After a series of rain outs and games postponed, the BRC was back in action last night and featured the game of the year so far. It was the first “BIG” game of the year with Hudson hosting Memorial. These teams have combined to win the last decade of BRC titles and most of those Memorial. Chippewa Falls snuck one in awhile back. They are the current two favorites again this year, but don’t sleep on Rice Lake. Last weeks game between Hudson and Rice Lake was postponed and we would have learned a lot about Rice Lake and if they are a contender.
Let’s are a quick look at the results so fate this week.
Rice Lake handled Menomonie 6-0 to stay undefeated in BRC play.
North and Menomonie battled to a 0-0 tie.
Game of the week. Memorial scored late in the half to counter an early PK goal by Hudson and earned a hard fought draw with Hudson. It was a physical game, with yellows flying around and a red card as well. I have been able to catch most of the Memorial and Hudson games the past few years and they all seem to be very physical contests. Both teams have skilled players everywhere. Both teams tend to press hard whenever they lose possession and this leads to some real physical battles on the pitch. Midfield gets very crowded in these games, so no surprise a few of the yellows came from this area of the pitch. The goals. Hudson scores on a PK in what could be described as questionable. Always frustrating when PK’s are given, when it is not clear or obvious. Uff da! Memorial responded with a quality goal later in the half started by a Will Hartman surging run, a pass into the Jacob Peloquin for the assist on the goal by Evan Smith. On the night Hudson put more shots on goal, 11-3 and Scott Knowlton made a few really nice saves for Memorial, one a pretty amazing save to keep it at 1-0. I can imaging it was a bit nervy and edge of your seat in the second half, but both teams managed thru and it feels like a pretty deserving result. If Memorial can hold serve in their remaining BRC gams then they get a shot at Hudson at home later this year that could decide the BRC Champion. Really anxious to see how Rice Lake fares against Hudson and Memorial. Is this a two horse or three horse race.
High School Coaches Poll
Marquette continues to hold the top spot in D1 again this week. Of note, Hudson dropped out of the top 10 with their recent loss and although a winner last week over River Falls, the coaches were not impressed and dropped Memorial down two spots to #8.
Rice Lake holds onto #9 in D3 and New Richmond has the #9 spot in D2.
MLS Update
Minnesota United is currently holding onto the #3 spot in the Eastern Conference, two points out of second wi5 a game in hand. pretty good stuff for our local MLS team. Might have some playoff soccer to go check out this fall!
Champions League is Back
The group stages of the Champions League started this week. 8 groups of 4 have started round robin play with the top 2 teams qualifying for the knockout rounds. A more focused post coming to update standing, but just get ready. These are the top 32 clubs in Europe competing…..there are a bunch of really good games. Liverpool, last years Champions League winners have already been upset in the first match…..3-2 to Napoli…..if you have not checked it out before, you need to follow the Champions League.