The game. . .by Tim Bilbro
Spring 2008
Thunder 2:7 VSA
The penultimate match in the league for the Thunder took place at Cherry Run on Sunday, with the Blues facing the 6th ranked club in the state. There was much early pressure by the Thunder. There was a great save by Alex off a corner and two shots for Ben early. Constant pressure by VSA resulted in several near misses, but no goals. Alex was flawless early with multiple awsome saves to keep it scoreless. One after the other the shots came, and Alex turned them all aside. Then, an unbelievable shot by Jason from way out. It was a boomer along the turf from more than thirty yards, and woke up the team late in the half and stunned the gold-clad elites from VSA, who had the better of play up to that point. Another close shot just before the whistle by Andreas, was flicked just wide by the keeper. At half, the score is 1:0 for the Blues. Clearly this was one of the best 30 minutes of the season for the team. Connor and Blake were outstanding at the back, and Anthony helped as well. Jake and Matt were powerful in the middle.
The second half started with another save required and a goal by VYS was ruled offside to the relief of the Blues. Suddenly, there was more transition play by the Blues with an truly stellar pass slotted through by Evan to Anthony who buried the shot to make it 2:0 at 40 minutes. This woke the VSA up from slumber. Cameron saved a goal on defense and Connor and Blake were under constant pressure by Gold. VYS scored finally to make it 2:1. Connor lifted a free kick high a few moments later. VYS tied the game on an aboslutely unstoppable direct kick past the wall and into the darkest corner of the net. Moments later they took the lead on rebound from a break away shot that was saved, and the Blues were down 2:3. The play looked offsides, but the whistle did not come. Cameron didn't win a penalty on a clear foul a minute later. It was a pair of tough no-calls for the Thunder. The official had to sound his whistle moments later when #11 from the VSA squad was taken down in the box. The spot kick and made it 4:2 and the Blues weren't able to answer. VYS won the match 7:2 with some garbage-time goals late. It was a solid effort despite the score and boys should be proud of the performance.
Virginian - Game 3
BAC 1:1 Leesburg
The Blues brought good early pressure in the early morning with a corner won by Ben. There was a good stop Alex in goal and good shot by Jake. As the first half carried on, there were many good keeping plays by Alex. Cameron and Connor were plugging up the middle on the back. Neither side dominated the play. Evan and Matt with good offensive possessions but no finishes for either side. The socre was 0:0 at the half.
The Lions brought steady pressure early in the second. Connor continued to be very strong defensively. The Lions scored off a corner in front to make it 1:0. Jason answered quickly with a real scorcher from the left to tie it 1:1. Return pressure by the Lions resulted in two shots that sailed just high. Andreas had a good run late and there was nearly a goal by Ben to take the lead, but the final whistle blew with a hard fought 1:1 draw.
Virinian Game 4
BAC 3:3 Torpedoes.
The Blues faced the New Jersey squad for the final game of the tourney. The Reds scored on direct kick after a foul to take an early lead. Close run by Ben. It was 2:0 for the Torpedoes but the Thunder fought back. Anthony opened the scoring for the Blues by burying a shot on a brilliant assist from Matt. Evan scores shortly after a short delay and bench sending off for the red team. It was 2:2. . It was quite a nice boot. Evan also won a corner late. A appearant go ahead goal was never whistled. Anthony headed the ball accross the line into the back of the net but play continued inexplicably as the Reds dribbled the ball out of the end. It was tied at half. The fans noted the great hustle by Cameron and Connor the whole half.
Second half started slowly as the fourth game fatigue set in for both clubs. Blake had a shot that was saved. The ensuing corner just missed going in on a header by Andreas. The Blues took the lead when Anthony deked the the keeper one on one, and slid home the go ahead score. The assist was again by Evan. It was 3:2. The Torpedoes tied it late on a bouncing ball in the box that eluded both defenders allowing the red play to toe over everyone and softly into the net. It was a tough break, and a slightly disapointing draw, as the full time whislte sounded moments later.
The Thunder finished the tournament with three points from three draws out of the four games on the weekend. All in all, another succesful Virginian showing in the top flight. BAC competed with all opponents well and should be proud.
