The cross-over semi-finals were set by midday as the Commack Blasters, the Bracket #2 winners, were slated to play the familiar Stonybrook Xtreme, the Bracket #1 second place squad. The game was played on the artificial turf field at the Kirkwood Complex which guaranteed great playing conditions. Stonybrook was 1W-0L-2T heading into this match of thus far undefeated teams. While there was no scoring in the first half, smart play from both sides led to several opportunities which were not converted.

Seven minutes into the second stanza, a combination that we saw earlier in the day came to fruition again as Nicki hit Katie with a through-ball that was taken on the left side of the goal. Katie's left footed shot was low and to the far post, beating the Stonybrook keeper for a 1-0 opening score. One minute later, Gina hit another one of her several perfect corners from the weekend, finding Alyssa on a well placed header for a 2-0 lead. Four minutes later, a foul was called against Stonybrook and the resulting penalty kick from Alyssa was looking for the right side corner, but the keeper guessed well and pushed the shot aside.

In the twenty-seventh minute, Meghan scored her first goal as a Blaster on a perfectly placed rebound from central midfield for a 3-0 lead. Nicki got into the act herself in the twenty-ninth minute as she scored for a 4-0 closing tally.

Jen B. played very well with many hard runs in the game and strong challenges. The defensive unit accepted the charge to keep everything away from Sara and together they recorded their second clean sheet of the tournament. This was an excellent game that successfully propelled the Commack Blasters into the Kirkwood Finals and figures well for their Spring 2007 premier season.

Meanwhile in the other semi-final, the Spirit United Surge defeated the Wall Power, 2-1, to create a showdown rematch in the Kirkwood Premier Invitational Gold Flight Finals.

Date: October 8, 2006     Venue: Kirkwood Soccer Complex - New Castle, DE