The predictions forecast a long afternoon for the Plainedge Blasters as they took on the three time defending champion Massapequa Crunch in this third round State Cup 2004 contest. The weather, just shy of seventy degrees, made for perfect playing conditions at Anchor Park in Massapequa.

The 3-6-1 marking formation debuted by the Blasters held the speedy Massapequa midfield in check ... through the first half ... and then again through the second half. Suddenly, we found ourselves in golden goal overtime periods with both sides knowing that a single break for either team would be the deciding factor. In the second overtime, a right side shot from about ten yards out managed to sneak through the near side post for Massapequa, giving them the 1-0 double overtime victory.

Providing Blasters highlights for this match, we probably have to start with the marking midfielders who frustrated the Crunch offensive formations all day long. Jackie, Katie, Gina, Mariel, Brianna, Cristina, Jen, and Nicole all were exceptionally strong in marking positions. Meghan contributed some first half minutes to help the team. The defensive formation including Caroline, Liz, and Marjorie all picked up any loose balls that were rattling around in our defensive zone and played them out well. The offensive strikers including Joanna, Kiersten, Kristen, and Marisa all helped create havoc with the Massapequa defensive trio. Sara was aggressive and solid in keeper today handling about twelve shots, many of which were forced from outside the eighteen, a positive indication of just how strong the defensive formation and game plan was for this game.

Two injured Blasters, Jen and Marjorie, played through their injuries and Jackie played her best game since joining the Blasters with a full contest effort. Gina and Katie had numerous touches on the ball and consistently seemed to find a way to move the ball forward and out of the defensive areas.

Overall, it is hard to classify a "loss" on the scoresheet as a "win". However, the Blasters took this match right to the end and left everything they had on the field. No one ahead of time could have predicted that the coaches would have been talking about which shootout players were on the field and available in the second overtime. That goes to show how much of a game the Blasters brought to the field today.

Date: April 18, 2004     Venue: Anchor Park - Massapequa