5/18
BAC Blue Thunder 7:3 Prince William Courage
The Blues took a early lead with a goal by Anthony after some great passing in the 4th minute. The Thunder added to their thanks to a great assist by Anthony and a finish by Matt who buried the pass into the onion bag past the goalie. Evan nearly made it 3-0 on a midfield boot that caught the keeper off guard. Alex did make it 3-0 in the 25th minute with an assist by Evan. PWC struck back with an extra time goal to make it 3-1 at the break. Excellent defense by Jason at the back helped keep PW from getting any real pressure otherwise.
The second half began the same as the first with another Anthony goal after Jake fought to keep the ball in the offensive end. It was 4-1 just a minute into the second. The Courage answered a minute later on a break away and the score was 4-2 at 33 minutes in. The hosts drew closer in the 40th with a goal off a melee in front of the BAC net and made it 4-3. Evan crushed a shot with his formidable right boot that sailed over and passed the PW keeper just a minute later to make it 5-3. Blake added a goal in the 45th. Alex was strong in the goal the second half allowing only the one goal. The Blues finished with Ben scoring his second goal in as many games off an assist by Cameron, who scored himself on a break away in the dying minutes. The final score was 7-3 for the Blues.
5/11
BAC 2:8 SYA United
It was a rainy Mothers Day match for the Thunder who struggled to generate offense against the SYA United. After a last minute field switch to get onto a better pitch, the game started well for the Thunder. The Blues struck first with a goal by Matt off a booming corner by Evan. The United evened a few moments later on a PK and never looked back. Ben was switched to offense in the second and scored his first of the season, burying a deflection of an Andreas shot. Jason and Jake worked hard the whole game. Evan boomed several shots from distance and Anthony had many chances, but the United were the better team this afternoon. One consolation was that Coach Hartup and the players presented a rose to each of the players’ mothers to celebrate the day.
5/3
BAC Blue Thunder 3:4 Spurs
The Thunder hosted the Spurs at Cherry run on Saturday and fell 3:4 in a really exciting match. The Blues scored first with a throw in assist from Evan and finish by Anthony in the 6th minute. Anthony struck again with an assist by Jason to make it 2:0 at the 13th minute. The early deficit served to spur on the Spurs and they struck back on a break away goal in the 20th to make it 2:1. Andreas made it three one on a beautiful cross from Anthony to make it 3:1 in the 25th, but the Spurs answered near the end of the half to make it 3:2. The Blues 3-3 formation created good offensive changes and Ben and Jason used their speed and skills to chase down several breakaways. Matt and Blake worked hard to support the offensive play. Ben and Jake were strong at the back as usual.
The Spurs relentlessness continued in the second half and they scored the tying goal at the 50th minute. The Blues struggled to keep the ball in the offensive end but managed several late opportunities. Yet another flash of individual skill by the Spurs broke the tie in the 55th minutes. The Thunder created pressure late, but the referee’s whistle killed the final drive before a shot could be attempted. The Thunder should be proud of an all out effort from whistle to whistle.
4/26
BAC Blue Thunder 1:3
Stafford Blue Devils
The Thunder hit the road fresh off a successful tourney win in the Burke derby over the Chargers. After a scenic drive down 95, the Thunder got off to an aggressive start. Jason used some of his speed to catch up with the fast Blue Devils. Ben was strong in the back along with Jake to stave off early pressure. Conner was in goal and made two early saves to keep the game level at zero. Andreas was denied by the Devils goalie and Blake was stopped just moments later. A foul was judge in the penalty area and the Devils took advantage to break the tie with the spot kick at 15 minutes. The Devils scored again in the 17th with shot high over Connor’s head to make it 2-0. Alex was switched for Connor in the 25th minute and had to answer several shots with work in the box. Anthony and Andreas were on the attack, but could not break through. The score was 2:0 for the home team at the halftime whistle.
The coach put the Blues into a new formation for more offense in the second and it quickly worked. Just after the half stared Anthony slotted a pass to Evan slammed it home to make the score 2:1 in the 31st. The Thunder pressured the entire second half with close misses by Evan and Jason. The Blue Devils scored late to salt the game away at 3:1.
FALL 2007
Thanks to all the players for a great fall NCSL League campaign. The Thunder finished with 4 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws. Great work!
