Lightning '99 Successful In NorCal Spring League Opener
March 26, 2011
San Juan Lightning ’99 Blue begins their 2011 season with NorCal Premier Spring League in the U12 Boys Premiere Region 6 division. Their first match on Saturday, March 26th, was played on home turf at the Mather Sports Complex where they met with the Atlas Academy (Sacramento) Red 98.
Lightning '99 enjoyed highly competitive and clean play against an improved and impressive Atlas squad. The excited Blue Offense started off the game with a few calls off-side. Starting Lightning offense, led by Forwards #14 Chris Reveles and #7 Aroon Molina and backed by newcomer Attacking Midfielder #22 Jorge Garcia, gradually gained their stride and started penetrating the Atlas box. Blue sent five shots on goal in the first half, with support in the midfield by #19 Michael Meadows-Smith, #11 Clayton Smith, #9 Seamus McLaughlin, #10 Julian Rosales, and #15 Zak Sievers who all assisted in moving the ball up for the attack.
The Red midfield was controlled and patient, and moved the ball forward to allow several attempts through the Blue defense. Starting Blue Defense, anchored by #1 Zachary Hayden, #3 Erik Mattice, #17 Justin Guptil, #13 Matt Ormsen, and Keeper #20 Michael Petri, was a choke machine. With additional defensive skill provided by #8 Dillon Hansen, #12 Alex Herrera, and #18 Noah Scofield, San Juan Defense limited the power of any attack close to the box in the first half.
The first half whistle blew early at 30 minutes and play was resumed to complete the remaining time for a 35-minute half. With the additional five minutes, Blue immediately dug into Red territory, giving Atlas Defense tough work. From a perfectly placed corner kick by Rosales, the ball found the foot of Garcia for Lightning's first goal of the season.
In the second half of play, Blue was able to change things up with the use of defensive players up in the midfield, while working different tactics in the Blue zone to build future promise for depth in the back field. Lightning scored again early, with great movement into the box by Reveles to Molina for the finish.
Not to be shut-out, Atlas created their own play with a push up from a pass at midfield, a beautiful drive into Lightning territory, and an unsaveable goal into the Blue net. Time ended the match, with Lightning ahead 2-1.
Congratulations San Juan Lightning ’99 Blue on your first game! Good luck with the 2011-2012 season! Next two games for SJ Lightning ’99 Blue: First, they travel to Woodward Park in Manteca on Saturday, April 2nd, for an 11:00 am match. Next, they host a home match against Davis Legacy AC Milan '99 Red at Kemp Field on Saturday, April 9th at 5:00 pm.
Coach Anthony Chimienti and Lightning 99's U13 Boys Blue team are hosting a World Cup Futsol Fundraiser this Friday afternoon, February 25th, at the Folsom Sport Complex from 4:00-5:30. The 90-minute session will help players enhance their dribbling, passing and shooting skills working in small spaces while enjoying the competitive fun of World Cup scrimmage format. The cost is $15 each player.
Players need to bring indoor tennis shoes to play, as Futsol will be played on the basketball courts using Futsol balls.
The first 24 players that RSVP to ken_smith@entegris will be accepted.
2011 Lightning '99 Team Information
February 19, 2011
Team Meeting: The club is planning to host a team meeting in Folsom either the weekend of 2/26 or possibly the 1st week of March. All players must complete the 2011 season registration prior to attending training. See the registration instructions below.
Uniforms: The team will meet for uniform sizing and ordering next Thursday, February 24th, from 5-6:30pm at Off-Side Soccer.
Off-Side Soccer
1008 East Bidwell St. Suite 300
Folsom, CA 95630
(Target shopping center next to La Fiesta Taqueira)
Volunteers: The team greatly values the volunteer work put forth by team parents. We have a number of areas where we need assistance (the two biggest needs are team treasurer and Coordinator for Soccer Fundraising Events). Please contact me if you you're interested in helping with these duties and/or have questions.
Welcome to the Team!
February 13, 2011
Tryouts are completed and the team gets a much needed break. Practice starts again in March and we welcome five new players onto the team -- Alex Herrera, Jorge Garcia, Michael Meadows-Smith, Noah Scofield, and Zak Sievers.
