NorthWood-Northridge 0-2 (0-1)

With a goal in the 6th and 58th minute, Northridge beat the Panthers by two goals. NorthWood never really threatened offensively and the best player on the pitch was the one standing between the pipes. Cody came up big on several occasions to prevent a higher score. The weather was great, the crowd filled the bleachers (over 200 showed up) but the performance on the field was not as good as the one a week earlier against Elkhart Central. It is time to regroup and make some minor adjustments (most of those were already discussed and decided on before midnight) and we will come out of it stronger. Our next opponent is Bremen at home, next Thursday (9/4). Bremen has had some good results so it will be a good measuring stick. Today's practice will be done by 5 pm. No practice this weekend or Monday. After today's practice, we will see everyone again on Tuesday. The JV fell to Northridge 0-2 as well. Micah Pippinger had some great saves as well. Thursday 9/4 will see a 5 pm JV start and 7 pm Varsity start.

Still looking.....................

Game Day #3

The first home game and first NLC match ups are on tap today. The Northridge Raiders are the first opponents on the NLC schedule. The Raiders looked strong in 7v7 over the summer and, knowing their attitude, will surely expect to come away with a win. The Panthers have been looking strong and more importantly, have looked like a team so far this season. With two good wins in the pre season (vs Westview and Argos -both ranked in Class 1 top 20-), a narrow loss vs #20 Central and an easy win over Lakeland Christian, the team is eager to get an NLC win. The weather promises to be perfect and a good crowd is expected. The JV kicks off at 5 pm, the Varsity at 6:45 pm. Thanks to Roger Miller for taping the game tonight!

Team Dinner

Last night the Boys Soccer teams were treated to a team dinner. The food was great! Thanks to the Cripe's and Weldy's for putting it together (and if anyone else helped, thanks to you as well). It was very much appreciated by all players and coaches.

Wanted: Announcer M/F

Who wants to be the next Ryan Mattern? The NW Boys soccer program is looking for an announcer (M/F) for the Varsity home games (8 games this season). You will be sitting inside the new press box, you will be dry and able to manipulate the scoreboard! If interested, please contact Coach Duerksen at bduerksen@wanee.org

LCA-NW Pic part 1

PRE GAME JITTERS

LCA-NW Pics part 2

LCA GRANDSTAND AND SOCCER EQUIPMENT STORAGE BUILDING, CAN BE TAKEN ON THE ROAD IF NEEDED!

LCA-NW pics part 3

VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED!!!!!!

Lakeland Christian Academy - NorthWood 0-10 (0-5)

