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This week we outscored our opponents 12-1. Why settle for that? Why not work toward 16-0 (that's two mercy/shutout victories)? When you are on, it is truly impressive.
With two McBain NMC losses this week, we have solidified our place at the top of the Southern Division - for now. Every match we play, however, we risk losing our spot. We have yet to play McBain NMC and losses to them close the gap quickly. Houghton Lake and Gladwin are still capable teams we cannot afford to take lightly.
I believe that we are capable of winning out our schedule if we continue to play at the level we have been lately. Remember that our success has come by working hard and playing with intensity on every ball. We need to keep focusing on our finishing, which is improving. We need to continue to committ to defense. We can always improve our game.
Stay on track, we haven't won anything yet.
It was a big week for our team; every league match is important. We stay tied for first with McBain NMC in the Southern Division who also continue to string wins together.
Gladwin on Tuesday was a sign of things to come now that our pieces are all in place. Six shots on goal, hustle, determination, and tactical execution garnish results. A 3-0 shutout victory. Some bumps and bruises (and a little blood) all result in a toughness and desire to play harder. Cameron was stellar in his role as sweeper, freeing our defenders to challenge Gladwin's attacking players with a resurgent confidence.
Thursday we defeated Roscommon 2-0. Bryce faced ten shots on goal, and only one was challenging. He made the save with a diving parry and collected the rebound himself. When Rosco tried to bump him off the ball he held his ground and kept his composure. You supported each other on your sticks, forcing players to beat more than one player at a time - no chance.
We worked dilligently to finish our chances. We continue to improve. I think Thursday was simply a goalkeeper who had a good day. However, when you play as well as we did this week, it only takes one goal to win. We were able to get some insurance goals so I wouldn't get any more gray hairs and I appreciate that, but as long as we keep limiting opponents shots to ten or less we will get results we want. Let's keep working; we haven't won anything yet.
We stand with an overall record of 2-2, 2-1 in our league. We are tied with McBain NMC in first in our division, just one win ahead of Gladwin and Houghton Lake. Our schedule over the next two weeks has four conference opponents. Gladwin is Tuesday and Roscommon is Thursday this week. We hold our destiny in our hands (or at our feet if you want to get technical).
Our lineup is set. Our formation is solid. We are playing as a team on both sides of the ball. Fundamentally and tactically we are strong. I can't want it for you, and they won't let me play. It's yours for the taking!
The first week ends and we are 1-1. We completed our first come-back win of the season against Bellaire, rallying in the second half from a 2-1 deficit to win 6-3. We faced a strong team Thursday and made a good showing in our 3-5 lost to Burt Lake NMCA. They knew they were in a battle and it is a battle I look forward to repeating in the Crossover.
We are shooting at 20.5%. Typically, if a team can score at 20% or higher they will get some wins. That's a goal every five shots. We are finding the back of the twine with regularity. We are scoring off corners, off crosses, off intricate passing, and off of good old fashioned individual effort.
Defensively we are also paying well. We limited both our opponents this week to 10 shots or less on goal. The goals which we allowed were quality. (I am erasing the third goal in the Bellaire game from my memory.) We are getting players behind the ball and not swiping or lunging.
We still work hard to improve. There are aspects that we realize are rough and need fine-tuning. We are taking the right steps to correct those shortcomings so we have no holes in our game. After the first week, I am more confident than ever that we will have a strong season.
Butterflies flutter in the stomach? Our first match is Tuesday against Bellaire. This is a league contest, which means it is an important first day. Last year means nothing because this is the first time we have seen them this year. We have improved with new people and improved experience, but we have to enter each game thinking the other team has as well.
Thursday's match is Burt Lake and we are assured of a tough game. Their roster has only gotten better, and they were exceptional last year.
We are defending Southern Division Champs, but all that means is we have a bullseye. Teams like Gladwin, McBain NMC, and especially Fairview want a little redemption. Our non-league matches are going to press us to the limit, but hopefully we can take that level of competition into district play.
The season is ripe with opportunity. All we need to do is work together and execute. The first challenge, however, is Tuesday. Our home opener against Bellaire should tell us where we stand. Here we go!
