There was a soccer game in New Richmond today featuring the home team New Richmond Tigers and the Memorial Old Abes.  There were shots and saves and great passes and great defense.  There were also some missed shots, some bad passes and some bad defensive plays.  There were parents cheering for their kids and enjoying watching them play the game they love.  But there were also some heavy hearts.  The New Richmond community is coming to terms with the loss of a 16-year old high school girl and soccer player this week.  Today, the team and fans paid tribute to Megan Bennig. No words can express the loss of a child.  I heard a parent in the Memorial stands comment, “I guess the score doesn’t really matter today”.  That really sums it up for me. As parents we love our sports.  We cheer hard.  We are happy when they win, sad when they lose. We place a lot of pressure on our kids.  Maybe we shouldn’t.  Today was a good reminder.  Give your kid a hug tonight, tell them you love them, tell them how much you enjoy watching them play soccer.  And as well, say a little prayer for New Richmond and the family and friends of Megan.

Yes there was a game today.  Memorial got back into their groove and played efficiently.  The energy, passing and movement were excellent.  It was a good reply to their tough loss at home last week.  Will Orser drove the ship today and really impacted the game.  His passing and distribution were key to the dominant first half.  He had a goal and really controlled the play in midfield. Memorial dominated possession and worked the ball around the pitch well.   Goals were from excellent build up play, working the ball down the wings and finding opportunities for crosses or space in the middle to break down the defense.

Here are some highlights.  Really good build up play and connecting multiple passes leads to a nice chest trap and shot from Orser and then a nice hustle play from Peloquin to pressure the GK. Peloquin put the GK in a bad spot and sometimes that creates a scoring opportunity.  Peloquin taken down in the box. Penalty.

Orser steps up and buries the PK.  So calm and so smooth on PK’s.  1-0 memorial.

Luke Rosenberger was very dangerous today.  He was aggressive and looking for space.  He had several quality runs and shots on the day.  Here was a great opportunity.  A nice pass from Orser and a good shot heading for goal.  A late stab by the GK to save this one.  Rosenberger knew it was heading into goal based on his reaction.

You just had a feeling Rosenberger was going to get one today.  Mitch Brenner was very active in the middle today and plays a great ball into space for Rosenberger who takes a nice touch inside, sets up the GK and fires one into the side net.  Nice shot.  2-0 Memorial.

Tell me if you have heard this one before.  Owen Jolley makes a surging run down the left side, makes a pinpoint cross into the middle and the Abes score.  Assit Jolley.  Well, here we go again.  Peloquin with the nice touch and quick shot to make it 3-0 Memorial in the first half.

The game was really decided at that point.  The emotion of the day for New Richmond was tough.  A hard game to play and hats off to them for their brave effort, hustle and heart today.  The second half was much the same for Memorial as far as possession and quality of play.  They were able to get all their reserves into the game and finish off a quality win as they point toward the playoffs.

Top Takeaways for the Game

Another Clean Sheet. Defense and GK was sharp.  The shots were limited and Tyler Hanson was on his toes cleaning up all the balls over the top and handling the few shots that came his way.

Team Played Better Without Longville. Memorial has played two games this year without Longville and failed to score both times.  Granted, they had a ton of shots, but could not find the back of the net.  Today, they got three and looked confident in the offensive zone.  Passing was crisp and the finishing was very efficient.  This will be critical come playoff time when defenses put extra attention on Longville as they try to shut down Memorial.

Brackets for Division 1 should be out tomorrow.  We will be posting updates as soon as they are available.

Remember, go hug your kid tonight!!

Okay, let me remind everyone that I am a Memorial fan.  I mean, my son plays on the team, so no surprise I cheer hard for the Abes.  It has been a fun year and the posts have been fun to write.  Not tonight.  Tonight is harder. But hey, I guess that comes with the territory.  Let me give this a try.

