Who wins? Why?

I think that the speed of Tates Creek will be too much for the Breds, I have to go with Tates Creek winning 3-1.

NCC getting back in form... game ends 0-0.

I will have to go with Tates Creek in this matchup. Boone has played both teams. We went to Lexington to play TC early in the season when we were still at full strength. Tates Creek won 4-1 and our lone goal was pretty late in the game when they had substitutes in and was basically garbage time.

 

When we played NCC, we were without our top scorer. This game ended in a tie on a very slick field. NCC got their goal on a PK after a penalty in the box. They couldn't mount much offense in that game.

 

I know you can't exactly go by such matchups. For instance, Boone was down 6 players and tied Highlands. Many of the players we used were experiencing their first varsity competition. We again played minus 6 players against Cov Cath this week, but were beaten decisively. Highlands was able to beat Cov Cath, so outcome against like opponents doesn't always tell the whole story.

 

But in this match up between NCC and Tates Creek, I will say that I was much more impressed with several standout offensive players on TC than I was with any of the NCC players. TC has several quick guys and one of them can really handle the ball in traffic and make things happen. I don't think NCC will win. My guess is TC 3-0. Let's hope I am wrong. Go NKY!

Nice analysis oldgrappler!!! I think your comments are spot on. I am familiar with some of their players through Club, and ODP, having seen NCC a few weeks ago I think that they will have some matchup issues with the speed and athleticism of TC... the player you mention is probably their midfielder (Chewie) he is quite a player.

Chewie was one of their excellent players but the kid I am thinking of was Garcia (I think). He was quite fast and liked to play up in the corner and try to make things happen from up there. His foot skills were more than adequate. The combination of him up top, Chewie in the middle and a couple other players enables them to control the ball quite well.

Yep, Garcia up top, and Chewie in the middle is enough to handle... this is one reason I think they have the advantage over NCC... but I hope they prove me wrong and pull out a win.

You guys are definitely speaking about Edwin Garcia. Edwin is a very dynamic offensive threat. His speed and skill are tough to defend. However, TC's back line can be a bit unorganized at times so I think this one will be close. I will go with TC 2, NCC 1.