I know you have been waiting for it, you thought to yourself…when will he post on the Top Goals of the season.  I mean the articles are okay, sometimes a little funny, usually a little too long to read, but really….we just check the blog for the videos.

You ask and I deliver.  Top Goals of the Year….based on a survey of 1….ME!  I kind of did a reverse order on these so you will likely remember the first few and then we move back in time over the season.  So what constitutes a Top Goal.  Well, my criteria were pretty simple.  If if was a really cool goal it got points.  Second, if it was a really important goal it got points.  Sometimes those two come together and you get a really cool goal and a really important goal.  You decide…check it out

Memorial v Arrowhead.  Longville assist on Martinez Goal.  I know, I know, why put you thru the pain of remembering this game.  But for me, this was the epic point of the season.  This is where I try to go when I think of the season.  We were ahead 2-1 in the State Semi-Finals.  Okay..let’s talk about the goal.  This is classic Longville.  He really is the architect of this one.  His pace, energy and tenacity are what make him a great player.  He presses the defender and gets control of the ball in the corner and then just keeps working.  Could have given up on this multiple times.  But just keeps after it.  Then the sweet find on the back post.  You can see Martinez just waiting it out, likely he just knew Jack would find a way.  The cross and the sweet side foot volley into the roof of the net.  Well done Matt!  2-1 Abes.  2-1 Abes.  It was a big goal.

Memorial v Preble.  Martinez goal takes us to State.  Sometimes it just takes one.  One big goal in a big game.  Sometimes you just need CAPTAIN CLUTCH to rescue to team.  Late in the Preble game, tied 0-0 and time running out.  We have just saved a goal on the other end with Owen clearing a ball off the line.  We earn a corner kick.  Cooper just misses a header.  It looks like Longville heads it on goal.  The keeper makes the save but can’t secure the ball.  It heads back out onto the field.  You can see Matt making a late back side run and the ball just sits up perfectly for the run.  Looks like a one time volley and he strikes it well.  Headed for goal except one problem.  Simon Larson is in the goal having just missed on a volley as well.  The ball is whizzing in and actually glances off his back side as it is goes into the net.  That would have been a bummer if he had blocked it, but Memorial was due.  It was time.  Big goal for Matt. 1-0 Memorial.  Great story from Matt in the news and paper about how Kimamo (Asst. Coach) told him to hang back just a few yards in anticipation of a late run and the ball finding its way to the back side.  How did he know that?  That’s good coaching!  Matt makes his second appearance on the top goals list.

Memorial v Hudson.  Longville with TWO Really Big Goals.  Big games need really big players.  We have none bigger than Jack Longville.  So the Hudson game was epic.  The game is 0-0 and heading into 80th minute and time is running out.  Are we destined for OT.  Are we destined for a PK shootout.  Memorial kept working to find the goal and finally it arrived.  Peloquin does an amazing job holding the ball and looking for an opportunity.  He then drops it deep to Orser who swings it over to Joe Free who delivers an amazing cross into a very dangerous spot.  Longville anticipates the cross and surges past defenders to deliver a clutch glancing header into the back corner of the net.  One of his top goals of the year. But Hudson responds. OT. Red Card. Man Down.  Trouble.  But remember, with Longville you just need one magical moment and of course, Jack finds it.  A turnover deep into the zone is pounced on, a turn, a dribble, a little sweet kiss off the defenders foot and the Bam! Longville powers one past the Hudson GK.  Not his prettiest goal of the year, not the most graceful, but man, a huge goal.  2-1 Abes.  On to the Sectionals. 2 huge goals.

Memorial v North.  Brenner with the header of the Year.  Matt Martinez continues his appearance in our top goals review but this time as an assist man.  Here is a great run out wide, a burst of speed and a perfectly placed cross right at the 6.  Mitch Brenner comes flying in an executes a really nice diving header.  That’s not easy folks to get the timing just right.  Well done Mitch…a 3-0 lead in the game and his 7th goal of the year.  Mitch has the opportunity to fill the space left by Longville next year.  I expect a bunch of highlight goals from him next year.  If he can combine his talent and continue to build on his work ethic on the pitch, he could be special.

Memorial v North.  Cooper Lyons Header Goal.  So you have to give me a little leeway here.  I mean, you just knew I was going to drop in one of Cooper’s goal this year.  I looked at his volley goal against River Falls, but decided on this one.  I was pretty confident when the year started that Cooper would get a header goal off a corner this year.  His has the size, he has good technique, so it was just a matter of time.  He made me wait.  I was on a header watch all year and he had 4 or 5 really good attempts.  This one was special.  He really thumped this one.  A perfect cross, he raises up at the perfect time and he delivers a powerful header into the back of the net.  Thanks Cooper, a great memory for me!

Memorial v Bay Port.  Longville-Orser Give and Go Goal. I so when I saw it live I knew it would be in consideration for the goal of the year.  As you watch, you will need to wait on this a bit…be patient…hang on..and there…what a fun goal.  Technically, I think it is the best goal of the year.  It has so many little quality moments if you watch it multiple times.  Longville on the hold up play…nutmeg…steal…tackle by Rosenberger…back onto Jack’s feet…great surging dribble…a pass into the box for Orser…a left foot one-touch layoff on a great give and go back to Longville…a quality finish into the side net.  Wow.  You might want to play that one over a few times to catch it all.  What a goal! What an assist by Orser!  I told you he was the best passer on the team…more proof.  Probably the most under appreciated player on the team.  Orser was really the engine that made us go.  His play in the middle of the field both defensively and transition to offense was amazing. Not flashy…except on this play…just a great player.

Memorial v Hudson.  Joe Free cross to Longville. This was the early season goal of the year. It really showed Memorial was going to be dangerous.  On this one, Joe Free wins a ball and surges forward into the right-wing.  He shows off some really nice dribbling skills, makes a little shimmy shake move to clear some space and spots Longville.  He then delivers a wonderful cross into the box.  Longville spots the ball early, fights thru defenders and deliver an amazing glancing header into the net.  This was the preview of another goal on the list, in the second Hudson game.  Pretty amazing these two teamed up for the same type goal against the same team.  Glad they did!

So there yo have it.  A season review of the Top Goals.  Some great goals…some great memories…some great players.  It was an epic season and so cool to reflect on it and have some great videos for review.  Hope you enjoyed the little walk thru the season.  I had fun writing it.  As well, if you are tech savvy….or just ask your kids…you can subscribe to my You Tube channel.  It is just listed as Scott Lyons.  There are about 100 videos up and about 80 of them are videos of Memorial goals.

So, not sure you noticed on my Season Preview: Volume 1, but I added a new feature.  I found a way to do polls on the blog.  My first attempt was a little challenging.  Could not get the poll to work right.  After one vote, the voting ended.  That’s dumb I know.  So, deleted that plug-in and switched to a new one.  Check this out sand drop in your vote.  Curious what you think.

Update: So–I am trying to step up my game and add a little more fun to the site.  I have added a poll to this latest post where you can vote for your favorite Memorial game this year, well at least from the 6 I have selected.  Check it out and drop in your vote!  Curious what everyone thinks.  A few tough ones to pick from.  What say you?

So, it has been a week.  I guess it is really over, no more High School Soccer season for Memorial boys.  I am not sure the 7 stages a person goes thru after a tough moment in their life…but I think I went thru a few of them.  Sadness.  Yes, I was bummed.  Anger.   well, a little bit…crazy dang refs and some bogus calls.  Denial.  Absolutely…it can’t be over, it just can’t.  Acceptance.  Well, I guess a little.  So what now, no more game day blogs and videos of the goals and getting hyped for the next game.  Well, maybe the next stage in this journey is PRIDE.  Proud of the boys and proud of the effort and all they accomplished.  Proud of Cooper and the player and teammate he became.  Proud of the coaching staff for molding the team into a championship contender.  Proud of the program for making it to state.  Proud to have captured some of it in the blog.  I think the season was a start for my blogging career, so if you are up for it, stick with me, I have a lot more to say.

