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.