February 14, 2006 > Lightning takes second in NorCal Cup

by Submitted by Karin Diamond

FC Fremont Lightning girls U13 division 1 team finished their soccer season by winning second place in the NorCal Cup in Clovis on Feb. 4 and 5. They faced some tough competition during this tournament which began in December. The NorCal Cup is a round robin tournament that requires that teams play up to eight games before reaching the finals, with many teams being eliminated along the way. Fremont Lightning won five of 8 games throughout the tournament to finish second in their division.

Semifinals were held on Saturday when the Lightning faced the Brentwood Flame. During a scoreless first half, it appeared that the win could go to either team. However, during the second half, an energized Lightning team controlled the game. Aubrey Lalumandiere was first to find the net when she scored on an assist from Natalie Sanchez and Lindsay Cole. Then Paige Diamond scored on an assist from Andrea Bonilla to give Lightning a lead of 2-0. Lightning midfield including Janell Koide, Andrea Bonilla, Aubrey Lalumandiere, and Lauren Jauco, helped to maintain offensive control of the game. The defensive squad which includes Lauren Floro, Lica Monobe, Shannon Genberg, Debra Blalock, and Alaina Gold rarely allowed the ball into the backfield. Solid goal keeping by Megan Kufeld helped to shut out the Bretwood Flame. Fremont Lightning defeated Brentwood with a final score of 2-0 which moved the Lightning into the final match on Sunday.

In the final match of the NorCal Cup, Lightning faced the San Jose Almaden Elite. The Elite took an early lead and it appeared would shut out the Lightning. However, late in the second half, Paige Diamond scored on a cross from Andrea Bonilla. Despite their solid effort, the Lightning were unable to come back and the Almaden Elite beat the Lightning 3-1. The Fremont Lightning are coached by Jeff Floro, Al Jauco, and trained by Jack Cairel.