If you had told me that Lafayette would have 10 shots to American’s 6, 8 corners to American’s 4 I would not have been right in assuming that Lafayette would end up on the winning end of the final score. It was a matter of timing, as a fourth quarter effort came too late to be of any help.
American University is always a tough place to be the visitor ( for fans as well as competitors). The Eagles asserted themselves right from the beginning. In fact the Leopards did not get their first shot until the third period! American made use of 2 penalty corners in the second period to start their scoring. There were a lot of close calls in first three quarters that went to the benefit of the home team which helped momentum as well. In the last quarter the far side official placed himself closer to action which seemed to help in balancing out the. penalties.
American’s Augustino Roffo showed her skill all game long and was an ever present threat. The first goal of the game came on that close call corner and a second try. Leopard offense which had proved to be effective all season long, could not get in gear.
The Eagles got their third goal before the Leopards got started but until that third quarter the field seemed tilted in American’s favor. That third goal provided added insurance in any tie breaker down the road for home field in tie beaker scenarios.
Lena Thedrian was again all over the field and was rewarded with the late goal during a Leopard corner using her drag flick to get it to the net.
One more thought
American is now in the minority by not providing video referral. It is time for the League to follow the NCAA hosting rules by insisting a championship tournament cannot be played at a site without video referral. It is time!! Excuses are hollow! At this point it’s the equivalent of a basketball team using peach baskets instead of modern metal rims and nets. All over division one it is in use…come on Eagles!!
Lafayette College Field Hockey 