NKY Top 10, Sep 27th edition

[FrankNicodemus]

Our last regular season week is upon us.  NDA is trying to go wire to wire at the #1 spot and having all but 2 games being shutouts.  Their run has been pretty epic to say the least.  Can they finish the job?  Will someone sneak up and surprise them?  It will be interesting having them play 2 very big games against the Ohio powerhouses of St. Ursula and Seton.  I am sure there will be programs in Kentucky that would love to get their hands on the video of those 2 games to see if there is anything that will be exposed?  No one in KY has been able to expose anything.

Here is the rankings for this week going into the Grand Finale:

1. NDA (18-0) (Last week #1) (Maher Ranking #1)

- They knocked off 3 NKY teams this past week pretty easily scoring a total of 17 goals and giving up NONE (vs NCC, St. Henry & Campbell County)

• 2 games this week(St. Ursula & Seton), can any of them do any damage to the #1 team not only in NKY but potentially the State of KY.

2. HIGHLANDS (9-4) (Last week #2) (Maher Ranking #2)

- Not a good week for the Birds.  Had a few issues nailing down the coffin against Dixie and had to escape late with a corner kick due to some mishandling of some wet balls in the goal.  Then went down and got beat up by the #2 team in KY South Oldham 4-0.  Both games were played without Gessner in goal.  Not so much concerned with Gessner missing (even though I am concerned) during these losses against NDA and South Oldham.  More concerned that we have played 240 min against NDA and South Oldham and with our Offensive talent we haven’t scored a single goal.  10 goals against, Zero goals for……if they want to have a shot they need to start scoring against that type of talented teams.

• 3 games this week (St. Henry, Simon Kenton, Bishop Brossart). This should be classified as “Confidence Booster Week”.  These are 3 very winnable games on paper.  Can we gain some confidence Offensively?  Put together 3 solid games score a lot and take some momentum into the post season.  The strength of schedule for the Birds (based on the Maher Ranking system) has been the SECOND TOUGHEST schedule in KY, IN, OH!!!!!!  We need this week!

3. DIXIE (10-6-2) (Last week #3) (Maher Ranking #3)

- Had a pretty competitive week last week playing S. Oldham tough and Highlands tough before losing those 2 games close.  Finished the week off with a strong win against Cooper 2-1.

• 2 games this week (Beechwood & Holmes), Like Highlands this should be a good week for them to get some good confidence rolling into the post season.

4. CAMPBELL COUNTY (12-4-1) (Last week #4) (Maher Ranking #4)

- Won the battle of Campbell County against Bishop Brossart then was a victim of NDA’s dominance.

• 2 games this week (Ryle & NCC).  Should be 2 really good matchups this week for them to see what they have going into Post season.

5. CONNER (8-8-4) (Last week #6) (Maher Ranking #7)

- Won against Holy Cross and Beechwood close and then fell on Sat against a very good Lafayette team.

• 1 game this week (George Rodgers Clark). Got a big District post season on the horizon, will need to practice hard this week only having 1 game on the schedule

6. RYLE (7-3-4) (Last week #7) (Maher Ranking #6)

- 2 big wins last week against Cooper and Boone County

• 3 games this week (Campbell Co, Holy Cross and Scott) Full slate this week for them.  Campbell County will be tough….will be interested to see how their offense does this week to get ready for next.

7. COOPER (12-4-1) (Last week #5) (Maher Ranking #8)

- I thought they might have a tough week last week and they sure did.  Getting knocked off twice in close 1 goal differential games, Ryle first then Dixie.

• 2 games this week (Gallatin Co & St Henry) Luckily the wins will come for Cooper this week easily going into next weeks battle

8. SIMON KENTON (6-9-1) (Last week #8) (Maher Ranking #5)

- lost a tough game against Lex Cath then blew out Grant Co and St Henry.  I know Maher loves SK b/c of their strength of schedule and their 1 win against Dixie.  

• 3 games this week (Highlands, Summit Country Day, West Jess).  Might be a tough week for the last week of the Reg Season for SK.  Then to have South Oldham in their region up next….ouch!

9. BEECHWOOD (8-4-2) (Last week #9) (Maher Ranking #10)

- Only had one game last week and couldn’t get that signature win against Conner falling 1-0.

• 3 games this week (Dixie, Ludlow, Etown). Could they shock Dixie tonight on Dixie Senior night?

10. BISHOP BROSSART (8-6-1) (Last week #10) (Maher Ranking #9)

- even though they had 2 loses last week no one behind them is going to take their place.  They did have a nice win against St. Henry earlier in the week.

• 3 games this week (Pend Co, Montgomery Co, and Highlands) 2 very winnable games this week to get ready for the postseason for Bishop.

There you go.  The table is set for the last final regular season run!

Good luck ladies!!!

[The Double Deuce]

Kudos to Highlands' programs in both boys & girls.  I think there are two "much the best" teams on either side this year, and Highlands is one of them in each case (along with Ryle boys and NDA girls).

