The Lightning electrified their fans with a winning performance.
A thunderbolt struck the Oak Mesa field at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Monday when the AYSO Lightning 10U girls scored two goals in an overtime shoot-out to prevail 3-1 over the tough Purple Panthers. With the victory, the Lightning advances to the finals on Wednesday night.
In the first half, both teams dueled to a scoreless tie. The Panthers’ Christina Smith almost scored before intermission but was met by Lightning goalkeeper Aimee Coppolo who scooped up the ball at the last second. Smith had weaved through traffic before just missing a chance to put the Panthers in front.
In the second half, the Panthers missed another heart-breaking opportunity to take the lead when a shot hit the left goal post before the Lightning successfully cleared the ball and launched a counter-attack. Driving up the field, the Lightning’s Peyton Tetreault scored to give the Bolts the lead.
The Purple Panthers kept the pressure on all night long.
With the second half clock winding down, however, the Panthers kept the pressure on and Smith reached the back of the net to tie the game at 1-1.
Neither team scored in the two five-minute overtime periods. Again, the Panthers came close but Coppolo blocked a shot with her forehead to force the shoot-out.
The Lightning played with energy and enthusiasm from the outset.
In the shootout, Tetreault and Amber Cui scored goals for the Lightning, and that was the difference in a terrific match that featured fantastic ball-handling, crisp passing and great hustle. Late in the game, the fans on both sides were on their feet, cheering their respective teams. It was a shame one team had to lose, both both teams because of their excellent play walked away winners.
The Lightning tries to contain Christina Smith, an almost impossible task because of her great speed and ball-dribbling.
The Lightning prepares to send the ball downfield.
Win or lose, you must pass through the gauntlet.
Lightning Roster
No. 2 Aimee Coppolo
No. 3 Peyton Tetreault
No. 4 Isable Gonzalez
No 5 Kristen Alley
No. 6 Catherin Kay
No. 7 Sierra Williams
No. 8 Amber Cui
No. 9 Penelope Connie
No. 18 Katelyn Peterson
Head Coaches Mark and Carolina Coppolo, Ast. Coach David Tetreault