Flagler Field,
7.00pm Kickoff
Flagler College 0 - Baker University 4
It was a dark day in the history of Flagler soccer. It was the heaviest defeat in a competitive game we've suffered in a long long time. In this game we let some many people down. I could see the look on the face of an Orange Park alumni standing along the sideline, devastated by his former team mates. We let Coach Lynch down as well as everyone that supports us and comes to our games. No to mention how this game's results affect ourselves, there are no words to describe the embarrassment and disappointment that I felt, and I think the same applies to the rest of the team.
We can easily blame each other for the long line of mistakes that were made during the game. But that would be completely wrong, every single player is responsible.
I can't say it was the worst performance ever, we played against a very well organized team that just happened to have a storming performance, at the same time everything went wrong for us. There are numerous things that need correction right now, as we head into the latter half of the season.
Since this is my website I am entitled to express my opinion on what went wrong and why. This is not meant to bring anyone down, and believe me, the person I critisize that hardest is the one number seven.
Peter Young: Really can't be blamed for any of the goals, even though it wasn't his best game. Many good things came from Pete in this game, especially his outlets to the fullback were sharp and started most of our attacking efforts. But like what has already been said; needs to be more commanding within the 18 yards.
Christian Stalin: I all fairness, Stalin was the man responsible for much of our success last year when he played every game to his best potential. This year he doesn't have the support of Donny This. The loss of AJ Martin, who by the way was playing great and winning every header he went up for, left a large gap to fill and it is too much to ask of Stalin to fill AJ's role as well as doing the sweeper job. No one really noticed until last night, because incredibly Stalin was able to take the responsibility for both positions in most games so far. Last night the opposition was too good.
Niall McGuirk: The burden put on this man's shoulder, my god, it would kill most people. Niall's exceptional workrate has earned him respect of the whole team. However, I still believe that we can get more out of our captain. Niall, mate, if you want to lead this team to success you have got to do your best to get others to lift their game. If Niall can use his enthusiasm to inspire other players and make other players better that's what the team needs from its captain. It is great responsibility, but I know the Irishman has the ability.
Brandon Parsons: To be honest with you, Brandon is a player with great attacking ability and had a fantastic season last year, creating and scoring important goals. This year however, due to lack of defenders, Coach had no other options but to put B at left back. How has that turned out? Not so good.
Johan Carlsson: Johan, man, I am sorry you don't have a better partner in central midfield. Without doubt the best addition to the squad this year. I don't need to stretch how good of a player he is, we've all seen it. Game in, game out all season, until the level of performance dropped down a notch last night, but so did all of us.
Sean Frye: The only reason Sean doesn't have good games is when other players don't get him the ball enough. I, personally take some of the blame for that. When Sean gets the ball, good things happen. And it's not just that, his workrate is maybe not as visible as Niall's but it's pretty darn good. What we need from Sean, both this year and especially next year is more leadership and talk. Bring yourself into the game by constantly making yourself available to receive the ball, and demand getting the ball every time we have posession.
Caleb Cooper: When you get unlucky and concede a PK, deal with it by making the rest of the game the game of your life. I know the feeling of disappointment, I have missed important PK's, and it is an dreadful feeling. However, when you make up for it, whatever way you do it, be it scoring a goal, assisting one, or even just making a great recovery run the disappointment goes away real quick. Coop came close last night, when his decently well struck shot was saved. One of Cooper's best moments is always the little speech right before we kickoff. The determination, and choice of words makes us all look up to you and sense the type leadership that will make us better.
Steve Nyarady: Pretty much the same thing applies to Zoltan and Scott. You guys have been winning games for us, by scoring truckloads of goals. It is a lot to ask, 4-5 goals every game, but you did it over again to give us 8 W's so far. For some reason you all ran out of luck against Baker, it was something that cannot be explained, I think. It was just one of those nights, crossbar, goalkeeper, and what not. The ball just wasn't going in, and that's why we didn't win.