Based on how the district draws go, I could foresee Highlands being the runner-up on both sides, but that shouldn't take anything away from the Birds' overall soccer success.  I love the culture that permeates their soccer program's on both sides, it is enviable to be sure.

[The Double Deuce]

Saw Ryle and Campbell County drew at nil last night.  

[Big Red]

NDA drew 0-0 with St. Ursula.  It was certainly an exciting game that saw St. U control the first 20 minutes, then NDA got in it under control and flipped momentum.  It was great entertainment, but kind of ugly soccer.  The refs let it turn into more of a football (not futball) game.  NDA's goalie, Abby Breeze, had a very good game, which tells you that St. Ursula got into NDA's defense more than they are used.  Good wake up call for the Pandas, and apparently doesn't get any easier playing Seton next.

[FrankNicodemus]

RECAP FROM LAST NIGHT

• #1 NDA fights to a draw against Ohio Powerhouse St. Ursula, 0-0
• #2 Highlands defeats St. Henry, 6-3
  • Very sluggish beginning of the game with ALL the Seniors on the field (it was Sr night).  Halftime score was 2-2, very sloppy first half.  Highlands wore St. Henry down in the 2nd half and finally executed in the attacking third out scoring St. Henry in the 2nd half 4-1.  Added bonus for the evening, Meg Gessner played in goal for the 2nd half of the game showcasing her talents
• #3 Dixie shuts down Beechwood on their Senior night, 2-0
• #4 Campbell County and #6 Ryle also goes toe to toe into a draw, 0-0
• #5 Conner sneaks a nice win against George Rodgers Clark, 2-1
• #7 Cooper vs. Gallatin County was cancelled
• #10 Bishop Brossart hammers Pendleton County, 10-2

No games on tap for tonight!

[FrankNicodemus]

We have only 3 more nights of soccer on the schedule.  We have a few good games tonight.  

Here you go:

#1 NDA hosts Seton (OH)

• Can NDA go “UNDEFEATED” in the regular season?  

#8 Simon Kenton at #2 Highlands

• Still looking for a complete game out of the Birds being their last week of reg season.  The St Henry first half was not what we needed.  The second half was much better.  80 MINUTES!!!  Simon Kenton probably will make a final statement out of their lackluster of a season.  Playing hard against Highlands and making it a game is exactly what they will be hoping for.

#3 Dixie at Holmes

• This will be over as soon as the starting whistle blows.

NCC at #4 Campbell County

• Talk about a program that just went down the tubes after the first week or two.  Can NCC salvage something before the post season?

Holy Cross at #6 Ryle

• Ryle scores they win!

Ludlow at #9 Beechwood

• Another high scoring affair by Beechwood.

Going to be an absolutely beautiful night for the last week of soccer.  Go out and enjoy it!!!!

Good luck and have fun!

[rjal]

The Ryle Holy Cross game ended up being a nail biter.  Ryle went out to a 2-0 lead mid to end of the first half with two goals by Griffin one on a nice drive and the other on a free kick.  Holy Cross junior RyLee Veneman scored on a beautifully placed PK to bring the score to 2-1 at the half.  Veneman tied it up with a score midway through the second half.  Ryle took back the lead with maybe ten minutes later with a long kick by Griffin.  Lots of penalties and three yellow cards given out.  The last yellow card was on the Ryle goalie as she came far out of the box and ran fouled Ivy Hoffman who had a breakaway and only the goalie to beat. There was some controversy as to the goalie being the last defender and shouldn’t have been a red card. It went so quick I’m not sure. Holy Cross had several free kicks in the last few minutes of the game but was unable to convert into goals It was a beautiful night for soccer and a great game.  

 

[Big Red]

NDA was able to shutout the high powered Seton offense with a 1-0 victory.  This was a fun, good soccer game to watch, not the half soccer/half tackle football match with St. Ursula (referees fault).  Seton is small, but skilled, crazy fast and aggressive team.  The pace of this game was fast back and forth.  Seton's back line trapped (legitimately) NDA for ~10 off sides penalties.  NDA did seem to physically wear down Seton in the second half and were more threatening.  NDA's goal was off a great effort battle in the corner that a player controlled to get a cross off and I believe Feldmann was the one that was able to connect it in to goal.  It was a solid goal that the Pandas had to earn.  Several other good chances for the Pandas ended off crossbar or high.  Seton did generate legit shots on goal as well, but Abby Breeze was solid in the net.  Seton and St. Ursula, as expected, are both VERY good teams with next level players.  Not spectacular, but solid performance by the Pandas this week who end their season 19-0-1, with 2 goals allowed in their regular season.

