Monday Practice

TBA

Practice

Today's practice will be at the High School from 3:30 - 5ish.

NorthWood-Bremen 0-1 (0-0)

Ten in the back and then counterattack.

NorthWood JV - Bremen JV 0-4

The JV loses 0-4 to Bremen.

Video taping the game

All games are being video taped. The duties are split between Lindy Seitz (he takes the pics as well) and Bruce Dyksen. But watching a game on a small screen sometimes means they miss a lot of the game since they only follow the ball. So if anyone is intersted in helping out with taping the Varsity games, please contact Lindy. The coaches are very appreciative of the game tapes. The tapes are watched and analyzed by the coaches and at times, they are shown to the team in order to try and correct problems or emphasize the things we do well. As you know, the soccer program couldn't survive with the help of a lot of people. And at times it does seem like a family affair. Maggie Duerksen always staffs the ticket booth (with Skyler and Chase's assistance of course), Ryan Mattern runs the scoreboard and announces and Lindy makes sure game tapes are downloaded on DVD's and in the coaches' mailboxes before 6:30 am the morning after the game. Thanks to all!!!

Gameday

Both teams will take the field today and play their US 6 neighbors to the west. The JV game will kick off at 5 pm. The only injury on JV is Harrison, he looks to be about 50 %. The Varsity game has a 6:45 pm start and all NW players are healthy. Bremen owns a 4-0-1 record and their most recent win comes against NLC opponent Plymouth. Bickel and Reynoso will be the Bremen players to watch. Bickel has scored in all 5 of the Bremen contests.

Now for sale @ Eurosport/Soccer.com

Escape to Victory shirts!!!!!

Clothes order update

Mr. Seitz believes that the shirt order might be distributed at the Tuesday practice!

Westview JV - NorthWood JV 5-3

The first two NW possessions resulted in goals but it wasn't enough to get the "W". Brayton's goal was a nice upper 90, David's a lower 90 and Travis put in the third one while challenging 2 defenders, winning the ball and shooting the ball into the right side of the goal. Unfortunately Westview connected five time. Next up is Bremen on Thursday at home at 5 pm. (Stats and infor provided by Coach Shields).

2012 Varsity Calendar Night

The match against Bremen this Thursday (August 30) is also 2012 Varsity Calendar Night. The calendars will be available at the Ticket Booth and feature the 2012 Varsity Team and this year's schedule. The calendars will be free of charge. Quantities will be limited however so we ask that you take one per family. Each Varsity player and members of the Coaching Staff will receive their own that night as well. Lindy Seitz has put all this together for us so thanks go out to him!

JV Information for Westview game

The JV will play at Westview this afternoon. The team bus will leave the school at 3:45 pm. Good Luck Boys!

TWINS (This week in NorthWood soccer)

With next weekend being Labor Day weekend, this will seem like a slow week since we do not have any games scheduled for the weekend. The Varsity will play Thursday night against the Bremen Lions (6:45 start). That is the third home game in a row which will end the longest homestand of the season. The JV has a busier schedule this week with two games to play. The first one is tomorrow (Tuesday) at Westview (starting time and bus departure will be noted here later today or tomorrow morning), the second game is at home against the Bremen JV on Thursday at 5 pm. Today's practice will be at the High School practice field from 3:30 - 5:30. The morning rain probably has consequences for the soccer boots since they will need to spend the night in front of a fan (the rotating kind). Tuesday's Varsity practice will be at the High School and the Wednesday practice will be at the game field. The Friday practice will be at the High School.

Alien Crest?

NorthWood JV-Mishawaka JV 9-0

Goals by Brayton Taylor, Isaac Bowser (3!), David Eshelman, Travis Fleetwood, Skylar Mock, Derek Parker and Alex "the climber" Ramirez.

Thanks Lindy for the pictures!!!!

NorthWood-Mishawaka pics (Varsity)

WHERE IS THE BALL?

Real caveman spotted!!!!

Can you spot the real Caveman that slips in the picture?

NorthWood - Mishawaka 5-1 (4-1)

Once again, the CD player refused to cooperate so we started the game anthemless. The Foxes soccer team (or part of the team) was present with Coach Beebe and participated in the team walkout and presentation. After kick off, they helped out running the balls.