Have a fun and exciting year Lightning '99!
Back row: Santiago Moreno, Chandler Thomas, Aroon Molina, Dillon Hansen, Seamus McLaughlin, Alex Herrera, Justin Gupta, Matthew Ormson
Front row: Nyah Manansala-Smith, Michael Petri, Clayton Smith, John Marsh, Roberto Ortiz, Erik Mattice, Julian Rosales, Zachary Hayden
Lightning '99 Places 3rd Overall in State Cup Championship
February 12, 2011
Top Row: Matt Ormson, Zack Hayden, Aroon Molina, Seamus McLaughlin, Clayton Smith, Chris Reveles, Justin Guptip, and Coach Rino Chimienti
Bottom Row: Nyah Manansala-Smith, Erik Mattice, Michael Petri, Dillon Hansen, Roberto Ortiz, and Julian Rosales.
Congratulations to the boys of San Juan Lightning '99 for winning third place in the NorCal Premier State Cup Championship. The NorCal Premier State Cup tournament started in late summer 2010 and the U12 Boys division received the most entrants -- 110 teams.
For Lightning '99, to play soccer with the top teams in Northern California and to compete and finish in the top 4, is a huge accomplishment.
A big "Thank you!" to Coach Rino Chimienti for all of his wonderful work coaching the boys this season. This was first year this group of boys played together at San Juan. The high quality of coaching is evident in the progression and improvement of players throughout the season and the success the team enjoyed.
Congratulations again Lightning '99 and Coach Rino Chimienti for your accomplishments and for a great and fun season. Good luck next year!
2010 Cal Cup CHAMPIONS
Back row: Seamus McLaughlin, Matthew Ormson, Justin Guptil, Dillon Hansen, Clayton Smith, J.D. Marsh, Aroon Molina
Front row: Nyah Manansala-Smith, Zachary Hayden, Chandler Thomas, Julian Rosales, Roberto Ortiz, Erik Mattice, Alex Herrera (not pictured: Michael Petri and Coach Rino Chimienti)
Tryouts This Weekend! -- SJ Lightning '99 U13 Boys team for 2011-2012 season
February 4, 2011
Tryouts are this weekend, starting tonight through Sunday. Here's the schedule:
Friday, February 4, 2011
Livermore Park, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Tryout for this fun and competitive team. The kids are great and, oh, so are the parents!
Lightning ’99 Blue Wins U12 Cal Cup Championship Title
June 27, 2010
Lightning ’99 started the tournament with a match against an improved Cal Rush Nike ’99 team. Lightning Offense clicked on all cylinders, introducing the ball into the net six times. The San Juan Defense played cohesively, thwarting every Cal Rush attack. Blue shut out Cal Rush, 6-0. It was much of the same in the next match against Santa Rosa United Juventus. Lightning controlled every facet of the game and crushed the opponent 5-0. The third and final game in bracket play against Davis Legacy Barcelona proved to be some trouble for Blue. San Juan had many scoring opportunities, but closed the first half with just a 1-0 lead. In the second half, the lead vanished as Davis came back to even the match. Lightning '99 continued to apply pressure on the Barcelona defense and was able to score in the final minutes to end the game 2-1. San Juan won their bracket and earned their spot in the semi-finals.
The semi-final game between Lightning ’99 and the wildcard team, Davis Legacy ’99 AC Milan, served yet another challenge. After a hard fought goal in the first half to give Lightning '99 the advantage, the second half saw their undoing as a determined and tenacious Davis team came back to tie the match. The game could not be decided in regulation and headed to penalty kicks for the decision. With outstanding work in goal by Keeper #20 Michael Petri, and successful penalty kicks from #10 Julian Rosales, #3 Erik Mattice, #9 Seamus McLaughlin, and #25 Beto Ortiz, Lightning ’99 pulled out a win, 4-3 by PK’s to secure their chance to play in the championship match.
In the final game against Diablo FC 98, Lightning ’99 arrived with confidence. They immediately took the field with energy on Defense and a persistent Offense. Blue took an early lead with a pass from #11 Clayton Smith to #5 Nyah Manansala-Smith who took the ball in open space on the wing and sent a shot into the far post, scoring over the goalie's head. Lightning increased the lead when #24 Alex Herrera sent a free kick over to Smith, who took the ball off his chest, settled it at his feet and struck the ball into the net for the winning goal. Although Diablo was able to convert on a penalty kick, the Lightning defense held on strong to secure the victory and emerge as the U12 Boys Cal Cup Champions.
