U-12 Revolution defeats Lightning

This past Saturday afternoon was cold outside, but inside at the Epic Center, the U-12 indoor soccer game between the undefeated Amherst Revolution soccer club and undefeated Lockport Lightning was hot.

Good defensive play by Kaitlyn Neese, Kaitlin Walsh and Cathryn Mahon kept the Lighting from penetrating the Revolution's defensive zone. When the Lighting finally did get some shots on goal, goalie Francesca Carra made some incredible saves.

Good passing from Morgaine Houston to Margaux Gill and Carissima Cutrona kept the Lightning defense on its heels. As in past games, the Revolution got on the board first. Gill made a spectacular run down the right sideline, making a move on the last defender and blasted a shot past the goaltender.

Shortly afterwards, Sarah Eichhorn beat the Lighting goalie in front of the net after receiving a perfect pass from Christine Murphy.

For the rest of the half, the Revolution got many more offensive opportunities with great passing and ball control by Nika Berrafato, Shannon Doherty, Angela Sobotka, Katie Cohen and Alyssa Cartwright. The defense was nearly unbeatable with great plays by Courtney Kramer and Alicia Girard. However, just before halftime, the Lighting struck twice and the game was tied 2-2 at intermission.

The second half was closely contested as both teams nearly scored to take the lead. Christine Murphy played goal in the second half and was outstanding, making many difficult stops, some from very close range.

The offense continued to put pressure on the Lighting but to no avail. With two minutes left in the game, the Lightning had a throw in from inside its offensive zone. A Revolution player darted in front of the throw, stealing the ball and passed it to Cutrona on the left side of the offensive zone. As she weaved past two Lighting defenders, Cutrona let go a hard shot with her left foot. The ball sailed past the diving goaltender giving the Revolution a 3-2 lead.

Tight defense kept the Lightning from getting another shot on goal and preserving the victory for the Revolution.