Evan Fuhs Checks in from Spain – Installment #2
Evan Fuhs Augsburg assistant men's soccer coach
Augsburg men’s soccer assistant coach Evan Fuhs is blogging during the Auggies’ trip to Europe from May 3-13. For photos from the trip and more blogs, including thoughts from Augsburg student-athletes, go to the Augsburg men’s soccer website.
Last night, Pubilla Cases posed a significant challenge to the Auggie defense, since their impeccable technique led to high-paced, short passing. Tonight’s opponent, Perpignan Mediterranee AS of France, was less technical and had a more direct style, which played into the hands of the Auggies. The team continues to exert dominance in the air against the less physical European opponents. Operloim Marcellino (FY, Rochester, Minn./Century HS) and team captain Peter Loyd (SO, Plymouth, Minn./Robbinsdale Armstrong HS) were rock solid in the air throughout the game. Winning aerial challenges, combined with new-found comfort in possession, from Peter Osborn (SO, Eagan, Minn./Eastview HS) and T.J. Haag (JR, Apple Valley, Minn./Burnsville HS) enabled the Auggies to control the run of play.
Even still, the Auggies high back line broke, due in equal parts to the dynamic opposing forwards and creative hometown refereeing. Down 1-0, the Auggies powered home a corner kick to pull the game back to 1-1. Again though, the Auggies conceded and entered halftime down 2-1.
Despite the score, the Auggies continued the high pressure on both sides of the ball, resulting in a number of scoring chances. With the French opponents held to a number of counterattack moments, the Auggies looked as if they could tie the game at 2-2. Nevertheless, tired legs were a factor from the end of the second match in two days, and the Auggies gave up a late goal to finish 3-2.
The quality of soccer here continues to rise — both from the Auggies and the succession of European opponents.
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