NorthWood was determined to proof that the loss against Goshen just two days ago was just an off night for the team. Facing the team that kicked them out of the regionals in 2006 should have been incentive enough but the team was out to proof that this is a good team, maybe even one of NorthWood's best. It was a beautiful day for the beautiful game.
FIRST HALF
It was hard to determine who was controlling the ball in the first 15 minutes. The ball went from box to box and both teams seemed keen on skipping the midfield and playing a counter attack type soccer. Once both teams settled down, the middle third of the field was where most the action took place. NW was able to counter every so often with some shots at or near the goal. The Wildcats were not really able to threaten at all in the first half. In the 32nd minute Edgar Villegas took the ball to the right wing and with a defender coming at him, Edgar was able to cross the ball in the box near the goal line. Sweeper Cesar Salinas had come all the way up and was able to strike the ball hard into the net, 0-1. It would stay 0-1 despite some opportunities.
HALFTIME
Adjustments suggested by the coachng staff had to do with communications improvements, making runs off the ball and making sure to use the right (Micah) side as well as the left side of the field. Overlaps and switching fields would be greatly appreciated in the 2nd half.
SECOND HALF
The crowd ,some from as far away as Montana and Nebraska, was ready for some entertainment and got some. Three planes opening the Apple Festival Parade made an impressive flyover. This got the sparsely populated bench very excited. The Panthers were actually able to top that with a 41st minute (yes, one minute into the 2nd half) goal by Seth "Ducky" Douwsma off a beautiful assist by Robby Burns. The second half exposed a much better NorthWood. Combinations and give and go's were the order of the day, players were making runs and it seems that the Panthers were getting back into the rhythm of the game. Halfway thru the second half, a shot hit the woodwork. With about ten minutes left in the game, the ball ended up in the goalmouth and Ben St. Germain and a few others had an opportunity to score but too many Riley players occupied the goal line and the ball miraculously made it out of the 6 yard box. When the referee, who by the way did an excellent job, blew the final whistle, the Panthers could add another W to their scorebook. The record now stands at 6-3-2 (1-2-1 NLC). Next up for the Panthers is a NLC matchup at Elkhart Memorial on Tuesday.
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After the game, the team had a great lunch at Ducky's house. The water temperature in the pool was set to "tropical" so despite the cool air temperature (in the 50's), the players had an opportunity to take a dip. Thanks to the Douwsma's for organizing the team party.
JV TOURNEY @ GOSHEN
The JV lost the morning session to Northridge, 5-0 but according to Coach Bell, the team played better then they did in their previous matchup. GK Balogh got hurt and Kasey Grendys took the spot between the uprights late in the game. Balogh was treated between the first and second game and was able to take his spot in the goal once more. The afternoon matchup was with Wawasee. NorthWood started out aggressive and tried to string passes together. It was pretty obvious that the three color game and other possession games are starting to pay off. Halfway thru the first half, a cross ended up close to the goal and Martin was in the right spot at the right time. His shot hit the back of the net, 1-0. Wawasee was able to come back before the half to tie the game. The second half started with a very energetic Panther JV. Good defense by the center defenders, great effort by Tripple, Jacobs and Kronk gave the team several opportunities. Arick Armington converted one of those opportunities with about 15 minutes to go. The score would hold up and the JV would win 2-1.
Next up for the JV; Penn (here) on Monday at 5 pm.
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