FIRST HALF It only took about two minutes before Eusebio challenges the Mishawaka defense with a on the ground thru ball to Taylor who, in turn, uses his speed to take it to the Cavemen's goal. The long run ends with a Wegmiller shot that finds the net, 1-0. Only four minutes later, Eusebio decides to get involved in the action once again. A nice pass to Taylor, who heels the ball thru to Clay, provides Clay with a nice opportunity at the top of the box. He doesn't disappoint and shoots after going at the GK and with composure pushes the ball to the goalies' right for a 2-0 lead. At this point the NW defense relaxes probably figuring the game will be an easy one considering we are up by 2 goals after 6 minutes of play. But right after the Mishawaka kickoff, the ball goes at the NW defense but allows Mishawaka to take an uncontested shot. The shot from outside the box has pace and accuracy and despite a dive to Kyle's left, the ball crosses the goaline, 2-1. It looks like it might turn into a goalfest. In the 9th minute, Taylor gets his second assist after a rebound from a NW corner gets redirected by Taylor to Brandon Barahona. Brandon hits a nice low shot at the goal. The Mishawaka GK does not get down quick enough and the score increases to 3-1. A scoring drought would last until the 21st when Bennet Parker receives a pass from Brandon Barahona in the box and lays it off to Clay who in turn goes around two Cavemen dressed like soccer players. An obvious determined Clay(ton) Seitz shoots and....scores, 4-1. Soon after, Tad loses the ball on defense, forcing Kyle to make a save to keep the total for Mishawaka to 1. And now the determining incident that would put its stamp on the rest of the game occurs. Taylor gets a ball and goes into the box. A whiny Caveman complains to the ref that his shirt had been pulled by Taylor. When the ref does not react, Mr. Stillson says: "She (AR on the west side of the field)can ref better then you and she is a girl". This sexist remark gets awarded with a well deserved red card. Four minutes later, the ref whistles to indicate the start of half time. A game ball ends up in a backyard on Morningside. Alex goes after it and it looks like it takes some effort and we are not sure if he will make it so Duerksen asks how it went and Alex's response of "a little sketchy Coach" probably confirms the suspicion it could have ended different.

A returning theme at the half is workrate. Just because we are up by three and they are down to 10 doesn't mean we should take it easy. SECOND HALF It did not turn out to be a good half. Mishawaka had most of the possession with a man down. Two good Kyle saves mean that the Cavemen do not cut into the NW lead but it is overall a fairly boring and disappointing half. After a melee and save in the box by Kyle, the ball gets punted up the field, Taylor gets the ball to Clay and he connects for the only offensive highlight of the half, 5-1.

NOTES JV wins 9-0 and Isaac has a hat trick! JV's record is 1-2, the Varsity's record stands at 3-2. Next up is Bremen on Thursday. Practice Monday at the High School, regular time. Mr Yoder kept a clean sheet, he had one save by the announcers shed. Speaking of the announcers, Mr. Mattern was back after a one game hiatus and Noah's dad got in trouble during the JV game for screaming while running the clock (Class A misdemeanor I believe).

Seth Douwsma Update

Wednesday night, Indiana Wesleyan played Colorado Christian University at Lakewood, CO. Seth came off the bench and scored two first half goals (one off an assist from Corey Lopez). Final score was 4-1 in the season opener for IWU. Congrats Seth (maybe he should start now!).

Argos Soccer Tournament Information

Saturday Sept. 8, 2012 NorthWood will play Garrett in Game 2 at 3 pm, Argos will face Glenn in Game 1 at 1 pm. The losers of game 1 and 2 will play at 6 pm, the winners will face each other at 8 pm. Admission is $ 5.00 ($4 for students) for an all-day pass. There is a concession stand and restroom facilities are at the field. Port-a-pit chicken will be on sale that day at the field. GPS users use 500 Yearick Ave, Argos. Argos was a 2011 Sectional and Regional Champion, NorthWood is the 2011 Argos Tournament Champion.