Let me get this over with.  Rice Lake wins 2-0.  Congratulations to Rice Lake and GK Seth Kurzynski for a nice win.  A big win for Rice Lake.  You could feel it was big as the Rice Lake parents counted down the last 10 seconds….they were loud and proud…it was hard to listen to it, but it was well deserved by their team.  Outgunned, outmanned, less talent, but no less passion and energy on the field.  They played hard.  They hustled, they fought, they were very fortunate, maybe a little lucky, and sometimes in sports, things just go your way and upsets happen.  It was not a critical game for Memorial, having won conference and likely their #1 seed is not in jeopardy heading into the regionals next week.  But man what a strange game , no other way to explain it.  Soccer is funny that way sometimes.  Weird!

It will be interesting to look at the stats tomorrow.  If you review the Box Score first and do not look at the score, you would predict the final score of Memorial 6-0 over Rice Lake.  Memorial dominated possession.  I would say 70-80% possession.  Memorial dominated shots.  I am guessing Memorial had 25-30 shots (maybe more) and probably 10-15 of those on goal.  Memorial hit the cross-bar. Memorial had 8-10 corners.  It was a typical game for Memorial in the box score and on the field, but anything but typical on the scoreboard.  Two games against Rice Lake and no goals. How did we lose that game.  Weird!

I am guessing Rice Lake had 4-5 shots and probably 3 on goal that I remember.  I missed the first goal.  Halftime was winding down and the parents were headed to get ready for the Halftime Senior/Parent Night program.  At the 44:35 mark as a ball was getting cleared out of the box it ended up with a Rice Lake player, who hit a shot from 25-30 yards out.  No chance right…too far out…just a last-minute shot since you have nothing going for you offensively, might as well try a rip from distance, what do you have to lose. Shockingly, the ball finds the net.  Talking to players later, they were not sure the Memorial GK even saw the shot.  I should mention that Memorials Tyler Hanson did not start tonight, giving way to Senior Aaron Brotzman on Senior Night.  Not sure there was anything he could have done.  That shot goes in probably 1 in 100 tries from that distance.  But on this night, 1-0 Rice Lake.  I should also mention that Jack Longville did not start, resting a sore knee, and needing him for more important games down the road.  Maybe he finishes a few of the first half shots and Memorial has an easy lead, maybe not, but the shots just would not go in on this night.  Weird!

I mentioned earlier that Soccer can be a funny game.  If you dominate a team in Football, it usually turns into a win.  You eventually get the ball across the goal line.  In basketball, if you out shoot the opponent by a large margin , it almost always means you win.  But in soccer, there is that darn GK issue.  On some nights, the GK is just in the right spot, shots are right at them, shots somehow get deflected by defenders, shots somehow hit the crossbar, shots somehow go just wide or just high and when the GK is beat, it happens to land on top of the net and not drop into the net.  Then there is a nice save or two that shut down some of the best shots.  Then the top scoring player in the conference breaks free, but hits it right at the GK, when he would normally score that one 9 out of 10 times.  Soccer is funny that way.  You just felt Memorial’s goal was coming, they pressed and pressed, shot and shot, but it was just not their night tonight. No goals.  A few nice saves by GK Kurzynski, but I think even he would admit, things really went this way tonight.  That’s usually what it take for an upset.  A late corner by Rice Lake and a header that drifted up and over the GK made it a 2-0 final. How did that shot find the net.  Weird!

So what now.  Well, I think the team just shakes this off and moves on.  Pretty sure they are not happy and that is good.  Sometimes a late season loss is exactly the medicine to re-focus a team, get their attention, and create the drive in practice needed for a championship run.  No one likes a loss, but now let’s make the loss work for us.  I mean Memorial totally dominated that game, except somehow lost 2-0.  Weird!

So, painful as it sounds I do have some highlights.

I think this sequence sums up the night.  How does that ball not find the net.

Now we have a series of almost.  Another….how did that not find the net.

Luke Rosenberger.  Almost #3

Almost #4. Mitch Brenner.

Almost #5. Cooper Lyons.  I asked him later and he thought it was upper 90 when he hit it, but it was wide right by 5-6 inches.

Almost #6. Will Orser.

Almost #7. Jack Longville.  Jack came on for 20-25 minutes. Thought that one was going to drop in.

Almost #8. Zach Haig.  Nice stop Seth.

Ugh! So I guess that is it.  I am using the blog post to try to purge the game from me…not sure it is working. I just can’t figure out how we lost that game.  So many shots!  So close so many times!  Soccer can be a funny game.  Frustrating. Weird!

