Nederland vs. LC-M

[Islander]

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    Needing a win to advance to the playoffs, the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears soccer team fell to the Nederland Bulldogs 5-2 at Battlin’ Bears Stadium on Friday night.  The loss, coupled with Hamshire-Fannett's victory over Ozen, knocked the Bears out of the playoffs in the highly competitive District 38-4A by a narrow margin.   

    Bears Coach Jeremy Watzlavik stated that "missing the playoffs is disappointing.  We are in a tough district.  One loss moved us from a potential third-place finish to out of the playoffs."

    Watzlavik was pleased with his team's performance on the night.  "The boys played well.  I am not making excuses, but we were short several players.  Tonight, we were gave it our all, but Nederland is a tough opponent.  In the end, we just ran out of steam."

    Nederland scored the first goal in the 12th minute, when forward Hector Garcia's fancy dribbling created a breakaway goal to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.

    Captain Garhett Bonneaux led the Bears to their first score in the 23rd minute. Bonneaux maneuvered around a couple of Bulldog defenders and placed a 10 yard shot against the backside post that bounced in for a goal and a 1-1 tie.

    The Bears took the lead in the 31st minute.  Bonneaux sent a free kick that drew the Bulldog goalie away from the goal.  Surrounded by several Bulldog defenders,  Bears forward Kevin Ducharme passed the loose ball across the box to Scott Karasik.  Karasik quickly zipped a nice shot into the goal to give the Bears a 2-1 lead.  "Kevin made a really nice pass to earn the assist", noted Watzlavik.

    Nederland tied the game at 2-2 with 1 minute remaining in the first half when Bulldog midfielder Jordan Wagner dribbled to the middle of the Bears defense and then delivered a goal from 10 yards out. 

    "Nederland is always calm under pressure.  They never loose their cool", stated Watzlavik.

    Early in the second half, the Bulldogs quickly took the lead at 3-2 when the Bears gave up an own goal.  "We had a hard time recovering from the own goal" Watzlavik said.
 
    With limited substitutes, a fatigued Bears defense was vulnerable towards the end of the game.  The Bulldogs added two more goal in the game's closing moments.  Garcia scored his second goal in the game's 70th minute.  Wagner also scored his second goal three minutes later on a nice header to secure the victory for the Bulldogs at 5-2.

    The game was senior night for the Bears.  The team recognized seniors Dylan Cope, Cristian Diaz, Kevin Ducharme, Brian George, Derek George, Kevin Hernandez, Aaron Hudnall, Scott Karasik, Matt Manley, Jonathan McCollum, and trainer Samantha Sanchez prior to their final home game for LC-M. 

    "We will miss those players next year.  Captains Cristian Diaz and Scotty Karasik will be especially missed.  They had vital roles for our team.  They were good captains.  And, we will miss their leadership," Watzlavik explained.

    Watzlavik was proud of his team's overall performance this season.  "It was a great season.  We exceeded people's expectations for our team.  We beat some teams that many people didn't think we would win.  We would have liked to have qualified for the playoffs this year, but it is a tough district."

    "I am confident that we will be a better team next season," Watzlavik stated.  "We have a strong group of returning players".     

    The 2010 Bears were a scrappy group of players that was entertaining to watch.  The players, in Watzlavik's words, "came together as a team". 

    Coach Watzlavik succeeded in earning the respect of opposing coaches and his players.  Bear fans have good reason to be optimistic for a successful season in 2011.

[#1 Fan]

Islander, I don't know who you are but your summary of LCM's games have always been an interesting read. My son plays (senior) for Nederland and I have enjoyed the games we've played against LCM these past 4 years. They always play us tough and the games are very competitive.  I thought you all had a good team and that number 18 in the back is awesome.  Not just him though there were many.  The field was in great shape and it was finally a beautiful night for football!  Might as well throw a plug in for the ref as he had control of that game and that's saying alot these days.  Take care Islander and wish us luck in the playoffs, especially if we get lucky enough to face the purple people again.  How in the world did you guys lose 0-8 to them?

[Islander]

#1 fan,

Thanks for the kind words.  I am dad for # 10 who plays midfield for the Bears.  He played for Pat Wilson 3 years and Arendale last year in club soccer.  We know several Nederland and PN-G players on those two teams.  We were so thankful that Pat and Arendale let us join their teams.  I got to speak with Pat before the game.

I admire and respect the solid soccer play of the Bulldogs over the years.  They are a super team and I have articulated that fact on this board on numerous occasions in the past.  The Arendale club team was a pure joy to watch with their solid ball movement.  Your team plays the game the way it should be.  I love how the players don't get upset when things don't go their way (which isn't often) and don't get overly excited when they win.  I have seen nothing but class from the Nederland team.

I wish your team all the luck in the world in the playoffs.  I was proud of your performance last season during the playoffs last season. 

How did we lose to PN-G 8-0?  Hey, they are a great team also.  I know several of their players.  And their success is not surprising to me.  They scored on 5 set plays(corner kicks and throw ins).  They are well coached and they were just hot that night. 

[#1 Fan]

My son also played for Arendale for many years.  Everyone who teaches leaves some kind of impact on the student.  No doubt in my mind that the years he spent with Arendale prepared him well.  That man simply loves the game and the kids. Since this is our last year "together", I'm hoping that we will go .....dare I say, all the way!

[soccerguy1]

Nederland, PNG, and LCM have almost always had strong teams. I believe each has probably gone through their down years so to speak. Have not seen a High School game in a while but games between either of those three teams was usually an enjoyable one. Nederland good luck in the playoffs and LCM keep it up and good luck next year. And Hey, after the "simple observations" post previously it is good to see someone giving the referee a plug.

Hopefully someone from each of the advancing teams keeps us updated for us who rarely get to follow the teams anymore these days.