Northridge-NorthWood 3-0 (1-0)

There might be rain on the way to the game but fortunately, the closer we get to "Raider Country", the better the weather. The Varsity game starts under cool but very sunny conditions. Even though this is the third game of the season, it is the first time we hear the National Anthem! The teams are introduced and we find out we are now being coached by Caoch Brad Durkson. FIRST HALF (or should I say first minute). It only takes a minute for Northridge to put the first goal against NW by any school this season, on the board. A ball into the box ends up going in near the right post and some marking confusion is to blame. The game goes back and forth for a good 15 minutes with the Panthers somewhat playing on their heels and letting the play come at them but our passing is decent, our runs are okay and we grow in the game as we go. In the 20th minute a shot from NR #11 has Micah diving to make a sublime save. In the 37th, Andre takes a free kick from the right side and targets Matt in the box. Matt's header nearly misses to the right. HALF TIME- The talk is about a couple of strategic issues and taking shots when we have the opportunity to do so. SECOND HALF- In the very first minute of the second act, Mason defends a ball in the box the way one is supposed to. He shields the ball but while doing that, the NR attacker makes contact and falls. As if a mistake in the first half that leads to a goal isn't bad enough, the mistake in the first minute of the second half comes directly from the center ref. He points at the twelve! Up to this point, he has missed plenty of calls and gets little or no direction from his overpaid AR's. But this call is a display of not having any knowledge of how soccer is played and what the rules are. The whistle doesn't get caressed by his lips until the NR bench screams that Mason's shielding is a foul. Another ref who reacts to the bench. And it just is a shame that people like this make decisions on the field that have an impact on the game. A game for which these athletes have worked hard for and prepared hard for. The PK is a good one and goes up and left, 2-0. Despite being down two goals, we produce shots in the 56", 57" and 58" and it doesn't feel that we are out of the game at any point. In the 61st, an obvious NR hand ball in the box gets called. But the center ref places the ball outside the box and not on the 12 yard dot. Another decision by an incompetent ref that influences the outcome of the game. When asked how far the ball was outside the box, he replies that it was at least a yard according to him and his AR counterpart. Maybe this guy should buy some glasses or get a new prescription. It would work wonders; you can start reading the rule book and see the game better. In the 77th, when the game is all but over, the Raiders put in the third goal. The Panthers deserve more and played well in general. The game plan was well executed and only a marking issue in the first led to a goal. We don't have the majority of the possession and don't need to but we passed well and made good runs and had opportunities.Overall, no one had bad a game, as a matter of fact some had really good games. Micah played at the top of his game, Matt played excellent, our entire midfield played well and our entire back line (Trent, SKyler and Mason) was terrific. They had to make adjustments with Jadon out and they did so very well. Juan and Jerson worked tirelessly and our subs did a great job. And speaking of opportunities; Concord is up next (Saturday -tomorrow- at home). A team that is probably a notch better then Northridge so time for another great challenge and chance for an upset. This team, which received some nice compliments from the NR head coach, is looking better every game and could really make some waves this season. JV REPORT: In this game, the refs play a role in a goal as well by virtue of a bad call. The final score is 4-0 Northridge. The JV plays tomorrow at 10 am at our home field.NOTES: Today's practice is at the game field and only an hour long (in light of the tough games last night and another game tomorrow). Training will be light.