Mere words cannot describe this game - it was just one of those that you had to be there.

The Plainedge Blasters have qualified for the Waldbaum's Cup GU/12 Major Division Championship with their win over the West Islip Blue Diamonds, 1-0, following overtime and an eleven penalty kick shootout.

This third 2002-2003 season renewal of the West Islip versus Plainedge rivalry was everything that was expected with tough defense and strong midfield play dominating the action. West Islip was seeking a trip to the finals while Plainedge was looking to avenge their two 1-0 losses in Fall 2002 League and 2003 State Cup play.

West Islip's strong corner kick game provided the Blue Diamonds with some great opportunities while Plainedge's best scoring opportunity was a breakaway in the first half was sent wide. The second half saw neither team giving an inch with positional play dominating the thinking on the field. The wind and rain which dotted the match favored Plainedge in the second half, but nothing was netted by either squad. After two five minute golden goal overtimes that were scoreless, the Blasters headed to their third penalty kick shootout of the Waldbaum's Cup tournament.

Plainedge's five player order consisted of Liz, Katie, Gina, Kristen, and Brianna. West Islip's first shot found the goal while Liz's shot was high and wide. Suddenly, the Blasters found themselves in the unusual position of being behind in a Waldbaum's Cup shootout. Katie scored low to the left side after a West Islip shot saved by Sara for a 1-1 score after two shooters. In the third frame, West Islip missed while Gina struck the cross bar hard to keep the score level. West Islip's fourth shot was another save by Sara while Kristen's shot was wide left. Fifth frame action saw West Islip score and Brianna up to the challenge as she handled the pressure and put it in the net to even the score after five shooters, 2-2.

Now, onwards to the head-to-head portion and shooter number six. Mariel scored answering the West Islip challenge to make the score 3-3. After a Blue Diamonds miss, Jen missed as the Blasters seventh shooter. Same story on shooter number eight as BriAnn's shot was a cross bar affair.

On number nine, West Islip made the shot and Kiersten answered the charge for a 4-4 score. Number ten saw a Blue Diamonds miss and Majorie miss, our last available field player.

The eleventh shooter - the goalies go head-to-head. After a save by Sara against the West Islip goalie, the game all rested on Sara's foot. When she converted the kick high to the left for the 5-4 shootout victory, the team ran to cheer her on for the victory.

Eleven shooters and a 5-4 shootout final score. Both teams with victory and a trip to the Waldbaum's finals on their foot - but it was our Plainedge Blasters who once again found a way to gut out a victory.

Congratulations to everyone associated with this phenomenal match.

Date: June 1, 2003     Venue: Udall Middle School - West Islip