After three road games late last week, it was time for some home cooking.  Doesn’t it just feel good to get home after a long trip.  It just feels comfortable.   And that’s exactly how it felt for Memorial tonight, comfortable, as they cruised past River Falls at home 5-0.  They scored early and often and went into the half at 5-0.  The first half play was really solid.  The Abes were on their front foot right from the start, controlling play, owning the possession and getting into the box at will.  It was just a matter of time and they struck their first goal in the first 10 minutes.  It was a steady flow from there until the half.

The second half allowed the starters to stretch their legs and about half way thru, Memorial made way for the reserves, giving the starting group some much needed rest after their hectic weekend schedule.  What a difference a few days can make.  The weekend trip to Green Bay offered up hot (90’s) and humid temperatures and a hostile away crowd.  The field was not conducive to Memorials possession driven attack with excellent wide play and overlapping defenders.  It was great to get back to Eau Claire and a field they dominate.  The grass just feels better at home; no bus rides, no hotels, you get to sleep in your own bed and relax a bit.  Memorial sure looked relaxed on the field and looked the part of the #3 Team in the recent State polls. A dominating performance and a nice departure from the intensity of the weekend.

Let’s take a look at the highlights.

Will Orser finishes off a nice shot after a great layoff from Rosenberger, who has totaled quite a few assists recently.  Goal #5 on the year for Orser and a quick start to make sure River Falls had no thoughts of upset on the night. Sorry I did not get Will’s actual shot, but hey, I did get it going into the net.  A nice driving shot…trust me.

In what likely is the best Assist-Score tandem in the BRC, goal #2 was a Jolly to Longville tally.  A surging run down the left…a phrase I have used quite a few times this year….and a pinpoint cross into the box found the head of Longville who expertly flicked it into the net for a 2-0 lead.

Longville added another multiple goal game to his tally with his PK midway thru the half.  He calmly set up the GK, who made an instinctive dive to his right while Longville chipped it down the middle.  Very cheeky when it works !!

Hey, this is a good one.  Scoring off set plays is critical in a successful championship run and Cooper Lyons has now scored two this year, both against River Falls, on set plays.  As the ball pings around the box ( nice try Will) and is deftly saved by the keeper, Cooper roofs a left footed volley into the net.  Nicely done young man.

Very excited to share this next one.  Matt Martinez suffered an early season injury and missed multiple games as he rehabbed and worked his way back into form.  His minutes are increasing and his contribution is as well.  He is one of my favorite players and deserves some good things to happen for him the rest of the way.  The Senior Captain scores his first goal of the season on a slick pass from Longville (yes…he assists too!) and a quick one time left footed shot past the GK.

I must share one more video clip.  Sophomore defender Logan Junker almost bags his first varsity goal tonight.  He is fun to watch with his speed, energy and enthusiasm for the game.  A nice run from the left back spot, reminiscent of Own Jolley, and a nice shot that is destined for the net, only to be denied by the cross-bar.  Sometimes the cross-bar giveth and sometimes the cross-bar taketh away.  Keep shooting young man, your time will come!

Top 3 Takeaways from the Game

Another Clean Sheet.  Man, I really don’t remember a clean shot on goal.  I am sure there were a few, but maybe not.  The defense continues to shine as well as solid play at GK.  Jolley-Burlingame-Larson-Free combined with Hanson in goal is a tough nut to crack. That’s 9 clean sheets and 3 of the last 4.  Did I mention that defense wins championships. I promise to feature the defense in some videos soon.

Offense is getting More People Involved. 4 players scored tonight.  Longville will get his goals (A BRC leading 28 on the season) but it is great to see Memorial diversify a bit. 11 players have scored on the season.  In the playoffs, when teams start to double and triple team Longville, the Abes will need the confidence that multiple players can get an important goal. That confidence is growing.

Nice to get to Breathe and Relax a Little.  It was nice as a fan to have a game where we were in control and we could relax and enjoy the game without stress.  I think the coaches and players were feeling the same.  Green Bay Preble game was stressful, hot, and a bit frustrating.  Tonight was the opposite; calm, cool and relaxed….and it was nice!!  I’ll take a few more like this because I know we will have some stressful ones later.

North on Thursday and they picked up a nice win against Rice Lake tonight 3-2. So they will be full of confidence on Thursday.  Get ready!

Three games in three days…and hot….and humid….and playing a tough road game.  Not the best conditions for soccer, but those were the conditions as Memorial squared off against Green Bay Preble on Saturday afternoon. It was a game circled on the schedule.  Two teams in the Top 5 at various points in the season.   Preble recently dropping from the Top 5 and with a chip on their shoulder to regain their place as one of the State’s elite teams.  Memorial intent on keeping their momentum and taking down another of the State’s best this year, establishing themselves as a team to watch.