NorthWood-Northridge pics

NorthWood-Northridge 1-2 (0-1)

With a crowd of over 200 and temperatures in the 80's under sunny skies, this could have been a beautiful night for soccer. And it was. For the most part. Especially when you take away mistakes on the field, arbitration mistakes that is. Despite the fact that Northridge took the game to NorthWood for the beginning part of the first half, it was Clay(ton) who actually put the ball in the net first while being fouled by at least one Northridge player. The defender, Clay and the Northridge GK all went down, the ball disappeared in the net and Clay got up first to celebrate when "hairpiece Jose" put up his flag to indicate a foul. The goal was disallowed and quite truthfully it is getting disgusting to have to put up with such incompetence. For weeks the team prepares for this big game with NLC implications and one motion of the flag takes away a goal that if it had not gone in, probably should have resulted in a PK. Speaking of pk's.......in the 37th minute, Tad and a Northridge midfielder duel over the ball in the NW box (in the far corner) and the other linesman decides he is gonna play referee as well and calls a foul -no scoring opportunity mind you- after the Northridge bench screams "foul". This reaction by the AR results in the center ref pointing to the 12, much to the surprise of just about everyone in attendance. So the highway robbery continues. First we get a valid goal taken away and now Northridge gets an early Christmas present thanks to another linesman who is acting like a center ref. In both instances the center ref is as close to the play as the AR but does not blow his whistle.

The PK (as you can see above) goes in despite the fact that Kyle goes the right way.

The halftime speech focuses mainly on our workrate and the passing accuracy. The second half does start with a better workrate from the Panthers. In the 51st, a nice and dangerous shot from Northridge takes a save from Kyle to prevent the 2-0. A couple of minutes later a goal kick from Kyle goes to Beebe, the ball gets taken away by a Northridge forward who takes it in the box for the 2-0 lead. It deflates the Panthers for quite a while until the 66th when an Eschelman to Barahona (Brandon) to Wegmiller pass lands in the box and after one bounce, Taylor executes a first touch shot perfectly for a great goal, 2-1! Despite another chance from Taylor, which barely misses the frame and continued pressure in the last 15 minutes from NorthWood, the score would remain 2-1 in Northridge's favor. An unfortunate start which deserved more and I understand that players make mistakes, Coaches make mistakes and sometimes referees make mistakes but this night the officiating crew plain old screwed up and determined the outcome of the game. To illustrate their work quality, in the second half, the linesman ("hairpiece Jose" again) calls off sides after a short corner from Northridge, only to realize that it isn't off side. The ref and AR decide to give NR a free kick instead (yes, exaclty: WHAT????). After discussing this embarrassing decision on the field, Coach Dijkstra receives a yellow for basically recapping the ref's performances on the field.

We will get past this loss. The Panthers played a nice second half, and now have proven they can play with good teams. Next up is Mishawaka tomorrow (Saturday) so we can get back on the winning track. It was nice to see a big crowd show up to support the team. The JV lost 6-1 to Northridge's JV team. Their record is now 0-2 and hopefully they will get their first win against Mishawaka. The Varsity is 0-1-0 in NLC and 2-2-0 overall. Practice today is at the game field and will be fairly short, probably about an hour and will be considered a light practice.

Lakeland Christian-NorthWood 0-5 (0-3)

Due to some traffic issues around Warsaw, the team bus arrives with about 15 warm up minutes left on the clock. The clock runs on a car battery which is probably the reason the warm up could not be extended. The warm up wraps up quicklky and the game plan for the day is obvious; tight defense while clearing the ball targeting the midfield. Obviously LCA's #10 is the main threat (having scored 4 times in their first game). At the start of the game, only 18 people had gathered around the trailer (with advertisement) to watch the game. This would swell up to over 50 later on.

