We headed to Butler this weekend for the Horizon League Conference Tournament. This was a huge weekend because it was do or die, win or go home. The only way that we could go on to the NCAA Tournament was to win the conference tournament. It also turned out to be the perfect opportunity for some redemption against the two teams we lost to in regular season play.
First up was Wright State in the semi-finals on Friday. This was the second game in a row we played Wright State, losing 1-0 to them in our final regular season game. The loss was fresh in our minds and not something we wanted to repeat. We came out with a lot more energy in this game and took it to Wright State from the beginning. Apple got us on the board first when she finished a cross from Sperl in the 16th minute. Wright State cleared the ball off of a free kick but Sperl won it back and took it end line before sending a cross in to Apple who finished with her head. We didn’t let up and scored the second and final goal of the game in 25th minute. Sperl sent a great ball in the box off of a free kick that held up perfectly for Helen to volley into the net. We created numerous more chances that we didn’t quite convert but our two goals proved to be enough to send us to the finals on Sunday.
On Saturday we had training in the afternoon and then went to cheer on the volleyball team who were also playing at Butler this weekend. We got a little bit rowdy and were probably some of the most obnoxious fans the Butler parents had seen, but UWM won in four games and we’d like to think that we may have contributed just a little bit.
When Sunday finally arrived, we couldn’t have been more ready. The regular season loss against Butler had been especially disappointing because it was a home game and we were all really eager to make a huge statement. Without a doubt, we achieved that goal. We scored first in the 31st minute when the Butler goalie fumbled a ball in the box and Stern slotted it in. We went in to halftime with a 1-0 lead but came out for the second half and completely took control. We scored four more goals, two from Apple and one each from Meghan and Helen. The game ended 5-0 for Milwaukee; we were tournament champs for the third straight year!
Thanks to everyone who made the trip to Indianapolis to support us this weekend. Also thank you to the Hagen’s and Wandolowski's for this weekend’s treat bags.
After driving home Sunday following the game, we headed to Via on Downer Monday afternoon to watch the NCAA Tournament draw and to find out who and where we will be playing next weekend. We head across town to Marquette to play Wisconsin in the 1st round. The other two teams in our bracket are Marquette and Central Michigan. We have a week to prepare for a big state rivalry game and hopefully to make history and earn a spot in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time, with two wins.
Nov 9, 2010
Nov 4, 2010
Tournament Time...
Conference tournament is this weekend and we couldn’t be more ready to really make a statement and bring the championship back home with us. We had a bye last weekend, so we’ve had two weeks to prepare. It’s also been good to recuperate a little bit. After a hard week of training last week, we were given the weekend off to relax and spend some time together as a team. We did spend time together, going to a movie, dinner and the men’s game. But, it was a little bit hard to relax at the movie we went to see, Saw 3D. I still don’t think Laurel has quite recovered mentally.
We’ve had some really good training this week and can’t wait for this weekend. We play Wright State first on Friday and we’re ready for some redemption after our loss to them last weekend. There’s a lot at stake this weekend, the conference tournament title and bid into the NCAA tournament. We know it won’t be an easy task but we’re excited to go out and work hard to earn the two wins we need.
We’ve had some really good training this week and can’t wait for this weekend. We play Wright State first on Friday and we’re ready for some redemption after our loss to them last weekend. There’s a lot at stake this weekend, the conference tournament title and bid into the NCAA tournament. We know it won’t be an easy task but we’re excited to go out and work hard to earn the two wins we need.
Oct 26, 2010
Closing out the regular season...
Friday was our final regular season home game and it was senior’s night. Sperl’s mom came prepared and filled the stands with pictures of each of the seniors’ faces on popsicle sticks. The game got off to a bit of a rocky start when Detroit nearly scored in the opening minutes. Mary slid in to clear a ball off the line and deny Detroit a goal. From there, we picked things up and took control of the game. In the 10th minute Apple opened the scoring. Helen played a ball in behind the Detroit defence which Hirsch won and played across the top of the box to Apple, who then finished on the ground far post. We scored another late in the first half to go into half time with a 2-0 lead. Helen played another good ball through, this time to Stern. Stern beat the keeper with a great finish in the far post. We locked the game up in the 55th minute when Apple scored her second goal. Sperl played a great ball in off of a corner kick and Apple was able to jump above her defender to head it in. The game ended with a 3-0 score and we secured at least a share of the Horizon League regular season title.
