The very large stands are sparseley populated on another beautiful fall evening. This season clearly has a different feel to it then the last one. Last season we set records left and right, this season we are no longer chasing records but trying to focus on becoming better for the post season. The schedule was intentionally shored up so we would play tougher opponents in order to have a good showing in conference but more then that, we want to get good results in October. This past week has been the week where it seems we are getting to the point where we are getting close to figuring out how to play our formation better organized and not just defensively but on the attacking side as well. Some players are playing in different positions this week then they did at the beginning of the season and it seems that we are starting to peak. Our practices this week have been focused and everyone is responding very well. Stepping on the field tonight, the hope is that this will transition into a game situation as well. FIRST HALF - It really does not take long to see that the changes that are implemented are working. We have a skilled soccer team that knows how to pass and posses. We just have not done it for 80 minutes. Tonight we do it for a good 65- 70 minutes. That is progress for sure. Kayden seems more comfortable in his 2019 boots and playing as a forward. Andre and Sebastian play extrememly well in their positions, be it at the #10 spot or as a forward. The first sign of good soccer comes in the 4th. After NW has passed the ball in the middle third, Andre launches Kayden for the first time on a long throw in and Kayden gets a chance but the ball goes over. Marian has been warned. A nice pass from Andre in the 17th, finds Kayden at the top of the 18. Kayden takes a touch to his right and takes a great shot at the goal. The keeper has no chance and NW leads 0-1. Two minutes later, Graber turns into Grabber when he gobbels up a ball that ping pongs around in the box initially and then lands in front of the Knights' #3 feet. Graber prevents numerous additional shots from #3 and 11 throughout the rest of the match. A NorthWood attack near the Marian box requires a save from the Marian keeper but he handles the ball with his hands just outside of the 18. The ensuing Andre De Freitas free kick hits the left post. HALF TIME- No adjustments are necessary at the half. The seniors are leading by example and the effort by the entire team is unbelievable. Chan plays very well on his side, Andre played well at the 10 as did Sebastian when he took over at the 10. Kayden has been making great and dangerous runs thru the opponents defense. Our defense was stellar and took care of whatever came into our box. Graber kept us in the game with a great save. Joey seems to be in the right spot every time the Knights come up the field. He interrupts offensive advances time and time again. Our central defenders rule in the sky and Cam and Beebe make some nice threatening runs rolling up the side. Beebe is open the entire first half when coming up the flanks. SECOND HALF- With the hope of being able to keep up the hard work effort, the second half starts off the way the first half ended. We dominate possession and our passing is very good. Seba tries out the Mishawaka Marian keeper twice early on (46" & 47"). In the 48th, NW gets to throw in on the lft side of the field. Andre tosses the ball into the box where Sebastian sdlips a header to Kayden. Kayden's very decisive and quick shot is placed past the keeper for a 0-2 NW lead! In the 54th, Marian threatens again when their #11 takes a shot from close range but again, Graber saves the day. NW plays good possession soccer where Marian plays nothing but long ball soccer. Each time we lose the ball, Marian kicks it up. Not pretty but failry effective for them. A 66th minute counter after ball loss by NW, results in the first Marian goal (1-2). A Marian cross into the box in minute 69, results in another ugly Marian goal, 2-2. It will be the final score of the the night despite some NW offense in the waning minutes of the match. We feel that we have played our best overall game of the season. Our seniors were studs all night long. The effort was enbelievable. Every substitute played as well as the player they replaced, the level never went down. The worst moment of the game comes when Alex, while defending, injures his ankle on the sideline in front of the dug out. It looks bad from our vantage point but the Marian trainer assusres us it is a sprained ankle. Hopefully Mr. Widner can give us some positive feedback on that today as well. Alex leaves the stadium on crutches. Chase played very well especially considering he is nursing a foot injury. Nick and Chase played the best organized central defensive game of the season. Now we need to keep this going!!! Joel put in a great effort as well tonight coming in at various time to give midfielders a breather. A hard fought battle against a good team ends in a draw. The lads are tired and therefore deserve and get Friday off so we can all come back fresh Monday at home against Glenn. The JV loses 2-0. Trace did not wear his shin guards but Coach Duerksen took care of that (see pic below).
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