September 26, 2006 > Lightning wins season opener

by Jeff Floro and Moana Grey

On Sunday, Sept. 17, the girls Under-14, Class I, FC Fremont Lightning, opened the 2006 season with a home game against the Dublin Legends.  The game was very physical from the beginning.  In the first half, FC Fremont forward Kelsi Calhoun, was fouled inside the penalty box.  Captain Aubrey Lalumandiere then converted the penalty kick to put FC Fremont on the scoreboard. Despite losing star defender Lica Monobe to injury during the first few minutes of the game, Melissa Grey came off the bench and played well as a substitute to help out fellow midfielder, Deborah Blalock. In addition, Lauren Floro, Shannon Genberg, Alaina Gold, and Emily Sutedja had a solid defensive first half by keeping the ball out of goalie Molly Zamora's territory.

For the Lightning, the offense improved in the second half when their passes started connecting with other fellow players. As the second half progressed, the Lightning offense turned up the heat with two textbook plays. From a set play at mid-field, Lauren Floro crossed the ball over the Legend's defensive back line.  This allowed Janell Kiode to beat the offside trap and score on a quality finish.  The third goal for the Lightning came off a give and go between Andrea Bonilla and Lindsey Cole from which Bonilla was able to drive the ball past the outstretched hands of the Dublin goalie. The final score was FC Fremont Lightning 3, Dublin Legends 2.  Way to bring the heat, Lightning!