Glenn- NorthWood 0-2 (0-0)

After some confusion on the start time, the game gets underway around 6:05 pm. As the pictures in the next post will prove, this field supersedes "sprinkler head stadium" -the former home of Glenn soccer in New Liberty- in being the worst soccer field in Indiana. It probably should not be used as it is unsafe to play on. Playing soccer on this type of surface is impossible. Any area hospital would probably gladly be a main sponsor considering that it would be an investment that will pay for itself. But Hiler Field is ruled "good enough" by the arbiters so the game is played, kind of. FIRST HALF - It is obvious from the first kick that controlling a ball is nearly impossible. There is standing water in the goal mouth on the NW side which will make defending the goal by the keeper even tougher. Coach Duerksen made some changes to the starting team; Andre in the middle and Luke as the final defender. In the 9th minute, Landon Parker gets his first opportunity and takes a nice direct shot that requires a save from Glenn's tall GK. Eight minutes later, Matt Thornton delivers the ball to C-Bass who takes a nice shot but his effort gets stopped as well. A laser shot in minute 25 from Juan goes wide to the right. Glenn does not threaten much as Luke only has to make a couple of saves. HALF TIME- The lackluster performance of the first half is the topic of discussion. We play to the level of the opponent with little enthusiasm. Coach Duerksen challenges the team to work, talk and move for each other. We need to start using the flanks and do better on free kicks. SECOND HALF- Three minutes into the second half, Juan shoots at the goal but his hard shot finds the crossbar; a good and energetic start to the half. In the 53rd, Landon receives the ball on the right side near the 18. He crosses the ball in the box and finds Sebastian's head. Sebastian's header is a thing of beauty and it finds the net, 0-1 NW. In the very next minute, the center referee calls for a NW PK. Juan takes it without waiting for the whistle and scores but has to retake it. This time, instead of going left, he goes to the right but the result is the same, 0-2. The best encouragements for the Panthers come from Glenn's number 22. This friendly, burly headband toting defender tells his opponents when they hustle, when they have a nice shot and when they make good runs. In the 77th, Andy Duran slaloms thru the Glenn defense and passes the ball to Landon. After his shot rebounds, it looks like all Trent has to do is tap the ball in but a block by a defender and the keeper prevent the 0-3. It is a ugly win on an even uglier field. But a win is a win and the Panthers move to 8-6 on the season.Mason was able to get some time on the field and looked good. Hopefully he keeps recovering so he can get more playing time. NOTES- Tonight (Tuesday) is Senior Night. The JV game vs. Plymouth starts at 5 pm and the Senior Night festivities around 6:20 pm. Kick off for the Varsity game against Plymouth is 6:45. There is a team dinner in the Elementary School cafeteria after the game. Tomorrow the JV practice is from 3:30 -5:30 while the Varsity leaves at 6 pm for a 6:30-7:30 practice on the Goshen High School football field (artificial turf) in preparation for the Sectional game at Wawasee Monday against West Noble.