The good news, Girls High School Soccer is right around the corner!  Go Abes.  I think I can keep writing a post or two each week this winter and keep everyone primed with a few soccer updates.  I feel some Chelsea news coming soon! Thanks for checking out the blog when you have  a chance.

So, Season Preview Volume 1.  Lets do this.

Season Stats

Memorial Season Record:  20-3-2

Total Goals Scored: 84. That is 3.36 goals per game. Pretty impressive.

Goals Allowed: 19.  That is .76 goals per game allowed.  Even more impressive.

Shutouts: 15. Really impressive.

State Tournament Appearances: 10th trip to State.  That’s #8 in Division Programs all time.  Not Bad

State Semi-Final Appearances: 4th time Memorial has made the Semi-Final round.

Goals Scored in 2017 Season

Jack Longville         39       15 Multi-Goal games including 6 games with 3 goals and 2 games with 4 goals.  Wow.

Mitch Brenner           7

Will Orser                  7

Luke Rosenberger    6

Matt Martinez           5

Jacob Peloquin        5

Cooper Lyons          4        Not bad for a holding midfielder.  Had to throw that in.

Owen Jolley             3       And a ton of assists.  More on that in a future post.

Simon Larson          2

Zach Haig                2

Will Hayes               2

Bryce Burlingame   1

Carlos Verduzco     1

13 players with at least 1 goals is solid distribution.  Obviously, we relied on Longville to lead us and score goals and he responded, almost half the goals this year he scored.  I think he got over 40 last year.  Back to back years with that kind of production will not likely be seen at Memorial for a few years.  But there is more than one way to win soccer games.  There are plenty of scoring threats next year with Brenner, Rosenberger and Peloquin leading the way.  Look for more balanced scoring, but maybe no less success.

Top Games of the Year

Here is my list for top games of the year.

Memorial 2 – Middleton 1.  Our first big test of the season.  After winning our first 7 and then suffering a strange tie against Rice Lake we headed to Madison for a tough 2 game weekend.  We got humbled a bit and had our first loss against Oregon.  By the way, Oregon made it to the State Finals in Div. 2 and if not for facing possibly the best Wisconsin High School team ever, Whitefish Bay, would have won state.  No shame in that loss it turns out. Team didn’t play well.  A little sluggish.  And a few unfortunate goals against.  How would they respond.  Well, they responded like the champions they became.  A hard-fought 2-1 win on a late PK and goal by Longville.  It was the first sign we might be a special team.

Memorial 3 – Green Bay Preble 3 (Round 1).   A back and forth affair.  Memorial leads early.  Preble strikes back for 2 goals to take the lead.  Memorial hits late in the first half to tie it up.  Memorial scores early in the 2nd half for a 3-2 lead and looks to be hanging on for a tough 1 goal win.  Hold the phones, with 15 seconds remaining, Preble earns a controversial throw in and somehow, someway after a long throw into the box, earns a tie.  The ball end up in the net. It was a preview of maybe an even better game later in the year.  Might be on the list shortly.

Memorial 2 – Park 0.  Maybe our most complete victory and the second sign that this team might do some damage in the playoffs. The quality of the play was a sign this team was starting to peak at the right time.  Goals by Peloquin and Lyons were a signal we could beat a good team without a goal by Longville.  Possession was solid, ball movement was excellent, the midfield controlled the game and the defense and GK shut down any and all threats.

Memorial 2 – DC Everest 1.  This game started quite a three game run for the Abes.  If you wanted exciting, gut wrenching, hold on tight, chew your fingernails soccer, this game had it all. It was a classic.  DC Everest came ready to play. It was a physical battle.  It had the added element of a windy day and that impacted play. Longville got the scoring started with an amazing free kick from approx. 25.  Up and over and into the net. 1-0 Abes.  It had some controversy.  Was it a handball, was it incidental and no handball.  Well…it was our first stroke of luck…no handball, Owen Jolley makes it 2-0.  It had some amazing saves. There was the quick leap and punch it over the top from Tyler Hanson on a wind aided long ball and awkward bounce.  And then there was the own Jolley, Ninja, leap into the air and bicycle kick a ball going into the net for a critical save.  DC Everest scores late on a free kick to make it 2-1.  Now we are hanging on and the two key saves go from good saves to game saving saves. Wow!

Memorial 2 – Hudson 1.  Ready for some more drama.  Round 1 of the Sectionals delivered. The game was 0-0 for a long time.  It was strange.  You always felt Memorial was on the verge of scoring the entire first half.  A bunch of shots but nothing too dangerous.  So we are favored, should win, should have scored but still 0-0 at half.  Now we are nervous.  Still no score after 55 minutes, 65 minutes, 75 minutes.  Come on now, its time to score.  Well, who do you think answers the call…of course Longville.  A beautiful build up play and multiple passes gets the ball onto the wing for Joe Free who makes a wonderful cross into the box and Longville makes the perfect run and the prefect glancing header into the back corner of the net.  1-0 Abes. Game over right.  Wrong.  Not two minutes later, a cross and shot by Hudson ties the game 1-1.  No way.  OT.  Now the fun starts.  We seem primed for a goal until the unthinkable.  Red card.  Man down.  Just trying to hold on until a PK Shootout.  2nd OT.  Maybe we can catch 1 chance…there it is…a turnover in our zone…the ball finds Jack and a touch, a dribble, GOAL.  Unbelievable, score the game winner playing a man down in OT. Our good fortune continues.

Memorial 1 – Green Bay Preble 0.  The Rematch.  Usually sequels are not as good as the original.  Happens all the time, well except for Marvel Comics movies, they are always as good or better than the original.  It was intense.  It was physical.  It was a battle.  It was cold.  0-0 at the half.  Sound familiar.  Happened against Hudson.  Both teams battling.  Memorial looks better, has more possession, has more shots, but the goal will just not come.  Key moment #1.  Preble has only one real chance, try to counter attack.  They find a chance about minute 60 on a long ball down the right flank.  A defender is chasing, GK Tyler Hanson comes out, hesitates and then charges hard.  The Preble forward decides to chip it over the GK.  The ball heads up and over and bounces just before the goal, then bounces up and into the cross-bar and straight down onto the goal line.  Is it in, is it on the line? Our Goal Buster Own Jolley to the rescue as he calmly clears the ball off the line . Tragedy avoided.  A late goal on a cross and a backside delayed run by Martinez (great advice Kimamo) wins the game.  Memorial advances to State.

Man…that was fun to write.  I think maybe the acceptance thing is happening.  And the PRIDE thing is just getting bigger and bigger. Go Abes. Thanks for the memories!

So, I don’t know what I was thinking.  I actually watched a good portion of the Division 1 State Title game today.  Not sure if I am an idiot, a glutton for punishment or just a soccer fan.  I think you might vote idiot and you might be right.  I didn’t want to…I tried not to….but I just could not help myself.

If you have not looked and really didn’t want to know…SPOILER ALERT…Marquette 2 Arrowhead 1.  Does anyone believe you only get so much good fortune in sports, that at some point your luck just runs out.  Does anyone believe in karma…what comes around …goes around.  Let’s examine the facts.

Arrowhead takes an early 1-0 lead on Memorial from a long free kick into the box that most observers think was an own goal on Memorial.  Memorial generally outplays Arrowhead and gets more shots but can’t overcome three soft fouls and three very fortunate free kick goals by Arrowhead. Arrowhead wins 4-2.

Fast forward to today.  Marquette scores its first goal on a long free kick into the box that is headed up and over the Arrowhead GK by an Arrowhead defender.  An Own Goal.  I am not making this stuff up.  It happened today.  Arrowhead generally outplays Marquette but can’t overcome the own goal (OG) and a PK from a play in the box in the second half.  They showed multiple replays of the penalty and the Marquette forward does get taken out on the play by the Arrowhead GK.  The GK did get a touch on the ball just before taking out the Marquette player.  Maybe no call, although announcers both felt a good call (I agree).  When your luck runs out, things don’t go your way.  Penalty called.   Marquette scores and goes on to win 2-1.  So Arrowhead loses a State title on an OG and a PK.  That’s tough and I can relate…I felt the same way Thursday night.  It takes good players, a great team AND a little luck sometimes to win a title.  Memorials luck ran out Thursday and today…so did Arrowheads.

