THUNDER 5 - LOOMIS UNITED 3

It was another TEAM EFFORT at Cooper on Saturday morning, September 18, 2004, as the Thunder pounded the Loomis United 5-3. Three different Thunder players scored goals in this game as coach Rick continued to mix up the line up. It's great to see our young ladies getting the chance to learn more than one position. The VV Thunder team came out strong and truly surprised the opponent since the opening of the game. Our defenders made by Tiger, Kat, Ashley P, Karina and Valerie were instrumental in keeping the ball away from our defending area.The Thunder out-shot the Loomis in the first half 12-4 as our midfielders Melinda, Erica, Ashley Y, Rummit, Beth, Macy worked hard and were not letting anything get past midfield. 

Hazel fired the first shot a minute into the game that seemed to put the Loomis back on their heels for most of the first half. At the third minute, Macy forced the play near the right side of the end line that resulted in a corner kick. Macy took the corner kick with a midair ball that was sent to Hazel, who with a first touch took a shot scoring the first goal for our team. We were ahead 1-0 and going strong.

Katie came back with another quick shot that just missed, then fired one just wide. Lexi continued to provide support to the front line. Melinda and Beth, were sending pass after pass up to the front as the Thunder out-shot the Loomis team in the first half. A strong pass from midfield was sent to the left side, Katie took the pass and run with her characteristic speed near the corner of the penalty area. Then with a strong shot across beat the goalie adding a second goal for our team. The score was now 2-0 in favor of our team.

Later on, Valerie moved up to the front line, she was fast in recovering the ball, dribbled a defender and passed the ball to Courtney, who just placed the ball to the left side of the goalie increasing the score to 3-0 in favor of our team. Rummit and Ashley Y added to the pressure in front with some nice passing and ball control on the wings. The referee did not allowed any handling of the ball - whether it was non-intentional -, so he allowed a penalty shot against our team. The opponent scored a nice goal from this penalty shot. A minute later a foul was commited against the opponent in our penalty area which resulted in a penalty kick. This time, Beanie made an awesome save. The first half ended with the Thunder up 3-1.

The second half started a little slow for the Thunder. A cool breeze was blowing as the second half opened, and most of the Thunder families were quietly trying to keep warm. It seemed that the change in weather kept our supporters kind of quiet, while the opponent became louder as the heat of the game started to rise. This kind of behavior makes you wonder what will happen on the sidelines later on this fall when it really gets cold. 

The Loomis team took the initiative to take control of the game. Several runs on the sides were contained by our defenders. Loomis took some shots at goal that did not reach our box. However, a fast breakaway run on the right side allowed the opponent to score for the second time. As the second half progressed, the Thunder midfielders were controlling the game again with Melinda sweeping across the midfield. A pass was sent to the right side, where Rummit fought really hard on keeping possession of the ball, then sent a pass across to the middle of the opponent box. Katie was waiting and without any opposition, pushed the ball inside the Loomis box. Now the score was 4-2 in our favor. 

Then there was a quick reaction from the Loomis team, the ball was sent by the goalie to the middle of the field, a Loomis player sent the ball forward. Another run on the left allowed the opponent to take a shot at goal scoring the third for this team. Since the opponent was working hard trying to equalize the game, all the Loomis players moved up in their effort to control the field. However, a series of passes at the Thunder midfield resulted in a long pass toward the left side. The Loomis defenders were taken by surprise by Katie who outrun her defender and with another strong shot, scored the fifth goal for our team.

The game ended 5-3, as the Thunder managed to remain undefeated in the Metro season. Good offense cannot happen without good defense, goalies and midfield play. That cannot happen without great TEAMWORK. It looks like all those hard practices are starting to pay off at the end of the games! Every player has been a part of this great start! 

Good job Thunder !!!

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