Congratulations Lightning ’99 and Coach Rino Chimienti on your second tournament win -- the Cal Cup victory!
Lightning ’99 travels next to San Diego the weekend of July 24-26 to compete for the nationally coveted Surf Cup. Have fun, and good luck ’99!!!
2010 Nomads Fresno Northern Showcase CHAMPIONS
Back row: Coach Anthony Chimienti, Dillon Hansen, Nyah Manansala-Smith, Zachary Hayden, Alex Herrera, Roberto Ortiz, Seamus McLaughlin, Aroon Molina, Coach Rino Chimienti, Justin Guptil
Front row: Michael Petri, Matthew Ormson, Erik Mattice, Clayton Smith, Julian Rosales, J.D. Marsh, Chandler Thomas
San Juan Lightning ’99 Blue Earns Championship Title at Nomads Northern Showcase
May 30, 2010
-- The San Juan Lightning ’99 Blue Boys played their first tournament of the season at the first annual Nomads Northern Showcase in Fresno over Memorial Day Weekend. The Nomads Northern Showcase tournament was open to the top teams from Cal-North, Cal-South, and surrounding states.
Lightning ‘99’s opening game matched them against the host team, Nomads Fresno. Blue was provided an instant challenge, as the Fresno Nomads scored early to take the advantage. Lightning ‘99 regrouped, with #25 Roberto Ortiz finding the net to even the score. Coach Rino Chimienti’s halftime talk fired his team up and they scored two additional goals in the second half, compliments of forward’s #23 Aroon Molina and Ortiz. The game ended in Lightning’s favor, 3-1.
Their next match against the Roosevelt Revolution was a greater challenge. Blue controlled the ball for the majority of the game, but struggled to convert on numerous scoring opportunities. The Roosevelt Revolution took a 1-0 lead into half. The struggles continued in the second half as the Revolution’s speedy forward out-raced the Blue defense and increased the Revolution lead to 2-0. San Juan was awarded a free kick after a foul from behind against mid-fielder, #10 Julian Rosales. Ortiz sent the ball to the back of the net. Later, Molina finished a well-placed corner kick by #9 Seamus McLaughlin to tie the match. The Revolution scored another goal to take the game 3-2. At the conclusion of day one, San Juan was tied for second place at the tournament tables. In order to continue to the Championship game, Lightning ’99 would have to beat the capable Nomads San Diego team, who had won both their games.
The San Juan boys arrived at their Sunday morning must-win game with a recharged resolve. Blue composed a fantastic game plan. They scored first, with mid-fielder #5 Eric Mattice shooting a cannon into the corner of the Nomad net. San Diego came back to tie to even the score at half. Molina and Ortiz both scored after the half to cushion Blue’s lead. Lightning defense, backed by keeper #20 Mike Petri and anchored by defenders #1 Zachary Hayden, #8 Matthew Ormson, #17 Justin Guptil, and #24 Alex Herrera denied all Nomad entry. With a 3-1 win, San Juan secured their spot in the championship game and a rematch with the same Nomads San Diego team.
The afternoon final started off in a similar fashion, as Lightning scored early. Forward #11 Clayton Smith juggled and finished a ball to take the advantage. Nomads would not go away, as they scored their own goal before match half. Lightning came out in the second half with a stifling defense that defused any Nomad attack. Smith scored again and later #10 Julian Rosales rocketed a bouncing ball into the net for a 3-1 lead. As time ticked away, the Nomads tried bringing up their defense to strengthen their attack. This strategy backfired as Rosales broke away for two more goals. Lightning ’99 Blue completed a definitive win, 5-1, for the tournament first place title. Thank you to Coach Anthony Chimienti for all your help with the team. Congratulations to Coach Rino Chimienti and San Juan Lightning ’99 Blue on their well-earned Nomads Northern Showcase Championship!