The game did not disappoint.

I need to share this is the first game I have missed watching live this year…and I am bummed.  I knew it was going to be a great game…just knew it.  Two great programs with long traditions of success.  I am getting updates from the game and trying to imagine it for myself.  Thanks Kathy!  I am also hearing it is a very physical game, lots of tackles, lots of aggressive play…a bit of pushing and a bit of tugging.  Feels like the Center Ref is letting them play today.  AR’s trying to signal fouls, but Center letting it go…he likes a physical game I guess.

Also hearing the Preble fans are a handful.  I guess they like it physical too!  I remember them from previous years…loud and maybe a little aggressive…just like their team!

Also hearing the coach is a piece of work.  I will leave it at that.

Game Updates

Great start or Memorial.  Jack Longville stayed hot and scored the opening goal of the game.  After a foul on Preble just outside the box, Longville ripped the 26 yard free kick into the corner of the net for the early lead.

Things were pretty even for the next 25 minutes with both sides battling and a few good chances for Memorial.  Haig broke loose for a shot but was unable to find the net.

Green Bay Preble Strikes back.  At the 36 minute mark, Preble evened the game at 1-1 on a Golazo goal from 28 yards.  For you rookie soccer fans, Golazo refers to an amazing goal, usually from distance and struck really hard.  Might have just ticked off the post…but no chance for GK.

Preble extends the lead on a bit of controversy.  Memorial GK Hanson was called on a penalty in the box as he was attempting to clear a dangerous ball.  Memorial fans (Kathy) thought the call was crap…Preble player looked to have a high kick..dangerous play…so how did that end up as a Memorial penalty.  I agree with Kathy…bad call.  Kathy is always right on these things!  Preble converts the PK and lead 2-1.

Abes even it up.  I love it when things even out after a bad call.  Poetic justice that Preble gets called on a penalty in the box late in the half (43rd minute) minutes after they score on a PK.  It just validates that we thought their PK was a bad call…just sayin.  Will Orser steps up and calmly buries the PK.  2-2.  Great game.

Longville Strikes Again for Abes.  Longville rips a ball from near the 18 to take the lead 3-2 in the 48th minute.  A beautiful shot ripped after two volleys to himself to create some space and then …boom…rocket into the back of the net.  Big games need big players and Jack is special.  Will that be enough, still a long way to go.

60th minute water break, 3-2 Abes.

70th minute 3-2 Abes.

Can you tell I am nervous.  When I am at the games, I am usually pretty calm and just enjoy the soccer.  But man…it is tough not being there and waiting for my phone to beep with an update.  Is it good news…is it bad news…I am anxious! Go Abes!

75th minute water break, 3-2 Abes.  Players seem to be moving a bit slower.  The conditions are starting to take a toll on the pace of the game….on both sides.  It will be a game of survival.  Man I wish I was there.  Staring at my phone waiting for an update is brutal.

81st minute.  Haig with a nice shot but just wide, like just a ball width wide.  Man that would have been huge. 3-2 Abes.  Abes playing well and getting some chances.  Another almost header by Cooper at the 85th minute off a free kick.  Hang on boys!

89th minute.  Penalty on Abes and GK moves up to midfield to take the direct kick. A long ball into the box and a scramble. The ball played out on the side, a Memorial player appears to be pushed down but no call and the ball rolls out-of-bounds for a Preble throw in near the corner flag. A long throw, a scramble with 22 players inside the 18 (yes including the GB Preble goalkeeper) and somehow with 15 seconds to go the ball ends up in the back of the net.  I am depressed.  I would say 90% of the time that is a ball that gets cleared, but how many times are there 22 players in the 18, I can’t remember any.  Just  a bad break, it happens.  The team played good enough to win, probably deserved to win, probably should have won….but it was not to be on this day.  Soccer can be cruel.  Game ends 3-3.  Maybe it was destined to be a tie.  Back and forth all day and never a 2 goal lead for anyone.  My eyes on the field tell me the officiating was a mess.  Maybe a little home cooking.  Multiple fouls late that were not called that would have killed off the clock.  A clock that was stopped for a period of time when it should have been running in the second half, that maybe would have ended the game.  Okay, okay…I will get over it, just bummed.   Sounds like the boys deserved better.  Memorial fought back from down a goal, dealt with some tough circumstances to take a lead late into the game, dealt with some challenging officiating on the road and came away with a tie.  Hold your heads high Abes.  These tough weekend Quads are designed to prepare us for tournament play and provide us the lessons we need to build a championship season.  The boys will build off this weekend and be better for it.  Mission accomplished.  Even if it hurts a bit.  Ugh!

