Johns Hopkins' midfield duo emerging
Friday’s edition of The Baltimore Sun will include an article on the emergence of Blue Jays midfielders Brian Christopher and Michael Kimmel, who have capably filled the void left behind by the graduations of Paul Rabil and Stephen Peyser.
Christopher has grabbed the more recent headlines with double-overtime, game-winning goals against Towson and No. 18 Loyola in a span of 11 days. During Johns Hopkins’ six-game winning streak, Christopher has registered 14 goals and five assists. (Thanks to sports information director Ernie Larossa for that nugget.)
Christopher said he appreciated being counseled by Rabil and Peyser towards the end of last season.
"At first, I know I was taken aback and thinking, ‘Wow, I’m going to have to step up and replace these guys,’" Christopher said. "I think I’ve worked a little harder this year and put in the extra time knowing that I had to fill the shoes of Paul and Stephen. I’m coming down the home stretch of my college career. I’m taking it upon myself to come out every game and give it everything I’ve got. This is my last run at this thing."
ESPN analyst Quint Kessenich said he enjoys watching Christopher bull his way to the middle of the field to take high-percentage shots.
"So often, you see guys dodge down the wing and the alleys," said Kessenich, a former All-American goalie for the Blue Jays. "But Christopher is a guy who puts his shoulder down and gets to the middle of the field, and he shoots the ball hard. I don’t think he aims, which is also kind of interesting. I just think he lets it rip hard for good parts of the net. He doesn’t get too fine with his shots, which I like."
While Christopher has become the finisher, Kimmel has developed into a feeder. He leads the team in assists with 21, and he has posted eight goals and a team-best 11 assists during Johns Hopkins’ run. (Again, kudos to Ernie Larossa.)
Kimmel said he actually prefers passing the ball to his teammates rather than scoring.
"Growing up [in Towson and playing for Loyola], I always liked to get everyone involved," Kimmel said. "I’d definitely be happier with five assists than five goals. I don’t know what it is. I’ve always kind of had this feeling that if I’m scoring, I don’t really like all of the attention. So I’d rather get everyone else the ball and make it easier for them."
Kessenich said Kimmel has emerged as the playmaker the Blue Jays missed with Rabil’s departure.
"Kimmel really carries the team on his back," Kessenich said. "He’s involved. He’s always drawing a slide and a double team. And he and Rich Sgalardi of Princeton are the two best passing midfielders in the country."
