Comfortable Win Vs. Rice Lake

So let’s get caught up on the Memorial Old Abes .  The early season weather issues has condensed the season and the games are coming fast and furious. Memorial continues to roll along.  After a tight game decided late against Chippewa Falls 2-1 last week, the Abes found their scoring groove against Rice Lake over the weekend.  A familiar theme this year, the Abes score early and the Abes score often.  Memorial jumped out quickly with a Barstad goal, another common theme lately.  Since taking over the attacking midfield role, Barstad has increased her scoring and is becoming a nice alternative to Carmody and Stow.  Throw in Beaudrie and balanced scoring is starting to come together for the Abes.  A comfortable 8-1 win featured 4 goals in each half.  Goals by Barstad, Sorenson and Beaudrie highlighted the first half.  Second half goals by L. Carmody, Sorenson, Barstad and Lindsay finished off a strong game for Memorial.  Another game where they limited the opposition shots.  The final theme for the past three games.

Dominating Second Half Propels Abes over River Falls

So, this is the two game stretch I have been waiting for all season.  River Falls has shown some nice flashes of skill, possession and scoring in racking up an undefeated BRC season to date.  Add in a few nice non-conference wins and RF looked dangerous and a back to back set seemed the critical point of the season.  Memorial seemed ready and took control of the game early on a Barstad goal at the 2 minute mark.

Note to Self….GET TO THE GAMES EARLY.  I think this is the 3rd or 4th game they have scored in the first few minutes of the game. 

The game settled into a normal Memorial game, lots of possession, quick recovery of the ball when they lose possession, limit the other teams shots and get a bunch of shots on goal.  The only issue tonight, the ball just could not find the net.  Wet conditions may have impacted shooters, just a little wide, or high thru the first half.  River Falls made things interesting with t=a goal at 27 minutes on a corner l=kick.  1-1 at the half.  So….I have seen this movie a few times this year.  Close first half even though Memorial has full control of the game, halftime speech, Memorial raises their play just a bit.  A little more energy, a little sharper passing, a little more efficient shooting and finishing.  Bam…game over.  Tonight was much the same.  After pressing River Falls for the first five minutes of the half, things started clicking for Memorial.  a flurry of possession and shots near the RF 18 lead to a shot off the upright that deflected into the box where a hustling Ava Kison finished it off for a 2-1 lead.

Note to Self….Be careful taking notes on the goal that just scored as Memorial can score REALLY FAST.

Less than a minute later as I am typing up a note on the Kison goal, I look up and see Stow flying down the right side of the 18, curling in towards the near post.  A hard low shot, aided a bit by the wet turf, skips under the GK and in the blink of an eye, it’s now 3-1 Abes.  10 minutes later, Memorial puts it away on a nice thru ball from Stow to L. Carmody and game over 4-1 Abes.  Nice pass and nice slotted finish to the corner.  A few late goals by Barstad and L. Carmody who each had two, finished off the scoring 6-1.

Memorial v. River Falls Round 2

So, I must say, I was a bit disappointed in the first RF game.  I really expected a battle. Memorial has not been tested much this year.  A few close calls against North and Chippewa Falls where they dominated but just could not find the net, but no one has really made the Abes uncomfortable in conference.  I thought RF would.  So, the rematch a day later and the game was eerily similar to the first game.  Does this sound familiar?

Memorial controls the game, dominates possession and gets on the board first to take a 1-0 lead.  A nice spell of possession in the box leads to a Stow blast into the corner of the net.

Note to Self…be careful catching up with friends at the game…you might miss getting video of the first goal. Ugh!

River Falls fights back and scores on a corner to even up the game at 1-1.

