Rochester Pride - RSC Lightning '96

Lightning’97 bounced back this weekend with determination and energy to claim championship standing of the Global Invitational tournament. Saturday, 24 Sept RSSC Lightning 3 – Novi Jaguars Green 2 It was a very even match against Novi. Rochester were playing well, but so was Novi. The difference in this match was finishing our chances. And not allowing Novi to finish theirs – at least not as many. But it did come down to the wire, as Novi scored their second goal to get within one with about 7 minutes left. Lightning held on though, and came away with the 3-2 win. RSSC Lightning 3 – Canton Quest 3 It was the tale of two halves. The 1st belonged to Canton. Quest showed very good skill and ball movement and broke us down several times early. With the forwards not dropping & tracking the opponent early or quickly enough, Quest took the early lead 3-1. At halftime we adjusted our playing style a little and for the first time this season we played with 3 in the back and 2 forwards. The adjustment was enough to slow down Canton’s attack, and then with that need taken care of, we were able find some attacking chances of our own. And so, scratching and clawing, we pulled our way to within one goal… and then found the equalizer to earn the draw. A tough and well earned tie (this was one of the good ones). Sunday, 25 Sept RSSC Lightning 3 – Ann Arbor Arsenal 0 To think back on last Sunday and then to look at this Sunday. It was like night and day. Last week we came out slow, unfocused and half-hearted. Today we exploded onto the field - and then only got stronger from there! Everything was clicking during this match. Ball movement was fantastic. We were making great use of support and switching the point of attack. The defense was stellar. Our starting defenders, Maddie H, Carly & Emary, were working the principles of defensive shape to perfection – one always stepping, the other tucking in and supporting. It was beautiful to watch. In the second half as Kari & Maddie S took their turns in the back, the quality of the defense remained rock solid. Communication was active, passes were crisp and everybody was moving both on and off the ball for each other. This was truly a beautiful game to watch. Ann Arbor never were able to get anything going against us and in the end, Lightning walk off with a 3-0 victory. And with the victory, came championship standing, as Canton, who also entered their 3rd match 1-0-1, earned a tie against Novi, which put us top of the table outright, without having to resort to tie-breakers. It’s been a fantastic start to the autumn for Rochester Lightning. 4 tournaments, 2 championship standings, 1 runner-up standing, a 9-3-1 start, and only one real stumble along the way – which we seem to have learned from. Great job girls. I’m very proud of you and all the hard work you’re putting in. Keep up the great work.