OCT 15 | Match Updates

Hi all, a quick update on our past three matches and thoughts on how the guys are doing in game. The staff were pleased with our play but ultimately disappointed with the group for not coming out with more points in the past three games. Lots to still play for at this time. A young group overall, but a group that has tons of fight and belief results are there for our team.

ETSU (0–0 Draw)

We created enough chances to win the game, and that’s encouraging. Seventeen shots shows our intent, but the final product still needs sharpening. Defensively, I’m proud of the organization. A clean sheet on the road is never easy. Our midfield handled pressure well, and our back line stayed connected. What we’re still missing is that edge in the attacking third and the conviction to finish plays when we’re on the front foot. If we stay committed to our habits and grow our confidence around goal, matches like this turn into wins. We did play up a man for 38 minutes and had 17 shots in the game overall. 

Presbyterian (0–1 Loss)

This one stings because we were in control for long stretches and gave the game away on a moment we could’ve managed better. Giving up a penalty in the first half changed the rhythm, and chasing from behind forced us to stretch. We generated chances our XG (expected goals) was 1.74 and out-cornered them, but we’ve got to be more clinical and composed in the box.There were positives in our work rate, our ability to circulate the ball, and our willingness to defend for each other. But at this point in the season, performances have to translate into results. We’ve talked a lot as a group about attention to detail, especially in transition moments, and today was a reminder of why that matters.

College of Charleston (1–1 Draw)

I’m proud of the response after going down a goal early. Jayco’s equalizer came from a great buildup and shows the belief and patience we want in the attack. We didn’t create as many chances as we’d like, and Charleston put us under pressure with their volume of shots, but we stayed organized and made key plays defensively. The growth piece now is consistency when we win the ball, can we turn that into a dangerous moment more often? Our midfielders and first line need to connect quicker and with more intent. Still, getting a result at home after trailing shows maturity, and we’ll build off that heading into the next stretch.

As a group, we’re competing, and we’re in every match. Now the challenge is turning solidity into three points. The margins are small, and our ability to finish chances, manage key moments, and stay disciplined for 90 minutes will decide how we close out the season. I believe in this group. The work rate is there, the chemistry is growing, and we’re close to making a jump. Overall, we have a roster of 28 and currently are fighting the injury bug. Many of our young guys 11 freshman in all are having to step up and play significant minutes which is not normal in the new landscape of men's college soccer. Last game we ended with 6 freshman on the field and overall those guys are racking up a number of minutes. We are lacking in the scoring department. Injuries and missing out on two recruits extremely late in the process has presented challenges. However, the group is playing some positive soccer on the defensive side of the ball and really engaging in the attacking third. I believe the players would agree we have just not had the finisher's instinct in the box.

Upcoming we travel to Longwood this Friday for an extremely important match up. If you are in Rock Hill and want to ever swing by training we are typically on the field from 8:15-10:15am most days.  Thanks to those alumni we continue to see at games and saying hi and speaking with the guys. Please do not hesitate in reaching out and we have enjoyed having guys out to speak and meet with the team. 

EverStand

Daniel Ridenhour