Edison Express (3-2)

A cold gusty wind that reminded everyone of this year’s frigid winter and proved a harbinger to the largest April snowstorm in 20 years turned out to be far more agreeable to the Lightning and their fans than the weather the week before. The result was also more satisfying as the Scotch Plains U13 Girls soccer team bounced back from a season opening 5-0 loss to the Central Jersey Tidalwave to edge the Edison United Express 3-2 Sunday in Edison. It evened the Lightning’s spring record to 1-1 in their debut as a flight 4 team after finishing second in flight 5 a year ago.

Unlike the opener which was played in a cold driving rain that turned the field into a quagmire, the field was in excellent condition for the Edison game. “Last game we were extra concerned with weather conditions that we forgot we had a game to play, We also played against a very good and strong team. “ said coach Luis Rodriguez..

“We're glad to come back to the winning column. It was a great effort from everybody “,
added Rodriguez.

His daughter Heather put the Lightning on top when she skillfully took a crossing pass from Rachel Parker and deposited the ball into the corner of the net. Edison tied the game on a long high looping shot but Katie Cornacchia gave the Lightning the lead for good converting another cross from Parker.

The Lightning extended their 2-1 halftime lead as Cathy Harley executed a fine swerving corner kick that was flicked by Jaclyn Lazarus to Cornacchia who hit a hard low shot just inside the right post. Edison cut the margin in half with another long high shot but the Lightning defense, led by goalie Parker and defenders Javonni Costello and Alyssa Straniero shut the door the remainder of the game. The victory gave the Lightning a 5-0-0 mark against the two Edison teams. They beat both at the Piscataway tournament last September and stopped the Independence twice last fall. This was their first meeting since Piscatawaywith the United Express,which dropped from flight 3,

Rodriguez noted the Lightning’s increased intensity.
“We showed the desire of winning each ball, we showed patience transporting the ball from midfield to up front”, said Rodriguez. He was most effusive in his praise for Costello.

“She showed a superb demonstration of ball and field control. Javonni was our best player today”. As was the case last fall, Lazarus and Parker shared the goalkeeping duties. Maria-Pia Rivero also excelled on defense. Angelica Glover and Joanna Naugle made numerous fine runs on offense and nearly scored on several occasions. Kristen Thompson, Rodriguez, and Harley sparkled in midfield. Rachel Kreyer, Cheryl Monteiro and Jessica Nagourney alternated between offense and midfield and contributed with their hustle. The Lightning were able to win without Nina Brownstone and
Brittany Biondi.

The Lightning play their next game,Sunday April 13 at Park Middle School against the Greater Flemington Freedom.