Saturday morning we had a training session and then left for Dayton for our game against Wright State on Sunday. We woke up Sunday and went for a team walk and stretch before breakfast and then headed over to the field. This was a big game. It was our final regular season game and an opportunity to claim the right to host the conference tournament. We held a majority of possession throughout the game but weren’t able to come back from a goal late in the first half. Wright State was able to score off a corner kick in the 41st minute. We outshot Wright State but just didn’t have that extra bit of something in the attacking third to get the goal we needed. With the loss, we share the regular season championship with Butler but they have the number one seed in the tournament and get to host.
Thanks to Jerry and Roadie’s mom for the treat bags on the bus ride home. We were able to eat our feelings after the loss and the glow sticks were put to good use in some quality team bonding. After the bonding and a good talk, we’re ready to put this last game behind us and focus on taking advantage of a clean slate that the conference tournament provides us. We have two weeks to put in some good, hard training and to prepare to make a statement in the tournament.
Saturday morning we had a training session and then left for Dayton for our game against Wright State on Sunday. We woke up Sunday and went for a team walk and stretch before breakfast and then headed over to the field. This was a big game. It was our final regular season game and an opportunity to claim the right to host the conference tournament. We held a majority of possession throughout the game but weren’t able to come back from a goal late in the first half. Wright State was able to score off a corner kick in the 41st minute. We outshot Wright State but just didn’t have that extra bit of something in the attacking third to get the goal we needed. With the loss, we share the regular season championship with Butler but they have the number one seed in the tournament and get to host.
Thanks to Jerry and Roadie’s mom for the treat bags on the bus ride home. We were able to eat our feelings after the loss and the glow sticks were put to good use in some quality team bonding. After the bonding and a good talk, we’re ready to put this last game behind us and focus on taking advantage of a clean slate that the conference tournament provides us. We have two weeks to put in some good, hard training and to prepare to make a statement in the tournament.
Oct 19, 2010
Back in first...
Last Friday we played Green Bay for our final in-state rivalry game. After losing to Butler last Sunday we wanted to make sure we came out with a good performance and came away with a win. Earlier in the day Butler lost to Loyola so we knew we were back in a very good position to host the conference tournament, as long as we took care of business on our end. We controlled the game and held a large majority of the possession. It was difficult to generate a great deal of offence at times because, for the most part, Green Bay was playing with nine players behind the ball, right in front of their box. We were unable to convert the chances we did create and regular time ended in a scoreless tie. We were headed into overtime for the first time in conference play. During the first overtime period we continued to dictate the game and, finally, with 46 seconds left on the clock, we got the goal we needed. We were given a free kick out wide when I was fouled just outside the box. Sperl played a perfect ball across and I was able to redirect it past the Green Bay goalie.
Sunday started with a trip to the Pancake House for a team breakfast and then we were back on the road for a short trip to Loyola. This was a huge game. If Loyola managed to beat us, they would be ahead of us in the standings with just one game left to play. We would have two more games which would both be must-win games. We came out and, in a welcome change from Friday’s game, scored early. I played a cross to the far post and Apple headed it into the back of the net. Then, we scored again early in the second half to increase our lead to 2-0. It was a very similar style goal to the first one, with Apple finishing a cross from Ashley on the back post. Loyola then got one of their own, scoring off a misplayed ball back to Deebach. It was an exciting finish to the game as Loyola pressed hard, trying to get a second goal. They had one quality chance and Deebach made an amazing save to preserve our lead. It wasn’t our prettiest or smoothest performance but we were able to earn a win and we moved into first place in the Horizon League standings.
Thanks again to the parents for the treat bags on our bus ride back. We’re back at home Friday against Detroit and then at Wright State to finish up the regular season.
Sunday started with a trip to the Pancake House for a team breakfast and then we were back on the road for a short trip to Loyola. This was a huge game. If Loyola managed to beat us, they would be ahead of us in the standings with just one game left to play. We would have two more games which would both be must-win games. We came out and, in a welcome change from Friday’s game, scored early. I played a cross to the far post and Apple headed it into the back of the net. Then, we scored again early in the second half to increase our lead to 2-0. It was a very similar style goal to the first one, with Apple finishing a cross from Ashley on the back post. Loyola then got one of their own, scoring off a misplayed ball back to Deebach. It was an exciting finish to the game as Loyola pressed hard, trying to get a second goal. They had one quality chance and Deebach made an amazing save to preserve our lead. It wasn’t our prettiest or smoothest performance but we were able to earn a win and we moved into first place in the Horizon League standings.