Bold Prediction.  This galvanizes the team, creates the urgency needed for post season and leads to a great season ending. 

Now though, it just sucks.

Weird Night Continues.  Just finished catching updates on the US Mens National Team in their effort to qualify for the World Cup.  They were playing the last team in the 6-team group, Trinidad and Tobago. A win or tie would allow them to advance.  They are in a good position.  The lose 2-1 and one of the goals is an own goal.  Shocking!  But still a chance to advance.  If Mexico beats Honduras and they are favored as the top team in the group, we advance.  A late goal by Honduras beats Mexico 3-2.  Stunning!  But still a chance.  If Costa Rica beats Panama and they are favored, then the US will advance.  A late goal by Panama beats Costa Rica 2-1.  Devastating!  I can’t believe I am writing this, the US Mens National Team does NOT qualify for the World Cup.  For a soccer fan who just started a soccer blog, this is depressing.  However bad I felt after the Memorial game, this is worse.  This really, really sucks.

Bold Prediction #2.  Bruce Arena is fired as coach of the Mens Team and there is a complete overhaul of the program, system, selection of players and selection of coaches.  This is the lowest point in my lifetime of the US Mens program.

Memorial extended their strong season with a hard-fought, but well deserved 2-0 win over Park High School (Cottage Grove, MN) to extend their season record to 15-1-2.  After locking up their conference, The Abes are now working to get ready for the playoff season.  A road trip to Cottage Grove against a solid non-conference opponent is just the ticket to round out their preparations.

Memorial controlled play in both halves and owned most of the possession.  One of those games where the Park GK made a few saves but nothing too dangerous or difficult. In talking with Cooper Lyons after the game he stated, “We controlled the play and possession but did not show enough urgency in the final third in the first half, we knew our goals would come”.  Sometimes these games can be decided by Set Plays and Memorial has shown they can be dangerous on corner kicks and direct kicks.  As well, their defensive fullbacks have really stepped up their crossing game this year, offering up great service in the box for the Abes.

Halftime 0-0, but things would turn Memorials way in the second half.

15 minutes into the second half, Memorial found the net.  Joe Free got things started on a nice cross into the box.  Longville directed a header on goal but unfortunately, it hit the cross bar.  Fortunately, Jacob Peloquin was in the right spot at the right time and knocked one in the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.

At the 22 minute mark of the second half, the set play arrived.  Owen Jolley, doing what Owen Jolley does, put a dangerous ball into the near post area off a corner kick.  Cooper Lyons, making an aggressive near post run, was able to extend a leg and redirect the ball into the back of the net.  No chance for the GK on the bang bang play as the ball had some pace on it off the nice corner.

No video of the actual plays, but hey, that has not stopped us before.  So in honor of the first goal, check out this video.  I mean, it sounds like that is exactly how it happened.  Free to Longville to Peolquin.  1-0 Abes.

So for the second goal, we have this beauty.  A corner kick and volley.  Not quite a near post run, but a fantastic redirect off the volley.  I like it.  Jolley to Lyons.  2-0 Abes.  Game over.  Nice win.

As well, The Park vs. Memorial game comes with a prize for the winning team.  There are some fun traditions is sports over the years for rivalry games.  Most of you know about a few of these.

Wisconsin v. Minnesota football winner gets the Paul Bunyon Axe.

Indiana v Purdue winner gets the Old Oaken Bucket

Michigan v. Minnesota winner gets the Little Brown Jug

Well, when Memorial started their non-conference game with Park, they also started a little tradition as well.  The winner of this game, billed the “Battle for the Paddle” for the last 5-6 years, (I think…might need to confirm) also gets to take the “Paddle” as victors of this border battle.  Memorial has had a nice run and gets the “Paddle” for another year.  Here are a few fun photos to commemorate the festivities.

One more conference game on Tuesday against Rice Lake…one more non-conference game next weekend against New Richmond.  Let’s finish off the regular season strong and then…well…this team has bigger things on its mind!

