the plane he would have called it.

MY opinion, NW won because they forced SV to play their game, the equivalent of the Basketball fast break. Push it up and let Enzo and Kropp make it happen. This works for them and they have the crown to prove it. I kept waiting for SV to slow it down and try and build an attack but I never saw it. Possession and constructed attacks were never a part of this game on either side. It was disappointing to see the lack of TEAM ball control on both sides. There were lots of players on both sides that can do great things with the ball individually, but the passing game for both sides was not what I expected to see at a state final.

RE: Flynn playing injured. Does he help his team? Is it worth risking a career ending mistake and injury? At 100% does he change the game? Does he make a difference even by playing? I couldn’t even begin to answer. This is a Class kid and a great athlete.

The midfield was vacant for much of the night on both sides. There was often a gap of 30 – 40 yards between the defenders and the play. Dropping back and resetting a play wasn’t on any ones agenda. While disappointing for my old school sensibilities, I think this style of play favored NW.

The wider field didn’t give that much advantage to NW. SV defense was awesome. I think that they realized that Enzo’s instinct is to keep the ball and played him accordingly. If he can get defenders more worried about who he is going to give it to rather than what move he is going to make I think NW is in for a couple of repeats.

The Red card was deserved. I don’t think he meant to kick him in the head, but the foot dragging looked intentional from where I was sitting (directly in front, three rows up) and Kropp has more going for him than to get involved in stuff like that.

NW earned this win by dictating the style of play. They didn’t dominate (or demonate) but this sure was a fun game to watch. I was hoping SV would score an equalizer just for the fun of seeing this go to OT.

God I love this game. Wait ‘till next year!