UVA 2024

[blue angels]

I’m not concerned about making the tournament. I’m concerned about addressing areas that need improvement and about the false confidence that comes after an easy victory. You know, the Madden thing.

Easy victories over weak teams lead to poor showings next game out regardless who they play. Tough losses to great teams tend to lead to incredible showings next time out but especially against good teams.

What a waste to schedule ROMO after JHU. I’m sure the idea was the team would want a breather.

finster, respectfully... you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.

You might disagree with Finster's posts but at least he isn't overtly partisan and can be entertaining.

[Finster]

I’m not concerned about making the tournament. I’m concerned about addressing areas that need improvement and about the false confidence that comes after an easy victory. You know, the Madden thing.

Easy victories over weak teams lead to poor showings next game out regardless who they play. Tough losses to great teams tend to lead to incredible showings next time out but especially against good teams.

What a waste to schedule ROMO after JHU. I’m sure the idea was the team would want a breather.

finster, respectfully... you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.

Respectfully, 9 days out of 10 I and many of my colleagues agree with you; it’s that 10th day you should pay careful attention to!

It’s all good.

[Finster]

First Quarter, so far 6-1 UVA.

McCabe Millon has 4 goals on five shots. Will be interesting to see his final line from today.

[lacrosseculturedaily]

Check out a full breakdown of the game from PLL Pro Jon Donville

https://lacrosseculturedaily.com/2024/0 ... v-hopkins/

[pcowlax]

Wow. What a sequence. Beautiful break.

[youthathletics]

Wow. What a sequence. Beautiful break.

Agreed….especially that double team trap to gain possession.

[molo]

Maryland has a major win over SU but two surprisingly close calls against Richmond—who should win their conference—and Brown, who has the Cumberland blues. UVA has played one team called of beating them and lost that game. They have won without much difficulty against two teams heading towards the bottom of the Big Ten and a couple of strong teams from somewhat weaker conferences. In big games, Maryland owns a significant road win while UVA couldn’t get it done at home against a tough opponent.
Both teams’ primary FOGOs are dinged up. If both recover by the weekend, Maryland has the advantage. UVA’s backup FOGOs have struggled. I didn’t see the Brown game but assume that Weirman’s absence kept Brown in the game. Maryland’s typically solid d will have trouble with what might be the best attack unit in the country, but UVA will need production from the midfield. A couple of points from the second unit would help. Maryland is still looking for a alpha presence on offense. UVA has some quality but not much depth in the defensive midfield. Can Maryland capitalize?
Will Maryland’s goalie be able to steal a few goals from Shellenberger, Cormier, and company? I still think UVA has top four talent among the starters but worry about depth against a quality team. Maryland has had trouble with “inferior” opponents but took down a formidable team at their place.
The NFL cliche notwithstanding, offense wins in lax. The visitors have enough of an edge to win, but thus shapes up to be similar to the Hopkins game.

[Finster]

Maryland has a major win over SU but two surprisingly close calls against Richmond—who should win their conference—and Brown, who has the Cumberland blues. UVA has played one team called of beating them and lost that game. They have won without much difficulty against two teams heading towards the bottom of the Big Ten and a couple of strong teams from somewhat weaker conferences. In big games, Maryland owns a significant road win while UVA couldn’t get it done at home against a tough opponent.
Both teams’ primary FOGOs are dinged up. If both recover by the weekend, Maryland has the advantage. UVA’s backup FOGOs have struggled. I didn’t see the Brown game but assume that Weirman’s absence kept Brown in the game. Maryland’s typically solid d will have trouble with what might be the best attack unit in the country, but UVA will need production from the midfield. A couple of points from the second unit would help. Maryland is still looking for a alpha presence on offense. UVA has some quality but not much depth in the defensive midfield. Can Maryland capitalize?
Will Maryland’s goalie be able to steal a few goals from Shellenberger, Cormier, and company? I still think UVA has top four talent among the starters but worry about depth against a quality team. Maryland has had trouble with “inferior” opponents but took down a formidable team at their place.
The NFL cliche notwithstanding, offense wins in lax. The visitors have enough of an edge to win, but thus shapes up to be similar to the Hopkins game.

I’ll be there. If forced to wager, I think UVA wins by a few, but this year nothing surprises me; if somehow Maryland finds their groove, them winning wouldn’t shock me.

Still, something about Maryland seems off. Love their goalie, but man has he made some bizarrely boneheaded game-changing errors recently. When and if a team loses confidence in their goalie, and if a coach won’t or can’t make a change, the wheels can come off that team fast. UVA has a certifiable rock and leader in Shellenberger; I don’t see that at Maryland.

