On an absolutely perfect day for soccer with partly cloudy skies and temperatures around seventy degrees, the Commack Blasters turned back the East Islip Impact, 1-0, in their State Cup Quarterfinal match at Commack High School to move into the "Final Four" and the State Cup semifinals.

Although there were not many first half offensive highlights, the Blasters did keep the ball down the East Islip end of the field. Carly, returning to the pitch for this game, partnered with Ashley on top to challenge the East Islip defense. The Blasters opened with LB, Jen, Alyssa, and Liz on defense in the first half and held East Islip to only two shots against Sara during the half. The midfield included Brooke and Gina centrally with Katie and Mere wide. Meghan provided five minutes of field time in both halves to give our midfielders water breaks, her first field time since her preseason shoulder surgery.

At halftime, the only Blasters adjustment was to switch Brooke and LB in their positions. The game again saw many midfield touches as both defenses were up to the task. The breakthrough goal came in the seventy-seventh minute as Gina gathered a right side ball about six yards off the end line and lofted her shot from about twenty yards over the outstretched East Islip keeper into the left side netting. As the cheering began, the defense was bulked up to make sure that the final two minutes went smoothly and as the clock expired, the final score read 1-0 recording the third round clean sheet victory. The team gathered around Gina celebrating this win.

This was an outstanding team effort where everyone contributed to the win. Next week, our State Cup march rolls along with a semifinal match against the Albertson 90 Fury.

Date: May 12, 2007     Venue: Commack High School - Commack NY