The fourth and final match in the GU/16 Premier Bracket at the Third Annual National Elite Women's Soccer Showcase was a championship contest between the Commack Blasters and Rockville Centre Tornadoes. The Commack Blasters made the finals after a 2-1 semi-final win over the Albertson 90 Fury while Rockville Centre earned their final's berth with a 2-1 win over the Syracuse Elite.

The opening fifteen minutes definitely favored the Tornadoes as their very aggressive forward and midfield play kept the upfield pressure on the Blasters. Sara made several saves on shots from longer range during the first half. At the midpoint, the score was knotted at zero. During the halftime discussion, we agreed that we were playing too conservatively on Carly's wing in transition to offensive control and that aggressive play in the second half made a huge difference in our offensive pressure.

Nine minutes into the second half, Liz was taken down in the box as she was breaking towards the six yard box and the center referee signaled for a penalty kick. Nicky was called out to take the shot. The RVC keeper seemed to have been positioned very tight to the left side from Nicky's view and her shot to the far post just escaped the keeper's grasp for a 1-0 Commack lead.

Rockville Centre equalized in the sixteenth minute as a ball that was carried along the left side was brought along the goal line in a one-on-one effort. The shot somehow found its way through Sara's hands and barely trickled into the net for a 1-1 score. The final fifteen minutes were an athletic struggle between these two teams as both sides were generating offensive opportunities. With only five minutes remaining, another fine RVC shot from the left side around Campy found the right side netting for a 2-1 lead. With about one minute remaining, Commack played a terrific ball down the right side which Liz crossed into the box. After two blocked shots inside the box, a whistle was blown simultaneously with the Blasters seeming to get the equalizer as the ball struck the back of the net. The handball that was called was against the Blasters invalidated the game tying goal. Time expired as RVC put the ball back into play from that foul with the 2-1 final score.

Amazingly, this was the first Commack Blasters loss of the Fall 2006 season as the team was undefeated in their last seventeen games. Although disappointed with the loss in this tournament championship, the Blasters finished with a finalist designation and a 3W-1L-0T record against Region One premier teams. This tournament was an excellent performance from everyone that left the coaching and training staff most proud of our progress this season.

Date: November 26, 2006     Venue: Tully Park - New Hyde Park NY