FIRST HALF-After finding out we will only have two referees (turns out it would really be only one and a half), the prayer and announcements are made using the bullhorn. The sound system might be a grade below ours, the scoreboard is not. The scoreboard looked eerily similar to our 1971 model. The count before the game was 19 spectators and 29 cars (with the tinted windows on most vehicles, an accurate account of occupants was impossible). Hopefully the attendance here will be one of the lowest for the season. The announcer wishes everyone "a great game" but that is all it would be, a wish. NorthWood starts the game with ball possession and really never stops possessing the ball, ever.We find out very soon that LCA has more fright then bite. With a possession rate of well over 90%, it is by far the most possession any NW team has ever displayed in any "competitive" game. It is clear, very early on, that this LCA team is no match for the Panthers. In the 3rd minute, AC pushes the ball on the ground to Isaac who connects with a fine shot for the early lead. It will take another 6 minutes before senior Ethan Craven accepts a pass from AC (Mr. Assist) and dumps it into the net. It is Ethan's first goal since his memorable goal in the 2013 pre-season tournament and actually done in very similar fashion. In the 13th, Eli crosses a ball in the box but Ethan misses for what looks to be an easy finish. In the 22nd, Brayton gets fouled in the penalty area but the ref on the far side does not see it that way. We only have to wait another four minutes for the third goal of the game. It is once again a combination between AC and Isaac but in reverse this time; the assist comes from Bowser and Aaron makes the dust come off the ropes, 0-3. David decides now that he needs to be part of the attacking action and serves Dylan, who in turn, decidedly puts the ball past the colorful LCA keep. Not even the goggles can help him catch up with the shot. AC sees a great opportunity to take a shot in the 28th. The shot hits the woodwork (inside post) and the ball flies back in to the field of play.With four minutes to spare in the first half, Barahona decides that he needs a piece of the action and sends a splitting pass to Craven. Ethan wants more glory and places the ball to the goalkeeper's right on the ground for the 0-5 score. It might be time to rename the field Craven's Cottage (EPL fans will get this reference). HALF TIME-Work rate and focus on first touches are areas that are addressed. The ref on our side of the field talks to us about the pk missed by the other ref in the first half. We tell her it is okay (0-5 is good enough for a half time score). SECOND HALF- 120 seconds into the second act, a make up call gets NW a PK. Brayton Taylor is selected to take the shot from the dot. The execution is poor and goes straight into the rainbow warrior's gloves. In the 48th, Brayton grabs a LCA defender, the ensuing free kick by the Lakeland Christian #7 is toe balled about 30 yards into the center of the field (impressive) only to go back to the Panthers who posses the ball for almost 6 minutes straight. The 55th minute of play sees a NW attack go near the box, the ball bounces around. David attacks the ball and places it hard into the back of the net, 0-6. About a minute later, NW is awarded a free kick. The shorter referee stops play to measure the distance between the spot of the free kick and the spot where the wall is allowed to creep up to. I realize then that I probably need to re-read the rule changes for IHSAA soccer for the 2014-2015 season. This official takes 8 (!!!!!) very short steps to determine the location for the players that want to form a wall, a distance of (at most) 6 (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) yards. Luckily for LCA we manage to squander this opportunity (probably because the wall is too close). In the 64th, Brayton's worst shot of the night, rolls over the keepers gloves and slowly into the goal, 0-7. All night, the keeper has had Brayton's number but the GK's luck seems to have run out. Despite the fact that LCA's last man has 20 saves at this point, Brayton comes at him again in the 68th when his right foot meets up with the ball. The shot turns into a goal, 0-8. In the 69th, we witness the nicest goal of the night when a cross in the 18 flies towards David who takes the ball on his shoe in the air and puts it behind the keeper but the goal is disallowed for off sides. The nicest goal that is, until Dennyz crosses the leather from the right to David who heads the ball hard into the net in the 71st for NorthWood's 9th goal. Only one minute later, Brayton Taylor decides to make up for some missed opportunities by scoring his third goal of the night (hat trick) by slaloming through the LCA defense like a hot knife through butter after an AC assist. The execution is good, 0-10. This lopsided win by NorthWood was even more dominating then the score indicates; LCA was unable to fire off a shot at Cody. Cody had a quiet night and most of his ball touches came from balls played back from our defense or midfield. Before the game the goal was to not allow any goals and give Cody a shut out and that feat was accomplished. NOTES- This was our last ever game against the Cougars. They have opted out of playing us again in the future. Today's practices are split; JV at the High School and they will stop early so players can re-take concussion tests and then go to the team dinner. The Varsity will play at the game field until 5 pm and then go to the team dinner. The dinner will be done by 6 pm. NW is 1-1-0. The next game is the first home game of the season against NLC rival Northridge (HM)tomorrow. JV at 5 pm and Varsity at 6:45 pm.

Monday August 25 practice update

Due to the high temperatures/high humidity, this afternoon's practice will be shortened. We will be done by 5 pm at the latest.

