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.