In its first game, a porous Norwich defense allowed 8 goals to a highly prolific Newcastle attack, 6 of which came in the first half alone. After that game, the boys made a commitment to improve their defense. Last week, in game 2, Norwich made good on that promise and cut that total in half, allowing only 4 goals to an even stronger Sunderland squad. On Saturday, game 3 saw that total cut in half again. In a match-up against what was probably the toughest opponent they have faced so far this season, Norwich held West Bromwich to 2 goals. It was by far their best defensive performance of the season from the standpoint of goalkeeping, tackling, positioning, jockeying, tactics, and most importantly, heart. For most of the game Norwich simply outran West Bromwich.
Goalkeepers Tom, Zack G, and Caleb were reliable in net for Norwich. Tom was challenged early in the game but managed several spectacular saves to keep it a 1-goal game through the first 25 minutes. Zack was quite skillful and knocked away several good shots on target. He contributed on the offensive end as well maintaining pressure with at least three scoring threats. Caleb was nothing short of brilliant in net during the final 20 minutes of the match. He managed to get hands to several shots that would have blown through a brick wall and found the upper corner. Somehow, inexplicably, Caleb was able to knock them away. Simply astonishing!
But it takes more than sturdy goalkeeping to contain an attack like that of Bromwich. Before the game, Norwich set a goal for the match: work harder than their opponents. They set out to do just that on the defensive side, outworking and outhustling the West Bromwich attack. Max F's energy, smarts, and speed kept Bromwich from setting up deep in our defensive zone. He challenged for the ball aggressively (but without over-committing) and made life difficult for Bromwich all afternoon. Jake provided very reliable defensive support. He jockeyed and pushed the ball outside, allowing very little in the way of real scoring chances. Max H was everywhere he needed to be to stop Bromwich. With relentless speed and hustle, he harassed Bromwich attackers at midfield, before they could set anything up. The most outstanding bit of tackling skill was demonstrated by Alex who took on the Bromwich striker--one of their best players--late in the game and just swallowed him whole. He put down a block and slipped away with the ball before the attacker knew what had hit him. Josh was a vital part of our defense as well. He took to heart our recent work in practice, and jockeyed every play outside, away from the "danger zone," the middle of the field in front of our goal.
Midfield was claimed, owned, and dominated by Patrick, who patrolled the middle third of the field like it was his own back yard. If the ball came into it, it was his ball, and he was going to take back what was rightfully his. With his speed, tackling ability, and ball control, he was able to keep constant pressure on the Bromwich defense, especially during the second half.
Patrick was able to set up strikers Tom and Zack S, and both had a couple of very near misses. Unlucky. Tom made good use of his speed to create a breakaway that the keeper was just barely able to disrupt. Zack S put himself in perfect position in the middle of the field all afternoon and was able to put together a couple of real scoring threats.
The most promising chance of the afternoon came about two seconds before the final whistle. On a corner kick, Ted positioned himself in the middle about 20 feet from the goal. The corner kick came through the air and Ted got a good foot on it. He hit it well and right on target, but the Bromwich keeper and the referee's whistle ended play before Norwich could finish.
This match featured the best soccer to date by the Norwich boys. But, stay tuned... It gets even better. Norwich takes on Newcastle this Sunday at 12:30.
See you there!
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