May 12’th vs Sarnia ‘B’

The Thunder opened up their 2009 campaign with a decisive victory over the Sarnia Fury ‘B” squad.  The opening minutes of the game showed some tentative play but as the half wore on the Thunder started finding gaps in the Fury defense and were awarded with the first goal of the season fired home by Marcus Cossa.  The Thunder kept the pressure on and 3 minutes later the bulged the twine one more time as Spencer Osmond scored his first goal of the year.  The Fury responded with one goal before half time making it 2-1 but just before the whistle Marcus Cossa fired a low drive at the opposing net which handcuffed the keeper and trickled over the line and made the score 3-1 for the Thunder.  After an inspired half time talk the Thunder came out firing on all cylinders and after allowing an early Fury goal quickly restored a two goal lead as Tristan Hagsmaa fired home a bullet.   The Thunder opened up a little and with some excellent team passing and defense proceeded to score 5 more times.  Stefan Mallozzi had a strong game in net and made some key saves when the Fury pressured.  Other Thunder scorers included: Marcus Cossa with 2 more, Josh Vale with a booming drive which he buried in the bottom corner, Luke Ross with some excellent speed on the wing fired his first goal of the year and finally Spencer Osmond with his second of the game rounded out the scoring.  Team defense was a key part to this victory and numerous times the line of Burke Roszell, Hendrik Lindhout and Carter Medeiros turned away numerous Fury assaults. The defense was helped out with some consistent play in the midfield by Dante Fuoco who had an excellent first game with some through balls that helped set up two goals.  Congratulations Thunder on a fantastic opening game and good luck the rest of the season.

May 21’st vs Bluewater Lightning

After a strong opening game the Thunder faced their fellow club team the Bluewater Lighting.  It was obvious from the opening kick-off that there was familiarity between the two teams.  There were not many chances on either side of the pitch throughout the game. This was the debut for Nico Discanno who shook off some early rust and played a fine game in the front.  The Thunder and the Lightning were stifled may times due to excellent team defense both ways.  Once again the threesome of Burke Roszell, Hendrik Lindhout and Carter Medeiros played a strong game in the back end.  Honourable mentions go to the midfielders of Dante Fuoco and Marcus Cossa who played a strong two way game but could not find the net this game.  Spencer Osmond and Josh Vale turned in another strong game as well and Spencer received the “talker” award as the most vocal player. Finally the keeper Stefan Mallozzi with his first shut out of the season was well earned as the Lightning had pressure on the retreating Thunder late in the game and Stefan came up with a couple of key saves to preserve the donut.  Both teams deserve a big pat on the back as this game was very even across the board which consequently coincided with the even make up of these two teams.  Good luck Thunder in Wallaceburg

May 26’th vs Wallaceburg ‘B’

The Thunder travelled south to Wallaceburg for an early week match with the ‘B’ team.  Right from the opening kickoff the Thunder pressured early and often and this resulted in 3 quick goals.  The boys passed the ball up and down the field and by half time had increased their lead to 8-0.  The team once again showed their defensive prowess and rebutted the ‘B’ team time and again.  Defensive gems were turned in by Burke Roszell and Carter Medeiros.  A strong game was had by Hendrik Lindhout and Joshua Vale.   Spencer Osmond was once again the model of consistency in the back and midfield.   Goal scorers for the Thunder included:  Marcus Cossa with 5,  Nicolas Discanno with 4,  Tristan Hagsmaa, Luke Ross, Burke Roszell (1’st of the year) and Dante Fuoco all with singles.  Speaking of Dante he had his best performance to date and showed some excellent speed in the midfield.  Stefan Mallozzi though not pressured often did make  saves when called upon  for his second consecutive shut out.  Way to go Thunder and remember hard work reaps great rewards.