 

[DadofTwins]

1 hour ago, rjal said:

The Ryle Holy Cross game ended up being a nail biter.  Ryle went out to a 2-0 lead mid to end of the first half with two goals by Griffin one on a nice drive and the other on a free kick.  Holy Cross junior RyLee Veneman scored on a beautifully placed PK to bring the score to 2-1 at the half.  Veneman tied it up with a score midway through the second half.  Ryle took back the lead with maybe ten minutes later with a long kick by Griffin.  Lots of penalties and three yellow cards given out.  The last yellow card was on the Ryle goalie as she came far out of the box and ran fouled Ivy Hoffman who had a breakaway and only the goalie to beat. There was some controversy as to the goalie being the last defender and shouldn’t have been a red card. It went so quick I’m not sure. Holy Cross had several free kicks in the last few minutes of the game but was unable to convert into goals It was a beautiful night for soccer and a great game.  

 

Agreed, if I were the ref I’d probably have given Keelee a red. Sounds like the 40 yards from goal skewed his decision on the card. 
 

I would have also not played advantage, let Kaia score for Ryle then call it back for an infraction? We probably should’ve had a few more PKs (both teams). Lots of loose arms flying around hitting soccer balls and he only whistled one?

Par for the high school soccer course to me. 
 

 

[rjal]

5 minutes ago, DadofTwins said:

Agreed, if I were the ref I’d probably have given Keelee a red. Sounds like the 40 yards from goal skewed his decision on the card. 
 

I would have also not played advantage, let Kaia score for Ryle then call it back for an infraction? We probably should’ve had a few more PKs (both teams). Lots of loose arms flying around hitting soccer balls and he only whistled one?

Par for the high school soccer course to me. 
 

 

Agreed very physical game.  I was surprised they blew the whistle so quick on the handball.  Kaia is an amazing player.  My daughter said “that double scissors she pulled on me was beautiful.  I didn’t have a chance”. Lol. Good luck at Xavier. 

[DadofTwins]

9 hours ago, rjal said:

Agreed very physical game.  I was surprised they blew the whistle so quick on the handball.  Kaia is an amazing player.  My daughter said “that double scissors she pulled on me was beautiful.  I didn’t have a chance”. Lol. Good luck at Xavier. 

Thank you.

With it being senior night, they moved a couple of the girls up to play more attacking positions (Kaia and Poe) so it made for a different looking game. I think everyone but Keelee enjoyed it being a little more wide open than normal.  

[FrankNicodemus]

So here is the rest of the stories in the NKY

#1 NDA defeats Seton, 1-0

• Great synopsis @Big Red, Congrats to the Pandas for an incredible Regular Season run.  This season will be talked about for many years to come.  Now off to the Post Season to get the ultimate prize they are probably salivating for, A STATE TITLE!

#2 Highlands lets Simon Kenton wreck their confidence boosting week by ending in a 2-2 tie.

• Speechless is really what I would say.  Soccer is a team game, the first goal Highlands got to start the game 10 min in was just that a beautiful display of a team generated goal with multiple passes to find the open shooter and bang, goal for Highlands.  Then the next 70 minutes what worked in the first 10 was thrown out the window.  Very disappointed, running out of time to fix it.  Kudos to Simon Kenton for capitalizing in a big way in the 2nd half.  SK first goal was a beauty of a shot in the top right corner that no one would have been able to get.  Ugh…..

#3 Dixie wins against Holmes, 17-0

• 2 touchdowns and a Field goal, I hope that game makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside Dixie.  No idea how you justify such a lopsided game unless you had your full Freshman team out there playing the whole time….even then no clue.

#4 Campbell County shuts down NCC, 5-0

• Hat trick for Ruby!  Campbell County finishes the year strong going 6-1-1 with only lose to NDA.  

#6 Ryle sneaks out a thriller against Holy Cross, 3-2

• Once again thanks to our on the field reporters @rjaland @DadofTwins!

#9 Beechwood mercy rules Ludlow, 10-0

In other news down I-71 we had a great game between Sacred Heart and South Oldham with Sacred Heart prevailing 2-1.

 

[The Double Deuce]

I agree with you ( @FrankNicodemus ) completely about a 17-0 soccer game.  There are a million ways to not score in soccer, frankly easier than any other sport, to drive it up a flag, back down the field to the keeper, and up to the other flag, etc.  Zero need to put 17 goals in on someone.

[nees1212]

40 minutes ago, The Double Deuce said:

I agree with you ( @FrankNicodemus ) completely about a 17-0 soccer game.  There are a million ways to not score in soccer, frankly easier than any other sport, to drive it up a flag, back down the field to the keeper, and up to the other flag, etc.  Zero need to put 17 goals in on someone.

And that was done in just a half of soccer.  Zero reason to schedule this game other than to pad stats.

[FrankNicodemus]

1 hour ago, nees1212 said:

And that was done in just a half of soccer.  Zero reason to schedule this game other than to pad stats.

On the bright side, Ashtyn Ivey scored three goals to make her total for the season 29 goals scored to set the single season school record.

LOL