TWINS

A busy week ahead for NorthWood Boys Soccer. Today the practice will be at the regular time at the High School practice field. Tomorrow (Tuesday) we travel to Lakeland Christian. The Cougars are 0-2 so far this season.We would like to change that to 0-3. On Wednesday the practice will be at the game field. The team dinner will follow the practice. Some players have to leave early due to the fact that they have to re-take their concussion test. On Thursday we will play our home opener against NLC opponent Northridge (5 JV/ 645 V start). It is the first of a 3 game home stand! We are hoping for good weather and a large crowd for the match against the Raiders. Friday's practice will be at the High School and will end no later then 5 pm. We do not play this upcoming weekend (Labor Day weekend) so all players should be able to enjoy a three day reprieve before we get into the meat of our schedule.

Tuesday Game information

Lakeland Christian only has a Varsity squad so there will NOT be a JV game Tuesday (Aug. 26). The Varsity game will start at 5 pm. This is an away game. Use 1093 South 250 East, Winona Lake IN 46590 for your GPS. The field is behind the High School.

Team Dinner Announcement

The team dinner will be on Wednesday August 27 at the Nappanee Elementary School following practice.

Elkhart Central- NorthWood pictures part 1

The JV contest resulted in a 5-0 loss. Despite the score, the JV played well, especially in the first half and showed improvement over last year's first game of the season.

Elkhart Central - NorthWood pictures part 2

SPARSELY POPULATED STANDS AT CENTRAL - SEASON OPENER AND BRAYTON'S EQUIPMENT FAILURE FORCING DAD TO DRIVE HOME TO RETRIEVE BACK UP PAIR AT HALF TIME

Elkhart Central - NorthWood 2-1 (0-1)

FIRST HALF-The rain waits to come down until it is time for the first kick off of the season. But before we can kick the first ball, the starters have to hurry to get to the middle of the field in order to catch the entire national anthem. The Central announcer informs the crowd that the game will start early (about 3 minutes early)due to the weather (?). NorthWood kicks off and pings the ball around right from the start with confidence and despite the wet weather and pitch conditions. AC and Brayton control the middle and Dennis does much of the same in support of the two aforementioned characters. At the 2:34 mark, the ball goes up the right side to Isaac Bowser who quickly crosses the ball on the ground to Brayton Taylor. Brayton takes a few touches around defenders and places the ball nicely towards and inside the right post. The ball goes by the Blue Blazers' keeper and into the net for a very quick start of the game and season, 0-1 NorthWood! Much of the play for the next ten minutes is conducted in the middle third of the field. NorthWood continues to pass and posses and adjusts quickly to the very physical play from the Central side. Connor Miller and Juan get a taste of the "physical" attacks and David and Pipp aren't left out either. In the 14th minute a great save from Cody Cripe is required to prevent the tying goal. In the 27th minute Central's #13 commits a dirty foul on David Eschelman. The foul is rewarded with the first booking of the game. In the 38th, Cody makes another fantastic save to prevent a cross from the left from crossing the line. NW reaches half time with the 0-1 lead. HALFTIME- Coach Duerksen applauds the team's effort and explains the necessity to continue working hard and keep playing our game. Some tactical issues are addressed but overall, the game is being played the way it was envisioned. Composure and patience have been key throughout the first half. SECOND HALF- Although the weather conditions have improved, the field itself is still wet. The grass is tall, way to tall for a soccer game. I can't understand for the life of me why thousands of dollars are spent on mowers but then when it comes time to actual cut the grass, the setting is so high that even cows would have a hay day here after the grass is cut. Central starts the second half much like we started the first half. Little bit of pressure and dinging the ball around. It only takes three minutes before a cross and finish results in the tying goal, 1-1 (43"). The Blazers continue to play physical and at times take out the man before the ball even though Central's DQ (drama queen) #7 cries foul all night long, more fouls are committed by the Blazers then the Panthers. But just a small percentage gets called. In the 51st minute, Tanner loses the ball in the offensive corner and needs to sprint back to help and defend. His quick acceleration causes an equipment issue. But Tanner knows how to solve it. Not wanting to put himself in an offside position, he starts to call the Assistant Referee. The actual audio is as follows: "Ref! Ref! Ref!.......my shinguard!!!!! (pointing at one lonely shinguard laying on its back near the corner flag, desperate to reconnect with its lawful owner and friend). The AR looks at the shinguard, doesn't feel sorry for it and awkwardly ignores Tanner. An Elkhart Central shot gets touched by Cody in the 73rd, the ball touches the crossbar and goes over. Where NW was the better and controlling team in half number 1, the same can now be said about Central. The Panthers try to hang on to the tie and defend vigorously. In the 74th minute of play, a high kick from a Central midfielder blasts David in the face. David's theatrical swan dive draws a loud "RED CARD!!!!!" comment from the crowd (Mrs. Eschelman??)that could even be heard over the loud humming of the generator that powers the concession stand (electricity Amish Style!). A minute later a Blue Blazer attack goes to the NorthWood right side of the defense and Pipp gets shoved in the back. This should have resulted in a NW free kick but apparently it does not get noticed by the center ref. The ensuing play, with a NW defense off balance, results in a cross and shot that lands in the goal (goal by Jorge Miranda), 2-1. Despite the loss, it was a game well played. Ethan Craven and Tanner, the lone seniors on the team, played well. Eli, who also had to help the JV, put in a good performance. Our defense and holding midfielders played well. AC did a nice job and performed very well in the first half. Brayton did not only score but distributed well. Dennis worked hard, passed well and was in the game. David organizes the defense very well. Juan, a freshman, didn't play like one. He worked tirelessly. Pipp had his hands full but managed the right side very effectively. Conner was fouled a lot, didn't get a lot of calls but dealt with it with composure and cleaned up in the back. Cody had 10 (!!) great saves and kept us in the game all night long. Isaac, as a lone striker, probably didn't see as much action with the ball as he would have liked, but got the assist and worked hard in support of the upcoming midfielders. All in all, this was a good performance, a confidence builder! Central is a top 25 team so this result, especially in an away game, is nothing to be ashamed of. Derek warmed up with the team, hopefully he will be able to rejoin the team soon. NOTES- Today's practice will be short (done at 4:30) and will consist of some stretching/light running (lactic acid run)and a light possession game. Next up is Lakeland Christian (away at Winona Lake) at 5 pm on Tuesday 8/26. We are not sure if there will be a JV contest but will post it here as soon as we get that information.

