by Kyle Berggren on Wed Apr 06, 2005 4:16 pm
There's not a lot I can say about our A division games... and all 4 teams should be in the playoffs.... a little precurser perhaps.
UW (3-0)
UO (1-1)
Gonzaga (2-1)
SFU (3-1)
Pretty interesting when you look at the division records. SFU isn't even ranked at this point in time, most seem to have given up on them, but they're 3-1 in the division. They handed UO their only division loss at Oregon early in the season, say what you will, but they are going to be tough, and they will be in the playoffs. UW is also in the playoffs, and control their own destiny if they want the number 1 seed.
As far as the UW v Oregon Matchup.... in my opinion....
Goalie.... Edge goes to Oregon. Cordova has a bit more experience, but a lot more experience in big games than UW's Tony Maack. Both goalies are very good, and neither team is hurting in cage.
Defense.... this is a tough one. Oregon kept both Michigan and Colorado under 10 goals. As far as common opponents go; UO let the PLU attack score 2, UW 7, both games were very early in the season, and UW team seems to be very turned around. I'm going to give this one a push, because I can't make a decision. UW is not the same team they were when they allowed PLU 12, they just allowed Western Washington 3, and allowed SFU 2, 1 attack goal. Oregon allowed 7 against SFU, 6 of which came from the attack.
Midfield.... Oregon. I'd say their big advantage lies here, but UW does have a good counter. Ernst and Coffman are a tough group to handle. Both are very explosive, and don't have problems scoring at will, they are Oregon's 1 and 2 scorers this season. UW's Weitz and Sonkin are a tough group to handle. Toss in Sangeorzan and Newman, and Oregon may have a problem. UW seems to have a unique rotation and offense that allows everyone to play any position. Only 1 of the players I listed is listed as a midfielder, but all will play midfield before the day is done. Could be very intersting. Both teams are very quick in the midfield.
Attack.... Push. I want to give the slight edge to UW, but both teams have different strengths. Connors has a deadly shot standing or on the run. UW's Sonkin averages over 5 points per game. UO's Nelson did a lot of finishing and feeding last season, but has been cut out of the offense a bit, and now only averages a point a game. Sangeorzan is a newer name at UW, but is playing very well averaging over 2ppg. Taylor Schofield is also out of the offense a bit, averaging less than 1ppg. Riley Newman is also averaging over 3ppg for UW, and as usual, will be a go to guy for the Huskies. Now, Oregon has played the best this season, and that will show in their ppg.
Overall, this may look like it gives Oregon the advantage, and our poll shows that people think Oregon will win by 6-9... The major problem I have with that, is the game is played as a team. Regardless of individual players, making your teammates better is going to be the biggest factor in this game. Can Oregon get the ball to Connors for open cranks? or can UW get the second or third slide there in time? Can anyone stop Sonkin from getting to the goal? or when you do that, do you leave Newman, Weitz, and Sangeorzan too open near the net? The game should be very interesting, and I don't think a Oregon takes UW by 9, the game should be close. If it goes in anyone's favor, I would pick UW to push forward by a few goals. Not because UW is a better team, but because they have nothing to lose. They are still trying to prove themselves this year, and no matter what they do, they're not breaking into the top 20. On the other hand, Oregon just got done with 2 close games against Michigan and Colorado. They've played one of the toughest schedules in the country, and will be a good barometer to see if UW is as good as they've shown the last month or so. One advantage for Oregon, a home game. Could be some rowdy Ducks in the stands cheering their team on, or more likely trying to make the Huskies cry. Good luck to both teams!
Gonzaga vs. SFU is a very tough game to call, and I'm tired, sick, and a bit burned out, so this will be short. I can't really gauge how SFU will come out. They seemed poised to take on Oregon from the start of the season, and injuries have taken their toll since. Gonzaga is playing some very good lacrosse, beating Oregon State by the same score as SFU, 1 goal. Both times OSU was without their leading scorer Tipton I believe. Overall, the SFU defense, and Rick Kladis should be the deciding factor. Yuen is quick enough to keep up with Rick, but he needs to keep his impact on the game to a minimum. Last season he had 4g3a against the Clan in a game that ended up 23-15 in favor of the Clan. Can the Clan put in another 23 against the Zags?
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