FIRST HALF It starts with a bang. It looks like a replay from two years ago when their #10 dribbles/runs fast towards the goal for the first chance of the game. In the 16th, Bennet takes the ball to the end line and serves Taylor. His header misses to the right. One minute later, Taylor takes a corner from the left (NW's 3rd corner already)and a near post run has Tad appearing near the 6. His header with lots of pace hits the ropes for the 1-0 lead. Clayton makes a nice pass to Taylor in the 19th to give him his first opportunity to hit the post which he executes succesfully. Tim Escoto slips a pass to Taylor who pushes the ball low over the goal line for the 2-0 (20"). Sixteen minutes later, Taylor plays a thru ball to Clay who has about 40 yards of badly mowed grass in front of him with only white shirts on his back. With good speed and composure, Clay puts the ball past the keeper and signs for the 3-0. In the last minute before the half, Taylor breaks away but again finds the post. The ricochet lands in front of the other Taylor (Brayton Taylor) whose shot ends up in the LCA goalkeeper's hands.

HALF TIME Minor adjustments dealt with double marking #10 and getting something on the ball when crosses or corners come into the box.

SECOND HALF Early in the second half, Barahona 1.0 tries a heel pass. At that point the failed heel pass puts NW at 0 for 4 for this type of unnecessary trickery. Later in the match we would elevate that to 0 for 5. Probably reason enough to drop that type of magic for now. Eusebio fails to go up for a header challenge which earns him the encouragement "Come on you little yard gnome" from Coach Duerksen. Six minutes into the second act, a crisp pass from Tim to Taylor and then from Taylor to Clay ends up on the left side inside the frame for the 4-0 lead. Clay redeems himself after scoring a nice goal from an offside position late in the first half. All 17 Varsity players get significant playing time. Travis and Brayton both get a couple of scoring opportunities and at certain times, five (!) freshmen crowd the pitch for NorthWood. Halfway thru the second half, Tim challenges the Cougars' # 19 and fakes him out in the right corner which puts the LCA defender on his back like a turtle spinning on his shell. In the 66th minute of play, LCA #10 takes a shot from about 30 yards out and Kyle has to make a tipping save by putting the ball over the crossbar to preserve the shutout. A NorthWood cross from the left, swings in the area where both Eusebio and Bennet Parker have taken up space. Eusebio misses the header, Parker catches the ball(???!!!). I guess the only thing he didn't do was sign the ball. It was probably an attempt to impress coach Duerksen with his back up GK skills........in the wrong box! In the 76th, Taylor receives a ball in the box but lets it get too far outside and misses the shot. He does learn from his mistake because in the same minute Bennet Parker now decides to use his feet and passes a nice ball to Taylor on the other side of the box. Taylor lets the ball come across his body and shoots it between the pipes (without hitting them)for a 5-0 score. Eschelman, Connor Miller, Brayton Taylor, Travis, Isaac and Ethan all played well filling in for the starters and are all getting valuable playing time. Their contribution is beyond expectation already. A free kick by LCA #10 (him again)challenges Kyle but a dive to his left keeps the "0" for the home team on the scoreboard.

NOTES Tay Tay and Clay both scored two goals, Tad got one. Kyle got the second shutout of the season (17th overall in his career). It was good to see another good defensive effort thanks to solid play by Dennyz, Dyksen (excellent game), Beebe and Tad. Efforts like this will give the team a lot of opportunity for wins. Despite scoring 5 goals, we probably failed to connect 12-13 times so there is room for improvement when it comes to scoring efficiency. Part of today's practice will focus on shooting (and hopefully scoring, sorry Kyle). The Varsity's record is 2-1-0 going into Thursday's NLC showdown with Northridge at home. That game has a 5 pm JV kick off, to be followed at 6:45 for the Varsity matchup. Both teams will practice at the game field today from 3:30 - 5:15 (or so). Captain's Club Tailgate tickets need turned in today as well.

This Week in NorthWood Soccer (TWINS)

Today's practice (Monday) will be at the High School from 3:30-5:30. On Tuesday the Varsity will travel to Lakeland Christian for a 5 pm kick off. The JV game vs. Lakeland Christian has been cancelled due to the fact that Lakeland Christian does not field a JV this year. The JV will therefore have a regular practice at the High School on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the Varsity will practice from 3:30-5:30 at the game field. The location of the JV practice is to be determined for Wednesday. Thursday both teams will play Northridge. This will be at home. As a matter of fact, the Northridge game will kick off the longest home stretch of the season (3 games).The JV game will start at 5 pm and the Varsity at 6:45 pm. On Friday the Varsity again will practice at the game field from 3:30 - ? (probably early dismissal around 5) with the JV practice location TBD at this time. Saturday both the JV and V will play Mishawaka at home. The JV game starts at 10 am, to be followed by the Varsity game around Noon.