Game Day

This afternoon the team travels to Elkhart to face the Elkhart Central Blue Blazers. Players need to be at the High School by 3:45. The weather forecast is not looking great so we will have to wait and see how that plays out. Still injured are Derek Parker (V) and Brock Lechlitner (JV). Elkhart Central (HM) is 1-0-0. NW is 0-0-0.

Game Day information

The first game of the season is tomorrow (Thursday 8/21/14) at Elkhart Central.The following is information is from the Elkhart Central High School's website ; Elkhart Central High School, the address is 1 Blazer Blvd.(this is sometimes written as "One Blazer Blvd."). Elkhart, IN 46516 Note: The former route of U.S. 20 is shown as Goshen Avenue on older maps... U.S. 20 is now located as a by-pass route skirting the southern portion of Elkhart. Soccer is played at the West Athletic Complex (complex west of the high school). The team bus will leave at 3:45 from the AC. The JV kick off is at 5 pm, the Varsity start is slated for 6:45 pm.

TWINS

Preparations for the first regular season game continue with only two practices left until we travel to Elkhart Central. The Blue Blazers started their season last night and defeated LaPorte 0-2. Central did not crack the pre-season top 20 but did receive an Honorable Mention. In 2A, Warsaw received a #10 ranking and Goshen took the #15 spot. In 2A, future opponent Argos is ranked #16 while Bethany Christian is #17. Westview (who is not on the schedule in the regular season, but was our first foe in the Westview tourney) comes in at number 15 in class 2A.

Car Wash 2014

The car wash went well even though the rain came for a little while but left until sunny and muggy conditions took over. One of the first vehicles to go through the line was this Lotus.........