If you read my playoff preview you’ll remember a little rant on Marquette.  Let’s review their tournament history since 2000 when they were added to the WIAA Playoffs when previously they were part of a private school conference and playoff system.  Since 2000 there have now been 18 State tournaments.  Here is Marquette’s Record.

17 Tournament Appearances

15 Appearances in the State Finals Game

13 State Championships

Let me repeat that….13 State Championships in 17 years.  Can you say Dynasty.  Can you say unfair system.  I knew you could. That makes our loss to Arrowhead even tougher.  I think we had a chance to take them down and you can’t say that very often.  This year they were beatable.  Marquette has now won 4 STRAIGHT STATE TOURNAMENTS. Yes, you read that right.  Bad news for the rest of us…they started a large number of players today who were NOT Seniors.  Pretty good chance they make it 5 in a row.  Not sure what the rest of us can do about it with the private school advantages.

In Division 2. Whitefish Bay won their 3rd straight State Tournament Title.  Another dynasty at Division 2.  They were actually a much better team than Marquette this year…beat them 3-0….and were ranked in Top 10 in the nation in high school soccer.

In Division 3, it is much easier (sarcasm). There are two teams playing in the State Tournament title game for back to back years…Delavan-Darien is playing Mt. Horeb.  One of these two teams has won the last 3 titles at Division 3.  So as I say, much easier, two teams split the dynasty here.

I am not sure how Eau Claire high school soccer can compete with the dynasty of Marquette.  How do we develop a program where we can have teams compete at this level on a consistent basis.  I have some thoughts.  It won’t happen overnight. Better youth programs, better club programs, a soccer support system to encourage talent development.

Congratulations to the winners.  Hope to join you someday.

It was a great ride, a lot of fun.  But I gotta say this is a hard one to write.  I was starting to believe.  I was starting to think this might be the year.  I was starting to feel that we were a team of destiny.  So when it ends it hurts a little.

Let me get this out of the way….congratulations to Arrowhead on advancing to the State Finals.  The final score was a little bit deceiving (4-2), but a win is a win.  Arrowhead is moving on.  Memorial’s season ends and I am bummed about it.  I wanted one more game.  I wanted to be in the finals.  As I sit here writing, I think I am mostly bummed because I will never get to watch Cooper play soccer again.  His career is over.  I really liked watching him play.  He was good, he played the right way, he made me proud and I am going to miss it.  I am proud of all these boys.  I have been a part of Memorial soccer for the past 8 years so I guess I am a little emotional tonight.  I’ll get over it.  The boys will get over it.  We will all remember a great season.  We will remember the great games and great goals.  We will remember winning The BRC Conference.  We will remember the Regional.  We will remember the Sectional Championship.  We will remember winning 20 games.  We will remember Memorial’s 10th trip to state and only 4th appearance in the Semi-finals.  We will remember Memorials #2 ranking in the Coaches poll.  And for me, I will remember being up 2-1 at halftime at the State Semi-Finals.  I want the season to end there.  But that’s not how life or soccer works.  I will also remember hugging Cooper and telling him I love him and to hang tough.   The memory of the loss will fade, but the memories of watching Cooper and the Memorial team will last a lifetime.  Well done boys.  Hold your heads high.

I have started the last few posts with a photo of Cooper during introductions.  Thought this was the better photo for tonight.  I think it speaks for itself.

So I have been thinking about the game a lot the past few hours. Let’s give it a shot.

First half

We got a gut punch in the first two minutes.  I mean a straight right hand that was a staggering blow.  A foul called near midfield on a what seemed to just be a physical soccer play.  A free kick from 40-45 yards.  No worries right, I mean it is from 45 yards.  I have watched hundreds of high school games over the years and have maybe seen a score from this distance once or twice….usually wind aided and something strange.  No way this will cause any issues.  Kick is away, a pretty good kick…..drifting into the 18….oh no…there is a runner from the back side…but he is marked….but man that ball is headed right toward him.  Somehow, someway, the ball deflects off one of the players and goes into the corner of the net.   Down 1-0.  How is that possible…but I just saw it, so it really did happen.

So how would Memorial respond.  It was the first time they were behind in the tournament.  I thought they responded like champions.  They rallied.  They stayed calm, played their game, improved their possession, worked hard and started to really come into the game.  Shots started to develop.  A few corner kicks looked dangerous.  A few direct kicks looked dangerous.  They started to penetrate and get some shots.  And then this happened.

Luke Rosenberger with a nice goal.  A cleared ball quickly comes back to him and he makes a move and he rips a nice shot on goal.  A save but the ball comes back into the field and Rosenberger makes a sweet right footed volley for the goal.  1-1.  Game On!  A pretty even battle for the rest of the half but the Abes keep the pressure on and then strike again.

This was a well-earned and classic Longville.  He really was the key to this goal.  He pressed, he won a 50/50 ball and never gave up on the play.  His hard work and effort are rewarded and as the ball finds his feet again and he is able to get a cross into the box.  Martinez makes a great run, sees the opportunity developing and buries one into the top of the net for the 2-1 Memorial lead.  Longville could have given up on this play 2-3 times but just never does.  I love his work rate. Martinez was right on the edge of offside, but after a few looks I think the no call was correct…just a great finish from a great assist.  Maybe it is going to be our night.

Halftime 2-1 Abes.

So what do I write now.  The second half was strange.  The second half sucked. Memorial played pretty solid, but Arrowhead seemed to lift their game a bit and play with a bit of desperation.  They say lightning can’t strike twice in the same place.  How many times have you heard that.  Hundreds right.  So about 10 minutes into the second half a penalty is called on Memorial on what seems to be just a normal soccer play.  I would say about 40 yards out.  Is this sounding familiar yet.  A ball is launched into the air and is heading for the 18, a runner is coming hard from the back side, the defender has him marked so no issues right.  But oh man, that ball is heading right to the Arrowhead player….a glancing header and somehow, someway, the ball ends up in the back of the net.  No way.  Two scores on free kicks from 40-45 yards.  I am pretty sure even the Arrowhead coaches, fans and players would agree….that is just strange.  I have never seen two in one game, never.

Memorial fights on.  They have several good chances to take the lead.  A header just wide, a header just over the top, a layoff and blast just over.  On one important sequence, Jack has a ball in a dangerous spot in the 18 and as he is winding up to shoot, his plant foot slips on the wet turf, the ball sails high.  I think that might have been the one…the one that would have done it.  Not tonight. The game stays tight and feels like maybe a OT game.  MIdway thru the half, Arrowhead starts to find some rhythm for about 10 minutes and looks dangerous.  Memorial loses their possession game during this period. An Arrowhead  ball in the corner, a cross and a scoop up and save by GK Hanson….but no, the ball somehow, someway wiggles loose from Hanson….and right into the path of an Arrowhead player.  How does that happen.  Just strange,  3-2.

Late in the game, see if this sounds familiar…..a penalty is called about 40 yards from goal.  On what appears to be an insignificant foul.  I won’t put you thru the pain again.  Miraculously, a third goal on a free kick from 40 yards. 3 goals on free kicks from 40+ yards.  Pretty sure coach Kite did not have that in his game plan of things to worry about.  Never seen it before and pretty sure I will never see it again.  All three well guarded, good man marking.  No explanation really.  Lightning strikes three times in the same place.  Just strange.

The box score will show 4-2.  Likely the shots on goal and corners will be pretty close. It was a closely fought game.  Memorial leads at halftime 2-1.  But on this night….a night of strange things,…. a night Arrowhead scores three goals on free kicks from 40+…it was not meant to be.  If Arrowhead had thumped us it would not feel so bad.  if Arrowhead was the better team….it would not feel so bad.  I’ll get over it, but it hurts a little bit right now.

Officiating….I prefer not to discuss it.  Don’t get the calls and no calls.  Just strange.

Thanks again boys for the great season.  I think you deserved better, but hey…I am a fan.  Thanks Cooper….it was a fun ride.  I will continue to be a Memorial fan and I will continue to cheer and hope to bring home that State trophy one day.

