SMSC Lightning Wins Gold at Intl Disney Cup

Players include: Renee Hamlett, Nikki Sotak, Randa Norman, Summer Hanks, Sam Schnicker, Nicole Lawson, Haylie Woddard, Grace Pehle, Tara Hester, Sarah Gammon, Faith Kapp, Rylee Stafford

Lightning Win Disney Cup International!!!!

July 20. 2013 With an amazing display of skill...and will, the SMSC Lightning U14 girls soccer team captured the Championship Gold Medal at the Disney Cup International Tournament in Orlando, Florida. Playing with only 12 players (1 substitute), the Lightning won five games in six days, including victories over a pair of teams from foreign countries.

SMSC got off to a good start with a 1-0 win over LakelandFC/PCFC MFA Hurricane from Florida. The lone goal came on a Summer H corner kick that sailed directly into the goal. The game was highlighted by outstanding Lightning defense that would become the trademark of the team.

Next up, the girls faced their first game ever against international competition, taking on Formas Intimas from Columbia. This time, Summer struck from long range less than one minute into the match and SMSC never looked back. Grace P and Nicole L also scored goals and Summer added a second in a 4-1 Victory.

After a day off, the Lightning took on Florida Kraze Krush White. This time, it was Randa N who got the lightning off to a flying start with a pair of first half goals. Goal Keeper Sammi S and her defense did the rest recording their second shutout in a 2-0 victory. The Lightning won their bracket with a perfect 3-0-0 record and advanced to the semi-finals. There they faced last years finalist MSBC Tsunami White from Melbourne, Florida.

With mid-afternoon temperatures approaching 90, the Lightning got hot in the early going. First, Sarah G launched a left footed shot from just inside the half line that sailed over the Tsunami keeper into the net. Then, Randa N broke free down the right sideline and fired a cross into the box. At a full sprint, Lightning forward Grace P. outreached her defender and volleyed the ball into the goal. Up 2-0, the second half was about survival. The tsunami scored with 20 minutes left to make it 2-1, but the the SMSC backline of Nikki, Tara, Rylee, and Sarah would not yeild anything after that, and the Lightning advanced to the Gold Final.

In the championship match, the Lightning faced Ajax FC from Toronto, Canada. SMSC controlled play most of the first half but could not break through the Ajax defense that had recorded four straight shut outs. In the second half, the Canadiens had the better chances but again Goal Keeper Sammi S and her Lightning defense would not yield. After 70 thrilling minutes, the match was scoreless, and headed into a pair of five minute overtimes. The Canadians sent wave after wave of replacements against the Lightning's terriffic twelve. Despite the guelling pace, SMSC simply refused to lose and after 80 minutes, nothing was decided. The championship would be determined by a penalty kick shootout. Facing immense pressure, the Lightning lineup of Hailey, Faith, Nikki, Summer, and Randa delivered five quality shots. Four found the net, and with SMSC up 4-3, the Tsunami sent their last shooter to the spot. She riffled a bullet toward the right corner but SMSC Keeper Sammi S showed "Lightning" quick reflexes. Her diving save deflected the ball away giving the Lightning a much deserved victory and Championship!