Elkhart Memorial- NorthWood 1-5 (1-0)

FIRST HALF -A slow start turns into a lackluster performance in the first half. Even though our first chance, in the 8th, should've come from the PK spot when Sebastian Guillen gets clearly fouled in the box. But referees seem to think that a foul in the box needs judges different then the ones outside of it. Andrew Graber is the outstanding athlete in half number one when he makes a few crucial saves and Andre DeFreitas sees a 30th minute free kick just clear the cross bar. The only other soccer fact mentioning is a combination on the right side where Andre's shot on the frame gets stopped by the Memorial GK. Memorial scores on a long distance shot that goes over Graber and into the goal in the 33'. HALF TIME- Coach Duerksen addresses the team by telling them that he has watched a lethargic and uninspired team. This is a big game for us because a win guarantees NW a winning record in NLC. It is obviously a great opportunity. He stresses the fact that when we play hard and work hard, we are a great team but when we do not, we are not that good. We need to get back to basics which means we need to pass and combine despite the bumpy field which besides the bumps, also sticks out by it being covered in geese crap. SECOND HALF- Complacency makes room for an energetic looking crew right from the second half whistle. The 11 on the field do not resemble themselves compared to the first 40 minutes. Three minutes in, NW combines quick and the crisp pass from the left flank gets to Andre in the center. Andre pushes the ball to Trent Edwards on the right side of the box. Trent takes a touch and from inside the right side of the box crushes the ball past the keeper and into the ropes in the left upper for a "BANGER" and draws us even with the Chargers! 1-1. I don't usually use the term "banger" and everyone knows that our players do even when it sometimes really isn't one but, my goodness, tonight must be the night for bangers! In the 56th, Sebastian's corner from the right (by the way there is no semi circle by the corner flag so I guess the ball can be placed anywhere ?!?!). The corner comes in near the 6 and Jerson Sanchez volleys the ball with his instep for banger number 2! 1-2 NW. Two minutes later, Andre tries his luck at a volley in the box but his effort gets blocked. Jerson picks a Memorial defender's pocket at the top of the 18 circle, takes the ball in the box and crushes the ball in the back of the net in minute 59. 1-3 NorthWood. The Panthers go from being behind at the half to scoring three goals in a span of 16 minutes and being up by 2 goals. We have been able to score all year (we have scored in 10 of 11 games) but the passing and moving off the ball is about as good tonight as it has been all year. The first half is one of our worst halves of the season but the second half is one of the best we played so far. It is great to see us being able to play this way against an NLC opponent. Sebastian sends a solid assist to Andre in the 66th who puts the ball behind the Memorial stopper and puts the Panthers ahead 1-4. Every field player on the bench gets significant time on the pitch. The Memorial JV coach's screaming finally fades away when she realizes that none of her Jimmy V type of encouragements ("don't give up, don't ever give up!") are effective. A foul in the Charger box in the 69th gets called which gives Jerson the opportunity to get a hat trick on the night. He makes no mistake and the final is 1-5. A great second half performance turns into a great win. The Varsity is 11-2 on the season and 4-2 in NLC. The JV reverses its result from Saturday as they beat Memorial on a Joel header (after a rib "shot" on the post finally finds Joel's forehead). The jV moves to 5-4-2 on the season. NEXT UP- The Varsity travels to Glenn Monday for a 5:30 pm start. Reports are that the field in Walkerton is much improved. Glenn has no JV so their next game will be Tuesday vs. Plymouth (late start : 5:30 pm due to Plymouth busing problems). That night will also be Senior Night at NorthWood. Because of the busing problem and Senior Night activities, we expect about a 7 - 7:15 Varsity kick off Tuesday.