Update: Memorial is off to State.  We were there to cheer them on and tell them to Have Fun and Play Hard!  So…is it me or does it just seem weird to be sending our boys off to a State Soccer Tournament played outside…and it is snowing!  Another strange moment but one that just continues to make this a season to remember.  Keep it going boys!  Bring it Home!

So…if you have not heard…or just want to be reminded: Memorial Is going to State.

Let’s relive this a little.  Here is the goal that was the difference in an amazing game.

Man, that still gives me goosebumps.  So exciting and still leaves a big smile on my face. Way to go Matt….and Kimamo.

As well, this picture is so cool.  When you are a parent, the opportunity to see your child in a moment of pure joy is so cool.  This is one of those moments.  Not sure the boys will remember what they were thinking, but they will all remember the moment and it will stay with them their entire lives.

Memorial Tournament History

When you hear Coach Kite refer to EC Memorial as one of the best programs in the State, he is basing that on facts, not just a proud coach. Let’s take a look at the top programs in the state based on tournament appearances. 272 Schools play soccer in Wisconsin. School/Wins/Division.

1. Brookfield East 17 D1/D2
2. Marquette 17 D1
3. Neenah 16 D1
4. Madison West 15 D1
5. Whitefish Bay 14 D2
6. Racine Horlick 12 D1
7. Cedarburg 11 D2
8. EC Memorial 10 D1   (4 appearances coached by George Oien and 6 coached by David Kite)
9. Green Bay Preble 9 D1
10. Hudson 9 D1

Other Schools of interest: McDonnel/Regis(4) D3, Chippewa Falls(2) D1, Rice Lake(4) D3, River Falls(2) D2

Memorial Game Recap in State Tournament

1999 (0-1) No info on game.

2001 (1-1) Beat Wisconsin Rapids in Quarters-2 Goals by Connor O’Meara.   Lost to Marquette in Semis. Goal by Chad Hendricks.

2002 (2-1) State Runner Up. 1-0 win over Milton in the quarters-goal by Andy Rapacz assisted by Aaron Czubkowski. With a direct connect to this years team, Aaron’s brother Jacob Peloquin has been a valuable part of the varsity team. You know Jacob wants a state tournament, just so he doesn’t have to hear it from his brother. A 2-0 win over Green Bay Preble-Adam Koger stars with a goal and assist. 4-0 loss to Marquette.

2004 (0-1) 4-2 loss to Middleton in the Quarters. Some players I recognize: Aaron Czubkowski. Patrick McClain in goal and currently on the roster of the MLS Minnesota FC. Eric Wirth, yes that Eric Wirth, current assistant coach for Memorial.

2008 (0-1) 1-0 loss to Homestead.

2009 (0-1) Loss to DePere 0-0 and 4-2 in the Shootout. Some names you may recognize: Elek Lane (GK), Zach Brown, Collin Printz, Max Sebesta, Neil Klingensmith.  At least ones I recognize. A few friends of the family.

2010 (1-1) A 1-0 win over Middleton. I was at this game. Wow. Zach Brown scored in the 7^th minute. We have only 2 shots on goal and for the rest of the game it is a defensive battle, save after save. Amazing we hung in to win 1-0. A great memory for Memorial soccer. Elek Lane in Goal was a beast.

2012 (0-1) A 4-0 loss to Marquette. I was at this game as well. Worst conditions ever for a soccer game. 36 degrees, rainy and 40 mph winds. Especially tough as my son Austin was playing in this game. Emotional night for the family. You know Cooper Lyons wants to get to a state tournament, just so he doesn’t have to hear it from his brother.

Important Note. D1 goes to 4 teams at State.  I could have a rant here.  Why 4 teams.  Most other sports get 8. What the heck.  The boys deserve a chance to go to state.  Okay…done with rant. Whew.  That feels good.  In 2013 Memorial Lost in the Sectional Final (would have been 1^st game at State) to Green Bay Preble on deflected direct kick off a shoulder. Maybe our best chance to win state if not for a late season injury to Scotty Nicolai. Huge bummer. Still hurts thinking about it. Great Team!! Preble loses in the final in a shoot out.  We got our revenge on Preble this year!

2014 (0-1) 3-1 loss to Marquette. Led by Marcus Wollack and Andy Frank, the Abes keep it interesting. 2-1 at half.

2017.  This story still needs to be written.  LETS GO ABES!  This marks the 4th time that Memorial has made it to the State Semi-Finals. They have made it to the Finals once, in 2002.  Time to add to that total.

#2 EC Memorial vs. #3 Arrowhead 7:00 Thursday.  Plan to have a little preview of the game tomorrow.

What a night. One for the ages. Epic! Not sure how else to describe it.  It was intense, it was nerve-wracking, it was amazing!  It was all that rolled up into a great night of soccer as Memorial battled Green Bay Preble for the Sectional Finals and a birth into the Division 1 State Semi-Finals.  Memorial outlasted Preble for a well deserved 1-0 victory.

It was also what we all expected.  One goal games are now our calling card at Memorial.  Gritty, hard-fought, gut wrenching 1-0 victories.  These are not for the faint of heart.  The last 3 games all decided by 1 goal.  The last two games and 200 minutes, Memorial has never had a 2 goal lead.  Count in the final 7 minutes of the DC Everest game and we have had 207 minutes of intense, white knuckle soccer.  Here is something interesting.  Memorial has never trailed in the post season.  With all the close games, they have found a way to get a lead and just fight to the end.  These boys are coming together and making a statement…we are going to hold the line and keep you from scoring.  We are going to find a way to get the W and move on.  For the fans, it has been a fun ride.  For the players and coaches it has been memorable.

So let’s get into the game.  I wanted to start with a nice shot of the boys during the player intros and also a video of their pregame huddle on the field prior to the game.  Tonight was a bit different.  The team spend a lot of time on the sidelines pregame.  The team huddle lasted several minutes while Preble was on the field and ready to go.  It was much longer than usual and seemed to indicate the stakes were a bit higher tonight, the focus a bit sharper.  The starting 11 then moved to the field and huddled it up again.  For another extended period.  The fans were anxious, a few yelling to get the game started (Preble fans are not very nice I must say, glad to be rid of them for s season) while the Memorial fans waited patiently.  I think the players knew the stakes were high.  They would be tested and now was the time to get your mind right.

First Half

So any great match needs a little time to get settled in, for the teams to get in to the flow.  This one stated quick.  Memorial came out on their front foot and was in the Preble half for the first 5 minutes, getting off a few early shots to test the waters.  Preble responded.  The pushed into the Memorial end for the next five minutes and earned three quick corners, but were unable to get anything dangerous in to the box.  The game was on!  The first half was a pretty competitive game, not significant advantage to either team.  I would say possession was split pretty evenly. Memorial had a slight advantage of time on the ball, but did not dominate possession.  The Memorial plan was to use their passing game to penetrate and look for options up top with Longville, Peloquin and their wing players, especially Haig tonight. Preble focused more on getting the ball into wide spaces and playing balls over the top into space.  Memorials back 4 was up to the task and were able to limit the shots on goal and clear out the dangerous balls.  The first sign of life for Memorial came about halfway thru the period.  A nice string of passes got the ball out wide to Longville who was able to swing the ball across the field to a surging Zach Haig.  A nice move to create some space on the right side, a cut back to his left and a solid strike from Haig was goal seeking.  A nice leaping deflection by Preble GK John Brasel pushed the ball up into the crossbar an out for a corner.  That was a great save and Haig almost got the scoring started.  Sorry for no video Zach.  Had the play all the way until the shot and then I just lost the last part of the play.  It was a nice shot though, and a very good save.  Goal Posts will become a common theme tonight.  They were very involved all night!

Memorial had a few more good chances, mostly off corner kicks.  Jack Longville started to really come into the game midway thru and was dangerous the rest of the way.  He got loose on the left and did what Jack does, a little wiggle, a quick move and …BAM!  This one was pretty close.  I was not at the best angle, but at half asked a few other fans how close and all agreed, the ball was bending into goal.  If he had been just a few yards deeper, likely a goal.

