To win Conference titles it is critical you win the big games and you win on the road. Memorial did both tonight in a hard-fought and methodical win at Chippewa. It was a classic win and for a coach, checking off all the boxes.
Get an early lead. Check. Longville scores on a nice assist from Rosenberger in 16th minute.
Control the Midfield and limit counter attacks. Check. Orser and Lyons kept everything in front of them and shut down attacks.
Wear down the opponent and extend the lead. Check. A Jolley goal on a corner and Lonville direct kick extended the lead to 3-0 in the second half.
Get in some reserves, rest your starters. Check. Memorial was able to get 5-6 starters some rest in the last part of the game. Big with a busy weekend ahead.
Keep a clean sheet and build some momentum. Check. A 3-0 win sets up Memorial for a great start to the second half of the conference season.
Extend your lead in conference. Check. A 1.5 lead over Hudson and 2 game lead over Rice Lake pending results.
I was a bit concerned when I saw this game on the schedule a few weeks back. CF was surging and a road game is always tough in the BRC. The Cardinals were in striking range and a win tonight would keep things close in the conference race. Although a bit dicey in the first half, the Abes really had this one under control. The biggest moments for CF and the nerviest for Memorial, was when GK Hanson ventured out into the box on deep balls over the top. I counted at least three times he turned into sweeper keeper, but unfortunately, on each occasion, he just could not locate the ball. On one occasion, the ball was headed into net, but cleared out by a defender (Larson I think). No real danger, but nervy for sure. The others were not as close, but a funny bounce here or there…all good as no damage was done. Tyler played it much safer in the second half and had no real danger. He cleaned up balls in the box and long thru balls and made a few easy saves. Nice and tidy in the second half for the GK.
Here are some highlights.
I have been keeping an eye on Cooper Lyons scoring a header this year. He has been close on at least 5 occasions and was again tonight. I know one is coming. He is due. Gets up for this one! Not sure where he gets those hops. Not from me!
So…hang in there with me. I had this goal but had a CF fan walk right in front of me. Ugh! So here is what is looked like. Great pass and finish by Longville. Imagine Rosenberger making the pass and you’ve got it. You can do it.
I’ve got to give props to the Chippewa GK. Man, what a save. I would say he is playing at an all conference level. I love our GK Hanson and maybe the biggest difference between the two is 6 inches. CF keeper is tall..like 6’2″ or more I think. Hanson makes up for his size with dynamic skills, quick feet and cat-like reflexes, but boy if he was 6’2″ that would be nice. A tough call on who is best, both are awesome.
A big second goal from Jolley right after the big save. If Chippewa had picked up some momentum, Jolley crushed it with this goal. Huge goal. Game over.
Jack found the net for a second time with this high quality direct kick. Up and over the wall and a bender into the left corner of the net. Wow. Pretty special kick for sure.
Last, I must give a shout out to Jacob Peloquin. He works so hard and deserves a video. He makes a bunch of great moves on this run, thinks about shooting…I thought he should have ripped it, but makes one more move. Keep working kid, it will come!
Top 3 Takeaways for the Game
Another Clean Sheet. Defense wins championships. Well done back four; Free, Larson, Burlingame and Jolley.
No glory for Midfield, but they really controlled the game. Orser and Lyons played strong. Lyons was dominant in the first half managing attacks, winning balls, putting in tackles and keeping everything in front of him. Orser surges forward and connects the defense to the offense. Best passer on the team.
Consistent Effort Works. A full 90 minutes of effort. Nothing flashy, just hard-nosed soccer. Nice win!
Another big weekend of soccer in Green Bay. Go Abes!