It felt like Memorial might blow this one open early in the second half, constant pressure and multiple shots early in the half.  Two balls off the cross-bar, multiple shots just wide.  And then a funny thing happened.  River Falls started to find their game.  Sustained possession in the Abes half of the field for the next 5-10 minutes.  I think the longest period of possession by an opponent this year other than DC Everest or Kimberly.  River Falls was playing more physical.  The RF midfield was controlling the game.  Coach Derusha was using a deeper bench all game, no real surprise with the jam-packed schedule and another three games to go this week.  RF found some success and all the good play lead to their tying goal at the 60 minute mark. Game On!  As we have seen a few times this year…no panic for these Abes.  Stick to the game plan.  Memorial found the right rotation of players about halfway thru the period and it just felt like the goal was coming.  If I was to tell you Memorial needed a big goal late in a game to seal the deal, I think I know where you’d put your money.  A nice wide ball into space by Beaudrie found Stow out on the left-wing.  She took on a defender, cut the ball back to the middle (sound like the goal against DC Everest yet) and rifled a hard shot past the GK for a 2-1 lead.  The video of the goal is below.  You will see she splits the defenders on the shot and just beats the GK with power.  Pretty sure the RF GK stops most shots like that, but Stow just puts a little more pace on her shot than most players.  Surprises GK’s.  Well defended, but Stow is just a special player.

Memorial continues to press for another goal, but the RF goal keeper had a few nice saves late.  She faced over 30 shots in game 1 and likely the same tonight.  Let’s give her some love with the following two videos.  These could have easily made it 4-1.  The first another drive by Player of the Game, Stow.

The last, a blast by Barstad, who is really making a difference lately with scoring and midfield presence.

Approaching the back part of the conference season and these two wins put Memorial in the driver’s seat.  A conference standings update coming soon.  A big rivalry game Thursday and then out of conference for two difficult games this weekend.  We will learn a lot about our Abes this weekend.

Sometimes it’s the games you don’t expect to be tough that can sneak up on you.  Chippewa is mid pack in the Big Rivers and no real threat to Memorial, but….that’s why you play the games.  Funny things can happen in a soccer game, you can have tons of possession, you can get a ton of shots, you can only give up 1-2 shots from the opposition….and yet, you can still find yourself tied 1-1 with 20 minutes to go.

That’s what happened Thursday night in Chippewa Falls when Memorial took on the Cardinals.

Maybe it was the lack of practice that caught up, maybe it was the crazy schedule with 6 games in the past 10 days, maybe it was just a lull in performance which is normal in mid-season, or maybe it was just on of those nights when the ball just can’t find the net and the opposing GK makes a few nice saves.  The stats will say Memorial dominated the game.  I think I saw 32-2 in shots for the game.  Memorial dominated the possession as well, controlling 70-80% of the ball from my perspective.  And the shots were coming.   Early and often.  Just  a little wide, just a little high, off the cross bar, right at the GK.  It just wasn’t meant to be in the first half.  For a team that had scored 16 goals in the past two games, it just felt a little flat last night.   The thing is, this is pretty normal in a season, the key is can you still find a way to stay patient and win these games and not get rattled.  Play your game and trust then goals will come.

Tied 0-0 at then half after dominating play, the Abes found their rhythm in the early part of the second half and went up 1-0 on a very persistent spell of possession and just desire to get a goal.  It really was just an attitude goal.  We are not leaving the 18 until the ball is in the net.  You need to hang on for the goal, several players involved, lots of touches, Sorenson is a major factor in the goal…creating with her possession, winning a ball back quickly…finding space and getting the ball into a dangerous spot for Stow. Stow just does Stow stuff and buries this one!

