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).