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. They work hard and you can see some talent, and against most teams in the Big Rivers they can be competitive, just not against Memorial. Unfortunately for them, tonight they faced one of the better programs in Wisconsin and currently rated in the Top 5 in the latest polls. A mismatch.
A tough day for Menomonie for sure. The goals came early and often. On top of the mismatch, they couldn’t catch a break…balls bouncing off them, funny deflections, hand balls in the box, infringement on a PK shot…it felt like piling on a little bit. I appreciate that the team kept fighting, kept working hard, and approached the game with a great attitude. The fans were really supportive and cheered every good play, every save (yes-there were a lot of saves as well) and every time they entered Memorials half or got off a shot.
For Memorial it was just a matter of taking care of business. They played solid soccer, scored early….59 seconds into the game on a nice corner kick by Barstad that just found a way into the net…maybe a little assist along the way …. and scored often, 7 in the first half and 3 in the second. Just a good day at the office for the experienced Old Abes. The goal today…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: Barstad (2). Beaudrie, Bowe(2), Stow, Graaskamp (2), Kison, and Lauren Carmody.
On to some highlights. With 10 goals I had to pick out one of the best of the night. A strike from distance from Barstad to end the game. Stow had a nice one v one goal and a first half volley by Bowe might have been better, but the goals were coming quick at that point and I didn’t hit the record button…sorry Ali…I know you expect more from me…I promise to get better.
This one was from about 25 yards out. Struck with power and placement. Well done!
On a tough night for Menomonie, I had to put in a save by their GK.
And one more. This was my favorite play of the night, no goal, but lots of good action. A volley into the cross-bar that would have been the goal of the night by Beaudrie, another volley, a chest trap, a header and then another volley just over the top. If that had scored..oh my!
Some Additional Thoughts
-When Ali Bowe shoots, please get out of the way..take your children and get far far away. Man, she generates a lot of power. I would not want to get in the way of her shot!
-Graaskamp might have set a Memorial record tonight. I doubt they keep these kind of stats, but I would be curious. She scored back to back goals in 46 seconds. Her first goal of the night at 20:16 on the clock and then immediately she scored again at the 21:02 mark.
-A good sign? Memorial boys team in the fall beat Menomonie 10-0, they scored in the first minute and 7 different Abes scored goals. Sound familiar. Then Abes went on the State.
-Memorial is up to #3 in the recent Coaches Poll. That’s the highest ranking I have seen for the girls team. The only bad news is Bayport is ranked #2 and I think we would have to beat Bayport to make it to State?? Lots to do before then, but interesting. Revenge game is looming as they knocked us out last year in OT.
-Watch out for River Falls. They won again last night 4-0 over North and have not given up many goals this year. They look strong. May 14-15 back to back games against River Falls should be very competitive.
-Hudson got some votes and is #9 in this weeks Coaches Poll. Big Rivers is getting a little attention this year. Arrowhead is still #1.