Lakeland-NorthWood 2-3 (0-0)

A balanced first half with only one good opportunity for NW (38" Jager Bute goes around the keeper and hits the cross bar), demands an adjustment at the half. The adjustment Kyle makes is to press the slow build out from the back on the Lakers' side. This pays dividend three minutes into the second act as the keeper leaves a clear short and Jager decidedly scores the first goal, 0-1 NW. Another press play on the Lakeland defense in the 55th results in the Panthers (Isaac Bell) recovering the ball near the box. The ensuing dribble from Lucas Mullett and consequent shot lands in the ropes for a 0-2 NorthWood lead.A mere 5 minutes later (60") Jager takes a ball on the right flank and crosses it on the ground into the box. Brayden is in the right spot at the right time and taps the ball over the line for what looks to be an easy second half; 0-3. A 63rd minute fould outside Evander's 18, gives the Lakers a straight on free kick. It sails into the upper left; 1-3. A foul by Traey on the Lakeland left offensive third, gives the Blue Men group another free kick which also sails into the upper left with 3.3 seconds left on the clock. A 2-3 final is not very indicative on how the second half felt. The game was out of reach for the Lakers even though the final makes it look like a close game, which it was not. The Panthers are now 3-3 on the season and will face South Bend Adams at South Bend's School Field at 9 (!!!) am Saturday. This is a game starting time change! The JV match will follow at the conclusion of the Varsity game.