Jack was not done.  Later in the half he almost coaxes in this corner kick for a goal.  Another great save by Brasel.  We are knocking , just no answer yet. So the half ends at 0-0.

Second Half

Things got a little more interesting in the second half. It was another half that felt like Memorial was the better team.  A little more possession, a few more shots, a few more corners.  Never dominant, never comfortable, but you just felt like the goal was coming.  Memorial spent more time in the Preble half and it felt like Preble’s plan was to counter attack.  They have a ton of speed out wide with their wing players.  When they won possession they quickly looked to get the ball outside and swing in some crosses.  They had a few dangerous periods in the half on counter attacks.  I can remember a few corners that we took that quickly turned into counter strikes by Preble.  They could go from defense to offense really fast.  Two plays stand out.  About 10 minutes into the half their right winger got deep into the corner and whizzed a ball across goal.  Two Preble players were in the area and both came sliding into the 6 box.  Fortunately, it whipped past both of them without a touch….whew…breathe again!

Then the biggest moment of the game…maybe a little controversy…maybe some good fortune…or maybe just good defense and a little payback for the post that robbed us earlier in the game.  Another Preble counter attack down the right side off a long ball played into space.  It was decision time for Memorial GK Tyler Hanson.  He had not been required to make a lot of saves, but this one was going to be interesting. The ball was pushed forward and Hanson had a decision to make.  Come out and play sweeper keeper or hang back and let the defense try to win the battle.  He started out…hesitated…and came hard toward the corner of the 18. It was going to be close…would he get there in time to avert the shot.  The Preble player (Bennet Sinkler) was being pressed by defender Junker and sensed the oncoming keeper and expertly chipped the ball over the sliding Hanson.  The ball is arching up and headed toward goal.  How will we keep this one out of the goal.   The ball hits just short of the goal and bounces up and hits the cross-bar and comes straight down onto the goal line.  As it is bouncing back up, two Preble players go past the ball without a touch and into the goal area and the ball is cleared away by Memorial.  Whew, wow, OMG, how did that not go in…anything else you can say I felt and every Memorial fan felt.  So who saved it, you ask.  Just like the movie Ghostbusters, you need to call somebody when there is danger.  For Memorial, we have our own Goal Buster (cute huh…just thought of that one while writing). Who you gonna call, call Owen!  That’s right, Owen Jolley.  Yes, the same Owen Jolley who made the miraculous Ninja flying bicycle kick save to deny DC Everest is right there to calmly clear the ball off the line.  The controversy…did it cross the line…should it have been a goal.  So here are the other points of view.  The AR was emphatically waiving his arms no goal.  Okay, that’s one in our favor.  A Memorial student running past my position a moment later comments that the ball was definitely in the goal. Okay, that’s one in Preble’s favor.  So who has the definitive answer.  Well, why not Owen Jolley.  Just happened to bump into him a few hours after the game as he was relaxing with friends.  So Owen, what say you?  You were the closest to knowing, probably the only one who knows.  His reply….the ball never crossed the line.  No goal.  Now for some kids you may wonder.  Am I getting the straight scoop or not.  I have had the pleasure of knowing Owen for the past 10 years or so.  Had a chance to coach him as well.  I can assure you, if Owen says no goal, then no goal.  He is about as straight as you can get. He would not have hesitated telling me it crossed the line.  So NO GOAL. Now you will likely never convince any Preble player, fan and definitely not the Coach, the ball did not cross. I think he got a yellow at this point for arguing the call. There is a video link of highlights at the bottom of the post. I have watched it a bunch of times, and I tend to now agree with Owen, based on the angle of the ball, I don’t think it crossed either.  Live it feels like a goal and we were lucky.  But on tape, it looks like no goal.  Maybe it hit the line, but remember, it has to cross all the way over the line.  And of course, Owen already told me no goal.  No that’s the  end of that controversy.

What now.  At this point in the game, I stopped feeling nervous.  I think the drama of the almost Preble goal had a calming effect on me.  If it is meant to be a win, then we will find a way.  I remember just sitting and shaking my head and laughing a little.  So now more drama for Memorial.  It is still 0-0 and we have 35 minutes left to play.  Time for some Memorial magic.  For the rest of the half it was Memorials game to win.  They pressed, they moved the ball, they earned corners, and they took their chances.  It kind of felt like a set play game as well.  Just find a way to bang one into the net.

Orser almost finds a way.  Bodies flying everywhere.  Denied by another post. Ugh!  Keep shooting!

Peloquin almost scores on a glancing header.  Don’t know how this did not go in.  What a great save.  As well, you can hear the anxiety in the fans.  A bunch of screaming and cheering.  We are getting closer.

And then this happened.  The calls were interesting all night.  It was a physical game.  Lots of clock stoppages, a few yellows (5) and a few late questionable free kicks for Preble that were very confusing.  I like a physical game, but not sure about this one.  I mean, really, what did the ref see.  Pretty clearly gets taken down from behind.  Maybe the Preble player gets the ball first before he takes out the player, so I guess maybe okay,  but a pretty favorable no call for Preble.

68th minute.  Corner kick.  Is this the goal.  Check it out and then we’ll talk.

Yes! Martinez cleans it up on the backside after a header and great save.  Cooper just misses a header.  It looks like Longville heads it on goal.  The keeper makes the save but can’t secure the ball.  It heads back out onto the field.  You can see Matt making a late run and the ball just sits up perfectly for the run.  Looks like a one time volley and he strikes it well.  Headed for goal except one problem.  Simon Larson is in the goal having just missed on a volley as well.  The ball is whizzing in and actually glances off his back side as it is goes into the net.  That would have been a bummer if he blocked it, but Memorial was due.  It was time.  Big goal for Matt. 1-0 Memorial.  Great story from Matt in the news and paper about how Kimamo (Asst. Coach) told him to hang back just a few yards in anticipation of a late run and the ball finding its way to the back side.  How did he know that?  That’s good coaching!

From there, it was time to try to kill the game.. and get the second goal. Another almost from Orser.  Another post. Ugh.  Another stab save by the GK . Ugh!

Cooper almost makes it 2-0.  Just a bit outside.

No second goal.  And now the clock watching starts. 70 minutes…75 minutes…80 minutes.  So far, nothing too dangerous.  The defense is sitting in and defending.  We are clearing balls and burning clock where we can.  The last 2 minutes things get interesting again.  On two occasions, fouls are called on Memorial in very dangerous spots,  Maybe 20-25 yards out.  Nerves are back.  Thoughts of the first Preble game start to creep into mine and probably every Memorial fan’s head.  Flash back to September 23 with Memorial leading Preble 3-2 late in the game.  A few questionable calls give Preble a free kick from 30 yards .  Their GK comes forward into the box, a scramble takes place, a throw in, and somehow in the last 20 seconds, Preble ties the game 3-3.  Flash forward to last night.  Last minute of the game, there is a questionable call and the Preble GK comes forward into the box. A free kick from 30.  Ball is played into the box, a header across into the box, the Preble GK headers it toward goal….but it goes over the net for a Goal Kick. Whew. Disaster averted. No repeat magic for Preble.  Memorial plays it out and hangs on for the win.

SECTIONAL CHAMPS.  HEADED TO STATE FOR THE 10TH TIME IN SCHOOL HISTORY.

Better Photo coming , but this will hold you for now. Lots of smiles!

A few additional Takeaways from the game.

Sophomore Logan Junker stepped up huge for Memorial.  With Burlingame being out of the game there was some concern over the back 4.  No need to be concerned.  Junker played big all night.  He stepped hard, played aggressive, passed well and stayed poised.  A big game and a big moment, but not to big for Junker.  Well done kid!

Burlingame gets another game. So for me, one of the themes for the night was Bryce needed to play another game.  It would just not have been right for him to end his high school career watching from the sidelines. If you watch the celebration video closely, you will notice Bryce near the end of the video (white hoodie) getting a big hug from a few players, including Cooper.  Cooper and Bryce go way back and have played side by side for 10 years.  I think their way of saying, “we got you bro”.  You then see Bryce bend down and get caught up in the emotion.  I think a pretty special moment for him and a pretty humbling moment likely. Tough night for Bryce and family and it feels really good he gets one more game….at least!

