We enter the final stretch of the season in Big Rivers, just a few league games remaining. Things are pretty well defined at this point. Hudson continues its undefeated season and looks like a lock for the BRC title. I think that will be the first in 5-6 years. Memorial has found some late season rhythm and has strung together a nice series of wins. They had an impressive win over River Falls and seem locked into the #2 spot in the league.
The surprise for me is Menomonie. They have found something in their program and have become competitive in the lower half of the league. Even against the top teams, the results are promising. Recent wins over Superior and Chippewa Falls give them some confidence and a promising future. They are knocking on Norths door for the 5th position in league. Chippewa Falls is also a surprise,…they have hit some tough times with their program and are winless this year, and not very competitive in most games.
Big Rivers Conference
- Hudson 11-0-0 33 points
- Memorial 10-1-1-0 31 Points
- River Falls 7-3-2 23 Points
- Rice Lake 5-4-3 18 Points
- North 4-4-3 15 Points
- Menomonie 3-8-0 9 points
- Superior 1-9-1 4 Points
- Chippewa Falls 0-11-4 0 Points
Week of 5.20 Schedule
Tuesday Games: North @ Memorial, Hudson @ Rice Lake, River Falls @ Chippewa Falls, Superior @ Menomonie
Thursday Games: Chippewa Falls @ North, Memorial @ Hudson, Rice Lake @ Menomonie, River Falls @ Superior
Memorial Old Abes
So, a few interesting results this week we need to talk about. As a season progresses, you get a chance to determine progress along the way. Playing teams twice gives you some instant feedback as well. For Memorial, we are starting to see some nice improvement in the past week of results. What gives? A few thoughts. The Carmody Effect: No question that having both Lauren and Cameron in the line up consistently makes Memorial a better team. That’s the easy one. Dropping Elayna Chambers into a Center Back role to me has been the other big move. She is big, strong, fast and physical. A natural Center Back. That allows Hanson to play out wide, that allows Kison a bunch of time as a winger, and that has created much better possession, flow, and scoring opportunities, etc. Combine the Carmody playing time with the Chambers move, throw in some added time for Jaiden Ivey in midfield and things are starting to look better for the Abes.
I had the chance to attend the River Falls game this past week and the team was noticeably better. The ball moved better, there was improved shape, the attack looked crisper, the defense looked stronger. The players seemed more comfortable. The first game against river Falls was tough. Down 2-0 early and 3-1 late, the Abes had to fight back for a hard fought 3-3 tie. Thursday was a completely different game. Out of the gate quickly and up 3-0 for a good portion of the game. A direct kick closed the gap to 3-1, but Memorial responded to go up 5-1 before a late River Falls goal finished the scoring at 5-2. Same two teams but significantly different results. Progress Memorial. River Falls was ranked 5th in D2 in the recent poll, so this is a quality result for the Abes. Maybe the best they have played all season.
Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.
Ava Kison was a beast in this game. Her energy is infectious. She just plays so hard! Two goals and almost a third. Memorial needs her scoring to become a great team.
I think the best goal I have seen Memorial score this year. Top quality soccer. It starts in the back with a step and steal for Hansom who advances with a few dribble and then the fun starts. A wide ball to Beaudrie, an early ball into Carmody who makes a great touch forward. Carmody tracks down the ball and calmly lays off a one time pass across the box to Kison, who takes a nice one touch into the back of the net. Great 1-2 touch soccer. From defense to offense and a goal in 6 easy touches. A great goal!! No really, a really high quality goal. A great sign for the future.
Another dangerous player is Beaudrie. Early crosses and pinpoint crosses lead to 2 goals along with her scoring the 4th goal. She can be sneaky fast and she has a pretty dangerous left foot.
Sometimes in the playoffs, you just need a player that can get a goal. When nothing is happening, you just need a moment to get a win. You need a player who can create that moment. I think Lauren Carmody has a little bit of that in her game. A nice goal and reminiscent of Abigail Stow.
You also need to find ways to get goals when the offense is struggling. Set plays can be the difference in advancing or your season ending. With Hanson from deep and Carmody in the box….you have a chance.
A big week ahead for Memorial. they get cross town and improved EC North and then the game that will give us the best clue to their recent run of positive play, Hudson away on Thursday. Building on their league performances, Memorial had a strong weekend, winning games 3-0 against Notre Dame and 1-0 against Assumption. Notre Dame ranked 5th in D3, so a quality opponent. I think the first two non-conference wins on the season. Another good sign. It’s that time of year, the playoffs are looming, time to find your mojo and reach your potential. We’ll learn a lot on Thursday. Go Abes.