Fords Go Left For The Win
Turnover Data Reveal The Price Of Youth
In a return visit to the site of 2012's NCAA first and second round tournament games for the Fords, the result was more definitive than the taut 2-2 draw and PK shootout win over Wesleyan in the first round, or the tough loss to Stevens Tech in the second! It was the noticeable lack of success on the right side of the Fords' attack and joy found on the left that defined the match.
Arcadia were forced to use a reserve right back (3 Games Played, 1 Start and only 3 appearances as a freshman for 45 minutes total time in 2013) as well as a inconsistent starter at right center back (4 GP & 3 S) and while there are many reasons this can disrupt a defense, the outcome was that Haverford enjoyed more success on their left side than the right. That Whittle was playing behind a freshman winger, Herrera (9 starts in 9 games) may have contributed; too few freshmen arrive at the college level with a real understanding of the defensive obligations. By contrast the 9GP/9S left center back and left back are sophomore and junior, and the left mid is a senior with 9GP/8S.
To illustrate the point, the image below shows Haverford's turnovers and goals: