No Joy in Brickville Today

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Brickville - both teams have struck out.

Iowa Central played a tough, hard game today and came up on the short end of a 2-1 score.  I can't wait to see the box score to see how many shots that Iowa Central had.  They dominated play in the first half but with the exception of Madeline Brick's goal in the 5th minute none of the other shots found the back of the net.  The first half ended 1-0 and it appeared that IC was 45 minutes from having the game in hand.  Both teams started the second half the way the first half had ended with the defensive units of both teams holding some advantage over the offensive sides. However, about 6 minutes into the second half Dakota County took a long shot from 30 yards out that was just over the GK's fingers and just under the crossbar.  The goal only set the Lady Tritons back a little bit because they just kept attacking the goal.  We had several golden opportunities but was just off a little bit, with the ball bouncing off the woodwork on a couple of shots and just narrowly missing on a couple more.  With about 20 minutes left in the game Dakota County scored on a free kick to the goal box which was finished with a great volley. Iowa Central doubled and redoubled their efforts but could not equalize although they dominated all play except in the final third of the field. The Lady Tritons left everything they had on the field and deserved a better result but it wasn't to be.  They should be very proud of their performance today and with their season.  I filmed the game and will post highlights in this post as soon as I get them edited.


Central Methodist was on the road today at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, MO and according to a text that was received lost 4-1.  Here is the recap from the college web site and the box score from DakStats.

Central Methodist vs Lindenwood University

     I watched a better CMU team play last night at Fayette.  The girls were connecting with passes and it seemed they were playing with more energy and movement.  In the first half both teams were equal in intensity and the half ended scoreless 0-0.  
     Many of the qualities that I use to describe the game are certainly subjective, like energy, intensity, quality and desire, but I am convinced that in most of the games I have watched this season that is the only difference between the win or the loss.   I am making the comparison to teams that I have observed with those attributes and often it is to this CMU team in selected moments. CMU has the talent and ability but (IMHO) it either is not being recognized, utilized, encouraged, or motivated by the coaching staff.
  One factor which is not subjective is "first touch" and the Lindenwood team certainly had the better "first touch" of the two teams.  They were making properly weighted passes into spaces that gave them a tactical advantage and when they did pass directly to a teammate it was a ball that was easily handled.  CMU was connecting passes but it always took extra movement and extraordinary effort to maintain possession and play like that expends more energy.  The energy that Lindenwood was conserving with possession was spent in the battle for 50-50 balls.  They were first to to ball and the last to give up and in my unofficial scorebook won 60 to 70 percent of the loose balls in the midfield.  I did not see a sense of "urgency" with CMU either to defend once the ball was past them or to attack with numbers.  It is almost like they play with the attitude "let George do it" and never join in team defense to double down players or group attack by making off the ball runs.
     In the second half the CMU came out fairly strong but 20 minutes into the half Lindenwood really hit a different gear and picked up the intensity of the game.  CMU followed for a while but couldn't maintain that level and when Lindenwood scored in the 61st minute Lindenwood really picked up the effort to protect the lead.  CMU had several chances on counterattacks but the best chance to equalize occurred with about 6 minutes left when Shawn Beard had a hard shot tipped by an excellent save from the Lindenwood goalie and the score ended 0-1.  Debra and I will be unable to attend either of the last two games but I will keep you posted on outcomes.
Here is the Recap and the Box Score of the game.
     We will be going to Des Moines to watch Iowa Central and Madeline play in the post season tournament this weekend.  Their team attitude is really upbeat and they are playing their best soccer right now when they should.  Madeline said that they practiced in their Halloween costumes last night.  Here is how the coach notified them on Facebook.

Iowa Central Community College Women's Soccer Halloween Practice today at 4pm. Dress up or you'll do 15 Millers and 40% Liverpools!!!!!! LIV, ERP, Double O L, Liverpool FC!!!! BBBwwwaaaaaa HHHaaaaaa Haaaaaaa

 Here is a picture from the practice! 

 

The Defination of Insanity

     I plan to go watch CMU play Lindenwood University this evening in Fayette.  Debra has a meeting and can not go so a family friend will be accompanying me to ke ep me out of trouble.  Meredith was cleared to practice but most likely will not play so I guess I really am a soccer junkie and a glutton for punishment to watch CMU go through the motions.  The tiny bit of optimism in me is saying that it may be different this time and CMU could come through with a win.  Time will tell.  The weather forecast for the game is calling for gusty WSW winds to 34 MPH and 60 degrees, sounds like a great day to watch a soccer game.
     The first round of the ICCAC tournament has been played and Iowa Central's opponent for Saturday's game is DCTC (as predicted).  Here is was the coach posted on the Facebook page.  (Side note: IC's coach William "Willie" McGowan is from Scotland)

Iowa Central Community College Women's Soccer Just heard that DCTC beat ILCC by a score of 4-1. ILCC were up 1-0 until 68th min, then lost 4 goals in the last 20+ minutes. So, DCTC on Saturday at 12pm at Cownie. In the words of William Wallace in Braveheart - ARE YOU READY FOR A WAR??!!!!!! lol

The Tale of Two Teams

Iowa Central easily won their last regular season game yesterday over Iowa Lakes in Spencer, Iowa by a 4-0 margin and finished second in their conference behind Iowa Western which is nationally ranked at #15.  Iowa Central will have an opportunity to play IW next weekend if they have a good result (win) over the winner of the #3 seed, Dakota County(12-6-1) and the #6 seed Iowa Lakes (1-15).  I am going out on a limb and state that Dakota County will win and then Iowa Central will play them on Saturday October 30 at 12:00 pm in Des Moines.  The winner of that game will play Iowa Western on Sunday for first place and the right to go on to Regionals.  IC has been playing pretty good soccer lately after the mid season slump and certainly has a good chance to move on.  Here is the latest status from the Iowa Central Facebook page.

"rounded out their regular season with a 9-5-3 record, 7-2-1 in conference play. A marked improvement from last year with very much the same teams on the schedule. We also tied up 2nd place in the ICCAC so receive a bye into Saturday's semi-finals. 4 more wins and we go to Nationals!! Prepare; Focus; Execute!"

Here is the Box Score and the Recap.

     Debra and I watched Central Methodist play Avila last night in Fayette to a 0-1 loss with the score coming in the 89th minute.  It was one of those games that both teams were playing not to lose as opposed to trying to win.  The lack of intensity and urgency on the field is almost more than the parents in the stands can handle.  One comment that I heard was " I wish they would hurry up and score the accidental goal" which pretty much sums up CMU's scoring attack.  CMU does not attempt to put numbers up on attacking runs and the midfielders do not hustle back for defense.  Their formation changed for last nights game to 3 defenders instead of the normal 4 and the 3 strong defensive players were able to hold off Avila anemic attacks but in the final minutes of the game Avila upped the intensity and we did not follow suit.  CMU has a pretty strong bench but the coach does not appear to recognize that as a tactical weapon.  The team appears to me as players that are trying to "pace themselves" to last the entire match when what we need is for them to leave it all on the field and be substituted when they are "gassed".  The general lack of a winning attitude is starting to be apparent throughout the entire team including the coaching staff and it appears that they are just passing time until the end of the season.
     The one bit of good news was that they took the stitches out of Meredith's lip Friday and it looks really good.  She hopes to start practicing Monday to get into game fitness for at least the last two games.

I'm Getting Old

     Madeline has her last regular season game today, and although it is a weekend we have decided not to go.  It is in Spencer, Iowa which is about 25 miles from the Minnesota state line and would be about an 6 hour hard drive.  In addition there is a 70% chance of rain for game time.  It is against the bottom dweller in their conference who has not won a conference game and is 1-15 overall.  I guess I am getting old when I can find all these excuses not to watch the girls play soccer.
     Meredith's team also plays today although she has not been cleared medically to play.  They took her stitches out yesterday and her lip looks much better.  She has to be free of any symptoms from the concussion before they will start "rehab" on her.  "Rehab" is a series of increasing difficult physical challenges to see if any symptoms return.  She has to pass them before she will be allowed to practice and I would imagine that she might have to have at least 3-4 practices in before she is considered eligible to play.  There may not be enough time left in the season for her to get on the game field.  We may go to Fayette to watch her sit on the bench although it is dependent on the weather forecast.  I am certain that her mother really wants to see in person how she is doing so it depends on how strong the verbal onslaught from her is today will decide if we go or not. 