Martinez with the game winner. If you picked just one player to score a goal, a player who deserves it and a player who is probably the hardest working and nicest kid on the team, you would pick Matt.  So cool he scored.  What a great kid.  I love Matt.

Box Score.  Lots of drama and some controversy, but Memorial deserved to win this game.  Corner Kicks: Memorial 8, Preble 3.  Shots: Memorial 16, Preble 4.  Possession was in Memorials favor all night. The only stats in favor of Preble.  Saves.  Their GK had 7 and kept Preble from getting blown out.  Plus they had more yellows in a bit of a testy contest.

State Brackets. Normally, the brackets are predetermined, you automatically are set up.  In the old system, we play M<arquette in Semi-Finals.  In the new system, adopted just this year, the WIAA reseeds the final four to create the best potential Final.  This year the seeding are: Marquette #1, Memorial #2, Arrowhead #3, Madison West #4.

State Semi-Finals.  Marquette v. Madison West Thursday 4:30. Memorial v. Arrowhead Thursday 7:00.  Yes, the same Arrowhead we played in our very first game this year.  A big rematch….again.

If you would like to check out more video… Go to WQOW.  Try pasting this into your browser.  First 2:00 minutes is soccer updates. Then go to EWEAU, soccer video starts around 2:06 of the video.  This one has the controversial save/goal attempt by Preble you, although Owen already cleared all that up. Decide for yourself.  Copy and paste into your browser.

http://www.wqow.com/category/136730/video?clipId=13860337&autostart=true

Here is a link to WEAU Sports Scene 13.  Copy and paste into your browser on this one as well.

http://www.weau.com/content/sports/SportScene-13-for-Saturday-October-28th-2018-453941953.html

Good recap of Memorial, New Richmond and McDonell/Regis wins last night.

UPDATE: Memorial vs. Green Bay Preble game time has been moved to 5:00 on Saturday @ Chippewa Falls High School.

So that was interesting!  I think I started the last post that way and it still holds true after tonight’s game.  The last line from the post on Wednesday looking forward to the game tonight.

No surprise if it is another 1 goal game tomorrow. A battle.

Well. I got that one right.  Memorial hung tough for a well-earned 2-1 win over Hudson.  You just had a feeling it would go this way.  Game 1 vs. Hudson we cruised to win by 4.  Game 2 vs Hudson was a tougher contest and the Abes had to fight hard and find some late goals to earn a 2 goal win.  Game 3 we discussed would be hard.  Hudson was getting better.  Their young players had matured.  The teams know each other well.  It is hard to beat a team three times.  So no surprise at all it ended up a one goal win and full of drama late.

So I guess no surprise as well that I start the blog with another picture from the intros.  Please give me a little leeway here as I am on a countdown.  If everything goes perfectly, I will get to see Cooper play three more high school soccer games.  That is the plan anyway…but each night is also a possibility it is his last game.  For all the Senior parents and especially if this is your youngest child, that adds a little different perspective to the proceedings.  Trying to cherish every moment….so you get a picture of Coop to start things off.  Thanks for letting me have that moment.  Appreciate it!  Plus, check out Brotzman’s hair.  Interesting!

First Half

So things started great.  Memorial was into the flow early and was playing really well.  The ball was moving, possession looked good, was in Memorial’s favor and the shots were coming at a decent clip.  Hudson seemed to have a plan to sit a bit deeper and defend and were very mindful of Longville anytime he touched the ball.  Double teams were common. The plan was obvious enough that most of the Hudson parents on the sidelines knew it as well.  They were providing some extra coaching to the Hudson defenders from the sidelines to make sure Jack was being defended.  It will be interesting to see the stats.  I think Memorial will dominate on shots on goal.  The problem was none of the shots were very dangerous.  Several headers that were just off-line.  A few shots from the 18 that lacked enough power to be dangerous. A bunch of corners that just did not develop.  You sensed a goal coming the entire half, but unfortunately, it just did not appear.  The best chance was late when Orser played a nice ball wide to Longville who got into the 18 and near the six before he ripped a hard shot across the box.  A nice kick save by the Hudson GK kept it scoreless at the half.  Memorial GK Hanson had two nice saves off set plays and did a nice job as sweeper keeper, cleaning up 2-3 balls over the top and in space to prevent any shots on goal.  So now the nerves kick in for me and most of the Memorial sidelines.  When you are in control, have most of the shots, are favored, playing at home and it is still 0-0, you start to wonder.

2nd Half

So now the clock watching starts.  The goal must be coming soon, it just feels like we are the better team.  The second half played out a lot like the first.  Memorial just a little better on possession, a few more dangerous shots started to develop.  As well, Hudson decide to get more aggressive in the offensive half.  20 minutes into the second half and Hudson started to really find their game. Hudson played well.  They were aggressive. Their wing players more threatening than I remember.  Their striker was dangerous and a handful all night. Their defenders were strong and cleaned up everything. They played more balls wide, they played more balls into their forward, who is very good by the way, and he started to press the Memorial back 4 and put them into some uncomfortable spots.  Then the Referee decided it was time to call some fouls.  I count 4-5 fouls in the second half in some very dangerous positions, 20-30 yards out.  Hudson was good on their free kicks all night. Excellent deliveries and good runs caused some tension in the stands.  Their best chance to score comes off a free kick and a deflection that appears headed right into goal until cat quick GK Hanson pounces and keeps it 0-0. Memorial as well started to get closer to that first goal.

I thought this one was going to be the one.  Jack Longville gets a ball in space and does what he does…a little wiggle here…a little waggle there….a quick touch to his right and …BAM!  Power Shot and headed into goal. Even with the Hudson GK in a good spot, this one almost surprises him.  It was hit with such power it almost blows right off him into the goal.  He hits it so hard, it literally knocks the GK off his feet!. Great shot, Great Save, 0-0.

It felt like that was a sign of things to come.  On nights like these it sometimes comes down to just one moment of magic.  A special player making a special play.  A little foreshadowing…sorry.  Jack continued to look for his shot and Memorial continued to find opportunities for him.  Jack gets loose in the 18 again later in the half and pulls it just high.  Another sign, the goal was getting closer.

So then this happened.  The game is now into the 80th minute and time is running out.  Are we destined for OT.  Are we destined for a PK shootout.  Memorial kept working to find the goal and finally it arrived.  A great sequence so please hang on…it is a bit longer than normal.  Peloquin does an amazing job holding the ball and looking for an opportunity.  He then drops it deep to Orser (not in the video) who swings it over to Joe Free (not in the video) who delivers an amazing cross into a very dangerous spot.  I stayed on the middle of the 18 and kept my attention on Longville in the middle.  Enjoy.

So a few things to point out.

What a great run by Longville.  His vision to anticipate the cross and sprint into position is pretty rare.  His ability to flick the header back corner of the net is also pretty incredible.  He is a very talented player.  The game needed a special moment of magic and Longville delivered.  Now I know some of you are thinking…what’s with the taking the shirt off. Well, if you were a high school kid and had just scored one of the biggest goals of the season, maybe one of the biggest goals in your life to secure a 1-0 win and get your team to within one game of the State tournament….what would you do!  I got to give the kid a waiver on that one. The yellow card sucks and he had to come off the field.  But just look at the players emotion after that goal. Pure, unbridled excitement.  They are going nuts.  It was a big moment.  Not sure Coach Kite will give him a pass….but hey I am a fan! 1-0.

