Thunderbolts Go Undefeated At Windsor

From L to R br, K Walsh, M Lemonda, M Greco, M Caravello, K Ritchie, J Menges, J Metzler Back Row, Coach Pratt, M Leto, M Schwendemann, P Keogh, Coach Metzler, B Pratt, B Defeliese, S Hugel, Coach Menges Missing from picture R Costigan, B Badgett and C Thomas.

This past weekend was picture perfect for the annual Centennial Soccer Club's trip to Windsor, Connecticut where most of the travel teams participated in the Paul R. Cody Memorial Soccer tournament.

Team Thunderbolts members anxiously looked forward to their trip, not just for the chance to play soccer, but because the trip is always a fun filled excursion where the boys get to spend the weekend as a team unit. Their pride in their team and their home town apparent as they took the field each game to face their opponents.

The Thunderbolts were scheduled to play five games over the three day weekend ... being slated in the most competitive division in the boys under 12 age bracket ... the boys knew it would be a challenge.

After a morning of fun with their teammates, the boys got down to business in the early afternoon defeating the Manchester All Stars by a score of 1 to 0.

Jack Metzler scored the winner on a beautiful feed from Brian Pratt on the right wing.

Matt Leto, Stefan Hugel,Brian Prattand Mark Schwendemann createdmany scoring opportunities up front throughout keeping almost constant pressure on the Manchester defenders. Matt Greco, Patrick Kehoe, Kyle Ritchie and Michael Caravello were relentless in preventing many offensive strikes on the defense, but when the All Stars did break through the wall of Brian DeFeliese, Michael LeMonda, Jake Menges and Kyle Walsh just could not be beat. Ryan Costigan in goal preserved the shut-out with some awesome saves between the pipes.

The boys met a team from Merrick later in the afternoon on Saturday and fought to scoreless tie. Everyone made a solid contribution to the team effort against Merrick.

After some fun in the pool the Thunderbolts joined other teams from GC staying at the same hotel in a huge banquet. Many thanks to Doug Donnelly of the U13 Bulldogs for organizing such a memorable event for the young ladies and gentlemen from the Bulldogs (BU13), Thunderbolts (BU12), Strikers (GU13), Golden Eagles (GU13) and Freedom(GU13).

Needless to say, fun was had by all except the Hotel's custodial staff!

Despite Saturdaynights' festivities, the boys were anxious to meet the Shelton Stingon Sunday morning.

Matt Leto working the right wing would not be denied... he made some awesome runs and capitalized on two ... scoring early in the first half Matt received a ball on the right side from Kyle Ritchie, Matt moved the ball by a flat back 4 and ran up the right side sliding a perfect shot past the Shelton goalie.

Shelton tied the score in the first half at 1 all despite nearly flawless team work by Kyle Walsh, Jake Menges, Brian "Defo" Defeliese and Michael LaMonda in the back field making passes to Kehoe, Caravello, Schwendemannand Greco for the transition to offense. Patrick Kehoe was tenacious in mid-field preventing many attacks made by the Shelton's aggressive offensive line and then turning the ball around for an offensive attack. Michael LaMonda and Matt Greco made some spirited runs on offense to get things rolling for the Thunderbolts.

The Ritchie-Leto connection worked again in the second half when Kyle made a beautiful cross on a corner kick into the mouth of the goal. Matt Leto who was waiting in the pack volleyed the ball into the back of the net for the 2 to 1lead.

Ryan Costigan made some excellent saves, but Shelton was able to even the score at two in the waning minutes of the game and the match ended in a 2 - 2 tie.

Following their early morning game, the Thunderbolts had some free time so off they went to the races ... go cart races that is ... and a round of a par 3 golf.

After 9 holes, the boys returned to the fields to take on a physical team from Enfield, Connecticut, whom they defeated by a score of 1 to 0. The goal came after a scoreless first half on a beautiful cross from Matt Leto playing right wing to a waiting Stefan Hugel who drove a fantastic left footed shot into the back of the net behind the Enfield goalie.

Although Enfield mounted some challenges in the second half, the rest of the Thunderbolts were determined to hold the lead and continue with the offensive pressure.

When all was said and done on Sunday, the boys ended day two of the tournament with a record of 2 wins and 2 ties.

Later that evening, the Thunderbolts and their families traveled to the nearby Sheraton Hotel to enjoy a banquet hosted by Rob Mahlame. Buffet dinner and DJ provided a fun evening for the Thunderbolts and many of the boys from the other two teams in their age bracket from GC, the T-birds and the Jaguars.

After leaving the Sheraton theThunderbolts made a pit stop at the neighboring Marriott Hotel to make a guest appearance at a banquet hosted by the Daredevils, Liberty and Twisters (GU12 teams). Brian Pratt proved he can break dance and rap with the best of them but the girls really upstaged the boys with their dancing.

Upon arriving at the field on Monday morningit was learned that the three top teams had all tied one another.

In the last game of the tournament the Thunderbolts came out of the gate fighting with the offensive line putting pressure on the defense throughout the game.Matt Leto, Jack Metzler, Brian Pratt and Mark Schwendemann used some fancy footwork in their effort to put the ball in the net, but tono availin the first half.

Stefan Hugel, Michael Caravello and Matt Greco were tireless in preventing the team from Hebron Connecticut from mounting much of an offensive threat in game five.

Walshie, Jake Menges, Mike LaMonda and Defo held the wall in the defensive end of the field.Ryan Costigan was perfect in goal making some tremendous saves to preserve the win.

Jack Metzler scored the only goal of the game late in the second half. Moments later speedster KyleWalsh made a spirited run for the goal, shot and scored only to bedenied on a questionable off sides call.

One goal was all it took to keep the Thunderbolts on top thanks to the defensive effort of all the players who all worked together to prevent many attacks on Ryan Costigan in the net.

The Thunderbolts played enthusiastic soccer this past weekend and have grown closer as a team over the 3 day weekend. Coaches Metzler, Pratt and Menges would like to thank all the parents, families and players for an exciting weekend.