Sorry for the delay on the updates….sometimes work gets in the way….sometimes coaching U13 Girls takes priority….I know, I know, what am I thinking. I should not make you wait for updates, but hoping you can give me a break and will enjoy a few of the videos from the River Falls game.
Let’s catch up on a busy few days.
Memorial vs. North
A great article in the Leader telegram on the game. Link below.
http://www.leadertelegram.com/Sports/2018/09/07/div-class-libPageBodyLinebreak-Turnaround-div.html
I was not able to attend the game but did get updates from a few in attendance I trust. North came ready and played fast and aggressive the entire first half. It is always interesting in rivalry games, but in reality, Memorial has owned the series against North. Not sure North’s last win, but I do know it has been awhile. Likely 10 years or so. North had some nice teams about that time and I think took down Memorial. The article showed the last goal scored by North in the series was back in 2013. I am pretty sure I was at that game. Austin was playing defense against Dan Kron when the goal was scored, but at least he did not give up the goal! On Thursday, that streak was broken when All Conference performer Logan Podolak scored to give North a 1-0 lead. North is not off to a great start this year, but they always seems to play really well against Memorial. The lead was deserved. North was playing well and had the Abes on their heels. They out shot Memorial 5-3 in the first half and maybe left a few goals on the field due to some good work by GK Hanson. A late equalizer on a Brenner PK seemed to settle down the Abes. PK’s are always tricky. Sounds like this one was deserved and Memorial really needed that goal. 1-0 at half and North is energized. 1-1 at half and North thinks maybe we let this one get away.
Memorial was a different team in the second half for sure. Possession, passing, energy, shots….all favored Memorial. They were able to get 12 shots in the second half but were not able to find a break through goal for the first 30 minutes. North was finding a way to survive. As usual, the game got chippy between the two and a few more PK’s could have been called. Always physical when these two get together. The pressure finally flipped the game when a cross was not collected by the North GK and fell right at the feet of Brenner who tapped it in for the 2-1 lead. With North pressing for a goal to tie, Memorial struck late with Verduzco getting his first goal this season for a 3-1 final score.
Quick Thoughts:
-Young teams need to learn to play hard regardless of the opponent. It’s a hard lesson to learn. The coaches pushed the right buttons at half and they gain a win while getting to coach up the team on coming ready to play from the start.
Memorial vs. River Falls
What the heck….where did that come from. Memorial wins 9-0. After an early season with score lines of 1-3, 3-1, 3-1….not too many people would have predicted a 9-0 thumping by Memorial over River Falls. 9 Goals. Playing on back to back nights due to an early week rain out, the Abes were ready to go from the opening kick. Playing fast and aggressive and pressing hard early, Memorial maybe found some confidence on Friday. Four goals in the first half and five in the second was a welcome relief to the two 3-1 wins so far this year.
I was able to attend the first 30 minutes but saw plenty of goals and a young team starting to find their rhythm. Players are understanding their roles, understanding where teammates will be and learning how to break down defenses a bit. Let’s take a look at two of the goals.
Mitch Brenner continues his early season hot streak. He is filling in very nicely for Jack Longville this season. 7 goals in 4 games and he has scored in every game this season. This might be his best one so far. As we discussed, the ball just finds his feet. He seems to always be in the right spots. When Peloquin gets fouled in a dangerous spot, you kind of felt like this one might go in. Lets take a look.
The GK gives it a good try, the shot is just placed too precisely. Great goal by Brenner!
The biggest development for me in this game is that Luke Rosenberger is starting to score goals. I think it is critical the team finds a second scorer to take some pressure off Brenner. I thought Rosenberger was that player, but slow start to his season in the score sheet with just one goal in the first three games. Two goals tonight is a great sign. With Luke getting more offensive, this team becomes much more dangerous. His first goal was a rocket shot that the GK thought he had…but the short hop and power surprised him a bit. Rosenberger’s second goal is pure class. A great surging run by Will Hartman, a well placed cross as well and then Luke does his thing….a really nice volley to the corner of the net. Well done sir!
Quick Take Aways
-Rotations are Making the Team Better. I love that the coaches are increasing their bench and getting more players onto the field. I also think it helps their play. Fresh bodies are helping their press. Fresh wingers are creating chances. Players are stepping up and playing well when they get time on the field. Good Stuff.
-Rosenberger Warming Up. I think he is really important to their success this year. Two goals today really increases his confidence.
-Young Guns Getting Some Goals. Jared Nunez tallied two goals and Justin Smith tallied one to get their scoring started this year. Both goals from wingers is a good sign. Peloquin also opened his scoring account for the season. He works so hard and good to see him rewarded with a goal.
–Two PK’s Today. Does not happen often, but two goals from PK’s. A good sign they are putting teams under pressure in the box. A PK goal against North as well to get them even before the half.
Hudson on Deck
So….a really big game is looming on Tuesday. Hudson comes to town in the first real battle for the Big Rivers Conference title. Hudson is 3-0 so far this season with wins over North (7-1), Menomonie (4-1) and Rice Lake (6-0). Beating North by 6 and then shutting out Rice Lake 6-0 are two pretty impressive wins. Memorial will be coming off their best win of the season against River Falls. Feels like Hudson should be and will be favored. Can Memorial build on their momentum from Friday and keep it going. Will Hudson’s experience and dynamic offense cause the young defense of Memorial problems. Should be a great game. I am predicting a final score of 3-2….and just hope that somehow the Abes find a way to score 3. Go Abes!