Your 2007 BAC Blue Thunder are Ben, Matt, Andrew, Anthony, Evan, Tom, Cameron, Connor, Alex Jason and Jake led by Coach Radovan and Coach Grant. Great job all of you! There is work to to do still for the squad as the team closes out the outdoor season with the Mid-County Tournament later this month. Special thanks goes out to Tom who will be leaving the team now that the fall season has ended. It was great to have him as a member of the Thunder and he will be missed.
BAC Blue Thunder 3:0 SYC Storm
The Blues finished the season strong with a 3-0 shutout away at SYC Storm. The game was the second of the weekend, and the Blues were shorthanded with injuries to three players - Ben, Anthony and Andrew. The result was still a big win to finish out the Fall league season. The Thunder got off to a great start with aggressive attacking football and many shots on target. Alex, serving as the sweeper, was solid on the back line. Tommy scored the first of the three goals in the 10th minute with a top-shelf stunner that beat the Storm keeper. KABOOM! The Red-clad Storm’s offense wasn’t able to break through thanks to Jason’s excellent speed. Matt made several nice passes as the Blues, despite being down three subs, dominated play throughout. Tom got his second goal in the 20th minute on a splendid run from half and a shot across the face of the goal into the corner. KABOOM! Just a minute later he scored again to complete the hat trick. KABOOM! The Blues didn’t need any more and the result at half was the same as the full time score. 3-0 for the Thunder.
Goals: Tom 3
Assists: None
BAC Blue Thunder 2:8 NVSC Jr. Royals 97
The Thunder fell 8-2 to the elite squad from NVSC on a crisp cool Saturday in a make up game from a rained out home date earlier this year. The Thunder took an early lead - really early - when Evan scored in the very 1st minute with an assist from Anthony.KABOOM! The Blues struck again in the 10th when Jason passed to Anthony who dribbled into the Royals end for a second goal.KABOOM! The Thunder had a 2-0 lead. Things went downhill from there with the home team scoring in the 12th and 21st minute. Connor took a rough hit in the 14th and was replaced in goal by Alex. The Royals added three more goals before the half despite strong defensive efforts by Jason and Cameron. At half the Royals were up 5-2. The second half was dominated by the top-notch Royals squad, but they only scored three more goals as Connor was strong in net. It was a strong effort by the team all around, and despite the score, the entire team played well.
Goals: Evan, Anthony
Assists: Anthony, Jason
BAC Blue Thunder 1:0 Sterling Thunder
The Blues hung on to defeat the Thunder from Sterling 1:0 in a real nail-biter of a match at Cherry Run on Sunday. The Burke squad was strong early with mid-field play by Jason and Tom. Andrew, serving as sweeper, threw a shoe on the weather-beaten pitch, but was able to keep the opposing offensive players at bay. The team followed the attacking football strategy the coach had been preaching all week and kept the Sterling squad, clad in black, under pressure the entire half. In the 8th minute the Blue Thunder had a real opportunity from Connor on a nice outlet pass by Andrew. Ben made a critical tackle in the 15th minute to stop a breakaway by the Blacks’ forward, number 34. The visitors fans cried for a penalty, but nothing came but a stern warning by the referee. Cameron and Evan both tallied shots in the 18th as the Blues threatened to score. Ben slammed a shot into a scrum in front of the goal but it never got through. Tommy hit the cross bar in added time and the half time whistle blew with the match scoreless. Alex kept another clean sheet with solid goal keeping a great distributions and communication with his back line.
The sustained pressure by the Blue Thunder continued early in the 2nd half with Andrew booming a shot from 30 yards that went wide in just the 32nd minute. Matt pressured the midfield and the team continued work the ball in the Blacks’ end of the field. Ben scored in the 38th, but the the referee nullified the goal for a foul on the keeper. It was fair call and the Blues broke through a minute later when Anthony stole a goal kick and dribbled in and booted it past the Sterling goalie. KABOOM! It was 1:0 at the 39th minute. The Sterling squad attacked with renewed urgency, now down a goal, and they nearly answered with a shot that rung the cross bar. Evan was doing a great job helping defensively and Connor made a sprawling save in the 21st to deny the other Thunder. The tension mounted in the waning minutes as the elite Sterling squad pressured for the equalizer and hit the cross bar twice more. They nearly got one into the net but for another stellar feat in goal by Connor - an impossible save - diving to his right deflecting a blast from just feet away in the 56th minute. The full time whistle couldn’t come soon enough as the Blue Thunder managed to keep the ball down field, thanks to great efforts by Jake and Tom, for the last three minutes. A another hard fought victory that moved the Thunder above the .500 mark with just two matches remaining in league play.