Thanks again to the parents for the treat bags on our bus ride back. We’re back at home Friday against Detroit and then at Wright State to finish up the regular season.
Oct 12, 2010
Home at last...
This week we were able to practice on campus for the first time! Our new turf field is finally done so no more travelling to Bradley Tech for practices. We can sleep in a little bit later before morning practices and can go out there anytime for additional individual training.
Friday’s game against Valpo was the first game on the new Engelmann Field and we couldn’t have asked for a better opening game on the field. We completely took control of the game and came away with a 5-0 win. Apple opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a diving header to score her record-breaking 58th career goal! I beat a Valpo defender wide, served it into the box, and Apple laid out to send it into the back of the net. Kenzie made it 2-0 in the 28th minute when she headed in a cross from Helen and in the 42nd minute I scored off a loose ball just outside the box. We headed into half with a 3-0 lead. We had dictated the play in the first half but knew that we still had to make a statement in the second half. We made sure we did just that by adding another 2 goals. First, Helen played a great ball over the Valpo backline for Apple to run onto. She beat a Valpo defender and finished. Then, Meghan converted the final goal of the game in the 83rd minute off of a cross from Hannah Kaul. First game on the new turf field, first win on the new turf field.
Sunday was parent’s day we were back on our new field to take on Butler. We had a great performance against Valpo and really wanted to build on that during the Sunday game. We came out flat in the first half and just didn’t play with the same energy that we did on Friday. We got down in the 17th minute when Butler scored off of a deflection in the box. We held a majority of the possession and generated numerous chances, especially in the second half, but couldn’t break Butler’s 1-0 lead. Apple hit a free kick off the crossbar and Hirsch nearly scored in the final five seconds but, despite creating several scoring opportunities, we were unable to finish our chances. The game ended 1-0 for Butler.
It was a very disappointing loss against Butler but, fortunately, it’s one that we can recover from. All the other teams in our conference also have at least one loss. So, if we can close out the rest of games with wins we can still win the regular season. It is something that will take a lot of work and focus, but it’s also something that we are definitely capable of. The first step will against Green Bay on Friday and then Loyola on Sunday.
Friday’s game against Valpo was the first game on the new Engelmann Field and we couldn’t have asked for a better opening game on the field. We completely took control of the game and came away with a 5-0 win. Apple opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a diving header to score her record-breaking 58th career goal! I beat a Valpo defender wide, served it into the box, and Apple laid out to send it into the back of the net. Kenzie made it 2-0 in the 28th minute when she headed in a cross from Helen and in the 42nd minute I scored off a loose ball just outside the box. We headed into half with a 3-0 lead. We had dictated the play in the first half but knew that we still had to make a statement in the second half. We made sure we did just that by adding another 2 goals. First, Helen played a great ball over the Valpo backline for Apple to run onto. She beat a Valpo defender and finished. Then, Meghan converted the final goal of the game in the 83rd minute off of a cross from Hannah Kaul. First game on the new turf field, first win on the new turf field.
Sunday was parent’s day we were back on our new field to take on Butler. We had a great performance against Valpo and really wanted to build on that during the Sunday game. We came out flat in the first half and just didn’t play with the same energy that we did on Friday. We got down in the 17th minute when Butler scored off of a deflection in the box. We held a majority of the possession and generated numerous chances, especially in the second half, but couldn’t break Butler’s 1-0 lead. Apple hit a free kick off the crossbar and Hirsch nearly scored in the final five seconds but, despite creating several scoring opportunities, we were unable to finish our chances. The game ended 1-0 for Butler.
It was a very disappointing loss against Butler but, fortunately, it’s one that we can recover from. All the other teams in our conference also have at least one loss. So, if we can close out the rest of games with wins we can still win the regular season. It is something that will take a lot of work and focus, but it’s also something that we are definitely capable of. The first step will against Green Bay on Friday and then Loyola on Sunday.
Oct 5, 2010
Soccer and Swimming in Texas...
This weekend we travelled to Austin, Texas to play the University of Texas for our last of three straight weekends on the road. The good news, this week we didn’t have to drive all the way in bus. The bad news, we had to leave campus at 4:30 am for our flight, inevitably resulting in a group of twenty crabby girls. Our mood improved significantly when we arrived in Austin and went to an old friend of Mike and David’s for lunch and some pool time. Pool is definitely an understatement though. Any home pool that has a lazy river needs a much more elaborate name. Thanks to our hosts for having all of us and if you ever need a live-in maid or nanny, I’m available.
