So here is what I am figuring out. It is hard to get updates on soccer in Eau Claire. The Leader Telegram is our best source but it’s hard to have a focus on soccer with all the area sports. I have spent the last few hours collecting some facts and figures and there is no easy way to collect information, especially up to data information.
Someone should start a blog on soccer and provide updates on all this stuff….interesting..what an idea. I have tried to gather some info for the soccer fans in the area. Disclaimer: I can’t promise 100% accuracy, but I think it is pretty close.
McDonell/Regis
McDonell/Regis had a win and a tough loss this weekend. A 3-1 win over Three Lakes was followed by a loss in a PK shootout. Man, PK shootouts to determine the game are tough. That is a lot of stress for High School Boys. The PK shootout results were 3-1. At this level to handle the stress and deliver a quality shot is hard, so no surprise only 4 of the 10 shots scored. McDonnel/Regis overall record this season is 3-1-2 so they are having some early season success. My favorite part of this update is to share that Zach Yengo scored twice this weekend. I have had the opportunity to watch Zach play for several years for ECU club teams and he is a great kid with great skills. Nice to see him getting some chances to score and lead his team. Well deserved.
Big Rivers Conference
I am learning it is very tough to provide accurate information on the league to date. There just is not a good source to find the updates quickly. On the BRC website, it is not up to date. Lots of missing scores. Not sure how that works or why…but that is the case. Someone must maintain that and schools likely call in or report scores, but regardless it is not accurate. Here is what I can determine from what I know and from pulling up info from other sources (Leader Telegram and MaxPrep site).
School Record
EC Memorial 4-0-0
Hudson 2-1-0
Chippewa Falls 2-1-0
Rice Lake 2-2-0
EC North 1-2-1
Menomonie 0-2-1
River Falls 0-3-0
Surprise for me so far is River Falls. River Falls gave Memorial its toughest game so far in conference..they played hard, had great energy, passed well, defended well and held a lead for most of the first half. Thought they would have a win by now, but they have played the better teams in league so far.
Team to be careful with: Chippewa Falls. They have a lot of offensive firepower. A ton of speed and quality with their forwards and wingers. They will score a bunch of goals. Early season injuries and missing players caused a slow start to the season. I think they will be tough the rest of the way. I have watch these boys play for many years and they are good. They have a strong GK who will keep them in games. The issue is defense. They are not as solid in their back 4. Size is an issue. The quality in the back does not match their quality up front. If they improve and figure out the defense, watch out…this team might cause problems for others in the league. They have won their last two and are gaining confidence. Their game against Hudson will determine who is chasing Memorial for the title this year. Game is Tuesday in Chippewa. Big game.
UW-Eau Claire Women
The Blugolds are three games in their season and a tough start with three losses all by one goal. That is frustrating but sounds like they have been in all three games and are close. Another game today (home) against Dubuque at 3:00 at Bollinger. I am a big fan of Coach Yengo and know he will get them headed in the right direction. I am planning to go by today to cheer them on. I have always thought we could improve our support of the college team. We have great soccer resources in EC with AYSO, Park& Rec, Eau Claire United and Chippewa Striker club programs. Why don’t we have more people at the games supporting the Blugolds. Especially all the young girls, what a great chance to be mentored by college athletes and inspired to improve your game. I need to think about that one a bit more to see what we can do as a community to support this team.
It is beautiful outside so go enjoy some quality college soccer today.
Interesting News
Memorial and Milwaukee Marquette (rated #1 in state currently) both have played Stillwater (MN) this year. Marquette tied them 2-2 recently and in a scrimmage early in the season Memorial played them strong…a pretty even game from all accounts. Both teams have also played Hudson recently with both teams winning decisively. Not sure the conclusions you can draw from common opponents, but it is interesting.
I hope you are enjoying reading the blog. I am 1 week into becoming a blogger…still fun…and hope to add some blogs on the Recreational and Club programs. For now High School Soccer is the focus while adding the UWEC program to the mix.