So game over right…the flood gates will open and the Abes will go on a 4 goal run to put this thing away.  Well, hold your old Abes, Chippewa hung tough and battled. Most of the night it looked like a 4-5-1 with 9 players behind the ball defending.  Space was limited.  I guess a smart move really, can you score on a set play; corner or free kick and somehow just hold off the high powered Abes.  It almost worked.  at the 70 minute mark, Chippewa penetrated the Abes defense a bit and under pressure the Abes committed a foul.  A free kick from Andrea Chihasky, maybe 30-35 yards.  Too far really, no way to score from here…the kick is away and …oh no…that looks like it has a chance…wow…it just keeps drifting to the upper corner of the net…bam. 1-1. Game on!  I think that one shocked everyone, the Memorial fans for sure, the Chippewa fans for sure, even the Chippewa players I think.  So, pressure is back on Memorial.  I must say, there was no panic.  They continued to just play their possession game and look for openings to break down the Cardinal’s defense.  Patience is a virtue they say and it usually pays dividends.

Here is another one of those hustle, persistence goals.  It starts with a throw in and getting a dangerous ball into the box, bur CF avoids the goal and is working to clear when the Player of the Night…Serena Sorenson, whips a ball back into the six for Stow who knocks it down right into the path of Lauren Carmody who buries it upper 90 off the volley.  2-1. Game almost over.  Memorial had to survive one last scare on CF second shot of the night.  After pushing into the Abes half, Chippewa had a nice switch of play to the back side for an uncovered wing player who got in behind the defense on the left side of the 18.  She cleared the defense and hit a nice hard low shot tracking for then left side of the net.  I think the GK was beaten, but the shot drifted wide left.  No goal. Danger averted…now Game Over! Whew.  A few quick heart beats on that one!

A quick shout out to the Chippewa Falls GK Bayleigh Crawford who had 18 saves. Here was a nice one.  Another Serena Soreson moment as well.  Nice game for her.

A Few Thoughts

Memorial dropped a few spots but still holding onto the #5 spot in the latest Coaches Poll.  Surprised not to see DC Everest.  Maybe some unfortunate losses for them, but they were really good.

Big Week Next Week Should Decide the Conference Champ.  Back to back games against River Falls after a Saturday trap game against Rice Lake.  Stay focused Saturday and get past RL and then bring it hard for the back to backs.  River Falls is the real deal.  This should be a very exciting, and difficult two game stretch. Hope Bowe can make it back, fingers crossed.

Memorial Takes down Kimberly In Efficient Manner

After Fridays physical and drama filled game with DC Everest, the follow up on Saturday just felt a bit different.  It was two really good teams with talent all over the field, but things just seemed a bit calmer in under control for the Abes on Saturday.  Maybe it was the second game with players getting comfortable in their new roles.  Maybe things just fell their way a bit, regardless, it was a really nice win against a quality opponent ranked in the Top 10 in the recent poll.

After Friday’s late  game drama, Saturday started out about as good as you could hope for if you are a Memorial fan.  Two goals in the first 15 minutes.  I mentioned in the last post, it would be great for Memorial to get a few good breaks after a tough week of news.  It came on Saturday.  Shots were finding the net, balls were bouncing their direction, deflections ended up at their feet….things just seemed to fall right.  Now , that’s not to say the goals weren’t well earned…it’s just that on another night, it might have been much closer.  In previous games, these shots were just high or a bit wide.  On this day, they found the net!  Sorenson with a nice volley goal (video below) and Beaudrie with a long distance strike after a deflection or rebound found her feet. 2-0 after 13 minutes. Nice!

After getting up quickly, the game settled down a bit and became very competitive.  With Kimberly’s high-ranking, you figured things would tighten up a bit.  Kimberly had a very dangerous forward who made life difficult for Memorial.  Long, fast and skilled…she struck twice to make things interesting in the first half.  A nice string of possession near then Abes 18 with a good lay off allowed a perfect strike to cut the lead to 2-1 at the 38th minute.  The Abes countered quickly on a second goal by Beaudrie, a quick strike in the box that made its way thru a defender and an oncoming GK.  A very quick video below, sorry Jacque, I will get a better shot next time!  3-1 and back in control in the 39th minute.  Kimberly pressed again and a nice long run down the side from their striker, who turned the corner and was able to play a dangerous ball across the box lead to a 2nd Kimberly goal.  Game on…3-2 at the half.  Memorial really controlled things in the second half, had solid possession and kept pressing for a 4th goal.  They limited Kimberly’s chances and finally found their 4th goal in the 73rd minute on a nice hustle goal by Lauren Carmody. A hard shot by Stow could not be secured by the GK and Carmody was in the right spot at the right time to clean up and drive it into the back of the net.  4-2.  Game over!

