Big Rivers Conference play is well under way with two weeks completed.  How is it looking and what is in store this week.  I know you want to know!

Here is a quick update on the Big Rivers Conference after the second week of play.

Week of September 4th Games:

River Falls @ Memorial    Memorial 9-0

Hudson @ Menomonie     Hudson 4-1

North @ Rice Lake    Rice Lake 2-0

Memorial @ North    Memorial 3-1

Chippewa Falls @ River Falls    River Falls 4-1

Rice Lake @ Hudson    Hudson 6-0

Big Rivers Conference Standings

W-T-L

Hudson                           3-0-0  9 Points

Memorial                        3-0-0  9 Points

Rice Lake                       3-0-1  9 Points

River Falls                      2-0-2  6 Points

North                              1-0-3  3 Points

Chippewa Falls             0-0-3  0 Points

Menomonie                   0-0-3  0 Points

Quick Take Aways:

-Hudson put 6 goals on Rice Lake which is impressive.  I called this the game of the week as we needed to know if Rice Lake would be a contender.  Tough for them to step up against a very good Hudson team.  Hudson is claiming the early favorite position with this statement win.

-Memorial putting 9 goals on River Falls was also impressive.  The young Abes are starting to find their way.  A HUGE conference game against Hudson Tuesday.  Memorial still short-handed and missing a few key players, but I am excited to see how they deal with their first big conference game of the year.  They showed well in their first test against Green Bay Preble so that was encouraging.

-Thought North would be in contention for the top half of the conference.  Curious how they play this week.  They have two games that should be W’s. It is time for them to step up and win the games they should win.

Games for the Week of September 10th

Tuesday Games: Rice Lake @ Menomonie, Hudson @ Eau Claire Memorial, Eau Claire North @ Chippewa Falls

Thursday Games: River Falls @ Eau Claire North, Menomonie @ Eau Claire Memorial, Chippewa Falls @ Hudson

Game of the Week: Hudson @ Memorial

This is the first big clash with Conference Title implications.  These are likely the best two teams in the conference and it should be a good one.  Hudson with more experience and a dynamic offensive team against the young and improving Old Abes.  Can Memorial overcome missing a few key players.  Can their young defense hold up against the pressure from Hudson.  Will Hudson get revenge for Memorial dominating the conference recently.  I am predicting 3-2….and just hope it is Memorial with the 3.

Sorry for the delay on the updates….sometimes work gets in the way….sometimes coaching U13 Girls takes priority….I know, I know, what am I thinking.  I should not make you wait for updates, but hoping you can give me a break and will enjoy a few of the videos from the River Falls game.

Let’s catch up on a busy few days.

Memorial vs. North

A great article in the Leader telegram on the game.  Link below.

http://www.leadertelegram.com/Sports/2018/09/07/div-class-libPageBodyLinebreak-Turnaround-div.html

I was not able to attend the game but did get updates from a few in attendance I trust.  North came ready and played fast and aggressive the entire first half.  It is always interesting in rivalry games, but in reality, Memorial has owned the series against North.  Not sure North’s last win, but I do know it has been awhile.  Likely 10 years or so.  North had some nice teams about that time and I think took down Memorial.  The article showed the last goal scored by North in the series was back in 2013.  I am pretty sure I was at that game.  Austin was playing defense against Dan Kron when the goal was scored, but at least he did not give up the goal!  On Thursday, that streak was broken when All Conference performer Logan Podolak scored to give North a 1-0 lead.  North is not off to a great start this year, but they always seems to play really well against Memorial.  The lead was deserved.  North was playing well and had the Abes on their heels.  They out shot Memorial 5-3 in the first half and maybe left a few goals on the field due to some good work by GK Hanson.  A late equalizer on a Brenner PK seemed to settle down the Abes.  PK’s are always tricky.  Sounds like this one was deserved and Memorial really needed that goal.  1-0 at half and North is energized.  1-1 at half and North thinks maybe we let this one get away.

Memorial was a different team in the second half for sure.  Possession, passing, energy, shots….all favored Memorial.  They were able to get 12 shots in the second half but were not able to find a break through goal for the first 30 minutes.  North was finding a way to survive.  As usual, the game got chippy between the two and a few more PK’s could have been called.  Always physical when these two get together.  The pressure finally flipped the game when a cross was not collected by the North GK and fell right at the feet of Brenner who tapped it in for the 2-1 lead.  With North pressing for a goal to tie, Memorial struck late with Verduzco getting his first goal this season for a 3-1 final score.

Quick Thoughts:

-Young teams need to learn to play hard regardless of the opponent.  It’s a hard lesson to learn.  The coaches pushed the right buttons at half and they gain a win while getting to coach up the team on coming ready to play from the start.

