Last night Walnut Hills Boys wrapped up their season with 0-0 tie against Wyoming. It was senior night, so the stands were much fuller than usual. With all the hoopla before the game, the Eagles came out working hard, but were trying to do too much too early. Every pass seemed it had to be a 30 yard pass or had to split 2 defenders. The Eagles battled hard in an ugly first half, which saw our team shape much out of position.
In the second half, the boys came out more composed and began to knock the ball around like they know how. Several chances were created, but Wyoming's keeper denied Pescovitz, Moore, and Lewis every time. Wyoming didn't threaten much in the second half except for a free kick (which was saved by Browne) and a late counter attack that saw a their open 18 yard shot sail over the bar.
Reflecting on the game, I thought many times about pushing to a more conventional/direct system, but I choose to stay our course so players could continue to learn their roles in the current alignment. This season we have shaped up in a couple different ways, which I believe this experience will benefit us in our tournament run.
It has been a terrific season with only a few disappointments. As always, you strive for perfection, but a 10-3-3 record along with FAVC championship makes for a great season. Now its time to make a deep run in the tournament. The stakes are high and emotions will be higher. We hope to see everyone out at our game vs Sycamore on Oct. 22 7pm. There will be a tailgate starting at 5:30 (more info to come).
- Coach
(side note) I am blown away every year by the accomplishments of our seniors. Hearing their back stories, accomplishments off the field, and plans for the future give me a huge sense of pride, joy, and a bit of astonishment. I can't wait to see how they change the world.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Banged up, but not out
The Eagles won a physcial match at Loveland (3-1) this past Thursday. The first half of the game was pretty even with both teams getting a goal. Loveland's shorter field along with their 3-4-3 (seemed like a 5-2-3 at times) dictated the styles of play. With loveland constantly putting pressure on Walnut's back four, the Eagles elected to go more direct to Pescovitz and Lewis in the 2nd half. While the game wasn't extremely pretty, the Eagles pressed the Tigers to playing almost the whole second half on their defensive side. With direct style Wiedmann punted the ball all way down the field to Pescovitz to who won the 50-50 ball and beat the Tiger's defense to put Walnut up 2-1. Andre Lewis would make a great tackle and combine with 2 give go's to Pescovitz which led to the third goal. As the game was the prettiest it was a hard fought match, which saw the Eagles prevail with their backs to the wall.
The high point from Thursday carried a nasty hangover into Saturday as the Eagles where without 6 players including regular starters (Lewis and Wiers). Walnut struggled against Finneytown on quite possibly the worst field in the city. The ball would bobble in every which way, which wrecked havoc on Walnut keeping any type of possession and struggled to put any quality shots on frame (but several wide). Walnut would go 2-0 down after a questionable pk (the foul took place outside the box). Walnut began to step there intensity and seemed to get back into the game when Pescovitz shoulder the ball into the goal, but was called for handling. Also, the referee failed to correctly caution a Finneytown player for his second offense. This would have led to Finneytown being down a man, but instead the referee ignored his lineman and gave it to another player. Everything seemed to be against Walnut as nothing could go their way. The hostile conditions led to frustration for the whole program, which proved to be just a bit too much to overcome.
The good news is that we won't have to play on a field that poorly in the tournament or again after Walnut plays Wilmington on Tuesday. The Eagles are still in a great position to win challenge for the league title and for a good top seed in the tournament.
The high point from Thursday carried a nasty hangover into Saturday as the Eagles where without 6 players including regular starters (Lewis and Wiers). Walnut struggled against Finneytown on quite possibly the worst field in the city. The ball would bobble in every which way, which wrecked havoc on Walnut keeping any type of possession and struggled to put any quality shots on frame (but several wide). Walnut would go 2-0 down after a questionable pk (the foul took place outside the box). Walnut began to step there intensity and seemed to get back into the game when Pescovitz shoulder the ball into the goal, but was called for handling. Also, the referee failed to correctly caution a Finneytown player for his second offense. This would have led to Finneytown being down a man, but instead the referee ignored his lineman and gave it to another player. Everything seemed to be against Walnut as nothing could go their way. The hostile conditions led to frustration for the whole program, which proved to be just a bit too much to overcome.
