New thread for a new year. If I can catch some games this spring will post here.
Virginia Wesleyan University v University of RichmondSpring Exhibition Match … I think.
8 April 2022
- Found this on YouTube and looks like it was a game that is being played now. Thinks its at VWU … Marlins?
- VWU #6 Kerry Smith. Only 1 minute down and I like her skill, poise and vision with the ball.
- Richmond Keeper needs to stop second guessing her distribution choices.
- Richmond is much more positionally disciplined in possession and the double team to perfection to win the ball.
- VWU needs to work the ball quicker and provide some outlets up top so they can stretch the field in possession.
- Richmond scores. Ball put across from the left of the Keeper. Hits it near post, ball gets past the defender and drops to Richmond#27 who buries it from 3 yards out.
- Spring, I get it, but VWU did a poor job defending. They had four players back, and only marked 2 of the 3 forwards. I don’t think this happens in the fall.
- Richmond presses well, and VWU struggles to get the ball forward as a result. When they do get forward, they seem to force the play.
- I like VWU #23. Very good defending one on one. Reads the game well.
- Lots of imprecision, but like some of the defensive lapses, don’t think this happens in the fall.
- VWU is growing into the game. Making it more difficult for the Richmond to get the ball forward. Think they need to show some patience in possession.
- VWU is getting the ball into positions where they are able to get behind the Richmond defense. The right through ball, and a little precision in finishing, they could even it up.
- Half.
- Second half. VWU coming out to try to get an equalizer. Lots of pressure all over the field. Trying to challenge for every ball.
- And wow. I like VWU#5?? Breckin Mcclenahan? on the right wing. Receives the ball at midfield, turns her defender and takes the ball down to about 20/25 yards from the end line, cuts it back and hit a rocket to the far side, over the Richmond keeper. 43 minutes left in the half. VWU 1. Richmond 1
- VWU#23 is the door that shuts just when you think you can get in. She covers so well. And VWU#5 really is unsettling the Richmond defense with her runs on the right wing.
- And thanks to a corner that came from a blocked cross from VWU#5, they get the go-ahead goal. Ball is crossed in and ends up far post and lands at the feet of VWU#13 Adrianna Gunther? who hits the ball from 8. First shot is block then she smartly hits a high ball that hits the back of the net. VWU 2; Richmond 1.
- The video is coming from a press booth above the stands, or so it seems. But it sounds like they have some sort of a crowd. Which is great for a spring game.
- Richmond moves the ball well at times, but either fails in the final pass or VWU defends to well for them to get through.
- They are trying shots from range to keep the VWU defense honest.
- Also like VWU#13 and her range with the ball. Moves around real well and is able to keep the forwards and midfield connected.
- Richmond is trying but VWU is not putting up with it. They can get a third if they connect in the right places.
- And like that. Ball put through behind the defense, the Richmond keeper gets caught in no man’s land, and VWU#10? Emma Acompora? VWU 3, Richmond 1.
- 20 minutes left.
- And a defensive error. Richmond passing it around back, and a poor pass to the keeper is left for VWU#32 to score on an open net. VWU 4, Richmond 1. Chalk it up to VWU pressure.
- And that’s it. Not sure what I was supposed to expect but was impressed with VWU and their style of play. Some talented ball players.
