Chousnake wrote: ↑Sun Apr 14, 2024 7:06 pm
I had the good fortune to be at the game today. It would be great if Cornell could play a game on LI every season. Just a great atmosphere before the game in the parking lot and in a standing room only stadium. The stands were packed and there were spectators on the grass behind both goals.
Just a heart breaking loss today. I too feared a blow out coming into this game. One thing I can say is that I don't think there is a team that has more grit and heart than Cornell. Early on, ND looked bigger, faster, and stronger. When it was 6-2, I thought it might be a long afternoon, but I commented that "we had right where want them." I was joking, but it was somewhat prophetic. It looked difficult at halftime down 11-7 too.
I don't know what Buczek does at halftime, but this team always seems to play much better in the second half. Cornell played a tremendous 3rd quarter and it was back and forth in the 4th quarter.
The attack was outstanding today. I challenge anybody to make a case how this is not the best attack unit in college lax after today. 21 points from Kirst, Long, and Goldstein. Kudos to Psyllos. He is just incredibly gritty and keyed the 3rd quarter comeback, particularly on a day when they faced a a ND team that clears exceptionally well. The extra possessions just were not coming from the ride, so a 50% face off win rate was essential. Knust was great as well.
Kelleher, First, and Wirtheim were on their games as well. The defense played better than the score would indicate.
The last two minutes were just an unfortunate way to end such a great game. First, the missed call on the clear push with possession when Singer picked up the loose ball with 1:30 left was baffling. He picked up the ground ball and took two steps and was shoved to the ground. I don't care if it's the first minute or last, that is a penalty. At minimum, call a loose ball push and give Cornell the ball.
The wrap check on Goldstein with 40 seconds left was just unfortunate. I think he passed up the pass to the player streaking up field because it was Box. Still, the pass was probably the play there. The range of emotions on that sequence went from frustration over the no call to elation with the ND turnover to despair . Then Kavanaugh throws an errant pass with 8 seconds left and the ground ball somehow ends up in a ND stick.
It is clear to me that the teams in the top 10-15 can each beat the other. They are all evenly matched. Any claim that one team is clearly better than another is pure garbage. There is real parity this season and the tournament is wide open. No team or conference is dominant . Not even close.
Again, what a great coaching job by Buczek and Stevens today. Nothing to be ashamed of. Just disappointment that things did not bounce their way and frustration at the non-call at a crucial point in the game.
