NorthWood - Angola 5-0 (4-0)

A picture perfect start to the Saturday match, literally!( The Varsity was summoned to show up early for pictures). With nothing but blue skies and the stands filled with a nice size Saturday crowd, it is time to start the winning part of the season. Despite several efforts, the sounds system does not cooperate with our announcer Randy Cripe and so he sees no option but to forego the playing of the Star Spangled Banner even though someone somewhere whistles the anthem until about "O'er the ramparts" and then decides to call it a day. It also needs to be noted that now AC has copied coach Duerksen's hair style. Not sure if anyone else will follow or if this is just one player who accidentally made a bad hair decision. FIRST HALF - As soon as the ball leaves the center circle, it is NorthWood who dictates the flow of the game. High pressure and good fill in gives the Panthers a lot of ball possession right from the start. Already in the 4th, the first opportunity presents itself near the box when Eli gets some room and shoots but misses to the left of the far post. In the 7th, Isaac crosses a ball in the offensive third, Brayton's strike misses the goal as well. In the 11th, Isaac shot misses to the left. In the 12th, Eli delivers a ball to Brayton who takes a nice hard shot at the goal but the ball goes over. In the 14th the Panthers finally get a result. The corner by Eli goes to Isaac. Despite all the practice on the training ground on this particular corner, it seems that Eli's delivery is a little off but it still makes it to the peel off runner Isaac. Isaac attempts to take the ball towards goal but his effort is stopped by a foul, PK! Dennyz takes the PK and rips the ball hard in the upper 90. Asked at the half if that is where he planned on putting it, he responds: "That's my area coach!". A mere 120 seconds later, Brayton picks up where he left off last season by assisting Pipp who decidedly uses his inside step to put the ball in the net for a NorthWood 2-0 lead. Brayton decides to add another assist when he kicks the ball at the keeper in the 25th, the mishandled ball comes off the goalkeepers gloves; trashman Jaron know how to clean up and puts the ball over the goal line, 3-0. In the 34th, Jaron wants to be added to the assist sheet as well when he lays a ball off to Derek in the box, Derek's shot finds the net for the 4-0 half time score. HALF TIME- The focus in the second half needs to be on keeping up the pressure and presenting ourselves in passing lanes. SECOND HALF- In the 46th, Juan tackles a Hornet. The man in purple is not necessarily too charmed by the tackle and keeps Juan down on the ground. As the two enjoy being tangled up, Juan decides that enough is enough and tries to get back up. Johnny Purple holds him down and Juan shoves his face down towards the grass. It is only then that the official gets involved and warns both players without issuing cards. In the 49th, Brayton takes his best shot of the game. After some nice moves, cuts and turns, he rips the ball onto the crossbar. It takes Angola 55 minutes before they get their first corner kick. The Hornets are not really dangerous and it is a struggle to come up with any real saves for Cody. From about 40 plus out, Brayton decides to go solo in minute 75. It is easy for Brayton to get away from the last defender with his great ball control and speed. He goes one on one with the keeper and with composure puts the ball in the back of the net for the final score, 5-0. A complete team effort that saw all field players get significant playing time. Easton held his own on "D" as did Josh who played a lot of minutes. Dylan has been playing strong in the back which gives us options on midfield with the ability to put the regulars there in addition to Juan and Matt. Matt and Jaron are turning into players who can play almost all positions but goalkeeper. Speaking of those two, it was for both of them their first goals scored for NorthWood in a varsity contest. NOTES- Eshelman received a yellow card (probably one of the few errors made by this referee) for a normal tackle. Dennyz Barahona will be our next Honorary Captain after his hard work Saturday. Next up is Northridge on Thursday August 27. This is an away game in Middlebury for both JV and Varisty. The JV kicks off at 5 pm, to be followed around 6:45 by the Varsity. Northridge lost to Central on Saturday (1-0) but looks tough and very organized. Coaches Duerksen and Dijkstra as well as Dennyz, David, Isaac and Brayton scouted that game Saturday. The Varsity's record is 1-1-0, same goes for the JV after they got a forfeit win over Angola Saturday.

>ONE OF THE LAST NORTHWOOD ATTACKS OF THE DAY Referee Rating: B (YC unwarranted).