So I decided to catch the first 20 minutes of the Memorial v Menomonie soccer game on Thursday night before I headed off to U13 ECU practice. I figured I would be able to get 2-3 goals in that stretch. It would make for a nice part of the blog post the next day. You can always count on 8-10 goals against Menomonie….so probably there would be 2-3 in the first 20 minutes.
The teams took the field…..and then everything changed….it was like someone sprinkled fairy dust onto Menomonie….that is not the same Menomonie team I have watched for the past 9 years.
This team looked fast. I see you Adam Wilson! This team looked athletic. This team looked skilled. The back line was moving the ball quickly. Combination passes were getting them out of trouble and keeping possession. The shape looked good. The communication was good. I must admit. IT WAS WEIRD! But in a good way. I think it is awesome to see and very cool for their program. The coaches are obviously making a difference. They are building a program. Their facilities are much better than Memorials. Great stadium and turf field. It takes time, and it does not sound like they are getting a lot of wins, but it looks to me they are putting in a ton ff positive performances. A recent game against Hudson ended 4-1. The game last night against Memorial ended 3-0. It was only 1-0 at the half and if not for a great save by GK Hanson, it is a 1-1 game. I am going to keep a closer eye on Menomonie….I feel a few wins are in their future. Man….what an improvement over the past few years. From regular 10-0 thumpings and games called early to a real battle and quality play and players all over the field. Congrats to you Menomonie…don’t get discouraged…from my perspective, you are right on track and it is happening! A win here or there, a little confidence, and you never know.
Game Notes
-Great to see Sulzer and Larson on the pitch. It will take a few games to get the feel of the team….but it will make a difference late in the season. I was hoping to see Rosenberger out wide and not sure where his 2 goals came from, but I think this move frees him up a bit to be more aggressive offensively.
-Memorial out shot Menomonie 12-3 on the night.
-Rosenberger is heating up. 4 goals in the past three games. If Brenner and Rosenberger can get hot together, then watch out. We need them both scoring and getting dangerous looks.
-Ryder Woodworth with his first goal….although my fan in the stands thought maybe it was an own goal?? Take it Ryan.
Big Weekend
Oregon (Friday at 5) and Middleton (Saturday at 12:00) come to town tonight and this weekend. Two great programs that will present a huge challenge to Memorial. a great mid-season check on where we are. Are we building to a big finish or just building for next year.
Oregon is ranked 8th in Division 2 and has been a regular in the State Tournament the past few years. A strong program.
Middleton is having an off-year, but have played some very strong opponents. They will be a tough test for Memorial.
My impression of what the Woodworth goal might have looked like….from reports I heard. Memorial in Green. Menomonie in Yellow! Enjoy! Just sayin….it could have happened this way!!