The good news is that we won't have to play on a field that poorly in the tournament or again after Walnut plays Wilmington on Tuesday. The Eagles are still in a great position to win challenge for the league title and for a good top seed in the tournament.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Anderson Defeated, Next up Loveland!
Last night, the Eagles beat Anderson 3-2. The game was controlled by Walnut but Anderson kept it interesting with a first half goal and late 2nd goal own goal by the Eagles. The Eagles got a goal in the first half when Daniel Bundschuh crossed the ball to Sebastain Ganz who rocketed a shot that was deflected by the Anderson keeper to Max Pescovitz who tucked it home. The rest of the first half saw very direct styles of play from both sides with the Eagles beating the Anderson keeper twice only to have it cleared off by a defender. Anderson Midfielder Popp, sneaked through the Walnut defense with 15 minutes in the first half to draw it level.
In the second half, Walnut went full throttle throwing Andre Lewis into the attack. He immeidately gave problems to Anderson and spaces began to open up. Walnut had several corners in the second half, but only one would lead to a goal, when Will Hellmich came up late and put cleared ball back into the box. Adam Brown settled it and found Pescovitz, who slotted it home. Five minutes later Lewis would find Pescovitz on a fast break. Pescovitz then slotted a perfectly weighted ball for Bundschuh who beat the keeper and chipped the last Anderson defender on the goal line. The game appeared to be over as Walnut continued to create chance after chance, especially from winger Alex Moore who found lots of space down the right side.
Anderson made it interesting when a David Wiers was booked with a yellow that resulted in a 40 yard free kick. Miscommunication and pressure from Anderson resulted in Walnut heading the ball into their own net. From there Walnut's dirty work players, Hilderbrandt and Brown clamped down on Anderson's midfield to hold for the win 3-2.
This week the Eagles play Loveland on Thursday. Loveland is 3-0 in the conference and was ranked preseason #1. It promises to be a big game!
In the second half, Walnut went full throttle throwing Andre Lewis into the attack. He immeidately gave problems to Anderson and spaces began to open up. Walnut had several corners in the second half, but only one would lead to a goal, when Will Hellmich came up late and put cleared ball back into the box. Adam Brown settled it and found Pescovitz, who slotted it home. Five minutes later Lewis would find Pescovitz on a fast break. Pescovitz then slotted a perfectly weighted ball for Bundschuh who beat the keeper and chipped the last Anderson defender on the goal line. The game appeared to be over as Walnut continued to create chance after chance, especially from winger Alex Moore who found lots of space down the right side.
Anderson made it interesting when a David Wiers was booked with a yellow that resulted in a 40 yard free kick. Miscommunication and pressure from Anderson resulted in Walnut heading the ball into their own net. From there Walnut's dirty work players, Hilderbrandt and Brown clamped down on Anderson's midfield to hold for the win 3-2.
This week the Eagles play Loveland on Thursday. Loveland is 3-0 in the conference and was ranked preseason #1. It promises to be a big game!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Walnut 5-1-2
This year continues to a be year where the FAVC is particulary strong! The Eagles are at 5-1-2. Turpin is still undefeated though they just tied Anderson who only has one loss this season. Milford, only one loss (to Walnut) matches up against Turpin tonight.
This week Walnut played some of its best posession all season for most of the La Salle game. Unfortuanately, the Ealges were wasteful in their chances only converting 2 of 20 shots. The Lancers took opportunity of two mistakes and tied the game up in the last two minutes. It was frustating match, but the Eagles would rebound on Thursday vs. Glenn Este. Freshman Danile Bundschuh would score a hat trick, while seniors Max Pescovitz (2 goals) and David Wiers would score as well. Bundschuh showed extreme poise in his finishing, one of which was the fastest goal ever scored for Walnut (23 seconds into the game).