Another Iowa Central Win

Iowa Central handily defeated Scott County 5-0 yesterday in the last home game in Ft. Dodge.  I only had 5 short texts from Tom Walgren concerning the game and I missed the phone call from Madeline after the game.  Madeline notched the second goal of the game assisted by Steph Gale.  She told Debra that their defense held pretty tough and didn't think that the GK ever touched the ball.  Their last conference game against Iowa Lakes has been moved to this Saturday from the 25th however it is in Spencer, Iowa so I do not think that we will go.  Here is the Recap of the game.
     Meredith continues to improve and the swelling is starting to subside.  She still is light sensitive but she was able to wear a hat all day which she said helps.  CMU has a game this Saturday against Avila so we may go just to see how Meredith is doing.

Iowa Central Today vs Scott Community College

     The regular season is winding down and IC last home game is today against Scott CC.  Iowa Central needs to win the last two regular season matches to stay in second place in the conference and receive a bye in the conference tournament.  The recap of IC last game is now posted and can be read by following this link.
     Coaches and players should never look beyond their next game but fortunately that does not apply to blog writers and parents.  The last two games of this season are against teams that have not performed well this year and the total combined wins of both teams are less than the number of games that IC has won so I am predicting two wins for IC.
   The big game of the season will be on Saturday October 30 in Des Moines and that will be against Dakota.  IC defeated Dakota 2-1 on the 8th and tied them 0-0 on the 15th so it will be a tough game and too close to predict right now. The winner of that game will play on the 31st against Iowa Western.  Iowa Central has played Iowa Western tougher than any other conference team this season so if IC makes it through Dakota then anything is possible.
     The game on the 30th is at 12:00 on field 8 at James W. Cownie Soccer Park.
 

Taking Care of Business and the Story of a Very Long Day

I am going to start this long post with a picture to let you know that it has a happy ending in case you have already heard what happened through a text or phone call.

 This picture was taken about 1:00 am Sunday morning in Chillicothe.

