Cowbells were ringing, and intensity was high as the Blue Devils came out of halftime with fight and energy, despite being down 1-0. However, the strength of the team couldn’t match up against Elizabeth’s quickness on and off the ball, resulting in a 2-0 loss for the Blue Devils.
Going into the game, the team knew it would be a challenge. Elizabeth was top of the conference and undefeated. But the history of past meetings also indicated that this game would be no walk in the park. In last year’s meeting, a total of 10 cards for foul play or dissent were issued.
Head coach Eric Shaw commented, “Traditionally, in past years, their backline sits deep, and their front plays [with freedom]. We were just trying to find those half spaces in between and draw their center backs out to try to create something.”
The team struggled to keep the ball in the attacking third, having only two shots on goal. Despite the result, the defense remained strong with two goal-line saves at important moments in the game.
Senior co-captain Cooper Janota said, “I think we [dealt with adversity] well for the most part of the game and then we dropped off a little before the second goal.”
Constant changes in momentum were a common theme throughout the game, also noticed by Shaw, with multiple changes made at the half. “We changed our shape, which gave us a little bit more stability in the wide areas, and I think that transferred into a little bit more stability in the second half.”
Handling high-pressure games is something Shaw and the team look to refine for future opportunities. Shaw said, “That’s why we travel to all the good schools around here. These aren’t easy. But at the same time, if we’re gonna win something, county or state title, we gotta be ready for these moments.”
Players coming off the bench were key to maintaining energy and fresh legs to the Blue Devil lineup. Sophomore Ryan Gibbon said, “Coming off the bench, I’m just looking to bring energy to the team, winning 50/50s, try to win challenges and just get the team motivated to keep pushing and try to get the first goal.”
Consistency throughout the game and figuring out their offensive line will be key to future success for the Blue Devils. The team will have a quick turnaround to their next game. They will play Voorhees at 11 a.m on Saturday, looking to improve their record of 3-5-1.
