On a day where the Michigan men’s soccer team didn’t have all the answers offensively, its defense performed its best when it was needed most.
After taking an early lead thanks to graduate midfielder Shuma Sasaki’s goal, the Wolverines never relinquished their advantage for the remaining 84 minutes. Although Bowling Green managed to keep the game close, they were bereft of answers in possession.
Despite the 1-0 final score, Michigan rarely felt the pressure of conceding. The game mostly took place in the Falcons half, with the visitors content to sit back and take away space to attack. When they were trying to push the ball, the Wolverines’ midfield dominated Bowling Green with their size and physicality.
“Number one on our game model is toughness and energy,” Michigan coach Chaka Daley said. “The guys are starting to get it.”
Afraid to play through the middle of the field, Bowling Green looked to create chances through long balls over the midfield. That found little success, as Michigan dominated the second balls, allowing it to play keep away from the Falcons. Although the Wolverines struggled to find answers in the final third, they were more than happy to recycle the ball and relieve pressure on their own goal.
By halftime, Bowling Green only rendered a single shot, a wayward cross that flew harmlessly over the bar. Alongside their overwhelming physicality, Michigan’s discipline in their defensive block was equally important to maintaining the lead.
“Mentality is incredibly important,” Daley said. “It’s hard to gauge when you’re recruiting, but that mentality of getting to know what they’re all about, or the fabric of the human being.”
It was that mentality that the Wolverines needed to cement a dominant defensive performance, especially after graduate midfielder Mitar Mitrovic was sent off with eight minutes remaining. Still, the tenacity that Michigan showed without the ball seemingly erased the man advantage for the Falcons.
With a lack of confidence to play through the middle of the field, Bowling Green looked to go out wide to create chances — again to no avail. Although the Falcons would register a second shot of the game right before the clock expired, the timidity of the effort represented their toothlessness on the day.
“You’re gonna face adverse situations,” Daley said. “We’re trying to make sure that the guys are disciplined, organized, and managing the game with standards.”
Discipline was the key to the Wolverines seeing out the final minutes of the game. From beginning to end, Michigan never panicked and showed the industriousness without the ball Coach Daley appreciates.
As the Wolverines prepare for Big Ten play, Monday’s performance was the epitome of the tenacity they’ll hope to emulate throughout the season.
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