Tippecanoe Valley - NorthWood 0-10 (0-6)

Even with the bridge out in Mentone, the Egg Basket of the Midwest, we still arrive on time downtown Corn Land AKA Tippy Valley High School. I should have brought my wooden shoes because I don't remember the last time I spent this much time by a windmill. The soccer complex butts up against the football field and the back window of the football press box apparently is the front window for the press box for soccer matches. After the warm up and pre game talk by Coach Duerksen (Durkesen if you are from Tippy Valley), the team gets announced while still in the huddle. It is not the only hiccup in pre game festivities. Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before a game apparently is custom here and they like it so much, they try to do it twice. If there was a musical rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner available, it was not turned on so the Tippy Valley soccer manager sang it and actually did a great job. Things will not get any smoother for the Vikings however. Due to the high amount of scoring, I will refrain from a flowing game report but instead, I will summarize the score sheet. FIRST HALF The Panthers fans, who seem to outnumber the TV supporters, only have to wait 8 minutes before they see Landon Parker pass a ball to Jerson Sanchez who does not miss this time and places the ball against the back of the net for the first lead of the season, 0-1. Two minutes later, NW utilizes the bench for the first time and exchanges 4 players, two of whom are freshmen. A thru ball from Juan Pantoja to Landon, places Landon in a 1v1 with the keeper (and to quote coach Duerksen "he will probably lead the State in saves by the end of the day") and goes around him, 0-2. Role reversal in the 24th means that Landon passes to Juan at the halfway line who coasts straight at the GK and once in the box, decides to place the ball in the right corner for the 0-3 lead. Marius Ley's slick pass to Sebastian in the 28th results in the 4th goal of the game. Kyle Luster signs for the 5th NW goal in the 32nd (Marius assist). Six minutes later Marius, in an off sides position that is not called, blasts a nice shot at the goal but the TV goalie (surely their best player) touches the ball onto the crossbar. Right before the half time whistle, Andy Duran slips the ball to Marius who decidedly puts the ball against the ropes for a 0-6 lead. HALF TIME Possession and one/two touch passing is the main theme at the half while also making sure we do not get scored on. SECOND HALF We start with about 4 minutes of straight possession with some good passing. By the end of the game the possession meter has to show about 80/20. Luke Lingle replaces Micah Pippinger between the pipes. In the 48th a corner from the right (about 9 yards from a healthy looking corn stalk), taken by Lucas Aukerman goes intentionally between Landon's legs and the ball ends up in front of Corbin Taylor who scores his first of the season. His quest to beat his brother's senior record has begun! In minute 60, Andy pushes the ball left to Sebastian Guillen who scores by placing the ball on the ground and in the corner, 0-8. Andre de Freitas signs for goal number 9 when he scores in the box off of a Marius throw in. The final goal of the day goes again to Corbin who "volleys" (uhuh sure....) the leather in the net. Final score 0-10. Our defense plays a solid game with Skyler, Jadon and Mason and our subs fulfill their duties well all game long. Our flyers (Lucas and Trent and Kyle) have an easy day since they meet little resistance. The other midfielders Corbin, Matt and the guys coming off the bench have an easy afternoon and perform well. NOTES NorthWood is 1-0 on the season. Saturday (tomorrow) will be the second game of the season and the first home game. The opponent is Angola (again, the school, not the country). The JV kicks off at 10 am, followed by the Varsity match at 11:45. Today's practice is at the High School's training ground and will run from 3:30 -5 pm.