[cmbtp88]

Maryland has a major win over SU but two surprisingly close calls against Richmond—who should win their conference—and Brown, who has the Cumberland blues. UVA has played one team called of beating them and lost that game. They have won without much difficulty against two teams heading towards the bottom of the Big Ten and a couple of strong teams from somewhat weaker conferences. In big games, Maryland owns a significant road win while UVA couldn’t get it done at home against a tough opponent.
Both teams’ primary FOGOs are dinged up. If both recover by the weekend, Maryland has the advantage. UVA’s backup FOGOs have struggled. I didn’t see the Brown game but assume that Weirman’s absence kept Brown in the game. Maryland’s typically solid d will have trouble with what might be the best attack unit in the country, but UVA will need production from the midfield. A couple of points from the second unit would help. Maryland is still looking for a alpha presence on offense. UVA has some quality but not much depth in the defensive midfield. Can Maryland capitalize?
Will Maryland’s goalie be able to steal a few goals from Shellenberger, Cormier, and company? I still think UVA has top four talent among the starters but worry about depth against a quality team. Maryland has had trouble with “inferior” opponents but took down a formidable team at their place.
The NFL cliche notwithstanding, offense wins in lax. The visitors have enough of an edge to win, but thus shapes up to be similar to the Hopkins game.

Curious, which of the backup FOGOs on UVA have struggled? I believe both UVAs & Maryland's starting FOGOs will be playing Saturday. UVA's played last Saturday so he is back..Wierman will be play, the only reason he didnt play against Brown was their FO was well below 50% their 1st 4 games and they saw the opportunity to let him rest to be full go for UVA. I just can't figure out Maryland, I been waiting for the game where the offense just goes off and lights it up. thought against Brown it would be the game, but really was not. Not sure whats missing. The D is very good, but with Cormier and Shellenberger and Millon they are going to give up goals to attack, question will be can we score enough goals to to beat UVA? not so sure.

[Laxguy703]

Really excited for the Zappitello/Shelly matchup this weekend.

Zappitello has won this matchup the past 2 times they have played and he is one of the only poles I’ve seen that knows how to guard Shellenberger. Quick feet, physical on hips, and always has a stick on his hands.

That being said, Shellenberger has looked like a different animal this year. He’s dodging to the goal and shooting more than previous years. He still has his feeding ability that he uses, but it’s nice to see him go to the rack more often.

Curious to see how this one goes.

[keno in reno]

Maryland has a major win over SU but two surprisingly close calls against Richmond—who should win their conference—and Brown, who has the Cumberland blues. UVA has played one team called of beating them and lost that game. They have won without much difficulty against two teams heading towards the bottom of the Big Ten and a couple of strong teams from somewhat weaker conferences. In big games, Maryland owns a significant road win while UVA couldn’t get it done at home against a tough opponent.
Both teams’ primary FOGOs are dinged up. If both recover by the weekend, Maryland has the advantage. UVA’s backup FOGOs have struggled. I didn’t see the Brown game but assume that Weirman’s absence kept Brown in the game. Maryland’s typically solid d will have trouble with what might be the best attack unit in the country, but UVA will need production from the midfield. A couple of points from the second unit would help. Maryland is still looking for a alpha presence on offense. UVA has some quality but not much depth in the defensive midfield. Can Maryland capitalize?
Will Maryland’s goalie be able to steal a few goals from Shellenberger, Cormier, and company? I still think UVA has top four talent among the starters but worry about depth against a quality team. Maryland has had trouble with “inferior” opponents but took down a formidable team at their place.
The NFL cliche notwithstanding, offense wins in lax. The visitors have enough of an edge to win, but thus shapes up to be similar to the Hopkins game.

Curious, which of the backup FOGOs on UVA have struggled? I believe both UVAs & Maryland's starting FOGOs will be playing Saturday. UVA's played last Saturday so he is back..Wierman will be play, the only reason he didnt play against Brown was their FO was well below 50% their 1st 4 games and they saw the opportunity to let him rest to be full go for UVA. I just can't figure out Maryland, I been waiting for the game where the offense just goes off and lights it up. thought against Brown it would be the game, but really was not. Not sure whats missing. The D is very good, but with Cormier and Shellenberger and Millon they are going to give up goals to attack, question will be can we score enough goals to to beat UVA? not so sure.

Maryland can't score with UVA. 12 goals vs 16 per game is a huge difference. Terps have also been really bad against rides, which I hear Lars is a fan of. That said, Terps always bring their A game for the Hoos. Shellenberger-Zappitello is an all-time matchup (I wish Zap had that assignment in '21 when it mattered). I would put the line at UVA -2.5 but I also thought UVA was gonna win by double digits last year. This is a great rivalry.

