Bucs Beat Back Bulldogs in Bonus-Ball Bonanza

Somebody get Scott Calabrese some Just For Men.

Coach was noticeably grayer in the follicles after Aaron Schoenfeld and the Bucs put away UNC-Asheville in a 2-1 double-OT victory. Aaron The Scho found himself completely unmarked and had enough time to settle the ball, pick his spot, and finish reading the latest issue of Time at the 103' mark to give the Bucs the win.

Geno scored inside twenty minutes to cap off another great start for Calabrese's Crew with a gorgeous volley, but they rested on their laurels and momentum swung back in UNCA's favor when Kenneth Lingerfelt scored on a rocket from the top of the box that Ronnie Hreha stood no chance on.

The Bucs pretty much controlled the second half and probably should have had at least three goals in that second stanza. It was sheer bad luck that Haba didn't score at least once, and Woodruff had one go off the near side netting that left him visibly frustrated with himself.

This was a team that they needed to beat and a game they should have won. They got the result they needed, although they had to pull a few teeth to get it done (and maybe lose a few as well; this was a chippy affair). A few observations:

- Blaike Woodruff was my Man of the Match. He made some great, incisive runs against the Bulldogs defense with and without the ball. He created a great deal of offense for ETSU from the back and seems to have a great feel for when to come forward, when to hang back, and when to cut in on goal. I would not complain if he stayed back there for the balance of the season.

- No James Holt tonight. He was at his sister's wedding (congratulations to her), so Ronnie Hreha manned the pipes for ETSU. He looked a bit shaky at first, but seemed to get better as the game went along. He didn't have much chance on the goal, but chimed in with the occasional confident punch and managed the backs well.

- Theo Yang did not play tonight. He was working with the athletic trainers before the game., but no official word on a possible injury at the moment. Matt Reed also played only half of the contest, coming on for Hodges at half time. He got up in the attack more than Hodges did, but didn't generate much.

- Mo Bowers has started to emerge as a big role player for Calabrese. He doesn't have a ton of speed or technical prowess, but he's a good possession and defense guy on the wing that can log 35-40 minutes a game and not hurt you while you spell your starting wingers. Those are good players to have around.

Tonight's starting XI:

Hreha
Woodruff-Reis-Westbrook-Hodges
Fubara-Osorio-Samperio-Pugh
Geno-Schoenfeld

The Ladies wrap up this weekend tomorrow against the Belmont Bruins, who will be riding high after a 5-0 blowout of USC Upstate in Spartanburg last night. Kickoff is slated for 2:00 P.M.