The Eagles take on Anderson tonight at 7:00 pm. The Walnut Hills Jazz band will be there to get the energy flowing! Come out and support!
This week Walnut played some of its best posession all season for most of the La Salle game. Unfortuanately, the Ealges were wasteful in their chances only converting 2 of 20 shots. The Lancers took opportunity of two mistakes and tied the game up in the last two minutes. It was frustating match, but the Eagles would rebound on Thursday vs. Glenn Este. Freshman Danile Bundschuh would score a hat trick, while seniors Max Pescovitz (2 goals) and David Wiers would score as well. Bundschuh showed extreme poise in his finishing, one of which was the fastest goal ever scored for Walnut (23 seconds into the game).
The Eagles take on Anderson tonight at 7:00 pm. The Walnut Hills Jazz band will be there to get the energy flowing! Come out and support!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Walnut vs Turpin 9/8/11
Tonight Walnut dropped its first game of the season to Turpin in a 1-0 loss. Neither team ever really got going as both teams struggled to complete passes and break down each other s defense. Turpins best opportunity came on free kicks and corners. Walnut experienced much of the same except for a couple of times that Pescovitz and Moore got behind Turpin.
The Game seemed destined for a 0-0 tie. Throughout the game both Turpin and Walnut's back line did an excellent job of winning balls out of the air and clearing their lines. Both midfields where crowded out and struggled to get the ball wide. With 12 minutes left Turpin would win a corner and Walnut has some miscues on marking up, which left Josh McDaniel with easy 2 yard finish. Walnut's best to score came when a corner skipped to the back post and Pescovitz's shot was cleared off the line by a Turpin defender. Another great chance for Walnut came when Hellmich struck a free kick in low and hard which saw it ping pong around the the six until it was shot wide by Walnut attacker.
Overall, both teams played a hard fought match that saw Turpin notch a win on marking miscues. Turpin is now number one in the FAVC but they still have to face Milford, Loveland, and others. The Eagles won't hang their head because this is the year of the FAVC. I really doubt that any team in our conference can make it through unscathed.
The Eagles play La Salle on Tuesday 8pm, which promises to be another physical match and intense match up.
The Game seemed destined for a 0-0 tie. Throughout the game both Turpin and Walnut's back line did an excellent job of winning balls out of the air and clearing their lines. Both midfields where crowded out and struggled to get the ball wide. With 12 minutes left Turpin would win a corner and Walnut has some miscues on marking up, which left Josh McDaniel with easy 2 yard finish. Walnut's best to score came when a corner skipped to the back post and Pescovitz's shot was cleared off the line by a Turpin defender. Another great chance for Walnut came when Hellmich struck a free kick in low and hard which saw it ping pong around the the six until it was shot wide by Walnut attacker.
Overall, both teams played a hard fought match that saw Turpin notch a win on marking miscues. Turpin is now number one in the FAVC but they still have to face Milford, Loveland, and others. The Eagles won't hang their head because this is the year of the FAVC. I really doubt that any team in our conference can make it through unscathed.
The Eagles play La Salle on Tuesday 8pm, which promises to be another physical match and intense match up.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Walnut vs Sycamore 9/6/11
Walnut beat Sycamore tonight for their first time ever! The weather conditions were awful and made for a game of two halves. Pescovitz started the scoring when Max Ziemba drove a 40 yard ball in to the box, which he settled and tucked away. Sycamore would respond quickly when a cross appeared to go out of bounds but the wind somehow kept it in. Walnut defenders made the mistake of not finsihing the play and sycamore capitalized to go 1-1. Minutes later Andre Lewis send a 50 yard driven ball into Max Pescovitz, where he again, tucked it away. Sycamore would answer right back as Walnut let a normal cross cause a mix up at the top of the Box. Sycamore forward Charlie Byers would find himself all alone and slot it home. Walnut wasn't done as they turned up the teimpo earning several corners. Pescovitz would get his third goal off a corner kick. Right before half, Sebastian Ganz took a free kick where he slotted Max Ziemba, who shot a low cross that found the far corner to make it 4-2.
