The rematch is set for ….

The rematch is set for Sept. 21 in Medford.

Raider Field will be the site for Medford’s home opener tonight, Thursday, against Northland Pines, who comes into the game at 0-4. The Eagles lost 2-1 to GNC favorite Lakeland on Tuesday. Pines upset Medford 1-0 in last year’s regular-season finale. Antigo is at Raider Field on Sept. 7. Both home games start at 7 p.m.

Medford 2, New London 1

On Thursday, Medford got first-half goals from Gripentrog and Jacobson and allowed just one shot on goal during live play in a 2-1 season-opening win at New London.

The Bulldogs’ only goal came on a penalty kick that tied the game at 1-1 at the 30:14 mark of the first half. But at 36:43, Gripentrog just missed his second goal of the game, banging a shot off the crossbar. But Jacobson, the team’s new senior addition, was there to follow it up and put the ball in the net for what turned out to be the game winner.

“It was good to start out on the right track,” Derr said after winning his debut match in that position. “Overall we played pretty well. There is still plenty to work on. But for the first time playing in a real game and competing against kids the same age, I thought we did really good.”

The defensive and midfield play was a highlight, keeping Schulz from facing any tough shots during his first varsity start in goal.

“I felt we really controlled the game,” Derr said. “They didn’t get a ton of opportunities. Defensively we played well.”

Gripentrog scored the game’s first goal just 15:13 in. It came off a corner kick with the assist coming from Aidan Ball.

Medford had 26 shots total with 13 of them being on goal. The Raiders thought Michael Meyer had added a third goal on a shot that bounced off a post and New London’s goalie, but the officials ruled the ball did not cross the goal line.

Derr credited Gripentrog, Meyer, Jacobson and Ball with strong play in the midfield area and with strong ball possession during the win. Meyer and Ball had a scary collision while both going for a ball, but both came out of it fine. Sophomore Lucas Mahner had a solid outing in the defensive back row and freshman Luke Semrau gave Medford some solid minutes filling in back there as well.

“That was a good experience for him,” Derr said. “He did a good job in there.”

New London fell to 0-2 with the loss having fallen 4-0 to Rhinelander two nights earlier.