Goals: Anthony
Assists: None
SOG/Saves: Alex 1/1 Connor 3/3
BAC Blue Thunder 2:2 Loundon County 97 Black
The Thunder resumed league play this week traveling to Loudon to play the Black 97 squad and earning a 2-2 draw. Connor looked to get the Blues on the board early with a well placed shot in the upper right corner, but the Black’s goalie was up to the task. Alex, who manned the net in the first half, had to be good early as the Loudon squad had several early chances. Jason was strong on the back with an early clear that quelled the Loudon attack. The Blacks took the lead at 19 minutes despite a valiant diving effort by Alex. Anthony was quick to answer with a shot at the other end but the goalie was able to stop it. At half time the score was 1-0 for Loundon.
The Blues were aggressive early in the second and that resulted in many chances. The Thunder finally evened the score with a great steal, dribble and shot from Tommy. KABOOM! The goal came in the 45th minute and the score was 1-1. Two minutes later the Blues took the lead on a marvelous effort by Evan, who chased down a loose ball and buried a shot past the Loudon keeper. KABOOM! 2-1 for the Thunder at the 47th minute. The Thunder looked hold on with strong hustle by Cameron and solid goal-keeping by Connor, but Loudon evened the score again in the 51st, and thanks to Ben and Andrew’s usual great back-line play that is where it stayed until the full time whistle ended the game. A 2-2 draw, and another excellent road performance by the Blue Thunder who look to finish strong with only three league games remaining.
Goals: Tommy, Evan
Assists: None
SOG/Saves: Alex 7/6, Connor 7/5
The Thunder traveled to Manassas for the BattlefieldClassic over the Columbus Day weekend. The Blues competed in the Gold flight against top-notch competition, and managed a third place finish during the unseasonably warm October weekend. The weather was far better than last year’s tournament, which was washed out completely by storms. So, there was no complaining as the team managed to score some goals, and showed some great improvement on defense.
Game 1: BAC Blue Thunder 2:0 Sterling Thunder
The Thunder played their first match against Sterling, in a Thunder on Thunder match that ended 2-0 for BAC. The Blues first goal came courtesy of Cameron, KABOOM! who netted his first of the season with an assist by Anthony at the 7th minute. Connor kept a clean sheet in the first half with some awesome diving saves on shots that came fast and furious. Jason was robbed in the first half late on a shot off a well-taken corner by Tommy. Alex also kept a clean sheet in the second half with nice work in front of the net, including a penalty kick save that kept the other Thunder at bay. Andrew, as always, frustrated the opposition with superb defensive work on the back line. Ben ran the length of the pitch along with Matt and Evan in a full defensive team effort. Anthony buried a goal in the 45th that sealed the deal on a great assist from Connor KABOOM! . A solid win and great game for the Blues. 2-0 at full time.
Goals: Cameron, Anthony
Assists: Anthony, Connor
SOG: 10
SOG/Saves: Alex 5/5, Conner 6/6
Game 2:BAC Blue Thunder 2:4 Herndon
Game two, an afternoon tilt in the August-like soup, was a rematch from a few weeks back with the tough squad from Herndon. The Blues started fast with three early shots on goal by Evan in the first three minutes. The Blues struck first in the 4th on break away by Anthony to make it 1-0. KABOOM! Later in the first it was wild in front of the Blues net, when the Herndons had three shots before putting the ball over the net high. Tom was stopped on a direct kick on a nice save by the goalie. The Herndon squad scored in the 15th minute to knot the score at one. Jake was solid in midfield, playing through an illness, aided by ibuprofen. Andrew made a nice stop on a breakaway late in the first. Ben was solid defensively and Connor was good in the net. The half ended even at one. The second half greeted the Blues with two early Herndon goals at the 28th and 31st minute. (25 minute halves were played.) Tom scored in the 40th minute to draw the Thunder within a goal. KABOOM! The goal came off a corner by Connor. Matt had some skillful passing, as did Jason, but the Herndon squad ended the Thunder comeback with a goal at the 45th minute and the game ended 4-2 for Herndon. A much better effort in the rematch for the Thunder. This one went down to the wire.
