The Commack Blasters achieved something with their 2-1 State Cup victory over the Stonybrook Xtreme that they have not done since their U/10 season : winning a pair of State Cup games and as a result, making the 2007 Open State Cup Quarterfinals. In defeating their second straight premier opponent, the Blasters move into the final eight teams remaining in Eastern New York in the State Cup Tournament.

The opening lineup was changed from our last game with Stonybrook to give a different look. The decision to play some height up top with Ashley while Katie was moved back into a marking midfield role with Gina in the middle was a new formation. In back, Liz returned to defense for this game as Jen, LB, and Alyssa were in the marking spots. Despite these alignment changes, it was Nicky who lit up the scoreboard in minute three on a left footed shot from her left outside midfield position. The drilled shot was perfectly placed over the Stonybrook keeper and into the right side netting on a nearly unsavable shot for a 1-0 lead. Saulty and Ashley were excellent on top for the remainder of the half while Mere, Brooke and Nicky kept up outside pressure. While Commack seemed to have the better field position, Stonybrook continued to counter attack and the defense remained strong to the half.

Second half action started where the first half left off with both teams trading opportunities. Stonybrook had one of their best chances at the twenty minute mark as Sara pushed the oncoming shot high and into the crossbar with Liz clearing the resulting ball. The Xtreme played their best offensive ball over the next ten minutes as the Blasters tried to play a defensive formation. In minute thirty-four, an Xtreme shot from the right side using the right foot curled over the defense and into the net for a 1-1 equalizer.

With minutes remaining and overtime looming, both teams were pressing their offensive chances. Stonybrook broke in untouched and a huge save by Sara with four minutes remaining kept the score level. The final tally came in minute thirty-nine, as Nicky crossed a ball from the right side, found Ashley oncoming, and she bodied the ball into the net for the game winning 2-1 tally. As the final whistle blew, Ashley was ambushed by the team as her selfless play on top made for the game winning goal.

With this win, the Commack Blasters move onto the State Cup 2007 Quarterfinals in a match against the winner of East Islip and Hudson Valley on the weekend of May 12th/13th.

Date: April 29, 2007     Venue: Commack High School - Commack NY