U-12 soccer
Wave shuts outs Rovers

The Akron Wave defeated the Amherst Rovers, 3-0, in a U-12 indoor Amherst Soccer Association, Buffalo Western New York Junior Soccer League travel game held on Friday.

Akron scored two early goals but the Amherst Rovers remained undaunted, playing hard throughout and dominating during several stretches. Despite numerous close calls they just couldn't find the net.

Akron would add one more goal late to make the final 3-0.

Offensively, Rover Julia Newton nearly scored a couple times, including a shot that went through the goalies' legs, but a defenseman dove in to stop it just in time. Teammate Julia Struble was in good position to nearly score when a corner kick came to her in front of the net.

Courtney Sugarman blasted one off the Akron goalie and shot another one wide after she stole it from the defense deep in Akron's end. Maria Lafornayra was relentless on offense, pressuring defenders at every turn and setting up several scoring chances.

Defensively, the Rovers' Jade Brooks owned the midfield and made several plays as the last defense back. Colleen Stelley had some big blasts that got the ball from deep in Amherst's end up to midfield and beyond. Emily Saint knocked a ball out of bounds of the Akron player on a two on one and made several other good defensive plays in front of Amherst's net. Kali James held the line in Amherst's end, repeatedly turning back Lockport players trying to get in deep. Joy Thompson's goaltending kept Amherst within two for most of the second half, once diving sideways and deflecting wide a hard shot that looked like a sure goal. Sarah Snyder aggressively pushed the defensive line up to midfield, stuffing Lockport players there several times.

Lightning 5, Rovers 0

The Lockport Lightning defeated the Amherst Rovers, 5-0 on Jan. 20.

It was a physical game and Amherst hung tough despite being oversized. Amherst played strong defense all game, holding Lockport to only two regular goals despite a majority of the play being in Amherst's end. The aggressive defensive play, however, led to three penalty kicks that Lockport was able to capitalize on.

Rover Allie Troncone nearly scored when her shot hit the goal post after some good passing. Maria Lafornayra had a good scoring chance after driving up the right side and testing the goalie with a good hard shot and was involved in several other scoring opportunities.Julia Newton pushed balls ahead from midfield to help spark offensive pressure. Courtney Sugarman played aggressively on offense, including sending a beautiful centering pass in front of Lockport's net from the corner but nobody was there.Joy Thompson sparked some charges with good moves to get by Lockport defenders.

Sarah Snyder broke up several Lockport rushes, one time catching up to two attackers from behind to stop a breakaway. Julia Struble was kept busy in net all game and made several excellent diving saves. Jade Brooks was fearlessly challenging girls much bigger than her all day long and disrupted countless Lockport advances.

Colleen Stelley saved a goal when she closed on and knocked the ball away from a Lockport player before she could shoot into the open net.

Kali James made several plays in front of the Amherst net, blocking shots or knocking the ball away.