A state of disbelief

Now that the State finals have been decided and we all get a chance to breathe, I'm still in a state of shock as to how the IHA girls soccer season ended.

It wasn't just that the Blue Eagles lost. Upsets happen all the time in soccer. But this was no upset. Gloucester catholic was clearly the better team on the field at The College of New Jersey Thursday night. The most surprising aspect of that game was that IHA looked ordinary in comparison. I never thought that would happen.

IHA never did get into an offensive flow. I thought the artificial turf at The College of New jersey would speed up IHA's already quick offense. Instead, Gloucester Catholic did a tremendous job of disrupting the Blue Eagles' potent attack. The pressure increased after Gloucester Catholic scored the game's first goal.

Even when faced with a deficit, IHA never reallly generated any dangerous chances. Instead of trying to find a reason why, just look at Gloucester Catholic. Its defense played a very poised game. The defenders appeared unconcerned that IHA came into the match as the No. 1 team in the nation. About the only shots IHA could muster were launched from long range. There was almost no buildup in the offensive third of the field.

Although there was no coronation of IHA as the No. 1 team in the nation, that final game shouldn't be the lasting memory of the 2007 edition of the Blue Eagles. Even with that final loss, this was a very special team. The talent was outstanding and the depth remarkable. But best of all was the way coach Steve Silver blended all of these players and used so many of them. Even better was the way the players got along. This was as close-knit a team as you will find.

It remains to be seen what next season will hold for the Blue Eagles. IHA graduates a ton of talent, but there is plenty left, as several impact players are sophomores and freshmen. IHA will be back to try for a State title again next season, but it will be difficult for the Blue Eagles to match the magic of this season.

Comments

[mythical]

there is no national championship; lets cut the crap with this stuff in high school