NorthWood - Wawasee 1-0 (1-0)

The JV sets the tone after the very well coached team scores often to beat the Warriors 5-2 with goals from Jaron (2), Kaden (2) and Landon (1). The seats behind the south goal remain empty tonight despite the nice weather. For the first time in NW history, only two referees officiate the Varsity game after the scheduled center ref calls off due to "car trouble". In general, these two refs do a good job despite the fact that off side is tougher to call and in general they are a little further from the action than is desirable. The Wawasee keep might think he looks pretty in pink, it is indisputable that our goalie looks much better in the black and red stripes. FIRST HALF- The first ten minutes sees two teams trying to feel each other out. Neither is able to establish a definite advantage over the other. In the 14th, NW finally strings a few passes together and a Dennyz-Eli combo has Eli taking the last touch for a shot that requires the pink warrior to make a save. Only a minute later, Dennys again distributes the ball, this time to Isaac who circumvents the Wawasee keeper and with composure slots the ball against the ropes, 1-0! From the 14th thru the 40th minute of play, the Panthers control the game. We have more of the possession and create a variety of chances. In the 18th, Derek (Dirrrrkk!) slices thru the Wawasee back line like a hot knife thru butter. In the next possession, Brayton nutmegs a defender to Derek who returns the ball. Brayton's shot is stopped by the Warrior's last defender. In the 20th a strange sequence of events takes place. After a scramble in the box, a ball that ends up in the Wawasee keeper's hands, is determined to be an intentional back pass (beg to differ!). If anyone on that defense passed a ball back on purpose in the midst of that mess then I am giving none of those defenders enough credit for their skill. Either way, the call stands and an indirect kick is awarded. The free kick is taken but disallowed because (I think), the GK came out and off the line too quick (encroachment maybe?). He is awarded for his action with a yellow caution and has to come off. The back up/JV keep comes on and all 11 players in green are on the goal line or near it. Eli touches the ball and Isaac places the ball in beautiful fashion in the right upper 90!! It seems like the goal is awarded but after an on field conference between the men in blue, it is decided that the ball did not move after Eli touched it (huh?) and because Isaac struck the ball after that, it is therefore not considered a indirect kick. So the "direct" kick taken by Isaac is now a disallowed goal and Wawasee gets to take a free kick from the spot of the offense. I guess you can argue all kinds of points. Not the least the point that once a goal is awarded it should not be taken away. Either way, the pass back in my eyes was not intentional and we probably didn't even deserve the oddly awarded free kick. In the 23rd, Brayton gets another opportunity in the box but this shot is saved as well. HALF TIME- Our shape has been pretty good in the first half. The team is told that if we work hard, good things will happen and if we keep working like we did in the first half, we should come away with a victory. We do need to take care of the ball by either possessing it or by pressuring the ball on their half if possible. SECOND HALF- In the 48th minute, Isaac tries to get a long bal over the keeper. The shot goes over but the awareness from Isaac is good and the rest of the half, the GK stays closer to his line. Partly due, by the way, because the Panthers do as they were asked at the half; they pressure high. Rarely is the NW defense in trouble. Wawasee tries to counter attack but gets pinned on their own half most of the half. NW has most of the possession and threatens occassionaly. In the 60th, Eli crosses from the right side. The pass travels with pace to Juan who shoots. His effort goes over. Our defense plays strong when it needs to. The Miller/Eshelman combo in the middle play like experienced defenders. Dennyz disturbs and breaks up numerous Wawasee attempts at bringing the ball up. Dylan keeps his play simple and does well in the second half. Matt moves across the field like a hovercraft and creates a lot of disarray in the midfield. Derek slaloms thru the Wawasee midfield and defense all night long. Eli has the best (first) half of the season. Juan has a couple of chances and plays well on the left side. Isaac is named captain for the next game for his work rate. Jaron and Tony do a nice job coming off the bench. Tony has a couple of shots from near the box and Jaron creates some panic with his speed. Cody gets his second shut out of the season and the Panthers their first home NLC win in over two years! NorthWood is 2-2-2 going into the Argos Invitational. NOTES- There is no JV practice today. The JV does not have a game tomorrow, the Varsity has two and with Seth gone for the week, JV practice will resume Monday. The Varsity practice is at the game field and will be light and short (done by 4:30 pm).