What a weekend. Two games , two completely different results and for the fans, quite an emotional ride. Imagine what it was like for the team and coaches. First, I need to share a quick apology. I have had a busy few days. Watching two games of soccer and then traveling down to Chicago for work…yes, I have a job. A full day and then driving home late Sunday. I just could not find time to get to my computer to update the blog. That is the guilty part. Plus, as my little project is still in week three, still working to get the word out and increase the base of followers. Plus a little nervous, maybe no one was looking for updates. I was pleased when I got home Sunday, there were views all weekend. That’s cool! Sorry the update is late but I hope you still enjoy. Don’t stop checking, I promise to keep blogging. Hang in there with me, it’s a process!!
First Loss of the Season Friday. Bummer.
Oregon handed the Abes loss #1 of the season in the first game of the Madison weekend. A tough game. Soccer is a cruel game sometimes. Check this out. Memorial had more possession in the first half, controlled the game for long periods, had more shots on goal, at one time 8-4, and generally played pretty well. So how were we down 1-0 at half and then lose 3-0. Soccer can be cruel. Oregon’s first goal, by all accounts was offsides. The fans knew it, the players knew it, I think even Oregon knew it, everyone except the AR. Who by the way trailed the play by 10 yards. I did not have a good view, but it sure felt like offsides. I give Oregon some credit, it was a nice counter attack and a nice shot, just outside GK Hanson’s reach. The next two were GK deflections that turned into goals and were unfortunate and very late in the game. Maybe a culmination of a late Thursday away game, lack of sleep, a three-hour bus ride and a tired team. I know, I know, no excuses. Regardless, it was a bummer. Felt like a tie game based on the play, not a 3-0 loss. Probably the best Oregon played all year based on how pumped they were after the win. For us, emotions were low in the stands and the field. I was bummed a bit I have to admit. Didn’t expect to go undefeated, and Memorial has lost plenty of games in Milwaukee and Madison over the years, but this one just left a bad taste. Players probably felt they did not play their best. Did not have the emotion needed for a 90 minute game against a tough opponent. Relax..breathe..relax. On to Saturday. Spoiler Alert…it gets better.
Memorials Biggest Win of the Season
What a difference a day makes. Memorial came out energized. Controlled the game early. Dictated the play and pace of the game. Showed excellent energy and effort. It looked really good early. This is the Memorial team we expected and love to watch! It just felt different from Friday. A purpose to the play, a confidence in their approach, a bit of swagger and looseness to their game. They were in attack mode from the whistle. A few small tweaks, pushing Haig out wide and pushing Longville up higher on the pitch proved positive. Middleton was on their heals and only a great save kept the game scoreless.
Now imagine that same play, a great run down the left side by Jolley, a sizzling cross in the box and a quality directed header from Longville, but this time it goes into the net. I am certain I had that goal on video. How did I erase that one, Ugh. But, trust me, it was pretty close to the one above …with slightly better results. 1-0 Abes! In reality, it could have been 2-0 or 3-0 in the first. Peloquin had 2 great chances, Haig had a great opportunity , and Jack 1-2 as well. Not sure how it was just 1-0. Middleton, ranked #3 in the state, did respond with some quality play, forced a few good saves from Hanson, hit a post and improved their play as the half went deeper. Ah…then there was controversy. A pass near the 18 was ruled handball and a direct kick. Just a bad call. Hit Burlingame’s chest. The entire team and coaching staff and fan base were pretty shocked at the call. Middleton took advantage..as good teams do, and buried the direct kick up and over the wall and into the upper corner on the left side of the net. 1-1. The second half was quality soccer on both sides. Multiple chances to score and more drama. Was the game destined for a tie. Not a bad result for Memorial, but it just felt from my perspective on this day, we were a goal better.
Then this happened.
Could you tell I was excited. Almost jumped out of my seat to celebrate, forgot I was taping and …well…you see the result. Did it cross the line? Did the GK stop it? It took a few minutes to decide between the Center Ref and AR. NO GOAL. I replayed my video a few times and unfortunately, had to agree, it did not cross the line entirely. Maybe a little…but not enough. Bummer. So close. So 1-1 then, I guess. Not so fast sports fans. Memorial continued to apply pressure and played several nice balls into the box. Around the 86th minute, Longville got loose in the left side of the box, slowed his dribble, cut hard right….you guessed it….was tripped. Here is the PK.
Do you think that was an important goal. The celebration is the clue. It was a huge goal, a huge win and erased the bad mojo from the Rice Lake tie and Oregon loss. Mini Slump averted. Confidence intact.
Top 3 Takeaways from the Weekend
Playing away games in Milwaukee and Madison is critical. We just cant get the competition and intensity of these games in the Big Rivers. Not to say we don’t play good teams, it is just different. The team needs it to be challenged, to develop, to suffer a bit, to grow and become the best team they can be.
Middleton win was a Big Response after a tough loss. No question the team was in a tricky spot. Did not play terrible against Oregon, but it just felt flat. A second loss in a row, a 3 game winless streak, all leading up to the biggest conference game of the season on Thursday against Chippewa would not have been good. Crisis averted, confidence restored. I can tell you it felt really good to get that win against a very good team. It’s a process for the team as well and a giant step forward.
Three Games in Three Days is tough. These kids are resilient. Plus I think their legs are sore. They gutted out a great win. Lots of ice bags on the trip home, but with a smile on their faces and a confidence they will need to take on a surging CF team Thursday.
Should be fun!
Area Roundup post soon..I promise.