Field Improvement

Besides the new dug outs another improvement (and probably more important then any other)is the field being rolled. This weekend, the field was rolled twice and is -finally- a better playing surface. This will continue periodically, making the field more like a soccer pitch each time the field has been rolled.

Car Wash 2012

The picture above shows the Soccer Car Wash crew 2012 at the beginning of the car wash. Cars started lining up before 10 am.

Cars were not the only vehicles accepted, Taylor and Kyle were able to get a semi to come thru as well.

Tito is thinking he will appear on some calendar next year.

Drying the hood requires it to be opened up. The car Wash took in about $ 1,200! Thanks to LJ Wagner for letting us use their parking lot and water!!!!!!

Elkhart Central-NorthWood 3-0 (0-0)

The picture below doesn't do reality justice because large amounts of standing water prevailed inside the 6. The rest of the field wasn't much better. So maybe the fact that we left Elkhart without injuries could be called a victory. The games' starting time was a point of discussion and it wasn't the only thing that wasn't taken care of before the game. The lights came on late and considering the pitch condition, this might have been a game to postpone.

FIRST HALF The Panthers came out to play. The first opportunity came in the 3rd minute when Tim crossed a ball nicely to Clay who attempted a hard shot but a quick step by a Blazer defender turned the deflection into NW's first corner of the night. The first 15 minutes were dominated by the Panthers. In the fifteenth, Kyle makes his first good save of the evening and it wouldn't be his last. The rest of the first half is an even game with attacks going both ways. The best NorthWood chance of the night comes in the 38th when Taylor Wegmiller receives the ball on a long pass just outside the box and goes one on one with the Central keeper. The shot (or effort to chip) is blocked by the GK so the first half ends in a scoreless tie. HALF TIME Only minor adjustments are made since the team is playing well. The team is told to try and weather the expected barrage of attacks in the first part of the second half since the Panthers have been frustrating the Blue Blazers. SECOND HALF Elkhart Central takes the ball to the Panthers from the kick off. The first shot goes over in the 42nd. When, in the 44th, the ball goes over the endline after a save from Kyle, the AR decides it is a corner which then is taken from the wrong side. Despite a coaches protest (Ref response "I'm sorry, you are right")he lets the Blazers take the corner and an effort inside the box turns a bad decision into the first goal of the evening (1-0 EC). After several other saves by Kyle it is his defense that needs to assist on the line to avert disaster in the 48th. Two (!) balls need cleared off the line after an intial save from Kyle that consequently puts him out of position. A cross in the 60th from the right side lands near a weak side run without a mark and the shot finds the net, 2-0. A couple of missed clearances inside the 18 means that the ball stays in the penalty area where Central manages to connect for the final score of 3-0. The Panthers played a pretty good game and in the first half showed they can play with the good teams. Overall not a bad showing and it looks like the mix of six seniors, 4 juniors and three freshmen last nigh was a good one. The coaches were disappointed with the score and result of course but came away with a feeling that we are making definite progress that has plenty of possibilities for the upcoming season. NOTES Today's practice is at the High School and will be from 3:30 - 5 (early dismissal after a tough game). Today is of course the first day of school. Tomorrow is the Car Wash, parents are asked to donate car wash soap if possible. Players will have to be there at 9:30 tomorrow and stay until it is cleaned up (around 2:30), the Car Wash itself will be from 10-2. Players are expected to raise a minimum of $40. If they do, they will receive the performance type shirt for free ($20 value). The JV lost 7-0 (5-0 half time score). Their record is 0-1-0. Next up for the Varsity (1-1-0) is Lakeland Christian this coming Tuesday at Lakeland Christian (game starts at 5 pm). JV's next game is next Thursday at home vs. Northridge.