Once the coaches were finally able to drag us away from what we all wished could be our new home, we headed to hotel to check in and then over to the Texas campus for training. Afterwards, we had dinner back at the hotel. After David finally let Talbert take her cookie (and gave her all the extras) we headed to bed to get some much needed sleep. Friday morning, after breakfast, we went to downtown Austin to walk around and stretch our legs.
Though a number of girls on the team were sick, we were ready to go come game time. We got things started when we scored in the 13th minute. I played a ball over the Texas backline and, after the keeper mishandled it, Apple slipped it in. Unfortunately we allowed Texas to tie it up only a minute later. The scored stayed at 1-1 for the rest of the first half. In the second half Texas took the lead twice but both times we responded really well and worked to tie the game back up. First, Demi finished a ball from Apple in the box in the 77th minute for her first career goal. Then, Apple tied it up for the second time when she slotted in the rebound after I hit the post (typical). Regular time ended in a 3-3 tie, sending us into overtime. Going into the first overtime period there was a definite sense of confidence within the team. We had really started to take it to Texas in the last part of the game and had started to break them down. Things started off well again in overtime, but unfortunately just before the end of the first period, Texas scored off a corner kick.
It was a really disappointing loss, but we had a lot of good play to build on. Next week is finally our first home game on the new and improved Engelmann Field. We’ll break in the new turf against Valpo on Friday for the annual Pink Out game and then against Butler on Sunday for Parent’s Day.
Once the coaches were finally able to drag us away from what we all wished could be our new home, we headed to hotel to check in and then over to the Texas campus for training. Afterwards, we had dinner back at the hotel. After David finally let Talbert take her cookie (and gave her all the extras) we headed to bed to get some much needed sleep. Friday morning, after breakfast, we went to downtown Austin to walk around and stretch our legs.
Though a number of girls on the team were sick, we were ready to go come game time. We got things started when we scored in the 13th minute. I played a ball over the Texas backline and, after the keeper mishandled it, Apple slipped it in. Unfortunately we allowed Texas to tie it up only a minute later. The scored stayed at 1-1 for the rest of the first half. In the second half Texas took the lead twice but both times we responded really well and worked to tie the game back up. First, Demi finished a ball from Apple in the box in the 77th minute for her first career goal. Then, Apple tied it up for the second time when she slotted in the rebound after I hit the post (typical). Regular time ended in a 3-3 tie, sending us into overtime. Going into the first overtime period there was a definite sense of confidence within the team. We had really started to take it to Texas in the last part of the game and had started to break them down. Things started off well again in overtime, but unfortunately just before the end of the first period, Texas scored off a corner kick.
It was a really disappointing loss, but we had a lot of good play to build on. Next week is finally our first home game on the new and improved Engelmann Field. We’ll break in the new turf against Valpo on Friday for the annual Pink Out game and then against Butler on Sunday for Parent’s Day.
Sep 27, 2010
Getting into league play...
This weekend we were on the road again to open conference play at Youngstown on Friday and Cleveland State on Sunday. We arrived in Cleveland Thursday evening after another long bus ride and went for dinner at the House of Blues. Friday morning we ate breakfast and then had a team meeting. We played a trivia game to see how well we knew each other with questions about us players and, of course, Mike threw in some tactical soccer questions. Led by Laurel and her flawless tactical knowledge, Team Panthers came from behind to beat Team Milwaukee by a score of 15-14.5.
After lunch and some studying/relaxing we left Cleveland for the two hour bus ride to Youngstown for the game against Youngstown State. The game was a little bit slower than what we’ve become used to against other opponents. Despite sometimes lacking the crispness and possession we’re capable of, we were able to take control of the game. Our first goal came in the 38th minute when Apple was taken down in the box and converted the penalty kick. We outshot Youngstown by a considerable amount and Apple scored again in the 59th minute. Roadie served a great ball into the box and Apple headed it over the keeper and just under the crossbar. The score would remain 2-0, starting off league play with a win.
Saturday we headed over to the Cleveland state campus for a training session in the morning. Afterwards we had the day to catch up on homework and studying we were missing while on the trip and to rest. That evening we went to Hoolihan’s for dinner and then got some sleep for our game against Cleveland State the next day.
