Thunderbolts Advance To 2nd Round Of Waldbaums Cup

Bill Metzler's U11 Thunderbolts started their spring season on March 18th with a convincing win over a strong Valley Stream team in the first round of the Waldbaums Cup 4 to 0.

Although the boys had an impressive fall record of 6-2-1 in a tough division two, they came off their winter break anticipating a much closer match with the Valley Stream Raptors who had played in Division One during the fall.

However, the Thunderbolts came out strong and controlled the play throughout the game.

Despite a blustery day with freezing temperatures, the Thunderbolts exhibited excellent team work with crisp passing and ball control from every player on the field throughout the match.

The Thunderbolts went into the half time break with a two goal lead which the Valley Stream team was never able to counter even when the wind, which was a factor in the game, was at their backs.

Brian Pratt scored the first goal for the Thunderbolts from inside the box putting one past the Valley Stream keeper. Speedster Brain Badgett tallied soon after with a long ball from just outside the box.

In the second half Jack Metzler scored on a break away off a heads up pass from Brian Badgett.

Patrick Keogh added the insurance goal on a scramble in front of the Valley Stream net in the second half.

A solid performance by Kevin Mercadente in the middle of the field prevented Valley Stream from advancing much of an offensive attack throughout and provided many opportunities for the forwards to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

However, Kyle Walsh, Brian Defliese, Matt Leto and Jake Menges deftly handled the few Valley Stream breakaways that occurred. Ryan Costigan controlled the net to preserve the shutout.

Coaches Metzler, Pratt and Menges were especially proud of the boys for their recent sportsmanship award for the fall 2005 season given to the Thunderbolts at the Long Island Junior Soccer Convention held on March 4th. It is the second time in their three seasons together that the Thunderbolts have won this prestigious award which recognizes the achievements of the players and coaches both on the field of play and off. Nice job boys! Keep up the good work!

The regular season begins this Saturday with the Thunderbolts taking on perennial soccer powerhouse Massapequa. Go Thunderbolts!