Mishawaka-NorthWood 0-3 (0-2)

SOME SPRINKLER ACTION DURING THE GAME WARM-UP


The JV was a great opening act on a glorious day. They would defeat the Cavemen's JV squad 2-3 (2-1) with nice goals from Isai, Jordan Thompson and Jair. The win evens their record at 2-2.

After listening to music from the 70's thru 90's it was the hope of all that referee screamin' Mimi would not topple over again during the Varsity game.

After a nicely sung National Anthem it was the Panthers' turn to turn in a good performance. The pre-game talk was about a lot of little issues that needed attention but special focus would be on keeping the "0" on the scoreboard defensively and for the first time this year trying to leave town with the first shutout of the year.

Some starters ate some of the uncooked pieces of meat on a bun (sold under the name "hot dog")and both Coaches were hoping for better decisions when these boys were between the white lines.

FIRST HALF
The first few minutes, the Cavemen took control of the ball and possessed in the middle third of the field (also called "court" by some spectators. Just for the readers of this blog by the way; courts are for tennis or baskeball. field or pitch is used for soccer). But soon after that, the Panthers took over and not just control of the ball but they pretty much took over the game from that point on. In the 3rd minute, Eddie passed a long ball out of the back to Connor who served Noodle who, in turn took a solid shot. The low bouncing shot missed the frame while the keeper was slow to get down. Four minutes later Taylor got his first opportunity for a shot at goal and a minute after that (7th) the same could be said for Josh (Josh Ellis for the day, according to the announcer).
In the 18th, Connor passes the ball over the defense to Josh, whose nice shot goes over. In the 27th, Josh would return the favor and makes a perfect pass to Connor. Connor shoots the ball, keeps it down and the ball disappears in the left corner, 1-0.
For the next 11 minutes, NorthWood controlls the game without too many problems. A lot of good passes turn into a nice possession game.
A handball in the Mishawaka box with two minutes to play in the half, leads to a NW penalty kick. Noodle executes perfect from the dot, 2-0.

HALF TIME
Some minor adjustments are made and some differences in the 4-4-2 formation of the day are discussed as well.

SECOND HALF
All in all, NorthWood plays out a good game, scoring again in the 45th minute. Tad's nice pass to his right from about 23 out to Eddie was nice in itself after a NW corner kick. But it was Eddie's hard hit "knuckler" that shook the dust off the ropes in the upper left that not only made it 3-0, but was also a goal that will contend for goal of the season.
A little bit of a letdown in the last 10 minutes gave Mishawaka some chances near the box but none were too threatening. Kyle was credited with only one save which means the defense did its job. The 3-0 gives NorthWood and Kyle their first shut out of the season.

NOTES
The injury bench is crowded. Vitor, Jacob and Collin are all still out for now. Vitor Rosario might be back practicing this week and might be in line for a JV rehab assignemnt in the near future. Our team mate Jacob Smith will undergo surgery Monday morning. Collin Tucker will have X-rays on Wednesday at OSMC to see if he just sprained his ankle or if he has a fracture as well.