Princeton vs. Johns Hopkins: Halftime thoughts
At halftime in the second game of the Konica Minolta Face-Off Classic at M&T Bank Stadium, No. 8 Princeton leads No. 5 Johns Hopkins, 7-4, and some of the uncharacteristic mistakes that plagued the Blue Jays seem to be biting them again in this game.
On three of their goals, the Tigers found a teammate alone near the left post for easy goals. Whether that's a breakdown in communication or assignments, the Johns Hopkins defense is giving Princeton players quality shots.
And senior goalkeeper Michael Gvozden -- splendid through the first three games -- has surrendered a pair of goals from at least 12 yards. The shots were hard and fast, but Gvozden had time and room to see the ball pass him.
The seven goals are the most in the first half the Blue Jays have allowed this season.
Other notes:
*Chris Boland made his first appearance in a Johns Hopkins game this year, and it didn't take him long to make an impact. The senior attackman, who had been suspended for the team's first three games for violating an unspecified team rule, entered the game after a Blue Jays timeout with 9:58 left in the first quarter, and he scored back-to-back goals in a span of 3 minutes, 43 seconds. At halftime, Boland leads his team in goals with two and has played like he's the team's best option on offense.
*All the consternation about the Tigers defense can settle down now. After giving up 14 goals in a three-goal win against then-No. 8 Hofstra last Saturday, Princeton has surrendered just four goals on 14 shots -- and zero goals in the second quarter. Sophomore goalie Tyler Fiorito has played well, including stoning Johns Hopkins junior attackman Kyle Wharton when he was alone on the crease.
*Here are some stats: Princeton leads in shots (18-14) and saves (5-4). The Blue Jays lead in groundballs (12-10), face-offs (7-6) and turnovers (4-6). Both teams are perfect on clears. (The Tigers are 7-of-7, while Johns Hopkins is 4-of-4.)
Categories: Halftime thoughts, Johns Hopkins
