Thunder strikes to Start the Season

The Tampa Thunder traveled to the Atlanta, Georgia area on October 3^rd to take part in the first ever Southeastern Power Soccer League tournament. The Thunder were more than excited for the start the 2009-2010 season and to show off their skills to the competition. This would be the first game of rookie Aaron Masterson’s power soccer career.   For this tournament however, the Thunder were without perhaps one of their best players, goalkeeper/forward Ryan Coton. The Thunder needed everyone to step up their game and give 110 percent.

In the first game of the day, the Thunder took on the Division 2 Chattanooga Speeders, however the Thunder proved to be too much for the Speeders, as the Thunder took an early lead and never looked back. The Tampa offense was relentless throughout the game, as they scored 8 goals on the Speeders. As time expired, the Thunder had won the match 8-0.

Later in that day, the Tampa Thunder faced their rivals the Atlanta Synergy, who placed second in the 2009 National Tournament. Early in the first half, the Synergy proved to be too much for the Thunder as they scored two quick goals and jumped ahead 2-0. However, in the second half of the game the tough Thunder defense shut down the Synergy’s potent offensive attack.  The Thunder had a few opportunities to score on Synergy, but they were unable to score any goals and Synergy won the game 2-0.

In the third and final game of the day, the Thunder took on the always tough Atlanta Tigers. The Thunder started the game strong, and had many scoring opportunities throughout the entire game. In addition, the Thunder defense shut down the Tigers offensive attack completely. Despite all the scoring chances the Thunder were unable to score any goals, as the game ended in a 0-0 draw.

            The Thunder will use this game time experience as they train and prepare for the next Southeastern League competition is in January of next year.