We came out against Cleveland State and really took control of the game. We did a good job of keeping possession in the midfield. When we did lose it we put them under quick hard pressure and forced a lot of turnovers. We scored first in the 13th minute when Kelly played a ball through to Apple who finished it off. Then, just before half, Stern scored to make it 2-0. Cleveland cleared a cross into their box but it came free to Stern who hit a nice shot to beat the Cleveland State keeper. Near the end of the second half we let up on our pressure a little bit and allowed Cleveland State to push forward a little more. We still kept them out though and managed to get another goal. Apple hit a shot off the far post and Meghan followed it in and finished. The game ended 3-0, taking us to 2-0 in conference play. Gabby made her collegiate debut against Cleveland State and made the only save of the game.
After lunch and some studying/relaxing we left Cleveland for the two hour bus ride to Youngstown for the game against Youngstown State. The game was a little bit slower than what we’ve become used to against other opponents. Despite sometimes lacking the crispness and possession we’re capable of, we were able to take control of the game. Our first goal came in the 38th minute when Apple was taken down in the box and converted the penalty kick. We outshot Youngstown by a considerable amount and Apple scored again in the 59th minute. Roadie served a great ball into the box and Apple headed it over the keeper and just under the crossbar. The score would remain 2-0, starting off league play with a win.
Saturday we headed over to the Cleveland state campus for a training session in the morning. Afterwards we had the day to catch up on homework and studying we were missing while on the trip and to rest. That evening we went to Hoolihan’s for dinner and then got some sleep for our game against Cleveland State the next day.
We came out against Cleveland State and really took control of the game. We did a good job of keeping possession in the midfield. When we did lose it we put them under quick hard pressure and forced a lot of turnovers. We scored first in the 13th minute when Kelly played a ball through to Apple who finished it off. Then, just before half, Stern scored to make it 2-0. Cleveland cleared a cross into their box but it came free to Stern who hit a nice shot to beat the Cleveland State keeper. Near the end of the second half we let up on our pressure a little bit and allowed Cleveland State to push forward a little more. We still kept them out though and managed to get another goal. Apple hit a shot off the far post and Meghan followed it in and finished. The game ended 3-0, taking us to 2-0 in conference play. Gabby made her collegiate debut against Cleveland State and made the only save of the game.
Sep 21, 2010
Kansas and Missouri and long bus rides...
This weekend we headed to Kansas and Missouri for our first big road trip since school started. Things have definitely gotten busier since the beginning of classes. It’s been getting harder and harder to find quality time for napping. Our days are filled with early morning training, classes during the day, and homework afterwards. Traveling always adds a little bit more stress too. Not only do we have homework over the weekend, we have to catch up on the lectures and discussions we miss on the Thursday and Friday that we’re gone. Luckily the 10-hour bus ride to Kansas gave us plenty of time to catch up on some schoolwork and some napping. Of course, there was also a pretty intense game of Catch Phrase going on up at the front of the bus and some pretty lame scary stories being told at the back.
This was a big weekend for us as it was our last chance to prove ourselves against two big out-of-conference teams before our conference schedule begins. When we finally arrived in Kansas on Thursday night we were happy to be off the bus and into our beds in the hotel. Friday morning we went to walk the game field and then relaxed and got ourselves ready for the game against Kansas that night.
We didn’t come out as strong as we would have liked in the first half. We managed to generate a few chances but Kansas created some dangerous chances of their own. The second half was an entirely different story. Though Kansas still generated some dangerous opportunities, we managed to keep them out and controlled a majority of the play. We created a ton of chances but just couldn’t seem to find the back of the net so regular time ended in a 0-0 deadlock. Overtime didn’t last long with Apple scoring six minutes in. I played a through ball to her behind the Kansas defence and she absolutely blasted a shot into the top of the goal. 1-0 Milwaukee!
On Saturday we were back on the bus, travelling to Missouri. We had a training session and then headed to the hotel to relax, play cards, and get some extra studying in. Saturday it started raining and continued up until, and during, the beginning of the game. This made for some interesting field conditions. It was a bit more of a swamp than a soccer field! The field definitely affected the beginning of the game. The ball frequently stopped dead in puddles and it made connecting passes a bit of an issue. As the game went on, though, the field started to dry up and we started to get used to the circumstances.
Missouri scored first but three minutes later Kenzie tied it back up when she finished a bouncing ball off of a corner kick. When we came back out for the second half the field had dried up significantly from the beginning of the game and the quality of play improved. We took the lead in the 49th minute when Kenzie played a great ball over Missouri’s back line and Apple beat the Missouri goalie. Then we increased our lead in the 62nd minute. Sperl played another of her great free kicks to the back post and I slotted it in. It was a very physical game but, though Missouri did score a second goal, we held strong defensively at the end of the game to come away with our second win of the weekend.
