During the week of June 28, 2008 the Lightning attended the Golden Goal Youth Soccer Tournament Park. 

Golden Goal (http://www.goldengoalsoccer.com/default.html) is a unique youth soccer tournament sports park designed to provide an unparalleled experience. 

During the week the Lightning:

• Camped in an Olympic style village
• Participated in team and individual skills competitions
• Attended three sessions with sports psychologist Gary Pritchart
• Played 7 games against premier level teams from Canada and New York
• Was crowned the U14 Champions

At Golden Goal the Lightning, the other teams, coaches, and guest referees participated together in Golden Goal’s Opening Ceremonies. Throughout the week-long tournament, all teams live and dine in the athlete’s Olympic style village.  Each girl grew as both an individual and a soccer player and got more out of this one week then they ever could have by attending an ordinary soccer camp or tournament.  

After polishing off all competition at the U14 level the team was asked to participate in the U15 tournament.  Although our goal was to win the U15 bracket as well, 2 missed offsides calls and a goal with 30 seconds left in regulation ended our chances to claim 2 trophies.  These young ladies gave all they had in every game and when asked to give a little bit more (1 degree) they took their game to a whole new level.  The Lightning gained the respect of every team, coach and member of the Golden Goal staff by playing the game of soccer the way it is meant to be played....with skill and passing.  Most of the Canadian teams played a dump and chase style and were frustrated by our patience and ball movement.   When the team sprinted to midfield to hoist their championship trophy it showed the passion these girls have about soccer and showed how they have truly grown as a TEAM.

 

The Lightning played in the U14/U15 bracket at the Susquehanna Tournament during the weekend of June 7.   Competing against solid competition and intense heat the Lightning made it to the finals against the U15 South Penn team.  The team lost 3-1 in the finals but scored the only goal against South Penn the entire tournament and played a strong game.