Hello Aggie Sports Fans! Last Saturday I went over to Aggie Stadium and watch our men’s soccer team take on the Cal State Northridge Matadores, and this game tested the patience of all spectators. In the end though, the home team pulled off the victory with an Ethan Shawlee header with two minutes left in second over time. The few Aggie Fans in attendance went crazy as the ball crossed the plane.
Now a win is a win but I feel it was unnecessary for the Aggie Faithful to brave almost an extra 20+ minutes of cold to get this result. This game should have been over well before the first half ended. Early in the first half Lance Patterson of the Aggies only had the goalie to beat but dropped it right into the goalie’s hands. The Aggies didn’t get another chance like this one until overtime.
In my belief, the main reason the Aggies didn’t win this game earlier is due to the following:
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One Forward – The Aggies only sent one forward to get the goals last night. Now certainly there are teams who play with one forward successfully. The key is having a great forward which is something Lance Patterson wasn't on that night. He was smothered the whole night by the Matador defense. His only opportunity was early in the first half and he blew it by dumping it right into the goalie’s hands.
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Jacob Barron – If you follow futball you know Number 10 is often given to your star. When you think 10, you think about players like Messi, Zidane, Pele and Rooney. Unfortunately for the Aggies Barron played like a 2nd stringer. The only shot he had wasn’t until overtime. Hopefully Barron had an off day and will return to stellar form the next time out, or the Aggies should possibly look to bestow “Numbah 10” on a player who will inspire a little more confidence.
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Ball Control – The Aggies played air ball and lost that battle. The Matadores were just more physical in that aspect of the game. The Aggies should look for a more balanced ground game to open up goal shooting opportunities.
Today the men’s team faces 2nd place UC Santa Barbara. The Aggies really need to address these issues because Santa Barbara will be a tougher team than CSU Northridge. I feel the Aggies should incorporate two forwards and play the ball more controlled. Finally, Barron and Lance Patterson will need to step up big if the Aggies plan on beating UCSB.
- Edwin Gonzalez
