A Storm is Brewing – Lightning Advisory

PENN FC Lightning v PA Dominion, April 10, 2022

On Sunday morning, PA Dominion sat alone atop the USYS Mid-Atlantic table, mainly due to more matches played than the other side, but a gratifying position none the less.  That changed when the # 1 ranked, National Champion, PENN FC Lightning came for a visit at High Noon. 

The Lightning wasted no time establishing dominance, by connecting a bunch of passes, and then a slick through-ball by Liza Suydam released Alex Murphy down the left wing.  Alex cut & crossed to an eager Lindsey Bull, who calmly buried the header for a 1-0 lead – only 1:20 into the match. Dominion knew it was going to be a long day.

A few minutes later, Jamie Swartz drove down the right wing and found a runner in Murphy, but her redirect was stoned by the outstretched keeper – a fantastic save.  But the Lightning kept coming. 

Isabel Coy chipped in a loose rebound off a corner kick to make it 2-0, in the 8th minute, and it was on… the Lightning started flashing their skills:

·       Jamie Swartz with a solid rip for Lightning Goal # 3 – in the 28th minute…

·       Followed by Loren Gehret with a laser to make it 4-0 (36th minute), and then

·       Kristen Economopoulos cleaning up her own rebound to make it 5-0 Lightning (43rd minute).

Halftime – Lightning 5 – PA Dominion 0

The second half was more of the same – the Lightning imposing their will on their opponent.  Passing & possessing most of the game, with solid challenges & tackles when their opponents tried to connect.

Liza Suydam flicked a header into space for Loren Gehret to take a few touches and then find her brace (2 goals in a match).  Lightning up 6-0.

Perhaps it was the eye of the storm - a brief glimmer of contentment came for Dominion when an eager one-touch blast from 25-yards resulted in their only goal of the day (6-1).

Lightning finished strong – Isabel Coy drove down the right side, dished to Loren Gehret, who then found Kate Economopoulos for another tally (7-1).

Fittingly, Liza Suydam rewarded super-guest Lindsey Husic with a sweet through-ball for the game’s final goal – a strong right-footed finish that eluded the hands of the keeper.

Final Score: PENN FC Lightning 8 – PA Dominion 1

Thoughts:  The Lightning was coming off a very strong performance at Jefferson Cup, against a few of the best teams along the East Coast.  Their level of play was fast & furious, which vaulted Lightning to the top of the Mid-Atlantic table.

Reported by: Bill S. Woods, Quakertown Traveler-Gazette