Memorial kicked off their Big Rivers season with a solid win at Chippewa Falls last night. Nothing too fancy, not a dominating performance, still trying to figure things out….but a win is a win, especially for a young team finding their way.
So, let me get this out of the way quickly. I am not a big fan of the field at Chippewa. Feels a bit too big. Too wide, too long, too bouncy. Especially too bouncy! I always found it hard to evaluate a team after playing at Chippewa. It’s hard to find a rhythm. Hard to get the passing game going. The turf is not your friend. So, a bit hard to evaluate the Abes last night. Plus, doesn’t it strike you that the Chippewa players could use just a little bit more discipline on the field and sidelines. I will leave it at that and move on.
I also have to share that I missed most of the first half. I was able to get to the game around the 30 minute mark of the first half. It was already 1-0 when I arrived and as I was sitting down to get ready….bam….2-0. So sorry about that, but I do have some highlights to share. Let’s talk about the flow of the game. Memorial looked solid in all phases for most of the night. The ball was moving around the pitch. The defense was shutting down most attacks up high, the midfield was controlling possession and the wingers and forwards were getting plenty of opportunities but……it did just feel a bit sloppy at times. See above for Chippewa Field issues!! Bounce…Bounce…Bounce!! I also would share that for a young team, a big challenge is to bring it at all times, regardless of the opponent, play at your very highest level. But that’s hard, even for experienced high school teams. Maybe Memorial played down to their opponents level a bit. Certainly, this was nowhere near the challenge they faced against Green Bay Preble last week. Only Game #2, and still without some senior leadership on the field, so no surprise really. They were able to manage thru these issues and secure the win.
Key Take Aways from the Game
Mitch Brenner seems ready for a break out season. After watching Jack Longville for two years, we all wondered who, and if, someone could fill those shoes and take the scoring pressure for the team. Seems like Brenner is up for the task early. He scores a double and increases his scoring tally to 3 with 1 assist. He has been involved in all 4 Memorial goals so far this year. The ball seems to find him in dangerous spots. On corner kicks and free kicks he is looking very dangerous. The ball seems to end up on his head or feet no matter where the play starts out. Some players just have a sense for scoring.
Rosenberger opens his scoring account for the year. I have been waiting for this. I think Luke is really important to the team’s success this year. He seemed more involved offensively tonight. Really important he scores and shares the burden with Brenner. Right now he is playing a bit deeper as the team needs his presence in midfield keeping possession. I think he pushes forward later in the year and starts to take on a key scoring role.
Defense still a work in progress. Be patient, it will come, but a few wobbles still on the back line. I made the mistake of checking an e-mail to start the second half and when I looked up, 17 seconds into the half, Chippewa had a one on one with Hanson and a nice slotted ball was in the net, the lead cut to one quickly. There is no time to get comfortable for the back line. Stay focused and ready. One ball over the top, one big bouncing long ball, and trouble is lurking. See above for Chippewa Field issues!! Bounce…Bounce…Bounce!! I counted 3-4 times big bouncing balls made it into the 18 and things could have been a bit different if not for sweeper keeper Hanson. That will get cleaned up soon.
Memorial Responds. At 2-1, 17 seconds into the half, their could have been a little panic, but I didn’t see any. Memorial just continued to play their possession game and stick to the game plan. They were rewarded with a goal in the second half to re-establish their 2 goal lead and kill off the game with only a few more threats. Experience gained.
A busy bench tonight. I am pretty sure all 20 players who suited up tonight, saw some game action. That was pretty cool to see. And they all played well and contributed. At one point, there were 11 players on the field and none of them were starters from last years team and none of them played significant minutes last year. I have seen that a few times when Memorial was winning 8-0 or 9-0 late in a game, but not sure I have ever seen that when it was 3-1 with 10 minutes to go in the conference opening game. Kudos to the players for performing well and to the coaching staff for trusting their bench and their players. I have seen a kinder and gentler bench this year. No surprise with a young team. A lot of encouragement coming from the sidelines. Keeping the players focused and applauding their effort. A great move in my opinion and I enjoyed watching it last night.
Game Highlights
Brenner makes it 2-0 with a nice shot off a corner kick. As I said, the ball seems to find his feet. If you are wondering about the video quality, I can’t take any credit. I am certainly still a rookie at taking video, but I got this from someone even more of a rookie than me…and that’s hard! I really appreciate the video though, since I missed this goal while not paying attention in the first half. I will expect much improved performance in the future though….increase that resolution mister!!
Rosenberger opens his scoring account with an early entry into the Goal of the Year. Four players touch the ball. Last weeks videos showed all the offensive players pushing forward across the field. It was great to see. I thought it would certainly create some goal scoring opportunities on the back side….so here you go. As predicted. Really nice sharing of the ball and trust among the players. This will continue to improve and it should lead to many more goals. Nice one touch finish Luke!
And look at the quality of that video…amazing….especially when compared to the previous clip. Go Abes. Trust the process!