The MidState Stars began their 2009-2010 indoor season in November practicing in the Jefferson Park School gym. With a new influx of players, the team would take time to come together to play as a team.

            Their first match would be against Hodgepodge, a group of Peoria Notre Dame and Peoria Richwoods players fresh from the class 1A state playoffs, on November 8th. With goals by Dylan Zimmerman (1) and Eric Artis (1), the Stars battled to an 8-2 loss. Goalkeeper Scott Krug had (14) saves. The players recorded (36) take-aways during the match.

            The second match was against the well-trained FC Peoria 96 White team, on November 15th. The first half ended with (1) goal by Troy Miller and the Stars down 2-1. The second half the Stars played on with (4) more goals by Troy Miller. The score ended with a tie 5-5. First year goalkeeper Guthrie Wyss had (20) saves. The team recorded (32) take-aways.

            Game 3 would pit the Stars against the Peoria Richwoods varsity team on December 6^th. Troy Miller opened the first half with (2) goals, and added (1) goal in the second half. Goalkeeper Guthrie Wyss had (23) saves. The team had (33) take-aways. The final score was a loss 11-3 for the Stars.

            Game 4 would be a devastating loss against Metamora’s varsity team who lost in the Regional final game to eventual State 1A runner-up team, Peoria Notre Dame. Though at times it appeared that the Stars were up against a stacked roster from Metamora, the Stars fought valiantly standing up to each challenge. It was apparent that the Metamora coach had no compassion for inexperienced MidState Stars, who haven’t a high school program to participate in. Troy Miller for the 40 minute game posted the only goal. The Stars accepted the loss 17-1 with determination to improve. Goalkeeper Guthrie Wyss, who at times thought he was the target in a dunk tank had (29) saves. The team recorded (27) take-aways. ‘I would have expected better sportsmanship from a team like Metamora against the inexperienced Stars,” stated MidState Stars coach Mike Zimmerman.

            The MidState Stars conclude Session I against FC Peoria 96 White on December 13^th and Peoria Richwoods on December 20^th. The team is also entering the FC Peoria Adult 4 v 4 tournament on December 19^th. This tournament always increases the players’ one-touch passing abilities, plus the adults always give the players great input and support. This Winter roster includes Dylan Palmore, Dylan Zimmerman, Patrick Luckey, Lawrence Knapp, Guthrie Wyss all of Minonk; Dale Piercy, Jacob Nunez, Troy Miller, Jacob Kerner, Aryn Piercy, Eric Artis, Scott Krug all of El Paso; Robbie Hany, Kevan Frank, both of Gridley; and Chris Dykhuis of Secor.

            The MidState Stars Soccer Club would like to thank our sponsors this year who have given our players the best opportunity to participate in the top leagues in Central Illinois:  Lincor Computer Solutions of Canton, Morton Community Bank of Minonk, Jay Hurd at Country Financial of Minonk, and Crop Production Services in Wenona. Hopefully, someday the Fieldcrest and El Paso school districts will realize that great soccer athletes in our area are waiting for their opportunity to compete for them.

            Please call Mike Zimmerman at 309-432-3057 if you are interested in sponsoring the MidState Stars Soccer Club.