Lightning ’99 Secures Berth in NorCal Premier Regional Playoffs
May 9, 2010
- After consecutive shut outs against Sacramento United (4-0) and Woodland (1-0), as well as a loss on Sunday by Sacramento United, the Lightning ’99 boys have guaranteed themselves a position in the NorCal Premier Cross-Regional Play Offs, which will take place the weekend of June 5th and 6th.
To secure a spot in the playoffs, the top, most consistent eight teams within the U-11 Premier division compete in a Single Elimination Play Off format. Teams will play teams from other Regions within the context of League competition, giving the Spring League a meaningful conclusion.
The 2010 Spring League Cross-Regional Play Offs will take place June 5th and 6th. Quarter final games will be played on Saturday the 5th, while semi-final and final games will be played on Sunday the 6th. All games will take place in Union City at James Logan High School, 1800 H Street, Union City, CA 94587-3321.
For more information, see the Information Page for the playoffs at the Norcal Premier website.
Lightning ’99 Gains Another “W” Over Talented Sac United Attack Squad
May 1, 2010
- Blue traveled to James Mangan Field in Sacramento, the home turf for the Sacramento United Attack ’99, today at 10:30 am. The morning was warm and clear – perfect weather for the Lightning, who were hoping to meet up with some quality competition.
Sac United provided a good offering with solid goalkeeping, a creative midfield, and some speed in the attack.
Lightning again showed their aptitude with the ball as they started the game off with command of the ball. In the 11th minute, the ball came in from the midfield as #10 Julian Rosales trapped it on his chest, he tipped it over to #11 Clayton Smith. Smith tipped it to #25 Roberto Ortiz, who kicked it through the Attack keeper’s hands to score.
About two-thirds of the way into the first half, Lightning started to slow down. The Attack took advantage of their opportunity and were able to score two minutes before the half.
After the half, Blue came back strong and never looked back.
A second goal was started by Rosales, who sent it forward to #9 Seamus McLaughlin, who was well-positioned in the middle. McLaughlin chipped the ball to Ortiz, who dribbled through two defenders to shoot on goal.
Blue’s third goal began after Smith stole the ball, crossed it to #23 Aroon Molina, who first-timed it into the goal.
The match ended with the score 3-1, for Lightning ’99.
Lightning ’99 has two home games this weekend at Mather Sport Complex. They meet Attack ’99 again on Friday, May 7th, 2010 at 6:00 pm. On Saturday morning, they play the Woodland SC Chivas ’98 for their second match together. Saturday’s game is at 10:30 am.
- Lightning ‘99 continued their forward surge as they remain the Region 6 team to beat after meeting the Atlas Academy Lobos MX ’98 for their fourth Spring League match. This week, the offense worked well together and performed confidently, as they created beautiful plays ending with the ball in the net.
Again, Blue defense shined as they limited Atlas access to their turf. Atlas was able to force some movement into Blue territory, but the capable Lightning defense restricted their access. Lightning ’99 Keeper, #20 Michael Petri, with 2 saves, denied the ball entry into the Blue goal.
Considerable note should be applied to the Blue midfield, anchored by #5 Nyah Manansala-Smith and #10 Julian Rosales. Both craftily weaved into the Atlas side of the field. If play setups were tallied like goals and assists, their stats would have lit up the leader board. Their contributions allowed multiple offensive opportunities.
At the end of 60 minutes of match time, Lightning scored 7 times and shutout the Atlas.
This weekend, Lightning ’99 travels to James Mangan field, the home of the Sacramento United Attack ’99. Game time is Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 10:30 am.
Lightning ‘99 Plays Great Soccer in Meeting With El Dorado United Crew ‘99
April 17, 2010
- San Juan Lightning ’99 faced the Crew at Oakridge High School in El Dorado Hills on April 17, 2010 at 12:00 noon. The Blue defense starred in today’s match, as they kept the ball ahead and allowed only one shot on goal the entire game. The shot on goal by Crew came as a free kick in the 56th minute.
With the entire game to work, the Blue offense had their way in EDU territory but found it hard to locate the net with nine shots on goal in the game. One shot did make it in during the first half, as #9 Seamus McLaughlin scored off a give from #25 Roberto Ortiz. In the second half, #13 Matthew Ormson made an impressive play up the side from half-field. He beat the Crew defense to raise the score to 2-0.
