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.