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!