Memorial vs. River Falls

What the heck….where did that come from.  Memorial wins 9-0.  After an early season with score lines of 1-3, 3-1, 3-1….not too many people would have predicted a 9-0 thumping by Memorial over River Falls.  9 Goals.  Playing on back to back nights due to an early week rain out, the Abes were ready to go from the opening kick.  Playing fast and aggressive and pressing hard early, Memorial maybe found some confidence on Friday.  Four goals in the first half and five in the second was a welcome relief to the two 3-1 wins so far this year.

I was able to attend the first 30 minutes but saw plenty of goals and a young team starting to find their rhythm.  Players are understanding their roles, understanding where teammates will be and learning how to break down defenses a bit.  Let’s take a look at two of the goals.

Mitch Brenner continues his early season hot streak.  He is filling in very nicely for Jack Longville this season.  7 goals in 4 games and he has scored in every game this season.  This might be his best one so far.  As we discussed, the ball just finds his feet.  He seems to always be in the right spots.  When Peloquin gets fouled in a dangerous spot, you kind of felt like this one might go in.  Lets take a look.

The GK gives it a good try, the shot is just placed too precisely. Great goal by Brenner!

The biggest development for me in this game is that Luke Rosenberger is starting to score goals.  I think it is critical the team finds a second scorer to take some pressure off Brenner.  I thought Rosenberger was that player, but slow start to his season in the score sheet with just one goal in the first three games.  Two goals tonight is a great sign.  With Luke getting more offensive, this team becomes much more dangerous.  His first goal was a rocket shot that the GK thought he had…but the short hop and power surprised him a bit.  Rosenberger’s second goal is pure class.  A great surging run by Will Hartman, a well placed cross as well and then Luke does his thing….a really nice volley to the corner of the net.  Well done sir!

Quick Take Aways

-Rotations are Making the Team Better.  I love that the coaches are increasing their bench and getting more players onto the field.  I also think it helps their play.  Fresh bodies are helping their press.  Fresh wingers are creating chances.  Players are stepping up and playing well when they get time on the field.  Good Stuff.

-Rosenberger Warming Up.  I think he is really important to their success this year.  Two goals today really increases his confidence.

-Young Guns Getting Some Goals.  Jared Nunez tallied two goals and Justin Smith tallied one to get their scoring started this year.  Both goals from wingers is a good sign.  Peloquin also opened his scoring account for the season.  He works so hard and good to see him rewarded with a goal.

–Two PK’s Today.  Does not happen often, but two goals from PK’s.  A good sign they are putting teams under pressure in the box.  A PK goal against North as well to get them even before the half.

Hudson on Deck

So….a really big game is looming on Tuesday.  Hudson comes to town in the first real battle for the Big Rivers Conference title.  Hudson is 3-0 so far this season with wins over North (7-1), Menomonie (4-1) and Rice Lake (6-0).  Beating North by 6 and then shutting out Rice Lake 6-0 are two pretty impressive wins.  Memorial will be coming off their best win of the season against River Falls.  Feels like Hudson should be and will be favored.  Can Memorial build on their momentum from Friday and keep it going.  Will Hudson’s experience and dynamic offense cause the young defense of Memorial problems.  Should be a great game.  I am predicting a final score of 3-2….and just hope that somehow the Abes find a way to score 3.  Go Abes!

So, I don’t know why, but it turns out it is hard to get updates on the Big Rivers Conference.  Some teams report scores, some don’t.  The Big Rivers Conference website does not show Memorial in the conference standings page? Scores are not updated frequently so I have learned to snoop around the internet for updates.  But hey, I figured you would want to know so I put in a little extra time….all for you!  I knew you would appreciate it!

Here is a quick update on the Big Rivers Conference after the first week of play.

Week of August 27th Games:

Hudson @ EC North.  Hudson wins 7-1

Menomonie @River Falls.  River Falls wins 4-0

Rice Lake @ Chippewa Falls.  Rice Lake wins 3-1.

Rice Lake @ River Falls.  Rice Lake wins 2-1.

Menomonie @ EC North.  North wins 5-0

Memorial @ Chippewa Falls.  Memorial wins 3-1.

Big Rivers Conference Standings

Rice Lake                        2-0-0

Hudson                           1-0-0

Memorial                        1-0-0

North                              1-1-0

River Falls                      1-1-0

Chippewa Falls             0-2-0

Menomonie                   0-2-0

Quick Take Aways:

-Hudson put 7 goals on North is impressive.  Albrecht typically has a stout defense.  It felt like Hudson was an early conference favorite based on returning players and this game would certainly support that theory.

