Took the family to Michigan's beautiful facility to see the Cats open conference play. About 2,000 there, with only the student section having open seats. Small band, cheerleaders, the whole bit. Great atmosphere.
Michigan easily outshot the Cats, something like 15 to 5, but doesn't finish well. Only a few shots were actually on frame and NU's keeper, Tyler Miller, is a stud (he's on the Hermann watch list). His goalie kicks are something to behold, and he just doesn't make mistakes (Michigan's keeper, in contrast, made a couple of mental errors, including letting the free kick in).
NU did have the two best forwards and best defender on the pitch. Brandon Medina, a freshman, is going to be special. He scored on a free kick and assisted on the other goal with a beautifully placed pass in the 18 to Joey Calistri, who had a very strong finish. Nikko Boxall is NU's key defender at center back and is especially strong in the air.
Overall NU had better skills, which became more apparent as the game went along. I'd like to see the back four take away space better to eliminate some of the shots, but maybe that's a strategic decision with such a good keeper in net.
Michigan easily outshot the Cats, something like 15 to 5, but doesn't finish well. Only a few shots were actually on frame and NU's keeper, Tyler Miller, is a stud (he's on the Hermann watch list). His goalie kicks are something to behold, and he just doesn't make mistakes (Michigan's keeper, in contrast, made a couple of mental errors, including letting the free kick in).
NU did have the two best forwards and best defender on the pitch. Brandon Medina, a freshman, is going to be special. He scored on a free kick and assisted on the other goal with a beautifully placed pass in the 18 to Joey Calistri, who had a very strong finish. Nikko Boxall is NU's key defender at center back and is especially strong in the air.
Overall NU had better skills, which became more apparent as the game went along. I'd like to see the back four take away space better to eliminate some of the shots, but maybe that's a strategic decision with such a good keeper in net.
