The 2022-23 soccer players on a recent road trip (photo provided).
The boys’ soccer teams recently traveled to Ohio to play in the Midwest Prep Showcase. On route to the tournament, the teams were privileged enough to train at the Penn State University facilities. After an intense training session, the boys got to experience a top-level, division one soccer game between Penn State and Ohio State University.
After the fantastic stop at Penn State, the team traveled to play in the two-day tournament hosted by Western Reserve Academy in Cleveland, Ohio. Sophomore Noah Moodey expressed, “The road trip was quite boring, but it was a fantastic experience at Penn State.” The team was really grateful for the opportunity to train at such a great school. “The matches we played in were really good for the team,” Modey added. “We got to play in front of top college coaches, which is something we don’t get to do every day.”
Members of the U19 soccer team on a recent road trip (photo provided).
The teams went on to participate in the showcase the following day. The U19 team drew its first game 1-1 against Western Reserve. Sam Knauf ’24 scored a crucial goal in the first half to give the U19 team the lead. After a tough second half, both teams came out as equals. Turner Jackson ‘23 said, “We worked really well as a team, and I think we deserved the win. I think we have improved immensely since the start of the season, which I am really excited about.”
The U17s’ first game was a 5-goal thriller against Scotland High School. The 17s came out with a 3-2 win with Mitchell Baker ’25 scoring 2 goals and Jace Donowa ’25 scoring the game-winner. After the match, Donowa remarked, “It was a very tight game; both teams were extremely physical. I thought we deserved the win and luckily, we came out on top.”
The second game for the 19s was not as promising. The boys fought hard but lost 2-1 to Kiski School. Thebe Mosehathebe ‘22 scored a beautiful volley toward the end of the game; however, it wasn’t enough to clinch the victory. It was a disappointing loss for the U19 team, but they will certainly be back stronger than ever.
The U17s won its second game 6-1 in triumphant fashion. The goal scorers were Baker (2), Donowa, Tyler Bedortha ’25, Christopher Green ’25, and Anayo Etumnu Jnr ’25.
After the first game on Saturday, the team was lucky enough to watch Kenyon College play Hiram College. Northwood alumni Kendin Basden ’22 played for Kenyon. His former team supported Kendin passionately throughout the game, and they were extremely excited to talk to him afterward. Lohkoah Paye ’24 said, “I really enjoyed seeing Kendin play. It has been a long time since I last saw him, so it was really nice to catch up and talk about how life has been.” The connections you make at Northwood are immortal. Seeing Kendin play motivated many members of the team to keep working hard to achieve their goal of playing college soccer.
The bus ride home was very long and tiring. The boys and coaches worked extremely hard over the weekend, so it was vital for the team to get some rest on the bus ride back. Lots of the players completed homework assignments and got some well-deserved rest. The weekend was fantastic overall, and the team and coaches were really pleased with the results. Both teams learned a lot and are willing to work hard to come back stronger.
