NorthWood - Wawasee 6-1 (1-0)

Two refs for the Varsity only contest illustrates that arbiters are hard to come by these days although most have been pretty good so quality obviously better that quantity. After a small delay with the sound system, we get underway at 6:07 pm. While possessing the ball the majority of the time, we have to wait until the 28th minute before we see the ball pass the goal line. An Isaac Bell throw in finds Gusy Dosal in the box who foot punches the ball into the ropes. Despite crisp passing with nice pass strings, no more goals get added before the half. At the half, one of the tpics discussed is to take balls into the box while dribbling. The 4-4-2 looks organized even though the opponent is not very dangerous offensively. Five minutes into the second act, Kyler gets the ball on the left flank and crosses it on the ground into the box. Isaac is the recipient who by putting the ball in the back of the net, is involved in both the first and second goal (he would be named Man of the Match by Michiana Promotions during their broadcast of the match). Only two minutes later Kyler Fike again crosses the ball into the box. This time the ball goes into Jager Bute's direction who cleverly, dummy's the ball. The ball gets into the 6 and at the ensuing melee, Drew touches the ball and it ends up in the goal for a 3-0 lead. When Wawasee forces us on the left flank defensively, a mental breakdwon gives the Warriors an opportunity for a shot that finds the net; 3-1. The Wawasee bench errupts and is hoping to get back in the game.Fortunately, the Panthers get back into focused game mode and Gusy scores his second goal of the game after a nice Jager assist.In the 59th, Drew Davis gets leveled in the box and the referee has no choice but to point at the 12 yard spot. Drew slots the PK to his right and out of the Wawasee GK's reach for a four goal lead, 5-1. Only two minutes later does a nice pass make it to Brayden inside the box in what looks to be an obvious goal scoring opportunity but instead he decides to lay the ball of to Sammy inside the 6. Sammy one touches the ball on the frame and this goal is the final one of the evening. We should have had another PK after Gusy gets taken down near the 12 but the center ref decides to ignore it. Gusy does not get a shot at a hat trick and has to be satisfied with a brace today. The Panthers move to 4-4 on the season (1-2 NLC). Next up is ECA tomorrow at Elkhart Christian.