Memorial had no let down tonight after winning the Conference Championship on Tuesday.  They completely dominated Menomonie from start to finish with a business like 8-0 performance, scoring their first goal at the 1:10 mark and finishing it off with goal 8 at the 89th minute mark.  It was expected, when the top team in the conference plays the team at the bottom.  Menomonie brings great effort and attitude but just does not have the talent or depth to hang with Memorial this year.

For Memorial you just wanted to check a few boxes tonight.

Play hard, play efficient with no let down.  The early score set the tone for the night. There would be no upset tonight.

Keep your confidence and momentum as the conference season winds down, this team has bigger plans this year.  Mission accomplished.  Leading scorer Jack Longville hit for 4 scores tonight and 5 different Abes scored a goal.  A decisive win with a dominating first half of possession for Memorial.

No injuries.  You also need a little luck and good fortune to advance deep.  All good for Memorial as they were able to rest starters and let their deep bench get some extra time.  That is important as well.  They will need all hands on deck to make a deep run into the playoffs.

Shout out to Dawn….thanks for the updates, could not have written this without you.  You know I will be asking for more help tomorrow at Park…so get ready!  Also, big thanks to Miles for the video.  If these look better, then it’s because a tech savvy youngster took the video and not me…so let’s see how he did…on to the highlights.

The first goal happened quick…too quick for my video assistant (unpaid assistant so how much can I expect really) to capture, but I am told it was a misplayed ball by the GK on a slow roller from Longville, maybe a slip on the wet field, so let’s not show that one.  Don’t have any video, so that works out. Here is goal number 2, a nice assist for Jolley over the top of the defense giving Jack time to maneuver and slot home a nice shot. 2-0 Abes.

Around the 35 minute mark, Will Orser and Jack Longville combine for a nice play along the touch line.  Will with a nice pass and Jack with the quick touch finds the near post.  Bang bang play for a 3-0 lead and a first half hat trick for Longville.

This next goal is kind of interesting.  Mitch Brenner gets the hustle award of the night for his persistence.  The ball just kept ending up near his feet, he kept getting bumped but just keep with it.  A bit unfortunate that the referee did not just let it play out and a whistle blew for a foul.  Kind of a bummer they took the score away from Brenner after all his hard work.  A penalty is called and Orser calmly puts it away.  Spoiler Alert: Don’t feel too bad…I am predicting Brenner might make some noise later.

The GK for Menomonie guesses right, makes a good attempt to dive to his left, but too much power and placement for Orser.  Well done. 4-0 at the 30 minute mark.

So this one gets the award for the goal of the night. 7 total touches.  Let’s see, we had two crosses, 3 headers, a few other touches and a crazy flick header from Longville (goal #4 tonight) from near the 18 that goes upper 90.  In hockey we would give 2 assists for the nice lay off from Lyons and the nice cross from Free.  You might want to watch this one a few times.  Enjoy, you wont see one like this very often. A flick header from the 18, wow!

The half ends at 5-0.  I was about to lose my video assistant but he was able to capture one more nice play.  Memorial almost got it to 6 on a nice rip from Cooper Lyons from just outside the 18.  Well, maybe about 25 yards.  A nice layoff to him and a really nice first touch one time shot with some pace on it.  The GK pushes it wide.  A little bit left and that’s a goal.  Keep shooting kid!

The second half was more of the same with the Abes hitting for three more goals.

Bryce Burlingame opened his season scoring account for the season on a PK at the 46 minute mark.  I think that makes every starter except Joe Free with a goal this year.  Pretty impressive.  Something tells me Joe will have a big goal before the season ends.  He did add an assist tonight to his tally.

Zach Haig hit for another goal this year off a set play direct kick from Cooper Lyons.  That’s 2 in the last 3 games for Haig.

And in the name of poetic justice, Mitch Brenner scores in the 88th minute, unassisted.  He deserved that first one, so really cool he was able to score.  Well deserved.  Let’s honor Mitch with this little doozy of a goal by Edan Hazard from Chelsea..  I mean…it might have happened just like this.  Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ9stt70_vU

So that’s how it finished, a nice 8-0 win over Menomonie.  One game left in conference, a little revenge game against Rice Lake for ruining their perfect league record :).  Memorial steps out of league this weekend for a game against Park High School.  Normally a tough opponent , Park has struggled a bit this year with a 3-9-1 record but most of the losses are only by 1-2 goals, so competitive.  The only common opponent has been Stillwater.  An early season scrimmage with Memorial ended in a 0-0 score while Stillwater handed Park a 4-0 loss.  Park has a nice program so get ready for a good game against a skilled opponent looking for a signature win.