Next week we’re back on the road for our first games in conference play. Youngstown on Friday and then Cleveland State on Sunday! Also, thanks to all the parents and alumni that have hosted us for meals and put together treat bags for our bus rides, so far this season. It’s something we definitely all look forward to. Thank you!
This was a big weekend for us as it was our last chance to prove ourselves against two big out-of-conference teams before our conference schedule begins. When we finally arrived in Kansas on Thursday night we were happy to be off the bus and into our beds in the hotel. Friday morning we went to walk the game field and then relaxed and got ourselves ready for the game against Kansas that night.
We didn’t come out as strong as we would have liked in the first half. We managed to generate a few chances but Kansas created some dangerous chances of their own. The second half was an entirely different story. Though Kansas still generated some dangerous opportunities, we managed to keep them out and controlled a majority of the play. We created a ton of chances but just couldn’t seem to find the back of the net so regular time ended in a 0-0 deadlock. Overtime didn’t last long with Apple scoring six minutes in. I played a through ball to her behind the Kansas defence and she absolutely blasted a shot into the top of the goal. 1-0 Milwaukee!
On Saturday we were back on the bus, travelling to Missouri. We had a training session and then headed to the hotel to relax, play cards, and get some extra studying in. Saturday it started raining and continued up until, and during, the beginning of the game. This made for some interesting field conditions. It was a bit more of a swamp than a soccer field! The field definitely affected the beginning of the game. The ball frequently stopped dead in puddles and it made connecting passes a bit of an issue. As the game went on, though, the field started to dry up and we started to get used to the circumstances.
Missouri scored first but three minutes later Kenzie tied it back up when she finished a bouncing ball off of a corner kick. When we came back out for the second half the field had dried up significantly from the beginning of the game and the quality of play improved. We took the lead in the 49th minute when Kenzie played a great ball over Missouri’s back line and Apple beat the Missouri goalie. Then we increased our lead in the 62nd minute. Sperl played another of her great free kicks to the back post and I slotted it in. It was a very physical game but, though Missouri did score a second goal, we held strong defensively at the end of the game to come away with our second win of the weekend.
Next week we’re back on the road for our first games in conference play. Youngstown on Friday and then Cleveland State on Sunday! Also, thanks to all the parents and alumni that have hosted us for meals and put together treat bags for our bus rides, so far this season. It’s something we definitely all look forward to. Thank you!
Sep 14, 2010
Rivalry Week
This week was a big week for us as we played two in-state rivals. First up was Marquette on Wednesday. We knew they would come out with a lot of energy and we would need to match it. The game against Marquette is always a physical, hard-fought game and this was definitely the case this year.
Marquette scored first off of a corner kick in the 21st minute. We answered in the second half when Sperl sent another great free kick into the box. Apple headed back across the box and I slipped it past the Marquette goalie. Our defense played really solid throughout the game and held off the Marquette offense. Regulation time ended in a 1-1 draw so we were headed to overtime. During the first overtime we were literally inches (or centimetres for us Canadians) from scoring to win the game. Kenzie sent a perfect ball over Marquette’s back line for Apple to run on to. Apple headed the ball over the goalie’s head. Unfortunately, the goalie was able to recover and tip the ball onto the crossbar, barely keeping it from crossing the line. The game ended in a tie, but not before the referee suffered an unfortunate hamstring injury causing him to miss most of the second overtime period, and a number of Marquette fouls.
Our second game of the week was against the University of Wisconsin in Madison on Wednesday. A few minutes into the game Apple injured her ankle and needed treatment. There is a substitution rule that if a player exits the game in the first half, they can’t re-enter until the second half. Because of this, we didn’t make a substitution for Apple but played a man down so that she would be able to finish the first half after she got her ankle dealt with. While we were playing a man down, Wisconsin was able to score off a corner kick in the 17th minute. For the rest of the game, we controlled a majority of the possession and dictated the play. However, our attacking was lacking something. We didn’t seem to have that team drive or individual initiative to score goals. The game ended in a disappointing 1-0 loss.
Next weekend we travel to Kansas and Missouri. We’ll try to come away with two wins before our conference play begins.
