Chicago Trip with IC vs Heartland and IC vs Waubonsee

Just got back from Chicago and thought I would catch up with both games on MVOTP.  It took us a little over 6 hours to get there on Saturday and we arrived about 45 minutes before game time.  The weather was perfect and there were quite a few IC parents attending.  The girls played well for their first real game of the season.  They were upbeat and communicating well on the field but from "my view of the pitch" there were several players that were unsure exactly what their role was in both the offensive and defensive formations.  Fortunately that is a problem that solves itself with game experience and team trust.  The defensive unit and GK were very solid and certainly earned the shutout.  The offense had some problems connecting in the final third and missed a couple of opportunities finishing shots for goals.  Regulation time ended 0-0.  There was a bit of confusion with the officiating crew on how to end the game and after a brief consultation with the rule book they played 2 ten minute overtime periods.  We didn't find out if it was "Golden Goal" because neither team scored in overtime.  It was declared a Draw and thankfully no shootout. A shootout is a cruel way to end a game when both teams have played their hearts out for 120 minutes. Madeline started and played reasonably well, she needs to work on her fitness and the quality of her passes, but it is easy to see her improvement. 

Here is what the coach wrote about the Heartland game on the Facebook page:

"We tied Heartland today 0-0. Delighted to get the shutout after last year's start. Looked pretty good all-round, just needed a little composure and finding the right pass and movement in final third. Great job defensively. Curry and Walgren players of the game. Waubonsee tomorrow. Hopefully get out first W there."

Sunday's game began a little ragged with several missed assignments and communications from the start and went quickly downhill with a lucky goal for Waubonsee 4 minutes into the game.  Iowa Central appeared to settle down in the next 15-20 minutes but really never got into the groove.  They went 2-0 when Waubonsee scored on a solid attack.  IC got one back with a team goal that had great ball movement and several connecting passes in the final third and the first half ended 2-1.  In the second half the IC defense was tested with many scoring attacks.  Waubonsee's forwards and midfielders had the defense on their heels the second half with their demonstration of ball movement, possession and off the ball movement of players.  We were lucky for them to only score 1 additional goal in the second half.  We had a couple of good scoring opportunities but the finishes lacked the quality to put anything in the net and on the scoreboard.  IC got a goal back in the last 10 minutes off a corner kick and a own goal by Waubonsee and it ended with a 3-2 loss.  Madeline started but appeared to be playing a little tentatively, she had great hustle on the defensive side of the ball but was having difficulty with her touch and connecting passes.  Here is what the coach wrote about the game:

"First 'W' will have to wait. Lost 2-3 in a game fraught with mistakes, poor decisions, and poor execution. Some may blame the heat, tired legs, or whatever. Sad truth is we let one slip away. Need to get better all around from the players thru the coaching staff. Thxs to the supporters who traveled out there, much appreciated!!"

Just realized that I was going to try to put a picture on the here, but forgot the camera in our haste to get to Chicago.  I will study up and learn how to do it.  In the meantime I will add the links to the articles that one of the assistant coach writes about the games, the first link is to the Midland Lutheran scrimmage:  http://www.iowacentral.edu/athletics/womens_soccer/soccer_news/2010/8-23-10.asp

The second link is to the Wartburg scrimmage:
 http://www.iowacentral.edu/athletics/womens_soccer/soccer_news/2010/8-26-10.asp