Are you ready Dawn….you know I will be texting for updates!!

So, note to self, don’t forget your umbrella next time.  If you do, just accept you’ll get wet and stay at the game.  My apologies to Matt Martinez, for not recognizing that the third goal last night was scored by him.  I was heading back to the field when the score happened and thought I saw Jack Longville celebrating the goal.  No surprise, he scores a lot of goals.  So, lets get this right.

Martinez scores the goal off an assist from Orser.  That’s 3 goals in the past 3 games for Martinez.  So in tribute to Matt, let’s imagine what that goal might have looked like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCd54kmcmw8

I mean it might have happened that way.  I hear it was a pinpoint strike.  As a Chelsea fan it was hard to put this in the post, but in honor of Matt…had to do it!

Conference Champs!  Conference Champs! Conference Champs!  Okay…now that I have that out of the way, let’s talk about the game.  I mean, I am a fan and it is really nice to be able to say Conference Champs with 2 games left in the BRC.   Hudson had a two season run as champs and it was time to take back the crown and make the claim that Memorial is the dominant team in the BRC.  A well-earned, hard-fought, physical battle ended in a 3-1 win for the Old Abes.

Some observations.

Hudson was a different team tonight compared to the first game at Hudson.  They came out of the gate with energy and desire.  They were flying all over the field, playing with a sense of desperation…which is appropriate…since this was a must win game if they wanted to win conference.  The game felt dripping with tension.  There was an edginess in the atmosphere.  Players felt it, fans felt it, I think the coaches felt it…as well in my opinion the Center Ref felt it.  There was no real flow or symmetry to the game.  Possession on both sides was limited, tackles and physical plays were numerous, and the Ref let them play. It was a very even game for the first 25 minutes.  Shots were few as both defenses were closing down, stepping hard and pressing any movement in the box.

I remember at the 25 minute mark thinking to myself…this feels like a game that will be decided on a set play (corner kick or direct kick).  A game that would not be won with standard offense and breaking down a defense with crisp passes and well place shots.  It just felt like something else would be needed.  That something else arrived at the 26 minute mark when Memorial earned a corner kick.  I hate zonal marking.  I just do.  Feels wrong to me.  Standing in space and covering an area on the field.  It just feels a bit helpless to me as a coach.  Some coaches love it and swear by it…I am not one of those.

Give me good old-fashioned man marking, touch marking, grab a shirt and hang on for dear life.  Hudson believes in zonal marking.  Simon Larson is 6’2″ , maybe 6’3″ and was unmarked in the middle of the box.  A nice service from Owen Jolley and bam….Larson rises up and pounds home a header for the 1-0 lead.

The remaining part of the half was marked with a lot of physical play.  Memorial started to improve possession and were able to get some shots off but nothing too dangerous.  No real action for Hudson as the half continued.  It was  just a battle.  It felt choppy as well.  A bunch on injuries, some strange penalties (more on that later) and multiple clock stoppages prevented the game from flowing the way a normal Memorial game plays out.  But hey, you have to win ugly sometimes too.

Physical Play

A few examples of plays that were happening all night.  One of the more physical games all year (I missed Green Bay Preble but sounded similar).  Joe Free colliding with a Hudson player.  No free possession, no free balls, everything contested.  A penalty on Joe and a free kick to Hudson.

Owen Jolly on one of his patented long runs down the left side.  Now I know I am a fan, but what do you think.  Hudson player never touched the ball.  Hudson player jams an arm into the back of Jolley and takes him to the ground, wins the ball and plays out.  No penalty, just a good clean play….yeah right.

The Second Half

Memorial looked a different team the first 25 minutes of the second half.  They came out and dictated play right from the whistle.  They owned possession during this period, passing was crisp, penetration into the box was much improved and shots were starting to pick up.  When they lost possession, they pressed quickly and won the ball back.  Hudson was on their heels.  I have found you generally get rewarded for this type of effort and many times the reward is a bit fortunate.  Rosenberger makes it 2-0 on a hustle play and a friendly deflection….up and over the GK….off of a set play.  Like I said earlier…it just had the feel of a set play game.

