Syracuse at Johns Hopkins: Three things to watch
Two teams that have combined to capture 20 of 39 all-time NCAA championships and made 34 appearances in the tournament final clash Saturday night at 8 p.m. when No. 2 Syracuse (3-1) visits No. 8 Johns Hopkins (4-2). Here are a few developments I will be interested in following from the press box at Homewood Field in Baltimore.
1. One key to a Syracuse win: The Orange love to stretch their legs and run their opponents into the ground. Having one of the best clearing goalkeepers in junior John Galloway gives the transition game a huge boost, and midfielders Jovan Miller, Josh Amidon and Joel White are faster than a good majority of players in Division I right now. The Blue Jays will try to slow down the game, running their offense in settled situations, making several passes before taking a shot, and maintaining long possessions. In a contest that could be determined by tempo, Syracuse would do itself a huge favor by pushing the ball from defense to offense and forcing Johns Hopkins to match the pace.
The Orange love to stretch their legs and run their opponents into the ground. Having one of the best clearing goalkeepers in junior John Galloway gives the transition game a huge boost, and midfielders Jovan Miller, Josh Amidon and Joel White are faster than a good majority of players in Division I right now. The Blue Jays will try to slow down the game, running their offense in settled situations, making several passes before taking a shot, and maintaining long possessions. In a contest that could be determined by tempo, Syracuse would do itself a huge favor by pushing the ball from defense to offense and forcing Johns Hopkins to match the pace.2. One key to a Johns Hopkins win: A troublesome issue has raised its head again. A point of emphasis from last season, the Blue Jays defense has been exposed over the last three games, surrendering 11 goals to Princeton, 10 to UMBC and 14 to Hofstra. The last game against the Pride was eye opening in that Hofstra scored seven times from either in close or in transition. The Orange has a pair of the best inside finishers in attackmen Stephen Keogh and Cody Jamieson. Johns Hopkins must tighten its interior defense and force Syracuse to beat senior goalie Michael Gvozden from the outside.
A troublesome issue has raised its head again. A point of emphasis from last season, the Blue Jays defense has been exposed over the last three games, surrendering 11 goals to Princeton, 10 to UMBC and 14 to Hofstra. The last game against the Pride was eye opening in that Hofstra scored seven times from either in close or in transition. The Orange has a pair of the best inside finishers in attackmen Stephen Keogh and Cody Jamieson. Johns Hopkins must tighten its interior defense and force Syracuse to beat senior goalie Michael Gvozden from the outside.3. One key match-up: Blue Jays senior midfielder Michael Kimmel told Inside Lacrosse that his toughest match-up involved White, a sophomore long-stick midfielder. The duo will likely renew their rivalry Saturday night. White is athletic and rangy, and with a 72-inch stick in his hands, he is a tough assignment for any offensive player. Kimmel though may be just as fast as White, and he’s adept at scoring and finding his teammates for scoring opportunities.
Blue Jays senior midfielder Michael Kimmel told Inside Lacrosse that his toughest match-up involved White, a sophomore long-stick midfielder. The duo will likely renew their rivalry Saturday night. White is athletic and rangy, and with a 72-inch stick in his hands, he is a tough assignment for any offensive player. Kimmel though may be just as fast as White, and he’s adept at scoring and finding his teammates for scoring opportunities.Categories: Johns Hopkins, Three things to watch
