Memorial extended their strong season with a hard-fought, but well deserved 2-0 win over Park High School (Cottage Grove, MN) to extend their season record to 15-1-2. After locking up their conference, The Abes are now working to get ready for the playoff season. A road trip to Cottage Grove against a solid non-conference opponent is just the ticket to round out their preparations.
Memorial controlled play in both halves and owned most of the possession. One of those games where the Park GK made a few saves but nothing too dangerous or difficult. In talking with Cooper Lyons after the game he stated, “We controlled the play and possession but did not show enough urgency in the final third in the first half, we knew our goals would come”. Sometimes these games can be decided by Set Plays and Memorial has shown they can be dangerous on corner kicks and direct kicks. As well, their defensive fullbacks have really stepped up their crossing game this year, offering up great service in the box for the Abes.
Halftime 0-0, but things would turn Memorials way in the second half.
15 minutes into the second half, Memorial found the net. Joe Free got things started on a nice cross into the box. Longville directed a header on goal but unfortunately, it hit the cross bar. Fortunately, Jacob Peloquin was in the right spot at the right time and knocked one in the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.
At the 22 minute mark of the second half, the set play arrived. Owen Jolley, doing what Owen Jolley does, put a dangerous ball into the near post area off a corner kick. Cooper Lyons, making an aggressive near post run, was able to extend a leg and redirect the ball into the back of the net. No chance for the GK on the bang bang play as the ball had some pace on it off the nice corner.
No video of the actual plays, but hey, that has not stopped us before. So in honor of the first goal, check out this video. I mean, it sounds like that is exactly how it happened. Free to Longville to Peolquin. 1-0 Abes.
So for the second goal, we have this beauty. A corner kick and volley. Not quite a near post run, but a fantastic redirect off the volley. I like it. Jolley to Lyons. 2-0 Abes. Game over. Nice win.
As well, The Park vs. Memorial game comes with a prize for the winning team. There are some fun traditions is sports over the years for rivalry games. Most of you know about a few of these.
Wisconsin v. Minnesota football winner gets the Paul Bunyon Axe.
Indiana v Purdue winner gets the Old Oaken Bucket
Michigan v. Minnesota winner gets the Little Brown Jug
Well, when Memorial started their non-conference game with Park, they also started a little tradition as well. The winner of this game, billed the “Battle for the Paddle” for the last 5-6 years, (I think…might need to confirm) also gets to take the “Paddle” as victors of this border battle. Memorial has had a nice run and gets the “Paddle” for another year. Here are a few fun photos to commemorate the festivities.
One more conference game on Tuesday against Rice Lake…one more non-conference game next weekend against New Richmond. Let’s finish off the regular season strong and then…well…this team has bigger things on its mind!