During this same run of play we were treated to what would have been one of the best goals of then season (I missed the Longville Prebel goal..currently the first choice for goal of the year).

Longville makes it 3-0.  As the rain was picking up, I had to flee and go get my umbrella.  As fate would have it, on my way to the car, Longville knifed into the box and pounded home another goal.  No video. But hey, he has scored 31 times this year, so I am including this one as representation of what I think the goal probably looked like.  Hang with me here. It could have looked like this…there is a chance.  To play click on the YouTube link and then click back to finish the post.

Correction.  I got it wrong.  I had left the field for a moment to get my umbrella during the rain.  Got some bad advice….you know who you are.  It was Martinez off an assist from Orser.  Way to go Matt.  3 goals in the past 3 games.

Man, I wish I got that excited after a goal as the announcer.  So the game sits at 3-0 and it just felt like the tension was finally lifted.  About this same time, it started to rain.  Radar was perfectly clear at game time and the rain was well past Eau Claire.  So where did this come from.  I think it was just perfect timing, the rain was like washing away all the stress of the game.  Things felt calmer during and after the rain, stress was gone, tension lifted, maybe Hudson knew the game was secured and maybe Memorial did as well.

So what was left…the only real drama was whether Memorial and GK Hanson would keep a clean sheet and extend the long scoreless streak in conference.  The last goal in conference was Aug 31 at River Falls early in that game. Since then 7 straight games with no goal.  I had moved to the other end of the pitch to get some defensive footage for the first time this year.  Trying to be fair to the awesome defense of Jolley-Larson-Burlingame-Free.  I have missed a bunch of great saves by Hanson and thought maybe I would get one tonight.  As fate would have it and with all apologies to GK Hanson who just has a great article written on him in the Leader Telegram today….I videotaped this.

Another set play!  A chip into the box and a good header on goal in a dangerous spot.  Hanson makes a cat quick leap and pushes the ball over…well not quite over the bar…it hits the cross-bar, bounces straight down off the ground and sits up perfectly for the tap in header.  I have to say, probably a deserved goal for as hard as Hudson worked all night.  It takes this kind of goal with a ball off the bar and the perfect funny bounce to beat Tyler.  The streak unfortunately is over.  Time to start a new one!

Top 3 Takeaways from the Game

Ref had a tough night. I think he let too much go early and it cost him a bit.  He called a yellow early when I thought he should have just talked to the player and given him a warning.  He called a yellow late on a player for what I think was delay of game after he requested the ball be moved a few times and Memorial leading 3-0.  Strange.  He let a lot of calls go with nothing.  I know a tough job and all respect to refs, just my opinion that he had just an okay game.

Weird watching when your son is not playing. Cooper was not able to play tonight and I must say it is a bit weird to watch a game when your son does not play. Stress is different.  Less anxiety. Maybe a bit more relaxing, but definitely weird.

Memorial handles missing starters better tonight.  Earlier this year in the Rice Lake game, Memorial was missing two starters and the game felt out of sync.  Lots of missed opportunities.  Tonight, with two starters out of the line up, and several players needing to come off for injuries, Memorial managed thru and did not miss a beat.  Rotations were different and the bench stepped up.  A good sign of a team maturing as the season develops.

I will end with this image.  Your 2017 BRC Conference Champs.  Eau Claire Memorial.  See the glow behind them as the sun is setting.  Seems appropriate (gotta find a way to get better video during these games, it gets dark fast). Let’s finish off the last few games and build toward something bigger!!

Another game and another clean sheet for Memorial.  It was a business like performance as the Abes scored early and maintained a healthy portion of the possession, picking up three goals in the first half on their way to a 5-0 win at North.  The formula is familiar the past few games.  Dominate play in the first half, get your goals, get a solid lead, rest the starters, let the young guns get some playing time, keep a clean sheet.  Wash….Rinse….Repeat.  Their performance was solid.  Of note, Matt Martinez got a start at the winger position and injected some excellent pace, energy and a deft touch.  His play early dictated the pace and energy for Memorial and got them out of the gate fast.

