A Stat for Teams That Have Lost to Duke
Among the teams Duke has beaten by 10 goals or more are Virginia (19-9), Johns Hopkins (17-6), UNC (19-9) and Loyola (21-8).
There have been two times where the eventual national champion lost a regular season game by 10 or more goals: In 2004, Syracuse lost to Johns Hopkins, 17-5, but won the national title. And in 1986, North Carolina lost to Johns Hopkins, 16-4, but won the title. Oddly, both teams beat the Blue Jays in the semifinals.
As Virginia Insider Dave Curry told us last week, we may not fully understand or appreciate the motivation with which Duke is playing until Matt Danowski sits down to do a "Real Sports" interview in 15 years.
But one thing is certain--Duke's offense is impressive. TFBO2F looked at two games--the wins over Hopkins and Loyola--and broke down where the goals came from.
Against Loyola, here's the breakdown:
Six on six goals: 7
Unsettled (i.e. following a groundball in offensive end): 2
Off Failed Clear: 2
Immediately following faceoff: 3
EMO: 3
In transition (defense to offense): 4
If lacrosse used hockey assists, the following players would have received an assist: MF Ned Crotty 3, LSM Parker McKee 2, MF Brad Ross, A Zack Greer, MF Steve Schoeffel, MF Bo Carrington, A Josh Coveleski, G Dan Loftus 1 each.
Here's the breakdown against Hopkins:
6 on 6: 5
Unsettled: 2
Off failed clear: 1
Transition: 5
EMO: 4
Hockey assists: Crotty 3, Ross, A Max Quinzani, A Zach Howell, DM Michael Ward, Schoeffel.
Essentially, Duke is scoring in a lot of different ways, and there a lot of players who are involved.
The Blue Devils play Army on ESPNU this weekend. If you're watching, take a look at how Danowski orchestrates things on offense. In transition, when he extends his arms out, the player stops looking to push the ball and lets the offense settle into a 6-on-6. When Danowski has the ball, if Greer or Quinzani holds his stick in air, it means he's open--and a laser-like pass is headed his way within a second or two, regardless of the defense. Danowski hit Greer with a pass among four Loyola defenders, and Greer still caught it and scored.
By Christian Swezey |
April 15, 2008; 1:58 PM ET
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Posted by: Timbosky | April 15, 2008 10:17 PM
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Thanks for the analysis. Love the breakdown because it really explains why they are so hard to stop. Recalling the insight previously posted about having 6 players who are threats to score, this analysis adds another dimension: HOW those players are able to score. I'll be watching for Danowski's arm extension when they take on Army Saturday.