Day two for the 2008 CASL/Raleigh Shootout Showcase opened under cloudy skies with temperatures at the freezing point that warmed to the mid-forties by game time. During the weeks leading up to the tournament, the Norcross Gold from Georgia scratched and opened the door for the GU/19 Clearwater Lightning to be in our bracket. Ranked number one in Florida and thirteenth in the country, Commack did well in the opening twenty minutes to pressure Clearwater, however the final game score was 6-1 as the Lightning did equal amounts of offensive damage in both halves.

Scoring opened at the fifteen minute mark as a clear from Caroline was played directly to an on-coming Clearwater player who scored far post. Five minutes later, a set piece from thirty yards was a grounder from the Florida team that somehow was missed resulting in a 2-0 deficit which was an unfair result given the field play from the Blasters. Carly lost a ball in the midfield after trying to offensively drive through two defenders and Clearwater made Commack pay again in minute twenty-three. The twenty-sixth minute saw Commack put a set piece just wide.

Opening the second half, Commack was playing some very up-tempo, high-pressure, and spirited soccer. Ashley's pressure on the Clearwater keeper resulted in a free ball which Tori put in the back of the net in minute eight to cut the score to 3-1. However, minute thirteen saw a corner served into the box by Clearwater that was touched by Stephanie and not cleared. Despite two chances to stop the ball, Clearwater managed the shot and regained control on the scoreboard at 4-1. Midway in the half, Commack went to a 3-4-3 formation to apply more pressure which helped on the offensive end. Tori volleyed a cross just wide minutes after the new formation was launched. In minute thirty-three, a near-post goal made the score 5-1 and a final goal with four minutes remaining locked the score at 6-1.

Despite the score, Nicky, Jen, and Taryn were terrific in their positions and worked hard to generate opportunities for the team.

College coaches attending this match included Brandeis, Bryn Mawr, Canisius, Elon, Flagler, Florida Gulf Coast, Florida Southern, Lynn, Mount Saint Mary's, New Jersey Institute of Technology, St. Francis, Nova Southeastern, New York University, Florida, Maryland - Baltimore County, Air Force, Southern California, Virginia Commonwealth, Wingate, Anderson University, Embry-Riddle, and Trinity.

Date: December 6, 2008     Venue: WRAL Soccer Complex - Raleigh NC