Note to self, check your phone and make sure it is set up to video when you arrive at the game.  Sometimes Memorial scores very early.  I found my spot and went to camera and video and…nothing…black screen…uh oh.  What now…better reset the phone, must be an Apple glitch.  As I am resetting, of course, Martinez makes a beautiful run down the right side….offers up a little shake and bake…gets the corner and sends in a beautiful cross into the box.  Jacob Peloquin is making a surging run into the box and he “crushes” a one time right footed volley into the back of the net.  That one had some power on it.  A really nice goal.  Bummer….I missed it…still have a black screen on my phone.

As well, I must mention that the game might have turned a bit in the first half if not for some quality GK play from Tyler Hanson.  On two occasions, Braden Pick from North got into space, used his incredible speed to get some clearance and create a very dangerous situation.  On both occasions, Hanson made the perfect read, zoomed into sweeper keeper mode and made two really nice saves.  A nice block on the first and a sweep up of a loose ball on the second.  A third nice play also kept Pick from getting off a shot.  Great work.  I think with another keeper and another team, Pick scores at least one goal, maybe two.  On this day, Hanson was ready…no goals.  I happened to bump into a Eau Claire native Patrick McLain in the second half and he commented on Hanson’s play.  McClain might be the most successful Eau Claire native in regards to his college career and professional career.  4 Years at Division 1 Cal Poly SLO where he was named 2nd team All Big West and holds the school record for save percentage at .835.  He has played GK professionally since 2009 between the USL and MLS.  Securing 60 starts in the USL and another 5 in the MLS.  He is currently with the Minnesota United MLS team and I sure hope he gets some more chances to show his stuff.  Cool that he has attended two Memorial games this year supporting his Alma Mater.  A great role model for our local teams and players.  When Pat says Hanson looked good and was sharp in the field, it means something.  He made reference to how good he is at reading plays and shutting down opportunities.  Well done Tyler.

Lets take a look at some highlights.  Sorry I don’t have Peloquin’s goal referenced above.  My bad Jacob. It was a nice goal.

Longville scores to make it 2-0 on a surging run down the middle, makes a few nice moves to create some space on the left side, gets the ball onto his left foot and powers a low drive past the goal keeper.  The speed of his runs is amazing, he keeps great control and creates a lot of power, even with his left foot.

If you have checked out some of the earlier posts, then you know I have been on a Haig watch for a goal all year.  He works so hard and has been close so many times, that you just knew one was coming. Well..here it is.  A very nice assist from Longville (I think Jack uses his outside right foot for the pass, very cheeky) plays Haig into open space down the right side.  Haig times the run perfectly, sets up the GK and ones times a nice side foot in the lower right hand corner.  Well earned and well deserved.   In tribute to Haig’s first goal of the year…or maybe because I hit the slo motion button by mistake…I prefer the tribute…this goal is in slo mo.  Hang in there because it looks really cool in slo mo.  Sometimes mistakes pay off and a nice rebound for me after missing the first goal.

Another nice run by Jack that just misses his second goal. He surges past three defenders and gets off a shot from a tight angle.  Almost.  He was rewarded in the second half as he scored his second goal of the game on a rocket shot off the post and in and then also gets his second assist of the game.

As mentioned earlier, Martinez really played with energy and got the Abes off to a fast start.  He was rewarded in the second half as he finishes off a nice pass from Longville and deftly flicks it up and over the keeper for a 4-0 lead.  His second goal in as many games.  He is really adding another offensive dimension to the Old Abes attack.

Top 3 Takeaways from the Game

Another Clean sheet for Memorial. 9 league games, 8 Clean Sheets and only 1 goal allowed.  Impressive.

Man of the Match (MOTM). I think tri-winners tonight.  I just can’t decide so bloggers prerogative!  Longville with 2 goals and 2 assists.  Martinez with a goal and an assist and Hanson with two big saves in the first half to prevent any North momentum and keep things calm.

A win Tuesday secures the Conference Crown. (I think) Big game on Tuesday against Hudson.  A win could clinch the conference title. You know Hudson will bring it so we need to be ready.

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?