The Thunderbolts had an impressive start to the New York State Cup season which started this past weekend on Sunday, September 19, 2004 handily beating the Hewlett Blue Bulldogs by a score of 6 - 0.

Brian Pratt could not be contained and recorded his first hat trick of the season by scoring 3 first half goals despite a blustery wind.

Garden City came out strong and took an early lead on Brian Pratt's first goal who was able to put his first shot past the Hewlett goalie after receiving the ball from Jack Metzler who, along with Kevin Mercadente, Brian Badgett and William White passed seemingly at will between each other as they moved down field.

Kyle Walsh, Greg Vouzianas and Alex Ostermann prevented most balls from passing into the defensive end of the field, but when a ball would get by them, it did not pass Kyle Ritchie who deftly would bring the ball back into to the offensive end of the field.

Again, the Thunderbolts' passing game was impressive. Give and goes were abundant. The passing was crisp and the boys worked the ball backward and forward to their teammates creating their opportunities.

They didn't have to wait long. Just 5 minutes later Brian Pratt again scored on a Badgett to Metzler sequence set up by William White.

Kyle Ritchie and Kyle Walsh were relentless on their opponents and would not give Hewlett any place to to run.

On one of Hewlett's rare first half escapes, GC keeper Jake Menges comfortably saved a low drive.

Shortly before half-time, Pratt had another chance to score as a ball crossed into the center from William White on the left side which skidded past the keeper to a wide open Pratt. Unmarked in front of the goal, Brian Pratt scored his third goal of the game rounding out the hat trick.

Two minutes into the second half, GC's defense was pressured by the Blue Bulldogs, however, Kyle Walsh and Jake Menges put a quick stop to that threat moving the ball back into the mid field where half backs, Kevin Mercadante, Alex Osterman and William White continued to dominate.

Maintaining possession of the ball was key in the Thunderbolts' victory and allowed the team to work on their passing including back passes to Kyle Ritchie, who was a stalwart in goal during the second half. Like a seasoned goalie, Kyle would then feed either Kyle Walsh or Jake Menges who would then fed William White, Kevin Mercadante, Greg Vousianos and Alex Osterman who in turn worked the ball to Brian Pratt, Jack Metzler and Brian Badgett.

Brian Badgett used one of those opportunities to put a beautiful shot past the Hewlett keeper for Garden City's fourth goal.

After the fourth goal, Garden City rode their luck for long periods of time, maintaining possession and waiting for the right moment to score which came when Brian Badgett again got free in the box to score his second goal of the game.

Alex Ostermann closed out the scoring for GC in the final minutes of the game when he ran onto a nice ball from William White and neatly put away the Thunderbolts' sixth goal.

Brian Badgett prevented the Blue Bull Dogs from getting on the score board when he stopped an indirect kick inside the Thunderbolts' box.

The next round of the cup promises to be more of a challenge for the Thunderbolts, which they look forward to with anticipation.

GCAC Wheelchair Basketball Tournament

The Garden City Athletic Club, in cooperation with the Greater Long Island Wheelchair Basketball Association, will be sponsoring a Wheelchair Basketball Tournament at the St. Paul's Fieldhouse on October 1, 2 and 3.

Anyone interested in participating and/or volunteering is asked to contact Dr. Anthony Colantonio at 516-746-3310. We will also be introducing our intramural Wheelchair Basketball League, for Long Island residents, which will begin in April 2005. We thank the Village of Garden City and Mr. Kevin Ocker, Chairman of the Recreation Department, for their support of Physically Challenged individuals.

GCAC Rubber Duck Race

The Garden City Athletic Club, Jump Start Foundation (a collaborative effort among local high school students, including the Jump Start Club of Garden City High School) and the Lion's Club, will be having a Rubber Duck Race in Mill River (Rockville Center) to raise funds for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Mercy Medical Center, on Saturday, October 2nd. Anyone interested in sponsoring a Rubber Duck for valuable prizes going to the fastest Ducks, is asked to contact Jump Start Foundation at 516-746-3310 - requested donation is $5 per duck. Please visit our website at www.jumpstartfoundation.org.