Here are a few quick highlights.

What I love is the ball touches 4 players and even after a deflection, Sorenson stays alert and executes a really nice volley that finds the back of the net.  This was the first sign it was going to be a good day!

Beaudrie’s first goal was a smasher!  Here, she finds a ball in the corner of the box and another hustle goal.  Just beats the defender and GK to the ball.  Don’t blink, a quick video.

I dropped this in to just provide a great example of the midfield play.  A searching ball to Stow is blocked, but the midfield stays engaged, finds some possession, works a nice 1-2 and gets a respectable shot near the 18.  Well played.  Good Soccer.

Some Notes:

River Falls had a nice 2-2 game against GB Preble and a 4-0 win over Fond du Lac.  Rice Lake seems like they are the real deal.

Balanced Attack from Abes.  If I had told you Stow would not score and the final was 4-2….maybe you think Kimberly wins.  Not today.  Memorial is getting goals from many spots; including wing play and midfield play.

A Good Week End for Memorial.  They needed to be tested.  Two games against high quality opponents.  One fast and physical, one skilled and balanced.  A hard fought tie and a win.  The team is growing.  Well done Abes!

When the Abes and Evergreens get together on the soccer field, it usually is a hard-fought and close battle, and Friday’s game did not disappoint.  It was a really well played, high quality soccer game.  I know 1-1 doesn’t sound that way, but the game was exciting, had some really special moments and a little late drama as well.  It was a game Memorial needed.  After getting out of the gate with a 5-0 record against Big Rivers Conference opponents, Memorial needed a test to see where they stood.  Some early season non-conference games were cancelled due to snow!  Yes, snow!  The team needed a battle, they needed to be tested, they needed to get pushed around a bit, they needed to find themselves down 1-0 late in a game for the first time this year. They needed to see how they would respond.  Respond they did and showed some grit and character along the way.  Test passed, maybe not an A+ as they did not come away with a win, but I think they showed they belong in the discussion for top teams in the state.

Word of the day: Adversity. Memorial is having a tough run and dealing with some injury adversity.  You expect some adversity, but this seems like piling on a bit.  The last week has been tough, but the team responded and really stepped up on Friday.  Coach DeRusha has a deep and talented team and he found some good answers with adjusting his line up and moving around some players to fill gaps.  Memorial has soccer players, players with skill and knowledge of the game.  They don’t just have forwards, wingers, midfielders or defenders.  Players elevated their game.  The energy was high, the focus was intense.  Next player up was on full display.

DC Everest came out fast to start the game.  You could tell this was the most talented team Memorial has faced this year.  The pace was quicker, players were quicker, the ball was moving faster.  Memorial has dominated possession this year and played a majority of the season in the opponents half…not today.  Memorial found themselves defending their 18 today.  DC Everest pressed and owned a majority of the ball in the first 30 minutes of the game.  Everest Forward Maddie Simpson was a handful for the Abes defense.  Her speed, movement and aggressive play made her dangerous all game.  The best player on an opposing team I have seen this year.  The early dominance turned into a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute as a cross played near the 18 turned into a one time upper 90 curling shot by Simpson.  I have not been to every game, but I would guess Memorial faced more shots in the first 30 minutes from DC Everest than they have faced the entire year leading up to this game.  The defense was forced deeper than normal and had to fight to keep Simpson and the Evergreens out of the box.  The game required all 11 playing defense.  The Abes starting to come into the game and looked the better team the last 20 minutes.  The ball was finding space, the wing play improved, Stow started to find gaps in the defense and shots started to come.  Stow had several good chances to equalize but was denied.

