There's no way to keep track of time of possession in soccer, but if there was, it would clearly demonstrate why Michigan handled Wright State in yesterday's first-round NCAA Tournament game.
In the 5-0 victory, Michigan spent nearly the whole game with the ball on the Raiders' side of the field, allowing no real scoring opportunities for Wright State.
"We knew it was going to be tough to get out of the back," Wright State coach Scott Rodgers said. "They've got some great players and they come at you quickly."
Michigan (17-5-1) wasted no time creating chances, with two early head ball shots from both junior Kacy Beitel and sophomore Laurie Peterson coming off corner kicks and crosses. The offense put constant pressure on Wright State's star goalie, Randi Freeman.
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| MARJORIE MARSHALL/Daily Abby Tompkins muscles her way to the ball against a Wright State opponent during Michigan's 5-0 victory over the Raiders in yesterday's NCAA Tournament first--round matchup at the Michigan Soccer Field. |
After that, Michigan wore down a tired Wright State team with their possession game. For most of the day, Wright State was chasing the ball around its side of the field.
"They possess the ball and really keep it moving," Rodgers said. "That was something we had hoped to do more of today."
Possession has been Michigan's strategy all season, and the team executes it effectively down the stretch. After riding the passing game to a Big Ten tournament title, the same style of play was too much for the Raiders.
"Our game plan was to pass the ball around and not to get into a running and dribbling game," Michigan coach Debbie Belkin said. "When they don't have the ball, they can't get into their game plan."
Two more goals were scored off of Michigan free kicks. Emily Schmitt's quick restart in the first half lead to Beitel's sixth goal in four games. In the second half, Mari Hoff scored the Wolverines' final goal on a free kick just outside the box.
"We like to have someone running (on free kicks)," Schmitt said, "We can catch them off guard with a speedy outside player."
Michigan's depth was also a problem for Wright State. Once Michigan got an early lead, Belkin subbed her players liberally. Since both teams were coming off tough weekend conference tournaments, Michigan's depth helped them cruise to victory.
"They wear you out physically when they can keep bringing in lots of players," Rodgers said.
With 32 teams left in the tournament, Michigan moves on to play Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, N.C. The Demon Deacons got a bye in the first round. Wake Forest was a finalist in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, and is another possession team.
"They play a great style, similar to us," Belkin said. "They like to play to feet."
It will be an interesting test for Michigan, whose recent opponents like to create opportunities off long runs and balls played over the top.
Michigan has won four straight games, and Belkin believes the team can pull off the upset.
"We're peaking at the right time," Belkin said. "Mentally we're strong even though we have a lot of pressure on us, and we're confident."
Michigan's victory against Wright State was only the team's second tournament victory ever. They have never been past the second round of the NCAA tournament before.
But Belkin believes that the Wolverines have the leadership to move into unchartered territory.
"The more you go through it, the more you know what to expect," Belkin said. "Every year we've gotten better and better, and we're on the rise."
Still, the every game for the rest of the season has the potential to be the last for the seniors. It's an especially tough prospect since every team but one will lose their final game. But the seniors do their best to maintain a productive focus.
"I try not to think about losing," Schmitt said. "We're just trying to win each game, but I definitely have my moments when I think, this could be it."
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