[blue angels]

Maryland has a major win over SU but two surprisingly close calls against Richmond—who should win their conference—and Brown, who has the Cumberland blues. UVA has played one team called of beating them and lost that game. They have won without much difficulty against two teams heading towards the bottom of the Big Ten and a couple of strong teams from somewhat weaker conferences. In big games, Maryland owns a significant road win while UVA couldn’t get it done at home against a tough opponent.
Both teams’ primary FOGOs are dinged up. If both recover by the weekend, Maryland has the advantage. UVA’s backup FOGOs have struggled. I didn’t see the Brown game but assume that Weirman’s absence kept Brown in the game. Maryland’s typically solid d will have trouble with what might be the best attack unit in the country, but UVA will need production from the midfield. A couple of points from the second unit would help. Maryland is still looking for a alpha presence on offense. UVA has some quality but not much depth in the defensive midfield. Can Maryland capitalize?
Will Maryland’s goalie be able to steal a few goals from Shellenberger, Cormier, and company? I still think UVA has top four talent among the starters but worry about depth against a quality team. Maryland has had trouble with “inferior” opponents but took down a formidable team at their place.
The NFL cliche notwithstanding, offense wins in lax. The visitors have enough of an edge to win, but thus shapes up to be similar to the Hopkins game.

Curious, which of the backup FOGOs on UVA have struggled? I believe both UVAs & Maryland's starting FOGOs will be playing Saturday. UVA's played last Saturday so he is back..Wierman will be play, the only reason he didnt play against Brown was their FO was well below 50% their 1st 4 games and they saw the opportunity to let him rest to be full go for UVA. I just can't figure out Maryland, I been waiting for the game where the offense just goes off and lights it up. thought against Brown it would be the game, but really was not. Not sure whats missing. The D is very good, but with Cormier and Shellenberger and Millon they are going to give up goals to attack, question will be can we score enough goals to to beat UVA? not so sure.

Maryland can't score with UVA. 12 goals vs 16 per game is a huge difference. Terps have also been really bad against rides, which I hear Lars is a fan of. That said, Terps always bring their A game for the Hoos. Shellenberger-Zappitello is an all-time matchup (I wish Zap had that assignment in '21 when it mattered). I would put the line at UVA -2.5 but I also thought UVA was gonna win by double digits last year. This is a great rivalry.

I am fearful of the Terps, AA players at face off and Goal dominating. If they do, a win for the Terps..... Nothing like stopping Virginia's O by limiting possessions.

[coda]

Maryland has a major win over SU but two surprisingly close calls against Richmond—who should win their conference—and Brown, who has the Cumberland blues. UVA has played one team called of beating them and lost that game. They have won without much difficulty against two teams heading towards the bottom of the Big Ten and a couple of strong teams from somewhat weaker conferences. In big games, Maryland owns a significant road win while UVA couldn’t get it done at home against a tough opponent.
Both teams’ primary FOGOs are dinged up. If both recover by the weekend, Maryland has the advantage. UVA’s backup FOGOs have struggled. I didn’t see the Brown game but assume that Weirman’s absence kept Brown in the game. Maryland’s typically solid d will have trouble with what might be the best attack unit in the country, but UVA will need production from the midfield. A couple of points from the second unit would help. Maryland is still looking for a alpha presence on offense. UVA has some quality but not much depth in the defensive midfield. Can Maryland capitalize?
Will Maryland’s goalie be able to steal a few goals from Shellenberger, Cormier, and company? I still think UVA has top four talent among the starters but worry about depth against a quality team. Maryland has had trouble with “inferior” opponents but took down a formidable team at their place.
The NFL cliche notwithstanding, offense wins in lax. The visitors have enough of an edge to win, but thus shapes up to be similar to the Hopkins game.

Curious, which of the backup FOGOs on UVA have struggled? I believe both UVAs & Maryland's starting FOGOs will be playing Saturday. UVA's played last Saturday so he is back..Wierman will be play, the only reason he didnt play against Brown was their FO was well below 50% their 1st 4 games and they saw the opportunity to let him rest to be full go for UVA. I just can't figure out Maryland, I been waiting for the game where the offense just goes off and lights it up. thought against Brown it would be the game, but really was not. Not sure whats missing. The D is very good, but with Cormier and Shellenberger and Millon they are going to give up goals to attack, question will be can we score enough goals to to beat UVA? not so sure.

Maryland can't score with UVA. 12 goals vs 16 per game is a huge difference. Terps have also been really bad against rides, which I hear Lars is a fan of. That said, Terps always bring their A game for the Hoos. Shellenberger-Zappitello is an all-time matchup (I wish Zap had that assignment in '21 when it mattered). I would put the line at UVA -2.5 but I also thought UVA was gonna win by double digits last year. This is a great rivalry.