NW Boys Soccer Car Wash 2014 slated for Saturday 8/16

The annual Car Wash will be at LJ Wagner on US 6 (E. Market) in Nappanee from 10 am -2 pm. Each player needs to raise $ 40 for the Car Wash. If parent can help out with donating soap and letting us use nozzles & hoses and ladders, it would be greatly appreciated. Please tell your player to tell the coaches what you can help with or leave a comment on the blog! The weather forecast for Saturday is sunny and 82!!!!!!

2014 Red-Black scrimmage

With the regular season only 9 days away, it was time for the annual Red-Black game. Twenty five players have come out so far and two of those were nursing injuries (Derek a lower leg injury and Brock a concussion). This left a single substitute for two teams. Both teams tried to execute the offensive and defensive 4-2-3-1 system. A fairly attractive game ended in a 3-2 win for Douwsma's Red Devils by way of a last ditch effort that found the net with 5.2 seconds left in the match. Referee Duerksen was impeccable all night long. There is some work to be done on both the physical part (conditioning) and strategic execution of the new set up. Next up for the Panthers is the away game at Elkhart Central on 8/21.

2014 Alumni Game

Cool conditions prevailed all night and despite the off and on rain, we were able to field a full 11v11 with alumni and coaches. Players from various years crowded the field with some in better shape then others. The nicest touch of the night came from Chris Roelandts who, in honor of his friend and teammate Travis Hunsberger, wore the "#16" sweatband". Travis was a teammate and friend of Chris, Dustin Shaw and Brody Morningstar and was KIA on June 27, 2008 in Afghanistan.Travis' number "16" has been retired by NorthWood soccer.

TWINS (This Week In NorthWood Soccer) Part 1: Pre season Gameday

The Red-Black intrasquad scrimmage is on tap for tonight. The players have been divided up in two (hopefully) equal teams. This preseason game is meant for the players, especially those new to the program, so they get a feel for the home field. We have already practiced at the game field twice so far. Last week the nets were put in the goals, the dug outs have been placed along the sidelines (imaginary sidelines, paint has not been applied as of yet) and the new press box was hooked up to the scoreboard and sound system. Everything seems to work and the only thing that will need to be tested yet is the lighting. Before tonight's Red-Black scrimmage, the alumni game will take place. Last year, more then 22 players showed up (we had subs!). The Red-Black game will start around 7:30, the alumni game will kick off at 6 pm (2 x 30 min. halves). As usual, the pace will be fast at the beginning of the game but that same pace will quickly take its toll on the players, especially those who are a little out of shape or those who haven't touched a soccer ball since the last alumni game. There is no practice today but there is a 30-35 min jog this morning with the seniors and juniors leading the rest of the group. Brock Lechlitner and Derek Parker are dealing with injuries and probably will not see any action tonight. If anyone takes pictures tonight, feel free to forward a couple to me at egbertdijkstra@yahoo.com so I can post some of them on the blog.

And we are back...............

This week is moratorium week (last week of July) so hopefully everyone is resting up and yet trying to get in shape at the same time. Two-a-days are just around the corner. Monday August 4th, 2014, the first two-a-days practice will start at 9 am. Practices are held at the High School. Practices will be from 9am-11am and 1pm-3pm Monday thru Friday. Make sure to have your physical with you or make sure that the physical is on file at the athletic office. The weather looks to be cooperating next week with temperatures only in the high 70's to low 80's! The first game will be on Thursday August 21 and is an away contest at Elkhart Central. This year the schedule is very balanced with eight (8) home games and eight (8) away games. You can find the soccer schedules on the wanee.org web page. NorthWood finished up the pre-season in strong fashion. In the Westview tournament, NW was victorious over Westview and Argos. The 7v7 season finished on a positive note as well as we went undefeated in the last four games despite playing Central and Concord to name a few. We hope to see all players Monday so we can start the season "TOGETHER" because "TOGETHER WE WILL WIN!!!".