Next weekend, Lightning ’99 hosts the Atlas Academy Lobos MX ’98 at their home field, Mather Sports Complex. Game time is Friday, April 23rd, 2010 at 6:30 pm.
San Juan Lightning Executes Well Against Elk Grove Everton ‘99
April 10, 2010
– Elk Grove Everton ’99 met San Juan Lightning Blue ’99 at Mather Sports Complex for Blue’s first home game of the season. The game was an exercise in execution as Blue’s hard work in training was translated on the pitch. Blue commanded game play, displaying both teamwork and individual skill. They controlled the ball on both sides of the field and from defense to offense.
Lightning showed a fine grasp of defense fundamentals as they protected their territory, completely stifling Everton entry and allowing only one attempt towards the Blue box in each half.
Lightning offense was persistent. With the ball in play in Everton turf for most of the match, Blue enjoyed working on many attack maneuvers.
Blue’s first goal came in the ninth minute after #10 Julian Rosales passed the ball just before the half field line to #25 Roberto Ortiz. Ortiz stepped it up fast with a defender just at his heels. The Everton keeper came out to block, but Ortiz was able to swipe the ball a bit to the side and kick the ball for a long roll into the net.
Ten minutes later, #17 Justin Guptil sent a free kick toward the Everton goal, which the keeper deflected toward Rosales, who chipped it back over the keeper to score. The last goal in the half was started by #1 Zachary Hayden, who managed the ball up the side then offered a pass through two defenders to the finishing foot of #23 Aroon Molina.
The second half’s first goal started with a long cross to #5 Nyah Manansala-Smith who was near the goal. Just a bit outside, Manansala-Smith couldn’t find a good shot. So he passed it out to Ortiz, who was placed well in the middle near the top of the box. Ortiz drilled the ball into the net.
Hayden initiated the fifth goal. He quickly zipped past his defender and gave the ball to #9 Seamus McLaughlin. With defenders in position, McLaughlin was able to work his way around all opposition and neatly kick the ball in to score.
Next, #13 Matt Ormson aimed a shot toward the goal, where Hayden trapped the ball, moved it out of the way of the defender, and kicked it hard into the net.
Blue’s final goal began with #19 Santiago Moreno. He ably advanced up the side and sent the ball to the well-positioned Molina, who took the shot directly past keeper to score.
Lightning was able to shut out an unusually off Everton squad and the game ended with 7 goals for Blue. Congratulations San Juan Lightning ’99 Blue on your second Spring League victory!
Next: El Dorado United Crew Azzurri ’99 hosts SJ Lightning ’99 Blue at Oak Ridge High School on Saturday, April 17th, at 12:00 p.m.
San Juan Lightning ’99 Blue Starts Spring League With Success
March 28, 2010
– San Juan Lightning ’99 Blue traveled to Woodland to meet with the Woodland SC Chivas '98 for both teams’ first Spring League match. Blue controlled the first half of the game in Orange territory. Blue defense, anchored by #8 Dillon Hansen, #13 Matthew Ormson, #3 Erik Mattice, and #1 Zachary Hayden, choked the Orange offense and allowed just one, yet unsuccessful shot on goal in the first half.
Blue commanded first half action and was allowed to work out a relentless attack, showering the Chivas box. The able Orange defense limited Blue to a single first half goal with a quick give from #25 Roberto Ortiz to #11 Clayton Smith.
Blue started the second half with a goal compliments of #19 Santiago Moreno, finished by #9 Seamus McLaughlin. Coach Rino Chimienti soon switched things up, allowing players to work in different positions. Blue was able to score again with a perfect corner kick from #9 McLaughlin to #11 Smith (header).
Orange kept the game exciting by scoring twice, off a penalty kick and a beautiful corner kick. Blue sealed the match with a final goal by a free kick from #10 Julian Rosales, which bounced off the post and was booted in by #5 Nyah Manansala-Smith.
Congratulations San Juan Lightning ’99 Blue on your first game! Good luck with the 2010-2011 season! Next for SJ Lightning ’99 Blue, they host Elk Grove Everton ’99 on Saturday, April 10th, at Mather Sports Complex at 3:35 p.m.
