NorthWood-Elkhart Memorial 0-2 (0-2)

Maybe not the X's and O's and perhaps not the Larry's and Joe's by themselves but more of a combination of the two have turned the Panthers into a competitive side. Considering that the Chargers are ranked 11th by Maxpreps and 22nd by the Indiana Coaches poll, we knew that we were going to have a battle on our hand. And despite a 13th minute goal, NW was able to stay organized defensively. The corner in the 36th from Landon Parker finds Matt's head. The header is saved by the Memorial keeper but the rebound finds Jaron who lasers the ball against the underside of the crossbar. A couple of minutes later, Memorial does find itself counterattacking. The pass over the last line of the NW defense finds the Chargers #22 who puts the ball into the ropes for a 2-0 lead. Not many adjustments are needed at the tea break, it is more of a re-focus of what was discussed at the pre game talk. We are in the game and just need a little luck in finishing. We have to wait until the 73rd for that opportunity. An Eli free kick finds Thornton. The continuation of play has Jaron go one on one with the keeper who comes up the winner. The score remains 0-2, not a bad result considering the talent of the opponent and it gives us confidence in the next few home games. On another note, the officiating was impressive and consistent, a rarity lately (lately being the last 20 years or so). The next game is Saturday versus Fort Wayne Concordia. The JV starts at 10, Varsity at 11:45. At 5 pm the team dinner will start at the Elementary school's cafeteria. Grace visits Bethel at 7 and any player who can attend (to watch David and Brayton) will be able to get in for free.A full day of soccer and soccer related activities! NOTES- We are dealing with some injuries; Dylan Weldy (toe, out 2 weeks), Angel Pantoja (day to day, bone bruise), Mason Mast (hip injury, status for Saturday unknown), Landon Parker (shoulder, status for Saturday unknown). Speaking of Mason Mast; he is scheduled to sing the National Anthem Saturday before the Varsity match. The draw for Sectionals will be Friday morning. I will post the draw as soon as we get the information.