So game over right.  Goal in the 83rd minute.  Hudson deflated.  Memorial jacked up.  You can hear a fan say late in the video, ” the game is not over white”.  Time to refocus and finish this off. So the game restarts and Hudson starts to press numbers forward to try and get the goal.  A few minutes pass no issue.  Then a  free kick from a dangerous spot and Hanson comes up with a save.  Tick tock tick tock.  86 minutes.  Hudson continues to press and a ball gets played from midfield into their left winger, a very speedy and skilled player.  He works the ball deep, makes a little move, gets some space and fires a cross into the middle near the PK spot.  A great run by their right winger is tracking the ball.  The Memorial defender is tracking the runner.  The ball, the Hudson player and the Memorial player all converge near the six.  Somehow, someway, the ball deflects off the Hudson player into the back corner of the net. Not sure if it was a shot, went off a shin or a knee, and he was well guarded, but I do know where it end up.  Back of the net.  87th minute 1-1.  The game ends regulation tied at 1.  Overtime.

First Overtime

Memorial is in control.  A slight wind at their back and they are controlling the game and pressing for the goal.  But 10 minutes is quick, hard to find a rhythm.  A few shots but nothing dangerous.  Hudson plays a ball just past midfield and the striker gets in a little battle for possession with a Memorial defender.  A yellow card comes out.  A red card comes out (second yellow) and Memorial is down a player.  You could have heard a pin drop.  Emotions were low, fans were frustrated and concerned.  All along I have felt there were really only two things standing between Memorial and the Sectional Finals…an injury or a Red Card.  Oh man.  Memorial dropped Lyons back into Defense and managed the last 2 minutes of OT period one.  End of OT 1, 0-0.

Second Overtime

Memorial inserts Logan Junker into the back line and removes Peloquin from up top as they now need to manage playing a man down.  The overtime starts and it is clear Memorial has dropped a little deeper and is working to keep everything in front of them. I make a comment to Junkers dad standing next to me, with Longville in the game, you really just need to find one opportunity for Longville, get him the ball in space and he is capable of making something happen.  He is capable of a special moment. About 4 minutes into the OT, a ball is played deeper into the Hudson half.  The ball is cleared out wide, but the Hudson right-winger is coming back to play a ball under pressure from Owen Jolley.  In an attempt to maintain possession, he plays a ball back toward his midfield.  Jack Longville steps in front of the pass.  Is this the moment.  He takes an aggressive run with the ball.  Could this be it.  He slips past a defender, dribbles toward the 18, gets a friendly bounce off another defenders leg and the ball seems to sit up in a perfect spot.  He is fighting thru two defenders.  The GK starts to come out.  Is this it.  Longville sees it and seizes it, a right footed blast that blows past the GK.  Maybe the GK got a slight touch, but this one was destined for the net.  Special player, special play.  2-1 Memorial. 6 minutes left.  It is a blurr from there.  Hudson is pressing numbers forward.  Memorial is fighting to defend.  Remember, Memorial is a man down. Long balls over the top, balls kicked out-of-bounds, balls kicked deep into the Hudson half…6 minutes….7 minutes, Hudson pressing…Memorial defending….8 minutes….9 minutes….Hanson save….free kick Memorial, tick tock…Game Over!

So, funny story.  I am right in front of the game winning goal.  I have my phone ready and am videotaping it all.  And I have it..it is awesome..I am going to get a perfect video of it.  Well, in my excitement to actually watch it, my phone starts to drift upwards.  I see the pass and steal by Longville, but then…nothing but the top of his head and a lot of sky.  Big Bummer.  Got caught up in the moment.  What a geek.  What a fan!  No video. Ugh! So after the game, I head to dinner with friends.  Need a bathroom break and as I am heading back to my table, there it is.  The evening news on NBC is playing.  Sports Scene 13. I quickly get my phone out and record the highlights from the game.  There is is…Longville’s goal.  Maybe it was karma, maybe just a lucky break, but regardless, I do get to show you the game winning goal.  And the other two as well.  Here you go.

Quick Notes

Green Bay Preble beats Appleton North 2-0.  So it’s #1 Memorial vs. #1 Green Bay Preble on Saturday at Chippewa Falls Field at 3:00. Bring your winter coat.  It’s the game everyone wanted. A rematch of a 3-3 game earlier this year played at Preble.  I missed that game and feel blessed to get to catch this one.  It should be a doozy.  Feel good about playing close to home on a field we are familiar with.  1 game from State.  Feel good we have not played our best yest in the playoffs but still have found a way to survive and advance!

A revenge game for me. 2013 Memorial’s team, with Cooper’s brother Austin lost to Green Bay Preble in the Sectional Final.  It was a 1-0 game and the game winner was on a deflected free kick that ricocheted into the corner of the net.  A very hard loss.  That was a special team and if not for an injury to Scotty Nicolai, had a chance to go to and win State.  Time for Memorial to advance.  Go Abes.  It has been a good ride, let’s keep it going.

Well that was interesting.  In a thrilling and intense affair, Memorial held on to win a tightly contested Regional Final 2-1 today at Memorial.  I have to start by sharing I was not at the game.  I was coaching ECU U15 Girls team in a tournament (we won both games by the way).  No way to reschedule that, and no way to reschedule the game, so I had to miss it.  It was a tough game to miss.  How would I be able to live with missing Cooper’s last soccer game ever if they had lost, no way to do that, so they just had to win.  And they did.

Fortunately for me, I have an awesome wife who is also really good at providing updates and thrilling play by play when I could not wait for the next text update and had to give her a call.  Late in the contest I decided to check my heart rate on my watch.  Any guesses….75….85…95.  Well I was pinging along at around 98-100 for about 5 minutes late in the game.

Let’s see if we can review this one.  First off, the game was very intense and heated.  Physical was the best description I heard.  Lots of tough plays, tackles, tugging, pulling, tripping, and a few yellows handed out as well.  It just seems that DC Everest decided they wanted to muck it up a bit.  I have discussed in a few of the posts that teams might try to take Jack Longville out of the game or try to get physical with him…sounds like DC Everest tried that today.  An early Everest free kick that just missed set the tone for this one.  Hold on folks.  Longville got the scoring started at the 4:34 mark with a direct kick just outside the 18.  It was a beautiful strike up and over the wall and just to the right of the keeper.  In tribute to Jack….here is how I think it might have looked. Okay…I know Marcos Alonso is left footed, but he plays for Chelsea and it was a great shot.  Enjoy.  Way to go Jack, you are starting to get hot on your free kicks.  Big games need a little magic sometimes.

Memorial seemed to get control of the game after the goal.  There was some wind today and it favored Memorial in the first half.  They controlled possession, kept the ball in Everest’s end a good portion of the first half.  The most dangerous balls were long balls over the top that the back 4 and Tyler Hanson had to deal with.  With the wind, it felt like Memorial needed another goal before half.  It showed up at the 34 minute mark, along with a little controversy.  Man of the Match Owen Jolley was able to get control of a bouncing ball in the box off a direct kick (I think) and in a crowd of players and poke it into the back of the net.  The DC Everest fans, players and especially coaches all claimed hand ball.  There was a long delay as the referees discussed it.  After the discussion the goal stood.  2-0 Abes.  A big goal.  Talked to Cooper later and he felt it was the right call.  Ball may have struck his hand, but the arm was at his side, no attempt to play the ball, just an inadvertent touch that did not seem to assist in the goal.  It would have been really difficult to call that one.  Play stands.  Big Goal!! Halftime 2-0.

The second half was a much more even affair.  The wind was now favoring DC Everest and they took advantage.  More possession, more shots and a few more difficult balls to judge the wind.  So at this point I start my count down.  Checking my watch every few minutes, calculating the time remaining….50 minutes….55 minutes….60 minutes…oh man, stressful.  I call Kathy a few times and during the call she blurts out an oh no! or an ahhh! and then she gets quiet.  I am hanging there waiting to find out what happened…did Everest score…is there a PK….what happened!  Fortunately, she fills me in that we are out of danger.  Still anxious!

Then this happened.

