Lightning Outshoots Cleveland 20-6 in 0-0 Draw

Published on June 27, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST PAUL, Minn. (June 27, 2008)- The Minnesota Lightning tied the Cleveland Internationals 0-0 Friday night after out shooting them 20-6. The Lightning now stay in second place with a 5-0-2 record and the Internationals drops to fourth with a record of 4-2-1. The Lightning host division leader FC Indiana for their last home game of the season on July 6 at 5:05pm.

It was a very physical match for both teams tonight, with 13 fouls committed by both. In the first half, the Lightning dominated the play, getting off seven shots. Lightning striker Caroline Smith and powerful midfielder Chelsea Cline had rougher games than usual, and were unable to finish the opportunities in the offensive third of the field.

In the 38th minute, Smith went on a breakaway. After passing two midfielders, she was taken down in the penalty box by two Cleveland defenders. The Cleveland defense knew how to handle the Lightning by shutting down two outstanding W-League players.

Lindsey Schwartz had a strong game for the Lightning, taking five shots that were all on goal. In the 57th minute Schwartz sent a bending ball on net that was saved by Cleveland keeper Carianne Betts. Betts had her work cut out for her tonight, earning eight saves.

In the 63rd minute, Smith almost had her eighth goal of the season. After beating three more Cleveland defenders, Smith took a shot far post that barely hit the keeper's fingers and just tapped the post and went out of bounds. Smith kept the pressure on throughout the game, but couldn't seem to find the back of the net.

The Lightning knew it was an important game to win, and started feeling the pressure. In the 84th minute Jennie Clark chipped a ball into Smith who headed it just wide. Marissa Price stayed quiet on the sideline most of the game, until the last few minutes. Price sent in a beautiful cross in the 90th minute that was headed by Kylie Kallman. The whole crowd seemed to think the goal was in, and so did the Lightning.

The game ended in a 0-0 tie, a disappointment for both teams. The Lightning go on to host FC Indiana on July 6 at 5:05pm for their last home game of the season. The Lightning then goes on to play their last six league games on the road to decide their playoff fate. For tickets call 651.989.5151 or visit www.ticketmaster.com

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USL First Division Stories from June 27, 2008


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