January 17, 2006 > Lightning sweep third round of NorCal Cup

by Karin Diamond

The FC Fremont Lightning Girls U-13 Division 1 team swept the third round of play in the NorCal Cup tournament on Sunday, Jan. 8. Playing two back-to-back games at Woodside High School, the Fremont Lightning won both games to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Lightning's first game was against the Alpine Menlo Pumas. Fremont dominated throughout the game with Paige Diamond scoring three goals for a "hat trick" before the end of the first half. In addition, Andrea Bonilla scored one goal in the first half and one goal in the second half of the game. Diamond and Bonilla were assisted by the mid-field including Janell Koide, Lauren Jauco, and Aubrey Lalumandiere. Assists were also credited to Natalie Sanchez, Elisa Chen and Lindsay Cole. The defense which includes Lauren Floro, Lica Monobe, Deborah Blalock, Shannon Genberg, and Alaina Gold played tough allowing very few shots on goal. Solid goal keeping by Megan Kufeld allowed only one goal by the Pumas during the second half. The Lightning beat the Pumas 5-1.

The Fremont Lightning were back on the field less than two hours later when they played the San Ramon Storm. The Lightning clearly dominated with the offense pressuring and shooting most of the game. However, the only goal of the game came during the first half on an unassisted breakaway by Paige Diamond. Beating two San Ramon defenders, and charging straight at the goalie, Diamond blasted a shot to the back of the net. The final score was 1-0.

They will now advance to the semifinals in this round robin tournament play. The NorCal Cup will conclude on Feb. 4 and 5 in Clovis.