After a pretty exciting JV game that ends in a 1-1 draw (Cam's great goal ties it up with about 6" left), it is time for the seniors to take the field for their last home game. After the 4-3-3 earlier in the season seems to be less productive then it needed to be, the Panthers have worked on some reorganization defensively while offensively switching to a two prong attack. Defensively, we haven't given up a goal in the last two games while at the same time frustrating our opponents. The hope is that that streak continues tonight at Wellfield Park (the Home of NorthWood soccer after all). The change also has some implication on the ball possession in general. A little less possession, a little more counter attacking danger in return. Plymouth is a solid opponent who just comes off a 1-0 win vs. Northridge. The game starts with some minimal Panther threats but after a few jittery oments, the game settles down a bit. In the 18th minute, NW is awarded a free kick on the left side of the pitch on the Rockies half. Michael Hahn, who has come on strong recently with dangerous free kicks, passes and corners, strikes the ball with authority towards the Plymouth box. Just outside the 6, Solomon Yeagon gets behind the ball and with the smoothest of touches, slots the ball in the near corner for an early NorthWood lead; 1-0. Michael strikes again in the 25th when a perfect pass makes it to Luis who in a very nifty way, gets away from a central Rockies defender and goes at the GK. It look like his shot to the keepers left is perfect but the ball misses just right of the far post. Luis does everything well with the exception of the finish. Plymouth gets numerous chances and some efforts get cleared off the line (Alex saves one in the first half) and in the 32nd, Plymouth #14 breaks thru and goes 1 on 1 with Trent but Trent sticks his leg in the way and keeps the 0 on the guest side of the scoreboard. The half time speech focuses on needing another 40 minute effort. We have now played 3 good halves and want to make that 4 and get a result. The second half starts the way the first one ended. The referee has a second half performance that can be best characterized as consistent.....consistently bad. We end up with four yellow cards and Plymouth with one. Carlos gets one for kicking a ball away where Plymouth did the same in the first half and gets nothing. Those are the performances that frustrate coaches; all we want is consistency! Plymouth threatens the Panthers at times in the second half but defensively we deal with it. Aiden Greenlee has the backline playing in a disciplined fashion and Kaleb and Ethan play their position well. Our wingbacks work hard from box to box. Alex has a motor that won't stop and does not mind making runs up the flank to give us additional offensive options. Luis might have missed a great opportunity in the first half but in the 68th he gets revenge. In a ball in the box situation, Luis heads the ball over the keeper. In the ensuing scramble between a Plymouth defender and GK, Luis and Solomon, Solomon ends up near the ball on the far post and puts the ball over the line for a NW 2-0 lead. It needs mentioned that Joey disturbs many Plymouth attacks in the middle and Dom has a nice game with great distribution and with about 15 or so left in the game, takes on a more defensive role -part of the new system we play- and even though it looks like we might invite more attacks from the opponent, it gives us more counter attacking opportunities as well. The game ends in a 2-0 win for the Panthers on Senior Night and the contribution by our four seniors (Michael, Joey, Kaleb and Aiden Schrock)was fantastic all night long. Our final record in NLC is 3-4. Thanks to our Seniors for all these years of dedicating themselves to NW soccer. We are glad the rest of the team could help out with getting them a win on Senior Night! Thanks to Sarah DeFreitas for getting everything ready for Senior Night. Also thanks to Jeff Iwema for replacing the broken canopy tent (which was also donated to us by Jeff). Thanks to all the fans for showing up all season long and being our 12th man! Now you know where to sit as well so thank you Sarah for posting the new signs ("Home Fans- Panthers" and "Away Seats"). Next up is the Varsity only game at Goshen College versus Bethany Christian tomorrow (Thursday 09/29 at 6 pm). The JV finishes the season at 5-6-2 and was unbeaten in their last 3 games.
No comments:
Post a Comment