The Creighton Bluejays faced a difficult challenge of a third weekend in a row facing two foes that were NCAA teams in 2011.  The first team was Old Dominion on Friday September 13, 2012.  The #14 Old Dominion came to Morrison Stadium with a highflying offense and one of the leading strikers in the country.  The Creighton Bluejays were very focused in the first 15 minutes and opened the scoring in the second minute with a goal from Jose “Choco” Gomez with an assist from Jose Ribas.  As the game continued, Old Dominion gathered itself and the game evened out with Old Dominion looking very dangerous. 

Old Dominion tied the game on a fantastic break from midfield where their fast strikers made their way down the right flank concluding with a perfect cross from Yannick Smith in the 25^th minute to striker Tim Hopkinson.  Old Dominion worked for the goal and it was very well done at speed and under composure.  The game was tied 1-1 at the half.

The Creighton defense starts their offense and many times the smart pass from the back four allows the Jays to create goal scoring opportunities.  Old Dominion’s speedy strikers pressured the Jays defense throughout the game and got a big break in the 71st minute.  Old Dominion picked the Bluejays pocket and stole the ball from the center backs.  Old Dominion talisman striker and last week’s TDS national player of the week, Tim Hopkins, got his second goal of the game (and sixth in his last three games!) to take the lead for good. 

Creighton had an 18 game unbeaten home streak going into the game against Old Dominion.  The crowd of 6,848 at Morrison Stadium was the largest ever to see a Creighton men’s soccer game.  The Bluejays were not going to go down easily.  The last 15 minutes showed an onslaught from the Jays with multiple scoring opportunities and a handful of very good chances.  Unfortunately for the record breaking home crowd, it was not to be.  When Creighton’s captain Andrew Ribero’s overhead kick with under a minute to go went wide, the Jays had missed their best opportunity to get a result.  The game ended 2-1 with visiting Old Dominion getting a huge win.  Old Dominion’s coach, Allan Dawson was quoted as saying, “This is a statement game for us to come into a big program like this, one that was in the final four last year and get a win.”  Old Dominion surely will build off a big road win and should be the favorites for the CAA title. 

Creighton’s coach, Elmar Bolowich realized his team had a great opportunity that they were unable to capitalize on, “In the end, we beat ourselves.  The unfortunate part is that we made one mental error and it cost us dearly.  Against good teams, you should be punished.  Hopefully, we’ll learn from it.”

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