NorthWood -2007 Sectional Champions

BREMEN - NORTHWOOD 0-3

A tale of facial hair, wooden footwear and "Carry me home".


In a true effort to win Hoover over to the real football, the Panthers were determined to take home some hardware as well as play some good possession soccer.

FIRST HALF
The Bremen squad came out to play on a warm and muggy Saturday night. Stealing a play out of the NorthWood book of trickery, the game started with a direct pass to the far right wing. A good defensive move prevented a cross from coming into the box. Bremen was able to come up with two corners within the first 3 minutes of the game and somewhat dictated the game for the first twenty minutes. Slowly but surely, NorthWood settled down and was able to string some passes together and start controlling the tempo of the game. In the 30th minute, Rogelio Patino received the ball in the center about 35 yards out. To his back and left, Ducky made a run. Rogelio "heeled" the ball, taking two defenders out of the play. Seth dribbled straight at goal and put the ball to the goalies' right, 1-0!
About 8 minutes later a straight cross reached Ducky who took a shot and barely missed his second goal. With less then a minute left in the half, Bremen had a counter to our left. Andre Hillson made one move in the box and kicked a low shot to Schmitt's right. Schmitt made a stretched out dive to his right and got his hands on the ball, denying the Lions a goal. The dive and stop got a loud "HOLY SCHMITT" response from the team's officicial fan club (hence their genuine NW soccer uniforms).

HALF TIME
Minor adjustments were discussed at the half but the main topic of discussion (?) was Coach Duerksen's inspiring speech about what was at stake and what needed done to walk off the pitch with the trophy in 40 minutes.

SECOND HALF
The kickoff went straight to Smalls in the left corner who, after one fake, took the ball to goal and took a shot. His shot ended up in the side net, a warning for the Lions. In the 47th minute, the Panthers got a free kick just outside the 18. Coach Duerksen called for the Seth stepover fake set play. The set piece was carried out to perfection with Edgar putting the ball on the frame after the roll from Ducky, 2-0. Ducky was a goal or assist away from avoiding baldness.
Only two minutes after the second goal, the referee pointed to the dot at the 12 after a perceived foul in the Bremen box. Ducky tried to persuade the coaches to have him take the PK but the decision from the sidelines was unanimous; Edgar! Villegas did not dissappoint anyone and put the ball in the net and the game away.
In the 61st minute, Bremen had regained some composure and was able to fire off a shot at Schmitt who was able to push the ball away despite the skip caused by the moisture on the field.

Dustin Eby can be credited with Hillson's yellow card in the 66th minute. Andre Hillson was quite frustrated with having been man marked by Eby the entire game. Hillson lost his composure and after talking back to referee Mr. Nutrisystem, saw a yellow waved in his face. In the 68th minute, the Bremen keeper misjudged a high ball in the box and the ball landed in front of Seth' s feet. This would have been his chance to stay away from the barber but the unexpected opportunity was not converted leaving the scoreboard unchanged. With 10 minutes left in the game, Bremen started their last offensive which started with a long distance shot at Schmitt. Holy had no problems with the shot and was able to keep his goal clean for a second consecutive game. With 7 minutes left to play, Cam, Ben, Daniel, Christian and little Balogh came in the game. All the subs (including Rethlake, St. Germain, German and Big Balogh) did a superb job and were able to defend the shutout and all have been a big part of the succes of the team. This year's team was a true TEAM and deserves this championship. Now it's time to get ready for the Regional matchup with South Bend Clay (15-5) on Wednesday October 10 at 7 pm at Newton Park. The first LaVille Regional will be at 5pm and will be between #12 Elkhart Central and #20 Mishawaka Marian.. The Regional Final will be on Saturday October 13th.

COMMENTS

"Wooden Shoe" like to see Coach Dijkstra on Monday? No cameras, please. Don't forget the orange jersey, Ducky!

Anyone wonder what Coach Duerksen looks like without facial hair? Well, we'll find out this week.

Anyone wonder what Ducky would look like without hair, period?

My guess is that the referee (the big red blob in the middle) is some sort of therapist. What official would walk over to the sideline to discuss any call any coach would disagree with. It's time for the IHSAA to put on a class for soccer referees on how to deal with criticism. In most sports, officials ignore the fans and coaches but it seems that some of the soccer officials we have had the distinct pleasure of dealing with this year, have never heard of that concept. My suggestions for this referee is that he should switch to wheelchair basketball where he will have a chance to be closer to the action without having to run a lot which might result in the loss of his girlish figure.

The above statement should prove that you can win a game and still be upset with the officiating.

There will be a musical surprise for the team on Monday (and it's not what you think).

The bus ride home brought a variety of entertainment for all who were interested. From sucking up helium to being able to take in a song from the NorthWood Boys choir.....uh...uh... soccer team to a police escort with lights and siren from the county line to the High School (thank you Undersheriff!).

Thanks to all the fans who were at the game and to those who were not able to make it but were kept abreast via text messaging.

Also thanks to Nate Davidhizar who helped coach during the two weeks of two-a-days. He had a positive impact on the team and we look forward to having him back next year.

REMINDER: BRING YOUR HOME JERSEYS AND WHITE SOCKS AND WEAR YOUR RED SHORTS TO THE 7 PM PRACTICE IN CASE THE TRUTH AND GOSHEN NEWS SHOW UP FOR PICTURES.