Directions to Elkhart Central

For the GPS you can use 1 Blazer Blvd, Elkhart. The soccer complex is situated to the east of the rail road tracks and west of the High School. The drive to the field will run north off of Division/Blazer Blvd and will be between the tracks and the river. There are two parking lots by the two soccer fields.

Lovin' the Dug Out

NorthWood Panthers-Whitko Wildcats pics

2012 - First home game; Whitko and NW line up in front of the home the crowd.

First Walk Out 2012

NorthWood - Whitko 8-0 (3-0)

After the field was set up, it was time to turn on the 2012 Warm Up CD and start getting ready for the matchup with Whitko. But somehow (Clay & Taylor were the last to "mess" with the sound system the day before)the CD would eject constantly. Fortunately WaNee's IT Director showed up and proved to all of us why he carries that title. He fixed the sound system so part of the Warm Up CD and all of the National Anthemn could be heard by all.

FIRST HALF With plenty of sun and temps in the 70's, it was time for the crowd to sit back and take in the season opener. Within seconds, the ball landed in the Whitko box where dropkick Murphy booted it back in the field of play. A Clayton Seitz pass found its way to Taylor Wegmiller in the third, who had no trouble finding the net, 1-0.

The next great opportunity came at minute 15 when Taylor went around the keeper but missed to the left. Eight minutes later, "crafty" Bennet Parker pushed the ball to Wegmiller who made no mistake this time and changed the scoreboard to 2-0. Kyle Dijkstra finally touched the ball for the first time in the 24th minute of the half. In the 29th minute, Taylor returned an earlier favor to Clay who, in turn, did not disappoint and finalized the half time score at 3-0.

HALF TIME Despite a somewhat decent first half at times, there was enough to be adjusted and corrected but simply put; NW needed to make runs off the ball, work harder and speed up the game because the first half looked like it was played in slow motion. Several players came off the bench including freshmen Brayton Taylor and David Eshelman who both played well. By the end of the night all players got time on the field and contributed. Senior Travis Fleetwood played well as did Craven, Connor and Alex.

SECOND HALF By the time we kicked off for the second half the crowd had grown to over 100 which is pretty good considering the opponent and the fact that school is not in session yet. It did not take long for the Panthers to get back on track. Clay punished a bad pass out of the back with an unassisted goal and signed for the 4-0 (43"). Two minutes later a Taylor Wegmiller shot bounced off dropkick Murphy (who by now probably had about 7 bruises on his chest from all the shots at him from Taylor). Bennet Parker was at the right spot at the right time and passed the ball simply over the goal line, 5-0. In the 50th, a rebound out of the box lands in front of Clayton Seitz who punished this defensive gaffe with a sharp shot to increase the score to 6-0. In the 60th, Eshelman decides he wants on the stat sheet as well and delivers a nice pass to Barahona 1.0 (=Brandon)who has no problem signing for the 7-0! Another freshman gets involved in an attack in the 69th minute. Connor Miller handles the ball and places it into Clay's feet who with a nice shot decides the final score; 8-0. Kyle has to perform his duty for the night in the 85th minute when a Whitko defender (!) comes up the left flank and battles with Tad. The Whitko player does get a shot off which is saved by Kyle with his right foot to preserve the shutout. The defense turned in a pretty good performance with Dyksen, Beebe, Chamberlain and Barahona 2.0 (=Dennyz). Eusebio and Tim got plenty of playing time in the midfield. It will help Tim who has been dealing with a leg injury. Eusebio turned 18 yesterday and celebrated by keeping the ball at his feet a lot. He promised to do less of that Thursday.

NOTES The Varsity will travel to Elkhart to face Elkhart Central. It will be the first time NorthWood will play at Elkhart Central. Central is 0-0-1 after a 1-1 draw Monday against LaPorte. Our JV did not play because Whitko does not field a JV. NorthWood's record is 1-0, Whitko is 0-1 for the season. The JV will play Elkhart Central at 5 pm Thursday, The Varsity will start around 6:45. REMINDER FOR ALL PLAYERS: Make sure to raise the $40 for the Car Wash Saturday (10 am -2 pm @ LJ Wagner's parking lot 8/18/12). Today's practice will be at the High School from 3:30-5:30.