-Surprise Team to Watch Out For: Rice Lake.  Rice Lake has quietly put together a nice tun the past 2-4 years and is building a nice program up north.  They have a few appearances at State and are well coached with solid players.  Don’t sleep in Rice Lake.

-Thought North would be in contention for the top half of the conference.  Curious how they play this week.  They have teams on both ends of the Conference, how will they fare against teams they need to beat to improve their standing.  Can you throw out the Hudson game?

-There does not appear to be a dominant team in conference this year.  Hudson has lost several non-conference games already.  Memorial lost to GB Preble (no shame there). Only Rice Lake is currently undefeated overall.  I think the conference may be more wide open this year.  Can someone shake up the Memorial-Hudson grip on the conference championship.  The upcoming week will give us some clues.

Games for the Week of September 3rd:

Tuesday Games: River Falls @ Memorial,    Hudson @ Menomonie,   North @ Rice Lake

Thursday Games: Memorial @ North,   Chippewa Falls @ River Falls,   Rice Lake @ Hudson

An interesting week.  We will find out if Rice Lake is the real deal this week. Wins against North and a Win or Tie at Hudson would shake up the conference hierarchy a bit.  Can North step up and get a win against one of the top teams in the conference this year?  Can Memorial’s young squad win both their games to set up an early season clash with Hudson the following week.  This is a big week for Memorial to develop some consistency and build some positive momentum for the season.

Game of the Week: Rice Lake @ Hudson

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!

Quick Update for those interested.  Green Bay Preble defeated Hudson today 3-0.  1-0 Game for most of the game.  pretty even possession game and Hudson had some nice moments where they put Preble under pressure.  Similar to yesterday, Preble scored two goals quickly late in the game.  Goals in the 86th and 88th made it 3-0.  Looks like Green Bay Preble is good!  I have a feeling the Hudson game is going to be very competitive!

Another season of Memorial soccer is off and running as they squared off against one of the state’s best programs in Green Bay Preble on Friday afternoon.  Their last game was an incredible match up, won late by Memorial in the Sectional Finals last year.  Remember the Martinez goal in the final minutes!   Quite the way to start the season for a young team trying to find their way after losing a strong senior class last year.   Right into the fire as they say.  It was a bit strange for me….watching a Memorial game without one of my kids in the program or on the field playing.  Just a fan.  No nerves, that was cool.  No anxiety…that was cool as well.  Just enjoying a great game and being a soccer fan.

First observations.

-Memorial is quick, athletic, great feet, great skills, tactically strong, well coached……but a bit smaller than I am used to seeing on the pitch.  Gone are many of the big, physical players from last year.  No more Beasts in the midfield or back line.  Memorial could really physically dominant teams last year, this year they will need to use their skills and knowledge of the game.

-Memorial is young.  Four underclassmen started the Preble game, including dynamic Freshman Jared Nunez.  Toss in four junior starters and that leaves just three Senior starters currently.  That will change in a few weeks as a few Seniors should get back into the line up.  But regardless, it is a team that will need to learn to play together and develop some chemistry.  Preble had only two sophomores on their varsity squad.  Memorial started 3 Sophomores and a Freshman.  You could feel the difference in experience.  Preble was loud and talkative all game.  Lots of communication and chatter on the pitch.  Memorial will get there, time and patience.

-Are those new uniforms.  Very sharp….love the new look!

-Style of play.  Apologize for the comparisons, but it’s my first time seeing them play.  Not as much possession as I am used to for Memorial.  A lot of balls over the top or thru balls into space.  Not as much build up in the final third.  Not as many overlapping, deep runs by the outside backs on either side as last year.  We got used to Jolley and Free bombing down the sidelines and getting into the final third and whipping in crosses for Longville to knock home.   Lots more touches in the Midfield and out wide with Wingers.  Great to see the ball being shared up top.  All the wingers and forwards are dynamic.  When the ball moves up field, everyone is moving forward as a unit.  Opportunities to have combination play and find players free on the backside are there.  No more reliance on a single forward.  A few more games and the offensive players will start finding each other.  More goals are coming.  I love how they are sharing the ball and trusting each other.

Game Recap

So, soccer is sometimes difficult when it comes to results. Sometimes you dominate a team but win 1-0.  A bit of a deceiving score.  Sometimes you get killed but manage to make some saves and earn a tie.  A bit of a deceiving score.  And sometimes it is a very even game, and just a few plays make the difference.  This game felt pretty even to me for big chunks of the game.  Preble’s physicality and Memorial’s youth showed up in the first 30 minutes of the second half and Preble did exert their will on the Abes during that period of play.  But the Abes were still finding a way to keep the Hornets out of their net.  For 87 minutes this was a really close well fought match.  But there are those other 3 minutes…..just three I know, but they were a fateful three in the result.  Let’s end the drama….Green bay Preble 3  Memorial 1.  But that is a bit of a deceiving score!