Goals: Anthony, Tommy
Assists: Connor
SOG: 8
SOG/Saves: Connor 7/6, Alex 10/8
Game 3:BAC Blue Thunder 0:5 Chantilly
In another rematch for the Thunder, the finale was played in the sweltering heat against the elite squad from Chantilly that had beaten the Blues just a week before. The Thunder adjusted to a defensive posture for this match hoping to slow the Strikers down for a chance in the finals. And the Blues were largely successful in clogging up the mid-field early in the match. The score was 1-0 at the half as a result of a goal in the first minute. The entire first half was a show of defensive skill by the Thunder with Ben and Andrew playing solid defense, staying with their men. Alex was superb in goal with 6 saves. Cameron played full-speed and hard as usual and Matt had a particularly well-played half. Alas, the Thunder couldn’t hold off the Strikers in the second as they scored four goals despite the goalkeeping skills of Alex who was very busy all day. No Kaboom was heard. The Thunder played well, but the Strikers finished with a 5-0 victory and a slot in the finals. It was a solid effort and the coaches were pleased despite the score.
Goals: None
Assists: None
SOG: 1
SOG/Saves: Alex 22/17
BAC Blue Thunder 3:2 Reston United 97
The Thunder notched a hard-earned away win on a splendid Sunday morning at Quartermaster with a 3-2 victory over the worthy Reston United Squad. Early on the match was even with lots of mid-field play. Connor made a great save in the 7th minute to keep it scoreless. Despite consistent pressure by Evan and Jason on the front line, the Thunder went down 1-0 on a blast from the United in the 19th minute. The Blues responded in the 24th when Ben deftly hooked up with a streaking Anthony who buried a shot past the lunging keeper. KABOOM! Matt and Tommy both tallied shots before half, but when the whistle blew the score was 1-1.
Connor made an statement early in the second with an unassisted goal after stealing a pass deep in United territory in the 32nd minute. KABOOM! Alex had to respond with a save seconds later to keep the Blues up by a goal. Alex was busy again with two more saves in the early part of the half. Good communications between Andrew and his keeper made things tough for the Reston squad. In the 46th minute the Thunder took advantage of another Reston mistake. Evan scored with an assist to Anthony on an indirect kick awarded in the penalty area on a back pass violation. KABOOM! It was 3-1 on a perfectly executed set piece. Reston made it interesting with a booming shot at the 50th minute to make it 3-2. Jake found himself up against an opponent taller than him, but he battled the lanky Reston midfielder all morning. Jake narrowly avoided a booking by the referee, but that didn’t affect his strong play during the second and he constantly frustrated the United mid-fielders. Cameron also played well in his encounters with the player nearly twice his size. Using his footskills and speed he moved the ball well. Andrew was reliable as usual on the back, and that allowed the Thunder to keep the pressure on and the United at bay in the waning moments. At full time it was 3-2 for the Thunder.
Goals: Anthony, Connor, Evan
Assists: Ben, Anthony
Goals Against/Shots on Goal: Connor 1/4, Alex 1/3
Shots: Anthony 2, Matt, Tommy, Jason, Connor, Evan, Cameron
BAC Blue Thunder 0:7 Chantilly Strikers
Not much in the way of KABOOM! this week, as the Thunder were overpowered by Chantilly on Sunday at Cherry Run. Some outstanding goal keeping in the first half by Alex kept it closer than it could have been, but the Strikers netted four goals by half. The second half energy was much better, despite the deficit, and the Blues took away many lessons about good ball movement and foot skills from the Chantilly team. Andrew and Ben provided some solid defensive play as the Thunder faced sustained pressure throughout, and Connor was excellent in goal stopping many quality shots. Jake used his size and strength on a number of occasions to slow the elite Strikers squad down, but Chantilly netted three more before full time, all quality finishes. The defeat gave the Blues much to work on this week before the next match.
