Memorial hits 10 in win over Menomonie
Two programs in different places met on the pitch tonight as Memorial squared off against Menomonie. Menomonie is working to build their program and is in the development stages. After years of struggling to win or be competitive, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel. They have been competitive this year and have a tie against North to their credit. Unfortunately, tonight they faced one of the better programs in Wisconsin and currently rated in the Top 5 in the latest polls. A mismatch.
Some bright spots for Menomonie; a young GK who made some nice saves. Some younger talent that will get better. An investment by the community in a nice new complex including a new track and soccer pitch show the community is behind the team, and that is important!
For Memorial it was just a matter of taking care of business. They played solid soccer, scored early….55 seconds into the game on a nice shot by Rosenberger..and scored often, 4 in the first and 6 in the second. Just a good day at the office for the experienced, Senior laden Old Abes. The goal…just don’t get sloppy or start any bad habits. Play your game and get your goals and move on to Rice Lake on Thursday. 7 Old Abes hit the score book tonight including 4 by Longville , goals by Rosenberger, Orser, Brenner, Hayes and first time scores for Peloquin and Larson.
On to some highlights. With 10 goals I had to pick out one of the best of the night. A hustle goal by Longville. A second half cross and volley by Brenner might have been better, but by that time I forgot to keep filming…too many goals. I know it’s a little too dark…you have come to expect more from me…i agree. I am working on how to improve the video. Promise to get better.
Top 3 Takeaways from the Game
Defense Wins Championships and Memorial is Good.
So we are 5 games into conference and the Abes have given up 1 goal. 4 clean sheets out of 5 is pretty impressive. No goals in three games. The back line of Jolley, Burlingame, Larson and Free are starting to gel nicely. They work well together, cover for each other and are fortunate to have solid GK behind them for the occasional shot.
Longville on a Tear.
I don’t know if they keep records for consecutive hat tricks (3 goals in a game), but by my count that is 3 in a row for Longville. I have been around the program for the past 8 years and the only other prolific scorer I remember with this type of run was Zach Brown. He carried the Abes to the State tournament with a string of amazing games and clutch scoring. They score differently, but both score in bunches and also when it is needed by the team.
Young Guns Get Some Extra Time
With the game in hand, Coach Kite was able to get some extended playing time for some of his young guns. Memorial starts 8 Seniors so getting the kids ready to contribute and also a taste of Varsity soccer will go a long way to making next years team successful. Peloguin saw some extended minutes and looks to inherit a primary scoring role next year. Young defenders Junker and Christopherson are getting more comfortable with Junker looking solid out wide. Hayes looks to take on a playmaking role in midfield. All good signs for the future of the program.
Rice Lake on Thursday and then a huge game this weekend against Middleton, ranked #2 in the state. We will learn a lot about the Abes this weekend. They have all the tools and elements to make a deep run this year and will get a serious test against Middleton. Should be fun! Can’t wait!