The day started calm enough and it was a beautiful fall bluebird day.  We were getting an early start because I wanted to stop in Carrollton to get an adjustment and we were going to stop at Peter's Orchard to get some apples.  Debra had made some arrangements with the college bookstore to open up before the 1:00 game so we could get some CMU apparel.  The bookstore is not normally open on weekends and is always closed through the week by the time we get to campus for games so it was very nice for the lady to open up just for us.  It was interesting that there was a steady stream of customers while we were there and they made several sales besides Debra's.  At least Debra found something, I wanted a light jacket, or a zippered hoody, or a long sleeve polo, or a hat.  So I thought at least with that wide of a variety of wants that I could find something.  They had a large inventory of clothing but nothing was in a style that I could live with.  I guess they buy inventory with a younger person in mind.  Oh they did have a ball hat that I liked but not $30.00 worth.  I guess I will just wear my Iowa Central stuff to the CMU games.
Anyway the game started at 1:00 and Meredith had worked her way back into the starting line up so we were set to enjoy the day and the game.  The center referee was an old friend so I had hoped to observe him officiate along with watching Meredith.   The game did not start well with MNU scoring off a cross through the goal box in the 4th minute.  The player was unmarked and the goalie should own the goal box and either stop the cross or make the save.  I know that it unnerved Meredith but she played on.  The CMU players stepped up the pressure and then the referee kind of went nuts about the 14th minute by pulling a player over in front of the players bench and fans and yelling at her loud enough that everyone could hear.  I have sat in this referee's class several times and heard him say that "the referee should not draw attention to himself when officiating" and that to control a game that "a quiet word only heard by the player" is the best technique.  His officiating conduct was an embarrassment to all referees and only served to alienate players, fans and coaches and raise questions concerning any calls made after that.  MNU scored again in about the 20th minute although CMU was moving the ball better and had many more scoring attacks, but was unable to put the ball into the net.  With about 5 minutes left in the first half a MNU player had slipped past her defensive mark and Meredith came out hard for a sliding save.  The MNU player collided with her and that is when the story gets more intense.  It was obvious that she was hurt and it appeared that she was knocked out, however she made the save.  The referee called for the trainer to come on to the field and from the early treatment I could tell that they were trying to stop some bleeding.  Debra and I went to the corner of the field to wait.  The trainers got the bleeding stopped and assessed for neck injuries and got Meredith up to the point that she was able to walk to the bench with assistance.  We went over to the bench and the trainer Kim Bell skillfuly finished applying butterfly strips to close the wound and cleaning Meredith up.  Meredith had about a 10 minute lapse in memory but was sort of answering coherently but was not exactly with it. We knew that the cut would require stitches and from the location and severity I thought that it would be better if a plastic surgeon did the initial repair work.  I consulted with the mother of another CMU player that was a nurse in Columbia to see where she would suggest that we take Meredith.  She recommended that we take her to the University Hospital ER where there would be a plastic surgeon on duty or at least on call.  They placed Meredith in the Gator where she could lay down to take her to our car for the trip to Columbia.  When we got to the parking lot and attempted to transfer her to the car she became "shocky" and was passing in and out of consciousness.  At that point we all came to an unanimous decision that the trip would be better in an ambulance considering her head injury.  The ambulance was called an was there in just a few minutes.  We loaded Meredith up and I rode in the ambulance and Debra, Natalie Hughes (Mere's friend who came to watch her play) Kim Bell (trainer) and her goalkeeper coach Robbie Murray all headed to Columbia in their cars.  I believe we arrived about 2:30, got her checked in at ER and then began the wait.  It was about 2 hours and 30 minutes before she was put into a room so that a doctor could see her.  The nurse arrived promptly and removed the bandage and immediately decided that it needed to be stitched up by a plastic surgeon and that Meredith would need a CT to check out her head.  The resident came in and agreed and wrote up the orders.  Things moved steadily along and the plastic surgeon came in about 6:00 and it took about 45 minutes to put in the 15 or so stitches.  Another 30 minute wait and then she was taken to radiology for the CT.  About 10 or 15 minutes there and back to the room to wait for the report.  The nurses had a shift change at 7:00 and somehow the report got lost in the transition.  Finally I caught the attention of the resident and they got it tracked down.  We had the report and dismissal consultation and then just as we were to leave the nurse brought some Tylenol for Meredith's monster headache.  Everyone was hungry and cranky, especially me, but recovered nicely with some food at Noodles and Co.  We made a couple of stops after eating that Meredith thought were important (Hot Box Cookies) and her friends the Robbs to show off the stitches.  Then to Fayette and get Mere's clothes, car and most important the dirty laundry.  Uneventful trip home and arrived about 12:45.  It took a while to unwind and settle down but I think everyone except Zoey was asleep by 2:00.   Here is the Recap and the Box Score from the game.

Warning I have placed these pictures in a file that you will need to click the link to see because they are pretty graphic.  If you think that you might be disturbed by viewing them DO NOT CLICK THE LINK.  Before and After Pictures

It's Soccer Saturday

Meredith has a match today at 1:00 in Fayette so we will be leaving early to be there. It should be a fairly even match so hopefully CMU will get a win.  Here is the tale of the tape.

The big news is that Madeline called after yesterday's game and said that she had a broken hip.  But fortunately it wasn't hers and wasn't as a result of a soccer game.  She had her clinicals on Friday before her game and was able to x-ray a 92 year old ladies broken hip.  When you are a Radiology student that is pretty exciting stuff.  Her schedule yesterday was pretty tough.  She had her clinicals from 5:30 am to 1:00 pm, her game started at 2:00 and went into double overtime and then she worked in her work-study program at a volleyball tournament last night.
One of Madeline's roommates dad was at the game and kept me up dated with results.  He said that Madeline was playing very well and had several great crosses into the box.  In Madeline's phone call last night she said that she felt that she played very well.  Here is what the coach wrote about the game on Facebook.

we tied DCTC 0-0 today. Excellent performance defensively. With a little luck and a wee bit of patience in the final third we could have had 'em. Proud of you girls. What a great turn-around from 2 weeks ago...keep it going!!