Here is a link from Bob Bradovich Twitter Account with the play of the game from Owen Jolley.  Kathy tried to describe it to me, she actually did a pretty good job, but unless you were there it would be hard to describe.  A chipped ball into the box, a header back over Tyler and headed into the goal.   I mean really….a bicycle kick to clear a ball off the line….not just a bicycle kick but a Ninja, leaping in the air, throwing my body forward, bicycling kicking the ball from a certain goal, and after all that, landing flat on my back.  Wow….just wow…no other words.  Tyler Hanson properly gives him a big pat on the back and back line mate Bryce Burlingame also recognized the moment with a low five and shoulder slap.  Sort of a …man you saved our bacon on that one kind of pat of the back.  Wow.  Owen ends up in the net and just calmly walks back out onto the field…kind of like…no big deal, I do that all the time.  I would be jumping out of my skin and celebrating…not Owen…just calmly goes about his business.  Nice Owen, very nice!

https://mobile.twitter.com/BradoNews18/status/921859302696112129/video/1

So a 2-0 finish right, wrong.  It was time for a little drama. At this point in the game it was getting pretty chippy.  DC Everest is fighting for their lives and by fighting, I kind of mean fighting.  A tough Yellow on Simon Larson near midfield starts the sequence.  Everest plays a long ball into the 18 on the right side of the box.  On the other side of the box, the DC Everest player who just forced the yellow on Larson is in a tussle with Bryce Burlingame fighting for position.  They are nowhere near the ball.  Foul Burlingame.  What?  Who makes that call?  Drama.  DC Everest steps up and buries the free kick into the back of the net at the 83 minute mark.  2-1 game with 7 minutes to go.  7 long and intense minutes.  Memorial stayed calm and actual started to possess really well in this period.  They had a few chances, a few near misses and weathered the storm.  Everest best chances were the balls over the top as they tried to beat defenders long. That was a long 5 minutes I must say.  I decided I could not wait for a text, I just called and had Kathy talk me thru the end of the game.  Whew!  That was a good one, pretty intense, especially when you are not there!! Heart rate coming down a little.

The team was really into it as well.  Here is a shot of the bench late in the game.  Arms locked, probably saying a few prayers.  Love it!  No sitting for this one!

Here is a shot of the boys celebrating winning their Regional .

Here is a shot of the boys having a team moment!  It is a special time, especially for the Seniors.  A classic Survive and Advance game.  I mentioned in my Playoff Blog that you will need to win a game by just one goal.  You will need to have a few moments of magic.  And you may also need a little luck.  I think we got all three today.  Moving on to the Sectionals.  I plan to be at the next game!  Go Abes!

Well, before we get to the game update, just had to drop in a picture from the pregame player introductions.  I try not to be too biased…well that’s not true…I am very biased toward Memorial, but I try not to let people know I am Cooper’s father on the posts each week.  Sometimes though, I just can’t help myself.  Had to take this photo of Cooper.  Last few games are upon us.  Each night might be my last chance to see him play high school soccer or maybe any kind of soccer.  So I am trying to soak it all in and make a few memories for later.  I just love watching him play….along with all these awesome boys!

A strong start for Memorial tonight as they dominated North en route to a 5-0 win in the first round of Regional play.  This is what you would expect in a #8 seed vs. a #1 seed, but as they say…that’s why you play the games…you just never know.  Memorial seemed jacked up for this one.  Any thoughts by North of an upset were squashed early when Luke Rosenberger put a ball into the box that was neatly volleyed home by Jack Longville in the 3rd minute.  Momentum to Memorial, North chasing the game early. North was on the back foot all night, struggling to maintain possession while Memorial surged forward, connecting passes, pressing forward and playing in Norths half for a significant part of the half.  It was really just a matter of time before Memorial created some separation on the scoreboard.

This was the third meeting this year between the cross town rivals and all three games were eerily similar.  5-0, 4-0, 5-0.  When the box score comes out tomorrow , expecting it to look a little like this.

Shots.  Memorial: Too many to count.  North: Not Many

Shots on Goal. Memorial: A bunch of Shots on Goal. North: Very few if any shots on goal.

Saves: Memorial: Can’t remember a Save  North: A Bunch of Saves.

Corners: Memorial: A ton of corners.  North: Just a few

I think this is exactly what Coach Kite was looking for tonight.  Play efficient with crisp passing, physical play and a pressing mentality…score early and often and get a solid halftime lead of 3-0….score early in the second half to eliminate any doubt of a comeback….get Cooper to score a header so dad will get excited…get in the reserves and get some rest for the starters so we can get ready for Saturday.  Well, maybe not the Cooper header, but hey, bloggers prerogatives.

Let’s check out some highlights.

So we discussed balanced scoring as a key for Memorial.  Jack got us going early with the nice volley and then around the 12 minute mark Jacob Peloquin put us up 2-0.  A corner and a flick header were blocked by North who then attempted to clear the ball out of the 18.  Peloquin was in the right spot, trapped the ball and went top shelf with a driving blast from near the 18.  He hit this one with power and it surprised the GK.  Nicely done Jacob for his 5th goal of the season.

If you have been following the blog all year, then you know I have been on a Cooper Lyons header goal watch all year.  He has been close many times and I have been patiently waiting to get one.  Just wide, just over, great save.  I count 5-6 great attempts this year at least.  Here is another one, diving save by the GK on this one. Almost!  Keep trying Coop, I have a feeling you might get one soon!

Matt Martinez continues to contribute offensively.  He adds a nice dimension out wide and has racked up some good assist numbers in the past few weeks.  Here is a great run out wide, a burst of speed and a perfectly placed cross right at the 6.  Mitch Brenner comes flying in an executes a really nice diving header.  That’s not easy folks to get the timing just right.  Well done Mitch…a 3-0 lead and your 7th goal of the year.  Did I mention balanced scoring.  That’s 3 different players who have scored.

Since I did not get Jack’s first goal, I figured I should get him some props and drop in a video of a really nice run by Longville.  Multiple moves, a little shake and bake, a few cut backs and…..boom…a big right footed drive to the near post.  One of the nicer saves of the night from the North GK.  A really nice run by jack.  Probably deserved a goal there, but I have a feeling he might get one soon.

That didn’t take long.  This is an interesting one.  Orser plays a driving pass into Longville who makes a pretty amazing trap and turn and shot.  It appears to be a possible hand ball, at least Jack and a few players think so.  Jack actually stops momentarily to look at the ref.  Well, the ball deflects to Haig who calmly and smartly drops a pass back to Jack.  Jack calmly and smoothly drives a ball up over the top and into the corner if the net.  I guess I would rather get that score that a PK on the handball.  It would have been a tough call to make and it works out better this way. A nice pinpoint drive into the net.  4-0 Abes and two for Longville tonight, goals 35 and 36 on the year. Sweet!  I told you I thought he was going to get hot and get on a scoring roll.

Well, I have been waiting for it all year.  A header goal by Lyons.  I think he just decided it was time.  Some tough conditions as the corner by Jolley comes from the side of the field with the sun facing the players.  You can see them all covering their eyes looking for the ball.  Coop told me he really couldn’t see much, but then saw a little back dot headed his way.  So he POUNDED home a header into the back of the net.  No way this one was going to be saved.  This one had some juice on it.  Way to go Cooper!  A header goal!  Goal number 4 on the year for Lyons.  You can tell I was hoping this was it, I zoomed in a bit on Cooper and got a pretty good view of the shot.  Bam!  Too close to see it going across the goal line but trust me, no chance for the GK. 5-0 Abes.

Top Takeaways for the Game

Longville is back. After 3 games without a goal, his longest stretch of the season, and partly due to limited playing time in that stretch, Longville is back with 2 goals.  He looked dangerous all night.  He is critical if Memorial is to make a deep run.

Balanced Scoring is Key as Well.  We discussed it during the Playoff Blog.  Teams may try to double team Longville and remove him from the game.  Not sure they can…but they may try.  Memorial had 4 different players score and also scored on a corner kick.  Taking some pressure off Jack is big.

Clean Sheet, Very Few Shots.  Another game where the defense of Free-Larson-Burlingame and Jolley limited the shots and Hanson cleaned up any dangerous balls over the top.  The biggest moment of the night was the yellow on GK Hanson.  Didn’t see it from my position, but another yellow or a red there was really North’s only chance.

I will keep a close eye on the brackets and opponent for Memorials next game.  Next Game is Saturday.  Time TBD.  We play the winner of #4 seed DC Everest and #5 seed Stevens Point at Memorial. Let’s keep this going boys!