The games most important sequence occurred late in the half.  A little wobble on defense allowed Simpson to break fee for a one v one while being pursued by two Abe defenders.  Simpson was able to fight off the Abes and fired a shot into oncoming Abe GK Leah Hujik.  A wonderful save!  A deflection and shot moments later also saved…Hujik was able to get to her line and absorb another shot with a nice save.  3 saves in 5-6 seconds and ultimately, saving the game.  Down 2-0 would have been a much different place.  Going into the half at 1-0 was a small victory for the Abes.  Stow almost tied it 1-1 on her own one v one breakaway in the last few minute and Simpson put one more scare into the Abes as the clock was winding down. Whew!

The second half Everest again took control of possession for a large part of the game.  Memorial absorbed pressure while looking for Stow on counter attacks, probing the Evergreens defense for soft spots.  It was not unusual to look up and see Stow with three Evergreen defenders within 10 yards of her.  She was patient and just keep fighting for the ball and looking for opportunities.  Memorials defense was stout.  Limiting shots and any dangerous play.  On occasion they pushed more players forward and started to combine with Stow to create some chances. So let’s just say it….Stow is a really good player, one of the best in the State.  Her ability to score is top class.  She is a dangerous player; combining speed, skill, physicality and desire.  I know it, the fans know it, Evergreen players knew it and the DC Everest coach knew it as well.  He did everything he could to stop her.  30 minutes into the half and still down 1-0, but you just had this feeling.  It would only take one good opportunity.  If Stow could just get a ball into space then you know she could find a way.  No matter how many are defending her, she just is special.

And then this happened.

I know. The lighting is bad, trying to record while facing the sun is a bad idea, rookie mistake, but hey, I am just an amateur blogger who loves soccer.  And where else will you get to see this goal?  Pretty special shot.  She picks up the ball in midfield, aggressively attacks while being boxed in by three defenders, makes a great outside cut to the right, clears a second defender and just rips a hard ball on the ground into the perfect spot in the far left side of the net.  Wow!  GK really had no chance.  Defenders really had no chance.  It was just meant to be!  1-1.  Game on.  The last 10 minutes had lots of drama, a few more shots by both teams and a very late shot on a very sweet move near the six by Everest’ Simpson and a diving save as the clock was ticking down. Whew!  Hearts pounding everywhere on that one. Great Game!

A few thoughts.

Big Games bring out the best in Big Players. Stow and Simpson both shined with lots of excellent play all over the field.  Leah Hujik was awesome with some really high quality saves.  Memorials defense was pressed all day but held up.  Kison marking Simpson was fun to watch. Barstad’s play in midfield helped solidify that spot.

New players with increased minutes all played well.  Memorial showed the importance of a deep team with talented players.  Everyone played well and really came together in their new roles and increased minutes.

Hoping the best for the players out right now.  Memorial could use some good news but I know they will continue to play well and fight.  That darn adversity thing!  They will get tested right away as Top 10 Kimberly awaits today at 1:00. Go Abes!

Memorial hits 10 in win over Menomonie

Two programs in different places met on the pitch tonight as Memorial squared off against Menomonie.  Menomonie is working to build their program and is in the development stages. They work hard and you can see some talent, and against most teams in the Big Rivers they can be competitive, just not against Memorial.  Unfortunately for them, tonight they faced one of the better programs in Wisconsin and currently rated in the Top 5 in the latest polls.  A mismatch.

A tough day for Menomonie for sure.  The goals came early and often.  On top of the mismatch, they couldn’t catch a break…balls bouncing off them, funny deflections, hand balls in the box, infringement on a PK shot…it felt like piling on a little bit.  I appreciate that the team kept fighting, kept working hard, and approached the game with a great attitude.  The fans were really supportive and cheered every good play, every save (yes-there were a lot of saves as well) and every time they entered Memorials half or got off a shot.