Marquette scored first off of a corner kick in the 21st minute. We answered in the second half when Sperl sent another great free kick into the box. Apple headed back across the box and I slipped it past the Marquette goalie. Our defense played really solid throughout the game and held off the Marquette offense. Regulation time ended in a 1-1 draw so we were headed to overtime. During the first overtime we were literally inches (or centimetres for us Canadians) from scoring to win the game. Kenzie sent a perfect ball over Marquette’s back line for Apple to run on to. Apple headed the ball over the goalie’s head. Unfortunately, the goalie was able to recover and tip the ball onto the crossbar, barely keeping it from crossing the line. The game ended in a tie, but not before the referee suffered an unfortunate hamstring injury causing him to miss most of the second overtime period, and a number of Marquette fouls.
Our second game of the week was against the University of Wisconsin in Madison on Wednesday. A few minutes into the game Apple injured her ankle and needed treatment. There is a substitution rule that if a player exits the game in the first half, they can’t re-enter until the second half. Because of this, we didn’t make a substitution for Apple but played a man down so that she would be able to finish the first half after she got her ankle dealt with. While we were playing a man down, Wisconsin was able to score off a corner kick in the 17th minute. For the rest of the game, we controlled a majority of the possession and dictated the play. However, our attacking was lacking something. We didn’t seem to have that team drive or individual initiative to score goals. The game ended in a disappointing 1-0 loss.
Next weekend we travel to Kansas and Missouri. We’ll try to come away with two wins before our conference play begins.
Sep 8, 2010
Michigan State and the start of school...
After school starting and a long week of training we were definitely ready for our game against Michigan State on Sunday. We were also more than ready to turn things back around after a tie and a loss last weekend. This attitude was clear from the beginning of the game as we came out strong and really took control of the game. In the eighth minute Helen played a great ball over the Michigan State defense to Apple, who beat a defender and then slid to slip the ball past the goalie. We continued controlling the game for the rest of the first half and scored two more goals. Kenzie headed one in off a corner kick from Helen and I slid one in after Apple flicked on a long ball from Sperl. Coming out of halftime we knew that Michigan State was going to come out really hard to try to break down the 3-0 lead we had taken. When we came out we looked too comfortable with our lead and played flat. Michigan State scored in the 47th minute and again in the 54th minute. The second goal finally woke us up a bit and we stepped it back up. We prevented any more goals against and created a few more chances of our own. We made the game a lot more exciting than it needed to be by letting Michigan State back into it but in the end we were able to hold them off and come away with a win. Next up are two instate rivals: Marquette on Wednesday and Madison on Sunday!
Aug 31, 2010
Welcome back for the 2010 season!
As always the summer seemed just a little too short but I think all of us players were excited to be back playing together again. Preseason’s two-a-days went well and some early exhibition games made for some good preparation for the tough schedule ahead. We got things started with scoreless ties against Creighton and the Alumni before uncovering our goal-scoring ability in a 4-0 win over Northern Illinois in our last exhibition match.
We always find ourselves facing a tough out-of-conference schedule and this year would be no different beginning with our season opener against Ohio State. Going into the game Ohio State had been receiving votes for the Top 25 in the nation. A win against the Buckeyes would mean putting ourselves on the radar early on. We drove to Columbus on Thursday night and had a good training session. Friday was spent resting in the hotel and preparing for the game. For some of us this meant several hours playing our new favourite card game, Shanghai Knights (Rummy), courtesy of Helen Steinhauser. When we finally arrived at the field for game time and warmed up there was definitely an air of confidence among the team. We were all ready to go out and get a result. This was evident on the field when Apple scored within the first two minutes for us to take a 1-0 lead. Ohio State tied it up in the eighth minute off of a corner kick but for the rest of the game we really seemed to control the play. When we did have breakdowns, Deebach and Forbes each came up with some big saves. Finally in the last ten minutes the ball popped free to Sperl with the Ohio State goalkeeper off of her line. Sperl sent a great chip over the goalie’s head and into the net. Final score: 2-1 Milwaukee, a great way to start the season.
The following day we drove to South Bend for a game against Notre Dame on Sunday. We had another training session after dinner at Olive Garden in which Mary set a new record for the amount of food consumed (6 breadsticks, really?). Sunday morning we were all anxious for a chance to play against the #4 team in the nation and to really prove ourselves. Last year when we played Notre Dame they scored in the first ten minutes and we never really looked settled against them. This year was a very different story. We came out and controlled the first half of the game, generating a number of quality chances. Going into halftime the score was still tied at 0-0. The second half started out similar to the first until a Notre Dame shot took an unlucky deflection and ended up in our net. Notre Dame then scored a second goal off of another redirection, followed by a third and final goal. It was a disappointing loss but the score was not entirely reflective of the game. We controlled much of the play and generated the same number of shots.
