Decorah 7 Independence 0

A balanced offensive attack and a stingy defense put Indendence back on their heels from the early minutes of the game. The determination of the Vikings was evident from each player who set foot on the field against Independence. This was a good first step toward an outstanding tournament run with a focus now needed on keeping the pressure on Hudson from the opening kickoff. The "unfinished business" of last season includes getting the intensity going for this second round game on Thursday during practice this week, during pregame, during the early minutes of the game on through until the final whistle. The time to turn up the steam is now.

GO VIKINGS!

Decorah 5 Waverly 1

It was senior night for the Decorah Vikings and the team left no doubt that they are not losing steam even if it is hot and windy. In fact, it appears that the Vikings are still on the rise for the season and are on schedule to peak during the tournament. The Vikings scored early and could have scored more often but it was clear that Waverly had waved the white flag of surrender early in the contest. The challenge will be to now stay focused each and every game. Distractions need to be avoided and there will be no reason to hold back every second of every game. Each player will be critical during practice and during the games to maintain an environment of success and team work. Many of you have worked long and hard this year and for many, many years prior to this season and this is an opportunity to demonstrate how this hard work has paid off. Go for it! Good luck to all of you as you head into the first round of the tournament.

GO VIKINGS!

Decorah 4 Waterloo Columbus 3

NOTE: The Viking Blogger is in Northern Minnesota, away from his camera and pictures from the Columbus game, and regrets that there won't be new pictures until next Monday or Tuesday. My apologies to all of those readers who start their day with some magic moments from the last Viking win.

In what was a huge win from many, many perspectives, the Decorah took home a 4-3 win against a very talented (rated #2 in the state) Waterloo Columbus team. Being down 2-1 at half time and 3-1 shortly after the break, the Vikings could have easily hung their heads and given up especially in the near 90 degree heat. However, this was not going to happen, the team stepped up big on both ends of the field and it was cleared that, indeed, the Vikings have some unfinished business to attend to this season.

The key now is play one game at a time. Waverly is a much improved team, the Vikings need to stay completely focused on the details of the game and let the score take care of itself, a determined and team-oriented approach needs to prevail, and everyone needs to come to each practice and each game ready to give their all. It promises to be a very exciting end of the season.

GO VIKINGS!

Decorah LOTS, Western Dubuque 0

In what will hopefully serve as a warm-up match for the showdown with Waterloo Columbus on Thursday, the Vikings scored at will against Western Dubuque on Monday at Luther College's soccer field. Many players got in on the action and, while scoring many goals, the Vikings demonstrated good sportsmanship. The test will be to see if this composure will serve them well with the tough competition that will be non-stop during the next several weeks.

Go Vikings!

Waverly Tournament
Decorah 5 Spirit Lake 0
Decorah 2 Glenwood 1 (PK Shootout)
Spencer 5 Decorah 4 (PK Shootout)

Good teams win as a team and lose as a team and in both they look for ways to get better for the next match. The Waverly Tournament provided for both of these opportunities and it is now up the team to figure out what it is they can do to learn from the games on Saturday. This next week will allow for some exciting matches that will allow the Vikings to go to the next level of play.

GO VIKINGS!

Decorah 12 West Delaware 0

Although the skill level of the Decorah Vikings was not challenged in a 12-0 thrashing of West Delaware, there were challenges that the Vikings dealt with effectively in this game. Among them were: 1) Adapting to a narrow field. 2) Ignoring a loud fan on the sidelines. 3) Thinking and acting like a team. 4) Not worrying about individual statistics. 5) Staying focused on details (not allowing any goals). 6) Staying intense throughout the game regardless of who is on the field. 7) Showing good sportsmanship.

Saturday will be prove to be an important day for the Vikings. With some unknown teams, with some very good teams, and with three games it will be very important for everyone to show up ready to play. This is an opportunity to win the Waverly Tournament for the first time ever and to set a record for the longest winning streak in the history of the program. Stay the course.

GO VIKINGS!