For Memorial it was just a matter of taking care of business.  They played solid soccer, scored early….59 seconds into the game on a nice corner kick by Barstad that just found a way into the net…maybe a little assist along the way …. and scored often,  7 in the first half and 3 in the second.  Just a good day at the office for the experienced Old Abes.  The goal today…just don’t get sloppy or start any bad habits.  Play your game and get your goals and move on to Rice Lake on Thursday.  7 Old Abes hit the score book tonight including: Barstad (2). Beaudrie, Bowe(2), Stow, Graaskamp (2), Kison, and Lauren Carmody.

On to some highlights.  With 10 goals I had to pick out one of the best of the night.  A strike from distance from Barstad to end the game.  Stow had a nice one v one goal and a first half volley by Bowe might have been better, but the goals were coming quick at that point and I didn’t hit the record button…sorry Ali…I know you expect more from me…I promise to get better.

This one was from about 25 yards out.  Struck with power and placement.  Well done!

On a tough night for Menomonie, I had to put in a save by their GK.

And one more.  This was my favorite play of the night, no goal, but lots of good action. A volley into the cross-bar that would have been the goal of the night by Beaudrie, another volley, a chest trap, a header and then another volley just over the top.  If that had scored..oh my!

Some Additional Thoughts

-When Ali Bowe shoots, please get out of the way..take your children and get far far away. Man, she generates a lot of power.  I would not want to get in the way of her shot!

-Graaskamp might have set a Memorial record tonight.  I doubt they keep these kind of stats, but I would be curious.  She scored back to back goals in 46 seconds.  Her first goal of the night at 20:16 on the clock and then immediately she scored again at the 21:02 mark.

-A good sign?  Memorial boys team in the fall beat Menomonie 10-0, they scored in the first minute and 7 different Abes scored goals.  Sound familiar.  Then Abes went on the State.

-Memorial is up to #3 in the recent Coaches Poll.  That’s the highest ranking I have seen for the girls team.  The only bad news is Bayport is ranked #2 and I think we would have to beat Bayport to make it to State??  Lots to do before then, but interesting.  Revenge game is looming as they knocked us out last year in OT.

-Watch out for River Falls.  They won again last night 4-0 over North and have not given up many goals this year.  They look strong.  May 14-15 back to back games against River Falls should be very competitive.

-Hudson got some votes and is #9 in this weeks Coaches Poll.  Big Rivers is getting a little attention this year.  Arrowhead is still #1.

So, before we start the post on the game, let me get this out of the way.  How is it possible for all these other schools we play to have these incredible facilities.  Have you been to the Hudson field this year. My goodness, impressive.  Reminds me of a small D3 college, not a High School.  New classrooms, new buildings and a flashy new Turf field and stadium.  Rice Lake…turf field.  Menomonie…turf field.  Superior…turf field.  Chippewa Falls…turf field…well that’s not quite fair, at least Memorials grass field is better than Chippewa Falls turf field.  Anyway, the Hudson complex is amazing.  I think the scoreboard cost more than our entire complex!  Plus it has graphics.  I saw GREAT SAVE flash up below the score a few times, although I think they need some training on when they use the graphics…saves were pretty easy when I saw it!  Come on scoreboard operator!  One thing that’s nice…going in a beating teams with these fancy facilities!  That’s pretty satisfying!  On to the game.

Memorial’s first half was dominating.  If they looked a bit rusty on Tuesday at North, they looked in mid-season form against Hudson in the first half.  Passing was crisp, player movement was fluid, the ball never stopped moving.  It looked really good.  The most impressive play was from the midfield.  They owned the game and really controlled the whole flow of the game.  In attack the midfield was able to get the ball into space out wide, get switches when needed to the backside and easily penetrate the Hudson defense.  When a ball was lost, they quickly delayed attacks and won back possession.  I am still learning players but the combination of Ali Bowe, Serena Sorenson, Cameron Carmody, Molly Grasskamp and a few I might be missing looked solid all night.  No surprise on this night all the scoring came from the midfield.

