Today everyone woke up with temperatures around 74F to experience something completely different during today's game night with a sudden drop in temperature around the 55F. The presence of the sun though warmed up both the hosting team from Caro and the visitors from North Branch for a non conference confrontation. The coaches from Caro came up with a very strong defensive strategy to contain the known offensive squad from North Branch. The focus was to strangulate the chances and opportunities near the goalie and control the midfield real estate with 4 players. With one forward player on the Caro side, there were minimal breakaways to test the North Branch goalie. You could tell the visitors were getting frustrated as the game went on since their passes and shots became inaccurate. We had to wait for the 33rd minute for the head coach to make a switch to send freshman Josiah Anderson forward as he had a feeling he would do something. Fair enough, and unexpectedly, a ball was sent by the Caro midfielder and Senior Seth Howey to find Josiah sprinting and beating the two defenders to chip the ball past the North Branch goalie for his first goal of the season. At the same time, he just put his team ahead with 6 minutes left. The coaches could not believe that Caro was leading the game 1-0 which was the end score for the first half. The speech was obviously all about congratulating the whole team for playing their best first half ever but also contain their emotions and not celebrate yet and keep the same strategy by playing a strong defensive game. The second half started with some shaky passes and poor marking on the Caro side as the visitors from North Branch kept pressing and trying to tie the game. A ball was crossed from an unmarked player past the goalie which found the right winger to finish it behind the net for a 1-1 tie. The Caro team was defeated morally as they lost the lead and trying to recover from the mistake but in vain since North Branch kept pressing all along. In fact and fair enough, the North Branch right winger was again unmarked and was able to cross the ball in the dangerous box which was deflected with a header by a North Branch player for their second goal. Now, the Tigers have no choice but to step it up and gain momentum they lost at the beginning of the second half. Time was against the hosts and could only retreat and accept the 1-2 defeat after leading the scoreboard 1-0 in the first half. The coaching staff reminded the players that it takes some experience and character to hold a 1-0 lead but that doesn't take away the hard work and effort they gave for 80 minutes. This game is a simulation of what a district game would be, therefore, it was an excellent test for the hosts to experience the ups and downs of a very intense soccer game. The coaches made sure the players knew they were proud of them and this loss is actually a win in their hearts, although the nice taste of a win during the first half turned into another outcome in the second half. The game MVP trophy was presented without any hesitation to midfield player and freshman Josiah Anderson who not only scored the only goal for the Tigers but played an awesome defensive and offensive game. Next game is away on Monday October 8th at Bad Axe at 4:30 pm.