Well that wasn’t supposed to happen quite like that. We were prepared for a tight battle, a nail biter, right down to the wire..maybe even a PK shoot out. We looked at the schedule and saw Stevens Point had played DC Everest to a tie…twice…and figured this one would be close. It wasn’t.
Memorial played one of their better games of the season and totally dominated Stevens Point 7-1 on Thursday night to secure a berth in the Sectional Finals today in Wausua. This one was over early as Memorial came out on the front foot and was active from the start. Possession was solid, the ball moved quickly, players were energized and the Abes put SPASH under pressure right away. Some games you just know things will go your way…the first goal was a good indication it was going to be Memorials night. A good run of possession and passing found Barstad with the ball on the left-wing and turning back onto her right for a shot. Stow was lurking in the box near the 6 in a dangerous spot. I don’t think this was the plan, but they don’t ask how, they just ask how many in sports. 1-0 Abes at the 8 minute mark.
Stow bagged her first of the night on a nice play out wide. She received the ball near midfield and just did what Stow does. Played a ball into space, used her speed and athleticism to create some separation and calmly found the side net. She makes it look so easy, but it is anything but…a quality finish after an aggressive move into the box. Stow is on a nice roll and seems to be making everything right now. She ended up with a hat trick tonight and is finding her stride at just the right part of the season.
Stow got loose again on the right-wing and again made a nice aggressive run into the box. The defender makes a last-ditch effort to tackle the ball…not sure she made contact with the ball…but did make contact with Stow. A little surprised no penalty call on this one. As Stow is going down, she somehow finds a way to deliver a little pass. Bowe is there and drives a low shot to the left of the keeper who makes a nice save….unfortunately…right into the path of the johnny-on-the-spot Beaudrie for the tap in goal. Is that a phrase kids know, not sure, but sure seems the right way to describe Beaudrie. She is always lurking on the back post and cleans up a lot of deflections for goals.
A goal by Barstad…a rocket from near the 18 finished off the first half scoring, 4-0 Abes. Game over. For good measure, The Abes struck first in the second half to squash any comeback thoughts by SPASH, another calm side net finish from Stow. A goal on a set play corner kick got SPASH on the board, 5-1, but a nice direct kick from Beaudrie and an upper 90 strike from Stow finished this one off, 7-1.
A few thoughts on this one.
Playoff Soccer Script. Score early…check. Score multiple first half goals…check. Score early in the second half to avoid any crazy comeback…check. Gain confidence and rest players for the next game…check. No injuries….check. Stay hot and keep momentum building for the next game…check. The Abes checked all the boxes in this one.
Next Round: Bay Port for the right to go to State. Bay Port…ugh. Memories of last years tough 3-2 OT loss start swirling around when you think about the game today. This one really should be a close game and a nail biter.
The Good News, It’s a Revenge Game. Players are ready. The seniors and other players from last years team have the OT loss fresh in their memories. They are ready. They are jacked up. They are focused. They really really want to get past Bay Port and onto State. As well, Bay Port is ranked #1 in the State so that would add a little cherry on top to beat them today.
The Bad New, It’s a Revenge Game. Are they too jacked up and ready. Will they just be too fired up today. We just need them to play their game, stay calm…possess…find shots…move the ball and defend. Stow will get her chances. The defense needs to be ready for a battle. Hujik needs to come up with a big game. Memorial is on a nice roll and peaking at the right time. It is a wonder what practice will do! More bad news….Bay Port is really good! They lost in the State Finals last year and are looking to get back. It should be a good one.
Go Abes!!