Hope to get some pictures or video added later.  Check back.  Go Abes.

UPDATE TO POST: My apologies to Carlos. I failed to mention he scored his first goal of the season late in the second half on a nice thru ball, took a few touches and beat the GK One v One.  Might have been offsides, but it was our night and no call and a goal well deserved. Way to go Carlos!

It’s late, but I just can’t leave you hanging.   I need to make it  a quick one as I have an early morning coaching ECU U15 Girls in Wausau…can’t wait!.

Memorial left the BRC for the weekend and headed toward Green Bay.  Coming off a big win against Chippewa Falls, the Abes continued their fine form and rolled to a 5-0 win over Bay Port on Friday night.  It was a night with some excellent goals, clinical finishing and another methodical performance, wearing down an opponent and keeping a clean sheet.

I know it sounds boring ….but for the fans, players, and coaches, it is a thing of beauty.

Let’s get right to some highlights.  This was a sweet goal.  One of the better build up plays of the season.  If it was hockey there would have been 3 assists.  Lyons earned possession deep and played a nice wide ball to Haig.  Haig connected down the line with Peloquin who made a very nice one touch pass to a surging Longville.  A nice one time shot finds the bottom right corner of the net for an early 1-0 lead.  Great pass, great assist, great shot.

I am starting a Haig Goal watch.  He is so close and getting closer each week.  Plus he is due. He is working so hard and needs to get rewarded.  I would say he has had 2-3 of these in the past few games.  Again tonight he had 2-3 great chances and I know it will come soon.

Jack is getting hot again and that is a good sign for Memorial.  A wide ball to his feet, a quick move into the middle, and bam….he rips one upper 90.  Crazy good.  No one expected the shot, especially not the GK.  Man …that was quick.

Not only is Jack scoring, now he is also starting to deliver some nice assists and getting more players involved.  That is a bit scary.  A nice wide ball into space for Rosenberger who makes a nice touch, stays calm, sets up the GK and delivers a great side net finish…the only spot available to him.  Well done young man.

In consideration for the goal of the year is this next one.  You will need to wait on this a bit…hang on…it’s coming…be patient…hang on..and there…what a fun goal.  Longville on the hold up play…nutmeg…steal…tackle by Rosenberger…back onto Jack’s feet…great surging dribble…a pass into the box for Orser…a left foot layoff on a great give and go back to Longville…a quality finish into the side net.  Wow.  You might want to play that one over a few times to catch it all.  Patience pays off!  What a goal, what an assist by Orser!  I told you he was the best passer on the team…more proof.

New feature on the post. Man of the Match (MOTM).  Hard not to give it to Longville with a hat trick, so I guess I will do co-MOTM honors tonight.  Longville with a great night scoring and assisting.  As well, I must recognize Simon Larson tonight.  He was a beast on the back line.  Stepping perfectly to win balls, heading away any aerial threats, clearing away dangerous balls and leading the line to deliver another clean sheet.  Well done Simon.

Oh my, past my bedtime.  Look for a few more posts this weekend with a big game tomorrow for Memorial vs. Green Bay Preble.  As well, working on an idea for the ECU Team of the Week post.  Just happen to be playing this week….can you guess who the Team of the Week might be?

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!

What a weekend.  Two games , two completely different results and for the fans, quite an emotional ride.  Imagine what it was like for the team and coaches.  First, I need to share a quick apology.  I have had a busy few days.  Watching two games of soccer and then traveling down to Chicago for work…yes, I have a job.  A full day and then driving home late Sunday.  I just could not find time to get to my computer to update the blog.  That is the guilty part.  Plus, as my little project is still in week three, still working to get the word out and increase the base of followers.  Plus a little nervous, maybe no one was looking for updates.  I was pleased when I got home Sunday, there were views all weekend.  That’s cool!  Sorry the update is late but I hope you still enjoy.  Don’t stop checking, I promise to keep blogging.  Hang in there with me, it’s a process!!

First Loss of the Season Friday.  Bummer.

