Saturday, September 27, 2008

NorthWood @ #22 Concord 1-1 (0-0)

FIRST HALF
The most exciting occurences in the first 14 minutes of the game were the interesting collection of soccer goals(11) scattered around the game field and the fact that Coach Bell was only eating an apple (must be on a diet). In the 10th minute of play, Kronk gets pushed and gets the free kick for the first time this season. He got, as the Dutch say, a cookie from his own dough. In the 14th, a handball on the Concord side results in a Seth Douwsma free kick. The shot goes at the goalie and takes an odd bounce. The GK, on his knees, is barely able to touch the ball over the goal for a corner kick. Four minutes later, Kronk crosses the ball in the box to Seth who takes a shot at goal but the ball is easily stopped by the Concord GK. Halftime score, 0-0.

HALF TIME
Just minor adjustments and concerns are addressed. Most are specific to the way we need to defend.

SECOND HALF
After the tea, the Panthers come out strong. NorthWood has the ball three minutes into the half. Seth makes a smooth cross from the left that ends up in front of Ryan Lincoln square in front of the goal near the top of the 18. A strong, good directed ball goes into the ball for the 1-0 lead. The goal is a combination of a well struck ball and great composure. In the 44th minute, Concord Alex Martin takes a hard shot at goal. The ball is stopped by Maliq. He would do this numerous time this afternoon. A minute later the Panthers get a chance of a lifetime. Several (at least 3) one-two's between Seth and Ryan ends up near the end line on Ryan's right foot. He crosses the ball across the box to Nick who faces a keeper who is completely out of position. His shot, however, misses to the left of the goal and the score stays 1-0. For a period of about 15 minutes, Concord dominates the majority of the play and tries to push forward. Right forward Brian Glick (#2) is quick on the outside and takes the ball to the endline several times for crosses and shots. In the 62nd minute Concord finally gets in front of the goal outside the box and shoots at goal. Jordan Burt is close to goal inside the box and redirects the shot. It rolls into the right corner, impossible to stop by the NW goalie. Maliq stops shot after shot and has a handle on all crosses. One clumsy ball goes thru Maliq's hand (his only hiccup in the game) but recovers by diving on the ball before Burt can poke the ball over the line. The final score 1-1 is a good reflection of the game and a great result for NW. All players who took the field today played hard and showed the crowd that had traveled with the team that it can play good hard soccer. With no losses (2 draws and 2 wins) in the last four games, the team is showing a lot of improvement in the last 10 days. That is exactly what we're looking for this time of the year.

NOTES
Next up is Plymouth (away) on Tuesday.

Bell's Boys lost 5-0 but played a pretty good game that saw some improvements on defense.

Today was Trevor's turn to miss the bus. Topscorers: Tied for first; Christian, Daniel & Trevor; all with 1.

Monday's practice will be at the High School. The sectional opponent will be known by that time

Next Thursday will be Senior Night. We will also have a tribute to our former teammate (4 year starter) defender Travis Hunsberger. The Hunsberger family (including Travis' brother Kyle who started for us for 4 years as well)will be present. NorthWood will face Bethany Christian that night.

Varsity record is now 5-4-5.

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