South Plainfield (4-0)

The Scotch Plains Lightning U13 Girls’ Soccer team repeatedly dialed long distance in the first half of Sunday’s game and they completed enough of their connections to make for a pleasant end to the fall portion of their schedule. Getting first half goals from Rachel Parker, Cathy Harley and Angelica Glover, all from over 30 yards the Lightning breezed to a 4-0 whitewashing of South Plainfield, to clinch second place with a 6-2 record.

With a warm southwest wind swirling at over 20 miles per hour, the Lightning quickly realized that long high shots would prove very tricky for the goalies. Parker wasted no time in taking a pass from Harley in the defensive side of midfield and racing down the left side where she unloaded from 35 yards and put the ball over the surprised goalie to give the Lightning a 1-0 lead at the six minute mark. Five minutes later Rachel Kreyer fed Harley who blasted a high shot that appeared to be heading over the goal but just made it in under the post. Harley,Javonni Costello and Brittany Biondi all came close to adding to the total before Angelica Glover took a touch pass from Heather Rodriguez on an indirect kick and blasted another high hard shot that the goalie saved but could not hold as the ball trickled over the line.

With a 3-0 halftime lead and a dominant performance that kept things sedate for goalie Jaclyn Lazarus, the Lightning moved players into often unfamiliar positions in the second half. Harley got the only goal of the half, this one from short range with her left foot off a nice crossing pass from Joanna Naugle. Parker completed the shutout by making two saves.

The offense led by hard working Rachel Kreyer threatened all day to add to the lead. Katie Cornacchia and Naugle were impressive on the wings with their dribbling,passing and shooting. Costello, Alyssa Straniero and Maria Rivero were solid as usual on defense.

Kristen Thompson was consistently effective in midfield along with Jessica Nagourney, Biondi, Cheryl Monteiro,Lazarus and Nina Brownstone.

The Lightning will next play in the Rahway Thanksgiving tournament November 29-30.