Oregon handed the Abes loss #1 of the season in the first game of the Madison weekend.  A tough game.  Soccer is a cruel game sometimes.  Check this out.  Memorial had more possession in the first half, controlled the game for long periods, had more shots on goal, at one time 8-4, and generally played pretty well.  So how were we down 1-0 at half and then lose 3-0.  Soccer can be cruel.  Oregon’s first goal, by all accounts was offsides.  The fans knew it, the players knew it, I think even Oregon knew it, everyone except the AR.  Who by the way trailed the play by 10 yards.  I did not have a good view, but it sure felt like offsides. I give Oregon some credit, it was a nice counter attack and a nice shot, just outside GK Hanson’s reach.  The next two were GK deflections that turned into goals and were unfortunate and very late in the game.  Maybe a culmination of a late Thursday away game, lack of sleep, a three-hour bus ride and a tired team.  I know, I know, no excuses.  Regardless, it was a bummer. Felt like a tie game based on the play, not a 3-0 loss.  Probably the best Oregon played all year based on how pumped they were after the win. For us, emotions were low in the stands and the field.  I was bummed a bit I have to admit.  Didn’t expect to go undefeated, and Memorial has lost plenty of games in Milwaukee and Madison over the years, but this one just left a bad taste.  Players probably felt they did not play their best. Did not have the emotion needed for a 90 minute game against a tough opponent.  Relax..breathe..relax. On to Saturday.  Spoiler Alert…it gets better.

Memorials Biggest Win of the Season

What a difference a day makes. Memorial came out energized.  Controlled the game early.  Dictated the play and pace of the game.  Showed excellent energy and effort.  It looked really good early.  This is the Memorial team we expected and love to watch!  It just felt different from Friday.  A purpose to the play, a confidence in their approach, a bit of swagger and looseness to their game.  They were in attack mode from the whistle.  A few small tweaks, pushing Haig out wide and pushing Longville up higher on the pitch proved positive.  Middleton was on their heals and only a great save kept the game scoreless.

Now imagine that same play, a great run down the left side by Jolley, a sizzling cross in the box and a quality directed header from Longville, but this time it goes into the net.  I am certain I had that goal on video.  How did I erase that one, Ugh.  But, trust me, it was pretty close to the one above …with slightly better results.  1-0 Abes!  In reality, it could have been 2-0 or 3-0 in the first.  Peloquin had 2 great chances, Haig had a great opportunity , and Jack 1-2 as well.  Not sure how it was just 1-0.  Middleton, ranked #3 in the state, did respond with some quality play, forced a few good saves from Hanson, hit a post and improved their play as the half went deeper.  Ah…then there was controversy.  A pass near the 18 was ruled handball and a direct kick.  Just a bad call.  Hit Burlingame’s chest.  The entire team and coaching staff and fan base were pretty shocked at the call. Middleton took advantage..as good teams do, and buried the direct kick up and over the wall and into the upper corner on the left side of the net. 1-1.  The second half was quality soccer on both sides.  Multiple chances to score and more drama.  Was the game destined for a tie. Not a bad result for Memorial, but it just felt from my perspective on this day, we were a goal better.

Then this happened.

Could you tell I was excited.  Almost jumped out of my seat to celebrate, forgot I was taping and …well…you see the result. Did it cross the line? Did the GK stop it?  It took a few minutes to decide between the Center Ref and AR.  NO GOAL.  I replayed my video a few times and unfortunately, had to agree, it did not cross the line entirely.  Maybe a little…but not enough. Bummer.  So close. So 1-1 then, I guess.  Not so fast sports fans.  Memorial continued to apply pressure and played several nice balls into the box.  Around the 86th minute, Longville got loose in the left side of the box, slowed his dribble, cut hard right….you guessed it….was tripped.  Here is the PK.

Do you think that was an important goal.  The celebration is the clue.  It was a huge goal, a huge win and erased the bad mojo from the Rice Lake tie and Oregon loss.  Mini Slump averted.  Confidence intact.

Top 3 Takeaways from the Weekend

Playing away games in Milwaukee and Madison is critical.  We just cant get the competition and intensity of these games in the Big Rivers.  Not to say we don’t play good teams, it is just different.  The team needs it to be challenged, to develop, to suffer a bit, to grow and become the best team they can be.

Middleton win was a Big Response after a tough loss. No question the team was in a tricky spot.  Did not play terrible against Oregon, but it just felt flat.  A second loss in a row, a 3 game winless streak, all leading up to the biggest conference game of the season on Thursday against Chippewa would not have been good. Crisis averted, confidence restored.  I can tell you it felt really good to get that win against a very good team.  It’s a process for the team as well and a giant step forward.

Three Games in Three Days is tough.  These kids are resilient.  Plus I think their legs are sore.  They gutted out a great win.  Lots of ice bags on the trip home, but with a smile on their faces and a confidence they will need to take on a surging CF team Thursday.

Should be fun!

Area Roundup post soon..I promise.