The fifth and final match was one final gut-check for the Plainedge Blasters in the 2005 East Meadow Ref-Fuel Tournament. The incredibly tight bracket and standings presented the Blasters with a surprising opportunity since a Plainedge win, combined with an Albertson win over Stonybrook, would give the home town girls the tournament crown. Although Albertson did defeat Stonybrook, the Plainedge Blasters mustered only a tie with the Massapequa Power, 1-1, leaving our girls in the three way tie-breaker for second place.

Offensively, Saulty led the way in the first half with two great chances and clear shots, one of which was saved and one that went wide, but that helped set the tempo for the contest. Liz and Alyssa worked the central defensive formation against the speedy Massapequa team while Nicky and Carly worked the inside midfield. A questionable call in the twenty-ninth minute for obstruction just outside the box gave the Power a set play which they converted as the ball trickled into the net for a 1-0 halftime lead.

For the third time in three games, the Blasters found themselves behind and trying to claw their way back into the match. Midway into the second half, Katie scored on a left footed shot unassisted after a scramble in front of the net for a 1-1 even score. The Blasters, knowing that a win would put them in trophy contention, pushed forward aggressively in the final ten minutes to no avail and the final score was posted at 1-1.

Gina was very strong as forward and midfielder and did everything possible to get the go-ahead score. Jen on the right outside did a great job against the speedy Massapequa midfield while Meredith and Brooke worked their midfield positions.

For the tournament, the Blasters posted a very respectable 2W-1L-2T (8 points) record which knotted them in a three way tie-breaker for second place which tipped in favor of Stonybrook. Albertson recovered with three wins on Day Two to take the tournament with a record of 3W-1L-1T (10 points). Everyone associated with the team is very proud of our record in this exceptionally tough premier tournament bracket.

Date: August 28, 2005     Venue: Wantagh Park - Wantagh