The Northtowns Thunder are well named - they play a hard, physical game - have some great athletes on their team - and they came to play - every loose ball was challenged - throughout the match whenever they stretched past the mid field line you sort of held your breath because there are 3 or 4 players on their team that can turn the slightest chance into a score. 

Thunder is cool but lightning can be spectacular - and on a sunny Thursday evening the Invaders flashed some brilliance.  The game started with a cool run down the sidelines - a twisted defender - a great cross - a terrific head - and a save (hats off to both NT goalies who were excellent).  Three break away opportunities bounced away (ok - some day (hopefully next game) we’ll get a field that is in good shape when we play Northtowns - the field conditions for this one (especially in front of the nets) was bumpy cement) - couple more nice chances over the bar - a bunch of corners - still 0-0.  Playing good teams like the Thunder, the Invaders need to bury their chances...

The Invaders broke the ice on a beauty taking a pass in the corner beating a defender inside then outside and wiring the shot top corner.  The 2nd half saw more pressure - an early run & nice cross and a lightning quick touch gave the team a 2-0 edge 8 minutes into the half - the last 10 minutes were their best as they kept the ball in the offensive end & the pressure on.

Break out game for Ariana - she was great in the air as she measured goal kicks & punts & sent the team back on the attack all game long - Ari moved the ball quickly leading teammates into space - the pace she & Jenna kept up in the middle was formidable.

When they hand out unsung hero awards for this team, Amanda stands at the front of the line - go back to our biggest wins and you always find a key Amanda goal or play that helps to earn the decision.  Who could forget the gutty performance in the last game in Maine...  With Zoe nursing an injury, Amanda once again showed her versatility stepping in to play the outside fullback position; she not only shut down that side of the field - she launched good scoring attacks.

Loved the way Erin played - she didn’t see a lot of rubber but made some great decisions breaking early on through balls and sending them back up the field...

All game long the Thunder held tight - they’re a dangerous team - look forward to playing them again later in the season. Congrats to the Invaders on starting the Upstate season with a win...