Iowa Central is in the Drivers Seat for a Post Season Run

This Friday's game against Dakota County has very important implications for the conference tournament scheduled for October 30th and 31st in Des Moines.  The top two teams in the conference receive a first round bye and do not have to play the play-in bracket game on October 27th.  Iowa Central defeated Dakota County October 8th by a 2-1 score in a hard fought game and they will be coming full force to even the score and battle for the same #2 seed in the conference.  Iowa Western has the top spot tied up and will play the winner of the game between the #4 and #5 seed.  The #2 seed will play the winner of the #3 and #6 game.

After Friday's game, Iowa Central's conference opponents are Scott at home on the 20th and Iowa Lakes at Spencer, IA on the 23rd.  They have a non-conference match on the 17th at home against the University of Iowa's club team.

Close but No Cigar

The match last night in Fulton, MO was one of the best efforts of the season for CMU but unfortunately they did not get the win, but they didn't notch a loss either.  After 110 minutes of good soccer the score line ended in a 1-1 draw.  The Eagles controlled the first half of the game with spot on passing and effort with the only bad grades given for offensive tactics and quality of finishing.  I believe that this is one of the few games that CMU has out shot their opponent but they missed several golden chances to put the ball in the net with errant shots.  It was a different team that took the field in the second half and for the first 15 minutes we were knocked back on our heels.  Finally they woke up and returned to their first half form and were connecting passes and team defending and moving the ball well into the attacking third of the field.  We scored in the 70th minute with a goal by Jordan Jennings with an outstanding assist from Kayla Leeser.  We played another 10 minutes or so of back and forth soccer and William Woods eventually equalized on a defensive miscue when we failed to cleanly clear the ball from our penalty area.  Both overtime periods had more of the same with these evenly matched teams with a back and forth battle although we had a great scoring chance called back by an offside call.  Here is the Recap and Box Score

Madeline's Iowa Central team won yesterday afternoon 5-0 over Indian Hills but the only information that I currently have is from 5 short text messages with each score.  I will post more when I get additional information.

Another Roadtrip

Central Methodist travels down I-70 to play William Woods University.  It should be a pretty good game as these teams match up better than the last 3 or 4 teams that they have played. Below is the tale of the tape. If the print is too small I believe that you can click and it will get bigger. (it is supposed to work that way.)

 It is a 7:00 p.m. game because the Men play at 5:00 so we should have plenty of time to get there but a late return trip.  Meredith is traveling but does not know if her number will be selected to play.

Iowa Central also plays today at 2:00 at home against Indian Hills, a team that they defeated 3-0 on September 14th.  Right now Iowa Central is playing for the second spot in their conference.  Placement of the first or second position means a bye in the first round of the Region 11 tournament and would mean a difference of 2 instead of 3 games in 4 days plus a extra 2.5 hour bus trip.  I will post results of both game as soon as I can.

The Little Book of Soccer Instructions for My Daughters

I have been compiling information and coaching advice since 1997 when the girls first stepped on a soccer pitch.  I used it coaching their teams throughout the years and I am sure that they have heard most of the contents of the book dozens of times.  In August I decided that they might like to have it written down so I started to compile my stacks of coaching notes, miscellaneous files in my computor, and my coaching and game journals.  I set a target completion date of their birthday on October 3rd so I could give it to them. Last night was the first opportunity that they were together so that I could give them their book.

 Picture taken 10/9/10 in Lamoni, IA after the CMU/GU game.

You can get either a printed copy for $8.49 plus shipping or you can download a copy for $2.87 to your computer. Just click this Link   I had researched the printing company for another project but had never used them before this.  The books are printed on demand and are shipped promptly.

