Central Noble's set up was a -almost too obvious- 4-3-3 from the kick off. But the team lacked the talent to utilize the three forwards in those positions. It also became clear early on that the Cougars had worked on a quick pull up off side trap. And with NorthWood not adapting that well, it worked fairly well for the Central Noble defense for the most part.
FIRST HALF
Early in the game, Ryan Lincoln was able to circumvent the off side trap and almost surprisingly ended up in a 1v1 with the goalkeeper but Ryan's shot was stopped. A corner in the 9th minute was cleared by Central Noble but landed in front of Collin's feet. Contending for the highest kick of the night competition (I think he won), his kick ended miraculously on the crossbar and came back in the field of play. The NW trash crashers were not alert enough which resulted in a easy pick up by the GK.
In the 15th minute Eddy gained possession in the middle of the field. He directed the ball to the right flank in an effort to reach Roman. Noodle made a tape measure cross into the box where Lincoln headed the ball into the ropes, 0-1!
A throw in on the left side in the 20th minute landed in front of Conner's feet who took the ball into the box for a one on one with the goalkeeper. The shot was stopped by the keeper. Right before the half Cam took a nice shot from over 25 out that missed to the right.
Earlier in the half, Cesar received a yellow caution for a foul near the NorthWood box after losing the ball.
SECOND HALF
NW started the half opportunistic and was able to get the ball to Lincoln near the side line who drove a nice cross thru the box but the cross was missed by all. A 44th minute throw in by Cam Seitz was directed towards Conner who took a nice shot, unfortunately it went at the Goalkeeper. In the 51st, Eddie went for a ball in the box that was let go by the Cougar's defender but the referee saw it different and presented a yellow to the second Salinas on the pitch. Two minutes later the ball was dinging around the penalty area and the Central Noble keeper was way off his line when Lincoln took possession of the ball and shot a nice low shot into the goal, 0-2 NorthWood.
Josh had a nice pass from the left in the 62nd to Conner on the right. Conner took the shot but the goalie made the save that resulted in a NW corner. Apparently the Fall Blow Out Sale on yellow cards began last night since Kasey Grendys received a yellow from the man in the middle as well. Central Noble must be one of the nicest teams we will play since they were not on the receiving end of any colored card. So NorthWood ended up with a win, 2 goals, three yellows, no reds and no major injuries.
NOTES
Welcome to Baseball Head Coach Davis! He runs the clock and he runs it well. Now if we really want to get our money's worth we will have to get him to announce the goals as well.........GGGGOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!
Speaking of Head Coaches, Coach Hoover will direct the other (American) Football players tonight in his first game as head coach. The man has gotten more face time in the newspapers in the last week then the entire soccer program in the last 13 years but Good Luck nonetheless!
Luckily the rain stopped by the afternoon. Some standing water was spotted on the field and because of that the field had not been mowed before the game. Hopefully the field will be in better shape for the next game.
Speaking of that; Lakeland Christian is the next visitor to NorthWood's home soccer field. Tuesday August 25th marks the season opener for the JV at 4:30, followed by the Varsity at 6 pm.
It's a busy week next week with games on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for both Varsity & JV.
Next week -hopefully Monday- we will need some help from some players after practice to attach the "2008" to the "Sectional Champions" sign on the game field bleachers.
Despite the good weather, the turnout was fairly low, estimated at less then a 100.
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