Rochester Pride - RSC Lightning '96

A cool crisp picture perfect evening on a most somber day. This was the setting for tonight’s match vs. Magic. To mark the occasion of the one year passing of the September 11th attacks on America, both teams joined in prayer and then the field fell silent for a minute – maybe two, as two buglers on hand for the occasion made their way to the center of the pitch and sounded a stirring rendering of Taps. With that the game proceeded. A more detailed account shall follow once I have had time to review the game tape entirely. But for now, just my initial impressions and reactions. The biggest and most important factor of the contest came early after yielding a goal about 10 minutes in. This was, to me the point where we would either lose the game or dig down and refuse to let this setback break us. Pride, you never cease to impress and amaze me with your work ethic and determination. Step for step and every inch of the way you kept yourselves in this match. Every player on the side had significant contributions, and it became clear once again – this team will never quit, never yield, never stop working till the day is done. And so… 5 minutes left: The attacking pressure picked up to an even higher level. Players were penetrating deep in the attacking zone, nice balls were being served, shots were being taken, and the feel of the game changed. And that change was for the good. They seemed to panic and rattle; you got stronger, more self-assured. I could see it from our bench. I could hear it in the chatter. I could see the opponent becoming more & more unsettled as they kept trying to work the clock, substituting at every opportunity – twice leaving a 12th player on the field, further wasting the clock. 2 minutes left: The opponent asks for yet another substitution. Referee says no. That’s it for the rest of the game. You step it up yet another notch. Pressure is building and you are looking stronger than you have at any point in the match. Sandi cracks a 40 yard shot over the crossbar. Goalkick. 30 seconds left: Jessica takes a throw-in from about half field. This is our final opportunity for goal. The ball pings about a few moments and then is finally played to Sandi’s feet. Sandi turns makes about 15 yards and is taken down hard – advantage, no call, Lisa wins the ball… 10 seconds left: Sandi bounces up unaffected by the foul and makes a blindside run on the midfielder attemting to double team Lisa. Lisa plays to Sandi’s feet and she moves toward the center of field across the face of the net. 7 seconds left: One player to beat. A touch to space and acceleration creates the half step needed… 5 seconds left: Top of the “D” – 22 yard from goal. Planting foot turned back to far post. A full-on instep strike. Momentum carries the shooter off her feet and she lands back on her striking foot - a perfectly executed instep drive. Keeper's leaning left. Ball is bending right… GOAL. WHISTLE. GAME. 1-1 tie. Every time, Thunder, I think I could not possibly be any more proud of you – you find a way to make me more proud of you. This was an exemplary effort, team. Excellent well done.