Following Duke’s win over High Point on Saturday, Air Force flew in to North Carolina for a second Blue Devil game yesterday (Sunday). The Falcons came out swinging and full throttle, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Duke roster depth, as the Blue Devils came out victorious 13-7.
FIRST QUARTER
Of the four goals committed in the opening period (two each side), three were on man-up opportunities.
Duke drew blood first scoring the first two goals of the game. Having come less than two minutes into the game and again almost halfway through the quarter, the game’s momentum already seemed to be in Duke’s favor. Myles Jones assisted Jack Bruckner for both goals, hinting that the two may have already developed a chemistry for the 2015 season.
Air Force did have answers, though. A minute and a half after Duke’s second goal, Falcons midfielder Christopher Allen scored off an assist from James Burke. Then, with 3:50 left in the first, Air Force again found the back of the cage when Keith Dreyer scored off an assist from Christopher Allen.
Though Duke opened the day’s scoring, the Falcons were the ones on fire. They were finding well-fought openings and putting the pressure on the patient Duke defense.
SECOND QUARTER
Air Force had all the momentum behind them is this quarter as they scored three to Duke’s two goals.
Once again, Duke opened the quarter’s scoring off a goal from Myles Jones; again within less than a minute and a half.
Then, Air Force scored three in a row. They were a mixture of settled offense finding openings, a messed up clear from Duke’s Luke Aaron in goal, and a fast break from the Falcons. The 3 scorers for the Force were Austin Smith and Nate Hruby unassisted in that order, then Chris Walsch off the assist from freshman Nick Hruby, Nate’s younger brother.
the Blue Devils had the final say of the half when Deemer Class scored unassisted with less than two minutes remaining.
HALFTIME
The Falcons had Duke on their heels the whole first half. Commentators and spectators alike were questioning Duke’s abilities following their own season opener less than 24 hours prior. The defense was patient for the Devils, but Air Force seemed to be on point defensively and opportunistic offensively. Duke scored on more extra-man opportunities, but the Falcons found more openings.
SECOND HALF
Why do I label this second half instead of this quarter? Because the entire half was run away by Duke.
To Air Force’s 2 second half goals, Duke found the back of the cage 9 times, six and three respectively.
Myles Jones would score twice more in the second half, but the breakaway was a big effort from Justin Guttering who accumulated five goals in that half. Duke goals came from:
Jack Bruckner – 14:33
Myles Jones – 8:51
Justin Guterding – 7:03
Justin Guterding – 5:04
Myles Jones – 3:37
Justin Guterding – 0:36
4th Quarter:
Chad Cohen – 3:51
Justin George – 2:39
GAME NOTES
The entire game was hard-fought. The ball went back and forth frequently, face offs under the new rules went smoothly, and different tricks were used.
That’s not just filler, it’s true! At some points, Air Force used a long pole to face off, and even won a few using the tactic. However, his non-expertise did cost the Falcons once or twice with early movements.
Air Force made more saves than Duke overall in the game, making 13 compared to Duke’s 10.
Luke Aaron for Duke made ten saves out of Air Force’s 41 shots that came to seven goals allowed. Whereas the Falcons’ Doug Gouchoe saved and allowed thirteen on Duke’s 32 shots. Air Force took more shots, Duke high higher quality shots.
Duke capitalized on three of four extra man opportunities compared to Air Force’s one for three. Duke also committed more turnovers.
When it comes down to it, Duke came out win the ‘W’ but played a straight up sloppy game. Air Force reacted well to the scrappy play but were most certainly more prepared for a strategized game.
FOLLOWING NOTES
In practice this week, the Falcons should work on defensive slides and offensive quality, whereas Duke should focus on their clears and sloppy play.