This last weekend took us to Valley Fields for the Milwaukee Cup with New Mexico, Auburn and Marquette. Friday night’s game was against New Mexico. The first half of the game was not one of our best performances and we are definitely capable of better. Despite this, the score heading into the second half was tied at 0-0. New Mexico then scored early on in the second half and lit a bit of a fire under our butts. We still lacked the same play we showed during our first two games but managed to score an opportune goal to bring the score level. Mary sent a ball in off of a free kick and after a bit of chaos in the box, Laurel finished it off. The score remained at 1-1 through the rest of the second half and two overtime periods.
We then met Auburn on Sunday. Our possession throughout the first half was not as good as what we’re capable of, lacking crispness and quality of passes. We entered halftime down 1-0. We stepped things up a little bit in the second half and took control of the game a bit more. Then in the 68th minute, Laurel sent a ball to me in Auburn’s box. I played it off to Mel and, after a deflection of an Auburn player; I sent it into the net. Unfortunately, against the run of play, Auburn scored a second goal and the game finished 2-1.
Looking back at the weekend it’s frustrating not to have come away with two wins against teams we are capable of beating. We have a week of quality training ahead of us before trying to earn some redemption in the three tough games ahead in the next two weeks.
We always find ourselves facing a tough out-of-conference schedule and this year would be no different beginning with our season opener against Ohio State. Going into the game Ohio State had been receiving votes for the Top 25 in the nation. A win against the Buckeyes would mean putting ourselves on the radar early on. We drove to Columbus on Thursday night and had a good training session. Friday was spent resting in the hotel and preparing for the game. For some of us this meant several hours playing our new favourite card game, Shanghai Knights (Rummy), courtesy of Helen Steinhauser. When we finally arrived at the field for game time and warmed up there was definitely an air of confidence among the team. We were all ready to go out and get a result. This was evident on the field when Apple scored within the first two minutes for us to take a 1-0 lead. Ohio State tied it up in the eighth minute off of a corner kick but for the rest of the game we really seemed to control the play. When we did have breakdowns, Deebach and Forbes each came up with some big saves. Finally in the last ten minutes the ball popped free to Sperl with the Ohio State goalkeeper off of her line. Sperl sent a great chip over the goalie’s head and into the net. Final score: 2-1 Milwaukee, a great way to start the season.
The following day we drove to South Bend for a game against Notre Dame on Sunday. We had another training session after dinner at Olive Garden in which Mary set a new record for the amount of food consumed (6 breadsticks, really?). Sunday morning we were all anxious for a chance to play against the #4 team in the nation and to really prove ourselves. Last year when we played Notre Dame they scored in the first ten minutes and we never really looked settled against them. This year was a very different story. We came out and controlled the first half of the game, generating a number of quality chances. Going into halftime the score was still tied at 0-0. The second half started out similar to the first until a Notre Dame shot took an unlucky deflection and ended up in our net. Notre Dame then scored a second goal off of another redirection, followed by a third and final goal. It was a disappointing loss but the score was not entirely reflective of the game. We controlled much of the play and generated the same number of shots.
This last weekend took us to Valley Fields for the Milwaukee Cup with New Mexico, Auburn and Marquette. Friday night’s game was against New Mexico. The first half of the game was not one of our best performances and we are definitely capable of better. Despite this, the score heading into the second half was tied at 0-0. New Mexico then scored early on in the second half and lit a bit of a fire under our butts. We still lacked the same play we showed during our first two games but managed to score an opportune goal to bring the score level. Mary sent a ball in off of a free kick and after a bit of chaos in the box, Laurel finished it off. The score remained at 1-1 through the rest of the second half and two overtime periods.
We then met Auburn on Sunday. Our possession throughout the first half was not as good as what we’re capable of, lacking crispness and quality of passes. We entered halftime down 1-0. We stepped things up a little bit in the second half and took control of the game a bit more. Then in the 68th minute, Laurel sent a ball to me in Auburn’s box. I played it off to Mel and, after a deflection of an Auburn player; I sent it into the net. Unfortunately, against the run of play, Auburn scored a second goal and the game finished 2-1.
Looking back at the weekend it’s frustrating not to have come away with two wins against teams we are capable of beating. We have a week of quality training ahead of us before trying to earn some redemption in the three tough games ahead in the next two weeks.
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