In the second half, the wind picked up behind the sycamore team. They went with three forwards and press Walnuts defense tight. Defenders Will Hellmich, David Wiers, and Andre Lewis would not budge though. They withheld the first 10 minute onslaught from sycamore which saw shots blocked and go wide. Walnut then transitioned into more a possession game and begin to kill the game off. Late in the game Adam Brown would link up with several teammates to work his way into the box on some of the best movement of the ball on the night. Unfortuantely the final finish was just out of reach. With three minutes to go, Sycamore claimed a third goal when a 30 yard shot deflected off a Walnut defender to go up and over keeper Logan Wiedmann.
Walnut from there held on to go 4-0-1. They face #3 Turpin in a huge match on Thursday night 8pm at Walnut Hills. It promises to be an exciting match where Walnut's top offense match's up with Turpin's top Defense. Come out and support!
In the second half, the wind picked up behind the sycamore team. They went with three forwards and press Walnuts defense tight. Defenders Will Hellmich, David Wiers, and Andre Lewis would not budge though. They withheld the first 10 minute onslaught from sycamore which saw shots blocked and go wide. Walnut then transitioned into more a possession game and begin to kill the game off. Late in the game Adam Brown would link up with several teammates to work his way into the box on some of the best movement of the ball on the night. Unfortuantely the final finish was just out of reach. With three minutes to go, Sycamore claimed a third goal when a 30 yard shot deflected off a Walnut defender to go up and over keeper Logan Wiedmann.
Walnut from there held on to go 4-0-1. They face #3 Turpin in a huge match on Thursday night 8pm at Walnut Hills. It promises to be an exciting match where Walnut's top offense match's up with Turpin's top Defense. Come out and support!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
First 4 games
2011 has gotten off to a great start. Thanks to the boys hard work and all the support from Walnut Hills Fan base. The Eagles are currently undefeated at 3-0-1. After cruising past Colerain (6-0) and Oak Hills (5-1), the Eagles face their first test in Milford. The boys would show real character after giving up 3 goals in the first 8 minutes, two off long throws. Max Pescovitz then drew his team to within one before half with two calm finishes in front of goal . After half, Walnut again gave up another goal off a set piece to go down 4-2. Still the boys remained calm and focused. After another Pescovitz goal, Alex Moore sped down the sideline to beat 3 defenders to draw the Eagles level. Pescovitz would then score with 4 minutes left to put the Eagles ahead for good. Milford pressed the last 3 minutes, but had only one great chance which was saved by Logan Weidman.
On Saturday, The Eagles started slowly against Lakota East and gave up another early goal on a set piece. With temperatures above 100 degrees on the turf, neither team looked much like they wanted to be there. Lakota East did a great job of holding a defensive shape and made it hard to break down until the last 10 minutes of the game, when the Eagles came alive. Walnut would get a late equalizer thanks to Alex Moore's low drive cross that was deflected by a defender for an own goal.
The Eagles face Sycamore on Tuesday at 8pm @ WHHS, which promises to be an exciting game. Last year, Sycamore beat Walnut twice in very hard fought matches. Come out and support!
On Saturday, The Eagles started slowly against Lakota East and gave up another early goal on a set piece. With temperatures above 100 degrees on the turf, neither team looked much like they wanted to be there. Lakota East did a great job of holding a defensive shape and made it hard to break down until the last 10 minutes of the game, when the Eagles came alive. Walnut would get a late equalizer thanks to Alex Moore's low drive cross that was deflected by a defender for an own goal.
The Eagles face Sycamore on Tuesday at 8pm @ WHHS, which promises to be an exciting game. Last year, Sycamore beat Walnut twice in very hard fought matches. Come out and support!
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