Central Methodist vs Graceland University

I watched a better performance from CMU in this match up than has been shown in the last 4 games but they still came up short on the score line losing 4-1 to the #10 ranked Graceland Lady Yellow Jackets.  The Graceland team had trounced the #15 ranked William Jewell team 5-0 just 3 days before and William Jewell defeated CMU by the same 5-0 score line on the 29th so I was expecting a blowout.  The officiating was horrible and inconsistent but was not responsible for 3 of the 4 goals that GU put in the net and were not to blame for the absence of  CMU scoring attacks and shots but certainly were accountable for diminishing my enjoyment of the game.  They were also bad enough for the normally composed CMU coach to become very verbal on several occasions and  drew a caution from the center referee.  In a conversation with some GU parents we were told that the center referee was the father of GU's assistant coach and even they were not pleased with the shadow that the poor officiating placed on the game. 


Here is the Recap and the Box Score from the Graceland University website so it might have a different twist from the facts (as I see them ;)).  I will edit this post when the information is available on CMU's site letting you view the differences. (Recap from CMU and Box Score from DakStats3000) We were watching the game sitting next to the press box and could hear the play by play that was being broadcast over the Internet.  It was very interesting to hear the slant that the announcer was putting on the game and I am certain that if she had a very sensitive microphone that the comments of a few CMU parents could be heard.  I will have to listen to the entire broadcast to see if I made the broadcast.  Here is the Link  to take you to the broadcast, you will then need to click on the tab "On Demand" and then click on the "Listen" tab on the Graceland's Women Soccer vs Central Methodist selection.

Our entire entourage went to eat and celebrate October birthdays at a local restaurant after the game and a good time was had by all.  We made it back to the soccer pitch to watch the last 30 minutes of the 2nd half of the men's game.  The officiating had not improved as it was the same crew but in different positions.  There were several moments when the game got out of control and a couple of absolutely horrible calls did determine the outcome of the game with the awarding of a penalty kick that tied the game and sent it into overtime and a red card in the 91st minute.  We did not stay for the overtime periods but Meredith texted me that CMU lost 4-3 with an own goal in the first overtime period.  What a heartbreaking way to lose.

Friday's game between ICCC and DCTC in Rosemont, MN

ANOTHER WIN!!!  The Tritons are finally reaching their stride with this very important game to move up into the second spot in their conference standings.  The importance of this is that the first two teams receive a bye in the Regional Tournament that will be held at the end of this month in Des Moines with a chance to move on the National Tournament in Topeka.  The win yesterday was without Madeline though, she had to make a hard decision as it was the second day of radiology clinicals.  I believe that she made the right one but I know that she is relieved that IC came away with the win.  This new technology is wonderful because Debra and I were able to watch the game live on the computor on Minnesota Sports Network and you can watch the archived game by following this Link  When it pops up on your screen you can place your mouse on the video and right click to get zoom and show it full screen.  Post Script: the Recap from the college web site posted 10/11/10.
This evening we are going to watch the old fashioned way (by going to the game) CMU play Graceland University in Lamoni, IA.  We are also going to celebrate family October birthdays of Madeline and Meredith, sister Debbie Veach, and mom Roberta Brick.  Madeline will be coming down from Ft. Dodge with Debbie and Kenny, Nancy and Larry will be coming from Chariton, and we will be picking up mom at Trenton.  Betsy has to work a long day and will not get to go.  On paper it looks like it may be a really rough outing for Central Methodist but anything can happen in a soccer match and when a weak team plays a strong one the goalie always gets a lot of work.  I will post the complete news of the game later although  I may try some new technology and post a tweet and pictures from the game.

Iowa Central vs Iowa Western

In the game this afternoon IC did not win on the scoreboard but evidently had an excellent game.  They have been in a slump for the last two weeks and haven't been playing up to their abilities.  It has been difficult to determine exactly what the problem was but it appears that Coach McGowan has pushed the right buttons on the team and has gotten the effort that was desired.  Madeline said that she played as a winger in today's match.  Here is what Coach McGowan posted on the IC Facebook page.

"truly amazed at the heart, work rate, and teamwork of you all. I can't tell you how much I loved watching you play today...a real team effort. This type of performance is what we can achieve when we all bring our talents together and leave them on the field. I'm very proud that you all worked hard for each other and made each teammate's job a little easier through your hard work. TEAM!!!"