Decorah 5 NU High 0

Special Note: To my millions of faithful blog readers across the world, I would like to apologize for the delay in updating the blog this weekend. But with hundreds and hundreds of Soccer for Peace participants (mostly 5-10 year olds) it was a hectic weekend. Thanks for your patience.

Decorah 13 AP 1

On a beautiful evening at the Luther College soccer field, the Decorah Vikings dominated AP with thirteen goals coming from nine different players. The opportunity to continued focus on team play, the avoidance of being concerned about individual statistics, and the commitment to classy play and unnecessary on-field antics were all part of this trouncing of Applington-Parkersburg. This week will provide numerous opportunities for the Decorah Boys Soccer team to reach more milestones (winning the Waverly Tournament) and to take their game to the next level.

GO VIKINGS!

Decorah 1 Cedar Falls 0

It was an impressive performance by the Decorah defense shutting out a good Cedar Falls team. It is clear that the confidence and skill of the Vikings are continuing to improve. Another good test will be against Applington-Parkersburg on Friday night at Luther.

Go Vikings!

Prom 2007

Each year, the prom is a great opportunity to get together with the team, to talk strategy for the season, to work on a few foot skills during the dance, and to learn about competition during the post prom party. The next game is Tuesday, April 24 against Cedar Falls, a team Decorah has yet to beat in the history of the soccer program. This will be a good opportunity to put that fact behind us.

GO VIKINGS!

Decorah 6 Dubuque Hempstead 0

Coming off of a very physical game with Gladbrook-Reinbeck, the Decorah Vikings were able to put the aches and pains aside and mount a 6-0 thumping of Dubuque Hempstead. The Vikings started out strong with a couple of quick goals in the first half and never looked back. It was particularly important win since many players were able to be a part of this win with everyone getting in on the action. The Vikings' next match is against Cedar Falls on Tuesday, April 24.

GO VIKINGS!

Decorah 3 Gladbrook-Reinbeck 2

Although it might have been helpful to have Coach Post and Coach Rollinger along for this game so they could have called the belly-8, advised the defense on physical play, and generally coached the game more like a football game than a soccer match (maybe that's why they have the football goal posts in the background), the Decorah Vikings were not going to be denied a victory against Gladbrook-Reinbeck on April 19. Although the Vikings were down with less than 3 minutes left in regulation, the seniors stepped up and brought home the 3-2 victory in the second overtime.
Clearly this game indicated that the Decorah Viking Boys' Soccer team is a determined group to complete some unfinished business this season. They played hard, they played like a team, and they played like they are going to find ways to win this season. Check out the TEAM PHOTO link on this blog to see some shots from this terrific game.

GO VIKINGS!

Decorah Vikings 6 Cono Christian 1

Before a good crowd and on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, Decorah beat Cono Christian 6-1. This game served as an excellent warm-up for the big games this Thursday against Gladbrook-Reinback followed by another good test again against Dubuque Hempstead on Friday. Again, the scoring for the Vikings on Saturday was balanced, the defense was solid and it is clear that Decorah is determined to have a great season. Go Vikings!

Decorah 7 Dubuque Senior 0

The Decorah High School Varsity Soccer team started the season with a 7-0 thumping of Dubuque Senior in spite of the cold and drizzly weather. It was a well-balanced attack with solid defense and with multiple players scoring. Solid play off the bench contributed significantly to the win and demonstrates the depth of the Decorah team this season. The Vikings came out with intensity, they played with intensity throughout the game, and they stopped their intense play only after the final whistle. The next game is against Western Dubuque on Thursday, April 12 on the Decorah field.

Send out this blog address to all the member of your Facebook friends group. It would be terrific to generate a big following for this team that shows promise for a great season.

GO VIKINGS!

The key to success is not the "will to win"---everybody has that. It is the will to intensely prepare to win is what makes the difference.

Losers quit when they are tired or discouraged. Winners quit when the game is over and they have won.

Remember that you play with your heart and your head as well as your body.

Are We Ready?