I think UVA wins by 4. Maryland will need their specialists to be great to win this one.

[wgdsr]

what virginia has been doing in early offense this year has been unique, even by their standards. i'm not sure the best counter is to milk clock when they inevitably have unsettled turnovers.

getting some goals from the fogo (hoo uva lets walk right in) and in a counter punch transition game could be a way to keep up. it certainly was one of the keys for the terps in their mid-season "showdown" in 2022.

maryland is also a tough matchup for uva as, notwithstanding just zappitello's prowess, they're not a slide-happy group. which means they don't get caught ball watching a lot, either. starting with shellenberger, it's what uva is happy to oblige with when your d wants to support the ball, and umd stays pretty disciplined.

i do think you have to have a game plan for all the possible jailbreaks, as well as how virginia will attack the secondary phase of subbing while still looking to exploit shorter numbers with their rope unit. uva also with a big uptick re: on ball picks in this offense, particularly @ gle and below. better have an aggressive counter, methinks.

uva defense has probably given up far too many good looks this year. and not all of it because of missed aggressive tactics looking to cause turnovers. again, not sure shortening the game is the answer. exploit when available.

[molo]

Nice win over the Terps. Two late TOs cost two goals when Terps were coming back.

[rasheed]

Nice top 5 win. And nice to see Schultz break out. Let’s hope he will bring it like this the rest of the season. He’s got so much potential.

[rasheed]

Here's a nice interview with Griffin post-game

https://youtu.be/53Bb9mrBfdY?si=9INmh5FOh_sSEq-j

[AreaLax]

Tiffany’s PC
https://youtu.be/kq2sP1GH9Ps?si=6uqHdXubQCTFwHbI

[keno in reno]

Kudos to Lars for his praise of the rivalry and his appreciation of great opposing players (Zappitello and Erksa). I just think that's a rare ability to step back from the emotion of an intense battle to applaud the opponent and individual standouts in a legitimate, sincere manner. His boys were clearly fired up and both sides were chippy, but Lars had the better team and he was classy as he has been in losses

[Wheels]

Maryland has a major win over SU but two surprisingly close calls against Richmond—who should win their conference—and Brown, who has the Cumberland blues. UVA has played one team called of beating them and lost that game. They have won without much difficulty against two teams heading towards the bottom of the Big Ten and a couple of strong teams from somewhat weaker conferences. In big games, Maryland owns a significant road win while UVA couldn’t get it done at home against a tough opponent.
Both teams’ primary FOGOs are dinged up. If both recover by the weekend, Maryland has the advantage. UVA’s backup FOGOs have struggled. I didn’t see the Brown game but assume that Weirman’s absence kept Brown in the game. Maryland’s typically solid d will have trouble with what might be the best attack unit in the country, but UVA will need production from the midfield. A couple of points from the second unit would help. Maryland is still looking for a alpha presence on offense. UVA has some quality but not much depth in the defensive midfield. Can Maryland capitalize?
Will Maryland’s goalie be able to steal a few goals from Shellenberger, Cormier, and company? I still think UVA has top four talent among the starters but worry about depth against a quality team. Maryland has had trouble with “inferior” opponents but took down a formidable team at their place.
The NFL cliche notwithstanding, offense wins in lax. The visitors have enough of an edge to win, but thus shapes up to be similar to the Hopkins game.

Curious, which of the backup FOGOs on UVA have struggled? I believe both UVAs & Maryland's starting FOGOs will be playing Saturday. UVA's played last Saturday so he is back..Wierman will be play, the only reason he didnt play against Brown was their FO was well below 50% their 1st 4 games and they saw the opportunity to let him rest to be full go for UVA. I just can't figure out Maryland, I been waiting for the game where the offense just goes off and lights it up. thought against Brown it would be the game, but really was not. Not sure whats missing. The D is very good, but with Cormier and Shellenberger and Millon they are going to give up goals to attack, question will be can we score enough goals to to beat UVA? not so sure.

Maryland can't score with UVA. 12 goals vs 16 per game is a huge difference. Terps have also been really bad against rides, which I hear Lars is a fan of. That said, Terps always bring their A game for the Hoos. Shellenberger-Zappitello is an all-time matchup (I wish Zap had that assignment in '21 when it mattered). I would put the line at UVA -2.5 but I also thought UVA was gonna win by double digits last year. This is a great rivalry.

I think UVA wins by 4. Maryland will need their specialists to be great to win this one.

You nailed this on both accounts.