Here is the Recap from the college website.

Happy 19th Birthday Madeline & Meredith

Thought I would inject this birthday wish to the girls on their 19th birthday.  I am learning a lot of new skills with this blog.  I am not sure exactly how or why I might use what I learn in the future but it keeps my mind involved.  I just read some information on how to post a blog from my smartphone so that will probably be my next assignment.

Central Methodist vs Benedictine

Debra and I attended the CMU vs Benedictine game last night in Atchison, KS.  The weather was wonderful but a bit nippy with a slight breeze at game time.  Their soccer facility was beautiful with backs on the bleacher seating (really appreciated) and only soccer lines marked out on the AstroTurf.  We found that their team was as talented as their facility was beautiful.  Their first score came about 30 minutes into the first half and was scored off a header from a corner kick.  The half ended 1-0 but Benedictine controlled possession and their technical ability, ball control, and tactical skills was head and shoulders above CMU.  It was obvious that we were very lucky to get to the half only one goal down.   Benedictine scored again about 5 minutes into the second half from a free kick 25 yards out on the right side.  The ball ricocheted off the crossbar and there wasn't a thing the goalie could do about it.   Benedictine's third goal came about 15 minutes later and was a shot from about 30 yards out into the far upper 90.  Again the goalie didn't have a chance.  There was approximately a 2 minute period about 30 minutes left in the second half where CMU looked good, with connected passes, possession and off the ball movement, however it was a fleeting moment.  Benedictine substituted freely in the second half and it didn't seem to effect the quality of play for either team.  The Recap is very short from the college website. Here is the Box Score

I Told Them That There Would Be Days Like This

Not much good news on either soccer front tonight.  Iowa Central lost to Rochester 1-7 this afternoon in Rochester.  This was a team that they defeated 2-1 in double overtime 2 weeks ago.  The only bright spot in the game for us was that Madeline scored her first collegiate goal.  She said in a phone call that it was late enough in the game that it was difficult to celebrate because of the score line.  She also had another goal in the game but was ruled offside.  I hope that IC can turn their downhill slide around.  Here is the Recap
Meredith called tonight that she would not be playing tomorrow at Benedictine.  She was really bummed in her phone call.  We are still going to the game anyway to take some cookies for the team for Meredith's birthday.  Debra is busy making the cookie dough tonight and will bake them in the morning.   However, there are all sorts of interesting things that can happen in a soccer match so it is possible that she could play.  Benedictine has a pretty good team and the match will be difficult with the way CMU has played lately.  Meredith said that she was going to a "team" bonfire tonight.  I asked her if it would be "without coaches" and she said that it would, so perhaps the team is trying get their act together and turn things around.

Soccer Skills Pay Off

Last Friday night at the Ft. Dodge High School football game Coach McGowan put his soccer skills to good use.  Below is the write up and video from the college website.

McGowan kicks for cash

by Josh Sandin
Photo Courtesy of Paul DeCoursey
Posted on 9/30/2010
FORT DODGE - If Iowa Central women’s soccer coach Willie McGowan had a penny for every soccer ball he had kicked in his life, it still may not add up to as much as he made for his first kick of a football.
The Iowa Central and Fort Dodge Senior High soccer coach was drawn randomly at Friday night’s Fort Dodge-Ames football game to kick a 40-yard field goal that would pay $10,000 if he made it. McGowan, who admittedly had never kicked a football before, booted the pigskin through the right upright and cleared the posts by 10-yards.
"The stadium completely erupted when the ball went through the posts,” said McGowan in an interview with the Messenger. “It stayed true and didn't really skip a beat. All I remember seeing was the ball going through the uprights, and once it went through, I just dropped to my knees and shook a man's hand. Then, I celebrated for a while and walked off the field."
McGowan also joked that he will remain at Iowa Central despite the numerous calls from NFL teams.
McGowan said he plans on taking a vacation with his family and donating some to a charity. The $10,000 “Kick for Cash” was sponsored by Kingsgate Insurance, First Federal Saving Bank of Iowa and West Bend Mutual Insurance Company.