A quick weekend update for you.
Memorial v. Wauwatosa East
Memorial stepped out of Big Rivers Conference for a weekend Quad over the past two days. And a successful weekend it was. On Friday night, Memorial faced off against Wauwatosa East, coached by an old friend of the program. Jordan Stein, who spent several years coaching in the ECU club program as well as a year coaching Memorial JV, is now the head coach of Wauwatosa East Boys soccer program. It was great to see Jordan. I expect big things from him at Tosa. He has a young tam….really young team….so this year is more about development. Watch out in the coming years once he gets time to fully implement his style and program. A great young man and happy for his success. Having said that, I was also excited that Memorial stepped up and played a really solid game against.
The first half was one of the most complete halves we have played this year. The energy was excellent. The boys were pressing all over the field. Fullbacks were fully engaged forward and making an impact. The midfield was strong, controlling Tosa’s best player and limiting their possession. The wing play was dynamic all game. Forward and attacking midfielders were dangerous all game as well. It was an impressive half of soccer. As well, the goals were falling tonight too. A few from unexpected places. The second half was what you expect. After getting to half at 3-0, you want to control and kill off the game and all threats. That is what Memorial did….a well played, professional 3-0 victory for the Abes. Their first non-conference win this year after being close a few times.
-Will Hartman. I see you! Welcome to Varsity. Way top make your minutes count young fella. 4 goals in the past three games. Scoring from unexpected places is a nice added benefit as the season develops. Takes some pressure off the key goal scorers. Keeps a defense honest.
-Justin Smith. I see you too young fella. Multiple assists and firing crosses into dangerous spots on demand.
-Coaching staff. I feel you too. I really like to line up moves and adjustments this year. Multiple moves all appear to be paying dividends. Players are getting comfortable. Rotations are getting set. Players are delivering now that they fully understand their roles. Kudos to Coach Kite and Wirth on a job well done so far. Young teams take time and I like how the team is developing.
Memorial v. Madison East
The second game of the quad was today. I did not stay but did get a quick scoring report. I watched most of the Madison East v. Oshkosh West game on Friday night and can confirm both teams were full of talented players, fast wingers, dynamic forwards and aggressive defenders. I knew that whoever came away with the win was going to be a true test for Memorial. I did a little research on Madison East. They are in one of the most difficult conferences in Wisconsin…The Big 8. Currently The Big 8 has 4 teams ranked in the Top 10 in the Recent Coaches Poll….yes, 4 teams. Verona-5, Madison West-7, Madison Memorial-8, Sun Prairie-9. Can you imagine that. Crazy. If the Big Rivers had 4 teams ranked. Every conference game is a war.. Very hard conference. Madison East is not ranked but has a win over Madison West and a tie against Madison Memorial. They are a very good team, a high quality opponent.
If I have not mentioned…Memorial 2 – Madison East 1. Big win for the Abes. 1-1 at the half on a goal from recently hot Will Hartman. A game winner from Mitch Brenner, Mr. Clutch on a free kick. I think…so far…this is the best win of the season for Memorial. A great sign heading into the final third of the season and heading into the big week next week in Big rivers. North on Tuesday and then the big one against Hudson on Thursday.
-The Friday night game was a great primer for Hudson. On turf, under the lights, cool weather. Feels the coaches have the boys ready.
-Oshkosh West defeated Wauwatosa East 2-1 in the early game this morning.
Lets check out some highlights.
Will Hartman. Right spot, right time….delivers.
Will Hartman. Right spot, right time…delivers…Volume II. Sorry about the video quality. Should have zoomed out a bit but was trying to get some close up shots for everyone..Another cold night….hands might have been shaking a bit…bigger coat next time. I promise to keep getting better, but hey, where else can you go to get this type of average quality, shaky video of your favorite boys soccer team. I say nowhere, so we are stuck with each other and poor quality video. Enjoy!
Missed the Luke Rosenberger goal, I actually thought I had it, hit the record button, was about to view it afterwards and bam….the light was not blinking. I missed the button in my haste to record. See notes above on my poor quality video. More promises to get better…insert here…but I found this. A nice representation. I hope you appreciate the comparison Luke!
In honor of the free kick goal from Mitch for today’s game winner…check this out.
I hope you appreciate the comparison as well!