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Lightning Battle to 10-6 Win Over Magic

February 3, 2012 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Louisville Lightning News Release


LOUISVILLE, KY -- The Louisville Lightning took on the Kansas Magic tonight in a match that was anticipated to be a very physical matchup. The Lightning traveled to Kansas last weekend and took a 7-6 win on the road to a very good Magic team. The game did not come without some bumps and bruises though. That game ended with a scuffle when the buzzer went off for full-time, so this game was guaranteed to be a real "bout." Before this game, the Lightning were guaranteed a spot in this year's PASL playoffs, but with a win, they would have home field advantage, so there was a lot riding on this game.

As has been the case the previous five games at home this season, the Lightning came out on top once again. There were three players for the Lightning that had two goals tonight: Corey Maret, Ross Hopkins, and Simon Bird. For the second two, this hasn't been anything different from the rest of the PASL season, but Maret recently just came back from injury. "It feels awesome to be back out there, because it sucks to have to sit and watch the game," said Corey. "I'm glad to be back," he added.

Bird, who is a common member of the post-game press conference squad, had another solid game tonight. Bird finished the game with two goals in similar fashion, picking up the garbage in front of the net. A goal is a goal and both were much needed for the Lightning victory tonight. "It's a team effort and I feel like we had another gear in us tonight," said Bird. Humbly, Bird adds, "You're only as good as the guy next to you." Luckily, the guys next to him were Maret and Hopkins, the other two-goal scorers.

Ross Hopkins has been one of the top scorers for Louisville this year, sitting at the top next to fan favorite, Tee Shipalane. Tonight he put in two goals as well, but that was not his only contribution to the game. Even though Hopkins is not the biggest guy on the pitch, he plays a physical game like he was the biggest guy out there. Hopkins ended up taking a couple fouls including a blue card in the first half, "I think there was a few things that happened behind the ref's backs," Hopkins said, "After the game, the ref came up to me and said he was just exhibiting game management to make sure things didn't get out of hand."

The captain, Ryan McDonald, seems to be one of the happiest players both on and off the pitch. Tonight wasn't any different. With a smile on his face, Mac said, "We got a couple quick goals in the second quarter to change the momentum of the game in our favor. We were just lucky that we kept up the pace." Ryan who has been the rock in the back of defense wanted to comment on the loss of a few players in recent weeks. "We lost JT Murray and Charlie Campbell to other professional teams recently. As much as they helped out our team, and as sad as it is to see them go, we have guys that can always step up if we need them to. And tonight, they did just that," finished the captain.

With this win, the Lightning secure home field advantage for the first round of the PASL playoffs. However, the Lightning still have two more games to play, which are both at home. The first one is against the Vortex of Canton, Ohio next Friday at 7:30.



Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from February 3, 2012


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