It was a very competitive game of soccer.  The first half saw both teams compete hard and show strong play on both the offensive and defensive side of the field.  I would say the possession was pretty even.  Both sides had good spells and found good moments.  Memorial came out flying and had a strong first 20 minutes.  They were the better team in that stretch.  The ball was moving quickly, they were finding space on the wings.  They were winning back possession quickly after a turnover.  The defensive line was stepping hard and winning balls.  When pressed deep, they were up to the task to chase down a run and clear out balls from the 18.  GK Hanson, a likely All Conference player this year, is a nice safety blanket in the back.  He made a few very nice saves in that spell.  A leaping, one hand poke over the top on a hard drive was especially impressive.  Memorials possession paid off about 15 minutes into the game.  After a string of nice passes and working the ball into space down the left side, Memorial struck first.  An attempt to clear a ball was intercepted in Midfield by Woodworth who played it forward to Nunez, who played it forward to Mitch Brenner.  His first touch and trap was really the key here.  A hot ball in from Nunez, but controlled nicely.  A turn into space, a touch and a nice left foot finish in the side net.  1-0 Abes.  Notice two more players in the box.  I really like how they are attacking the net.

Preble responded after the goal and the game settled into a tight match.  No real advantage.  Preble did put some pressure on the Memorial defense but Hanson was up to the task.  He played sweeper keeper on a few balls and made that one nice save.  Unfortunately, later in the half, Preble evened up the score.  A ball out near midfield came free to their captain, Lindsley, who found the top corner from distance.  Not much Hanson could do on this one.  A shot from distance that just finds the one spot it can get past the keeper.  A pretty fortunate score from there, the kid may not have a nicer shot all season….but well done, a nice shot.  1-1 at the half.

I am pretty sure the Preble coach told his players at the half to take advantage of the one key difference in the game.  Preble’s size and strength.  It was noticeable in the first 30 minutes of the second half.  Preble was much more physical.  Bodies were flying around.  Tackles and pressure were increased a bit.  I think maybe the physical play took a toll.  Preble had a significant edge in possession during this period.  But hey, Memorial was finding a way to keep the game tied.  and then there were those 3 minutes we talked about.  Just three, I know, but it was the difference in the game.  A nice spell of possession lead to a ball down the left-wing, a cross came flying into he box, and the Preble forward out-dueled the Memorial defender in the air for a nice header goal.  2-1.  Quickly, Preble was back on the attack.  A little wobble on the back line and midfield allowed a ball to be played into space in the 18 and a quick turn and shot and it’s 3-1.  Just three minutes, I know, but man, bummer dude, those three minutes hurt a bit.

Memorial responds.  Maybe that settled them down?  Maybe down two they said, what the heck, let’s just play a little loose and free.  Not sure, but the final 15-20 minutes looked much better.  Memorial had their best spell of the game in this period. They really did not put much pressure on Preble until the two goals.  Then they had a bunch of chances.

So back to the deceiving score idea.  Zumwalt with a great chance.  And notice Jacob in the box ready for a pass or tap in goal.  Sometimes the woodwork is your friend and sometimes the woodwork is your enemy.  Today…it was our enemy.  A pass to Jacob and a shot had the GK beat.  A nice powerful shot, headed for the goal and ….ping….off the post.  Notice all the players in the box available for a pass.  Then later, a nice free kick from Junker and Brenner rises above everyone for a header.  The GK is out of position and beat, the ball is headed for the net….ping….off the cross-bar.  But there is Jacob with the volley finish and the ball is headed into the net when….stab….the GK makes a one-handed lunging save.  No goal.   What?  How did we not score there!!  Come on man!

So back to the deceiving score idea.  Pretty easy to envision both of those plays turning into goals,  finding the net and the game ending in a 3-3 tie.  but hey, that’s soccer.  The team is young, and they are working hard.  I love their energy.  I love all the forward players in the box ready to pounce.  I love how they are sharing the ball.  I loved that they came back from 3-1 to put a scare into Preble.  I love the possibilities of how good they can be with a few more games and a little more experience.  I love they have two seniors who will likely make a big difference in the physicality of the team coming back soon.

No shame going down to Preble and the quality of their squad.  Just three minutes…..just two pings off the woodwork….and this is a different article.  Go Abes.  Trust the process!