The SSJYSL Tornadoes traveled to Walnut Creek to compete over
the weekend where they took second against teams from across
Northern California.
The SSJYSL Tornadoes traveled to Walnut Creek to compete over the weekend where they took second against teams from across Northern California.
The Tornadoes, playing their first year in Class I, continue to show excellent results. They are in second place in their league, and finished second in the Walnut Creek tournament against other Class I teams.
The Tornadoes started out very strong on Saturday, downing the Lamorinda United 91 Blue 1-0.
Midway through the first half against the Lamorinda United, the Tornaodes began to generate scoring opportunities.
Their first good chance came on a short corner by Amanda Whitling, with Bella Comin just missing the shot on goal.
The Tornadoes broke through near the end of the first half, when Sarah Block pounced on an error by the defense, and deposited a left footer over the goalie’s head into the goal.
Goalie Nichole downing stopped a point blank shot early in the second half, with the Tornadoes defense limiting the Blue’s scoring chances thereafter.
The Tornadoes had two more scoring opportunities, with JC Clayton and Amanda Kline missing on good shots, but had to settle for the 1-0 final score.
The second game on Saturday found the Tornadoes matched against a very strong host team, the Walnut Creek Strikers, who had dominated the tournament in past years.
But the Tornadoes came through against the hosts, beating them 2-1.
The Tornadoes scored first when Clayton made a full field run, crossing the ball to Taylor Clayton who cashed the goal with a left footer.
The Strikers tied the game shortly after half, and the battle was joined.
The Tornadoes got the deciding score on a corner kick play.
Clayton crossed the ball in front of the net, and Cloey LemMon got a header shot off. The shot was blocked, but Sarah Block was there for the timely follow.
The Tornadoes entered Sunday needing only a tie to ensure a spot in the championship game.
But the team hit a bump in the road with a loss to the Stockton United by a 1-0 score.
The United scored with under a minute to play in the game for their only win of the tournament.
Fortunately, the Tornadoes’ strong on Saturday turned out to be enough.
Their closest challengers tied their games, enabling the Tornadoes the opportunity to play for the championship.
The Tornadoes hit the wall in the finale against a very good Livermore Cyberrays team.
The Cyberrays scored two early goals and cruised to a 2-0 win to claim the tourney title.
Only some outstanding goalie play by Downing kept the score from becoming even more lopsided.
The Tornadoes meet the San Jose Power when league play resumes on Saturday.
Blue Thunderbolts 3, Gilroy Raptors 3
The Gilroy Raptors took a 3-2 lead over the Blue Thunderbolts during the first half of the game but couldn’t hold off a second-half rally.
The Thunderbolts were able to score another goal and keep the Raptors to a scoreless second half.
Goals for the Raptors were made by JR Louie, Josue Salgado and Jayland Gallardo.
Goals for the Thunderbolts were made by Spencer Gearing and two from Eric Romano.
Both teams played equally well.
