Watched one game involving Dukes and API, and another involving Crabs and Philadelphia Freedom. All of these teams looked solid, and the potential for growth and development opportunities was apparent. Dukes had kids from Koopers, Rising Sons, Looneys and I believe Brotherly Love (?) playing on team. Dukes goalie could not have been a 2022 (he was enormous and had facial hair), but someone mentioned the regular goalie was out of town. Dukes built a halftime lead over API but API played them even in second half, and always appeared competitive. Got some very good LSM play. Dukes defense solid, but all scoring came from two kids. Dukes deeper/more talented, but did not appear "invincible".
Crabs beat a very good Freedom team by 3 goals. Like all the teams I observed, way too many turnovers and losses of possession. Physical play. Good goaltending and adequate defense. Offense looked improved over what i observed last year.
By the way, the Delaware facility is tremendous. Shame we don't have a similar complex in Maryland. All of these 2022 teams looked great and not much separates them. Wish I could have seem a Hawks game, but most of the 2022's played at the same time intervals.
That game vs. Philly Freedom was 6 zip Crab's in the first 10 minutes of play and the final was 14 - 7 Crab's. They are definitely not the same team from last year. Great competition all around and great facility this past weekend for sure.