What makes this team interesting is they can beat you in so many ways.  The have some very talented forwards and wing players and on any given night, Stow could get 3-4 goals.  Hudson made a decision to try and stop Stow.  It was clear they had picked their poison…stop Stow and take our chances with the rest of the team.  When Stow had the ball, Hudson was sending double and triple teams her way to slow her down. She still had some chances, but they did seem a bit more limited than usual.  So, what do you do if they shut her down…well, that leaves some other very talented players available in space.  The decision to send multiple defenders on Stow really opened up the midfield area and Memorial pounced.  Another fact to share…all the goals came from outside the box…..I think.  Got a bit distracted on goal 3 with all the action around the net….but I think it was struck from outside the box.

Let’s take a look at some highlights.  Man…this one was close to going across the line.  I have slowed it down and looked at it several times.  Thought maybe it was over, but probably not all the way over…so close.  I think this was a good omen for Sorenson on the night…more highlights for her soon.

The scoring was licked off on the night by Molly Grasskamp.  But the key to this play was Ali Bowe.  She wins a ball in midfield..a common theme tonight…and takes on two defenders.  Then she makes a really good inside cut and the defenders fly by.  She spots an open Grasskamp in the middle of the field and lays off a nice pass and Molly does the rest.  A hard drive that finds its way thru to the corner of the goal.

So, after that first bar down, you figured Sorenson deserved one and you were right.  As Hudson tried to clear a ball, it is picked up by Carmody in midfield and she spots Sorenson in space who wastes no time rifling a hard shot to the far corner.  Very similar goal to the first one.  Almost as if Coach DeRusha had instructed his midfield to take some shots from the 18 since they likely would have a few opportunities.  Against North, the team was trying to make that extra little pass…tonight, when space presented…they were shooting…and SCORING.

So, what is the worst lead in soccer.  If you have coached or played they always talk about a 2-0 lead.  Memorial led 2-0 at the half.  At 1-0 you are still really focused.  At 3-0, the other team is discouraged.  At 2-0, teams sometimes just get comfortable and the other team still feels engaged.  To their credit, Hudson came out and really picked up their energy and effort in the second half.  It felt like they committed more numbers in midfield to change the Memorial advantage.  They were winning balls and playing balls into space out wide.  Shots started to come, they applied some pressure on Memorials defense.  The game became a very even battle over the first 30 minutes of the half.  Memorials GK had to get to work in the second half.  And then there was a stretch where Hudson had 4-5 corner kicks, felt like 20, in very quick succession.  And they were all very dangerous, you sort of felt a goal was coming. I think around the 70 minute mark, it happened and it was a beauty.  A strong corner kick to the back side of the 6 and a really strong header back across goal into the far corner.  No chance to stop that one…it was well earned.  Game on!  So now Hudson is very energized and really into the game.  What would Memorial do, well, they did what really good teams do, they responded.  They picked it up and took back control of the game.  Within minutes they were pressing for goal #3.  Several really good opportunities saved by the Hudson GK and a few others saved off the line by defenders.  Here was one of those sequences. Another bar down by Beaudrie, but no goal, and then almost by Stow, no goal.

A few minutes later, Sorenson delivered again to put the game away at 3-1.  Didn’t get video of that one, my bad, but it was very similar to the first two.  The midfield really delivered tonight!

Top Take Aways

The defensive line of Kison-Hanson-Gerry-Jochimsen is a BRICK WALL.  Throw in Carmody in front of them and you have a double brick wall. This group is big, fast, physical and tough!

This team has options.  Taking away Stow wont guarantee you success against Memorial.  That is important going forward.

Time to get Tested.  Hudson made them work in the second half, but I think this teams needs to get tested.  The non-conference games coming up in the next weekend will give us an indication where they are.

Go ABES!