Shots on Goal: Connor 2, Anthony 2
Goals: None
Assists: None
Goals Against: Alex 4, Connor 3
BAC BLUE THUNDER 4:4 Frederick FCF Academy Blue
The THUNDER played their second game in as many days and trekked the long and winding road to Camp Shoresh to take on the elite squad from Frederick, Maryland. It was another picture-perfect fall day, and the intra-state derby was played against the backdrop of the scenic Shenandoah Mountains.
The THUNDER were anxious to shake off the previous day’s affair, and Evan started things early with a good shot in the first minute of play. Just a minute later, Evan gave the assist to Jason, who scored the first THUNDER goal in the 2nd minute and the visitors supporters cheered. KABOOM! 1-0 Blues. Tommy’s big throws were on display, and the chances came early and often. Jason gave an assist to Cameron in the 10th minute to put the Thunder up 2-0. KABOOM! Just minute later, off of one of those big throws from Tommy, Anthony scored the THUNDER’s 3rd goal just 11 minutes into the match with a nice finish. KABOOM! It was 3-0 quickly, but the Frederick club responded two consecutive goals in the 16th and 20th minutes and the game went to half time at 3-2 for the THUNDER thanks to solid goal keeping by Alex. The THUNDER nearly added a fourth on a penalty kick, but Jake’s shot was inches off.
Matt nearly scored early in the 2nd half on a breakaway, but the Frederick goalie made the save. Frederick evened the score in the 35th minute on the third of three consecutive corner kicks, and the THUNDER’s early lead was gone. Connor was solid in goal the rest of the second half and held the fort while the THUNDER looked to take the lead back. Connor had one notable punch out that killed off a chance by the Marylanders. Andrew provided much needed defensive support in front and played well. Ben put the THUNDER back in the lead with a nice pass from Anthony in the 55th minute. KABOOM! But Frederick evened things again in the 58th on a nice, top-shelf shot. In the end, the THUNDER took the long and winding road back home with a well-earned point in hand. At full time it was 4-4.
Goals: Jason, Cameron, Anthony, Ben
Assists: Evan, Jason, Tommy, Anthony
Goals Against: Alex 2, Connor 2
Total Shots on Goal: 31
BAC Blue Thunder 1:5 Herndon Red Devils White
The air was crisp, the pitch was green and it was a perfect autumn day as the Thunder took on the Red Devils at the Burke club’s home pitch at Cherry Run. The Devils’ passing was crisp as well, as they took the early lead on a nice cross to make it 1-0 in the 4th minute. The Devils struck again at the 12th minute on another nice swing in cross and finish. Anthony made two solid runs at goal before the half, but the his shots landed in the hands of the Devil’s Keeper. The half ended with the Devils up 2-0. Alex’s work in goal kept it close as he made a number of tough saves.
The BLUE THUNDER’s best efforts came in the second half with Ben moved to forward on the right side. Ben had a nice early run and the BLUE THUNDER looked to have the early momentum. The Blues finally broke through on splendid bit of speed and skill early in the 2nd when Connor split two defenders and finished his shot past a diving keeper at the 40th minute.KABOOM! His run came on a nice punt from Matt in Goal. But, a minute later the the Devils answered with another cross and score. The score was 3:1. The Devils sealed it with a 4th and 5th goal in the second half including a well placed header past the goalie. Matt made two strong saves to keep the ball out of the net during the waning minutes.
Strong defensive efforts in front of Matt by Evan, Jake and Andrew kept the Herndons from scoring any more. Jake’s trademark tenacity was on display along with Andrew’s coast-to-cost play, as the Thunder never wilted. Jason, Tommy and Cameron also had late opportunities that were stopped by a very stout Devil’s defense. At full time the score ended 1:5 for the visitors.
Goals: Connor1
Assists: Matt 1
Shots on goal: Anthony 2, Connor 1
Saves: Alex, 5 Matt 2
Goals Against: Alex 2, Matt 3
Regular Season Begins!
The day was very hot and the boys dressed in BLUE met CYA Blaze at the half pitch. CYA Blaze scored first and the BLUE THUNDER answered. KABOOM! During the second half the BLUE THUNDER scored two KABOOM! KABOOM! more winning the game 3 - 1. The boys played well! Great job THUNDER!
Due to time constraints I will no longer be able to write the stories that highlight the boy’s accomplishments. Should anyone want to continue the tradition, I will be happy to send the stat page I have used in the past. AD.
First win of Fall 2007!
And so the season begins! It was an early start but fortunately not too early and not too hot as the BLUE THUNDER began against the Thunder in yellow. Alex started in goal as the two teams faced off. BLUE THUNDER took control as the ball was batted between the two teams. Before sweat could be wiped from the ref’s brow, Matt took the ball and passed it Jake. Jake sent the ball to Anthony who looked to Connor and slid the ball to him. KABOOM! A goal for BLUE THUNDER.
The BLUE THUNDER continued to dominate the field as Cameron worked the ball around the Ashburn Thunder. A quick move from Andrew gave the corner kick to ASC. No Problem! Alex saved the situation with a calm and cool grab. The ball worked it’s way down in front of Alex when Andrew stepped in and cleared the ball with a send to Cameron. Cameron worked the ball hard. Ben and Andrew kept the gates closed as ASC tried to penetrate the BLUE THUNDER lines. The half began to wind down as the BLUE THUNDER pressured ASC. Confusion ensued as ASC tried to defend the pressure from the BLUE THUNDER offense. KABOOM! , thank you number 18 of ASC for the kick back into your goal. Score 2 - 0 BLUE THUNDER .
The second half began warming up with the temperature and the excitement of the BLUE THUNDER . Jake made his presence known by taking on ASC . Jake passed to Jason who was primed to race down the field. Jason took a shot and the ball was saved by a lucky ASC goal keeper. The team from Ashburn regrouped and tried to take charge of the field. An unlucky tap landed the ASC into a corner kick situation. Connor was in goal preparing for a save. The ball landed in the middle of everyone and in the confusion ended up in the net. Score 2 - 1. Reid kept things moving as he took on the midfielders from the boys in yellow. A good pass from ASC sent the ball toward the BLUE THUNDER goal. Connor punched it away and Blake sent the ball on it’s way. Jason took control and worked the ball up the field. As ASC struggled to tie the game, Ben was not having it as he teamed up with Andrew and Alex to stop all the drives. Anthony continued to show his skills with great footwork. KABOOM! Anthony sinks one in and the THUNDER takes the score up to three. As the sun continued to heat up, the woman in stripes blew her whistle. Great job THUNDER! Success and fun. Congratulations on the first win of the Fall 2007 season.
Game 2
Has the curse been reversed???
Talk about a scorcher!. The BLUE THUNDER was prepared as they saved their lucky white jerseys for Team America, a formidable opponent. The temperature was close to 100 and there was no such thing as a comfort index. Things got even hotter as the passing between the boys was just like Coach Rado and Coach Grant had taught them. Team America was surprised as Blake tapped the ball to Jake. Jake moved down the field and the patriotic team kicked it out. Play continued to be well matched as both teams worked their positions. Shifts changed but neither team could get through the last defense. Alex kept his house in order as he saved the ball again and again. The THUNDER talked the talk and walked (ran) the walk. As Ben faced the opponent he sent the ball to Connor. Connor moved up to the left side of the field and heard Anthony call his name. KABOOM! And the score is 1 to nothing. It looks as though the white jerseys are working for the THUNDER again this season!
The second half began with the heat bearing down on the field. Alex stayed in the goal while Jason took the ball and got the ball headed in the direction of Team America’s goal. Anthony and Jake kept the ball being passed between them and frustrating the boys in blue and red. Both teams worked the field. Andrew and Blake checked in with Matt who kept the ball where we needed it to be. Alex came in from goal and switched with Connor. The THUNDER continued to pound away with the sun bearing down and the sweat dripping onto the pitch. Ben kept Team America in check and an unlucky bounce sent the ball out off a THUNDER foot. Team America set up for the corner kick as Connor directed his team into position. As luck would have it the kick sailed into net, a ball impossible to stop. And the score was tied. The clock continued to tick as both teams struggled to make that final tap into the net. The whistle blew and it was a job well done by both teams, leaving the score tied, 1 to 1. Was it the jersey or just the heat? Nonetheless, the game was fun to watch and fun to play. Well done BLUE THUNDER.
