Columbia Soccer Club: Match Recaps

The CSC Storm Runners’ (U-16 girls) last two weekends saw them play three of the tightest, most tension filled games in recent memory.  The emotions ranged from frustration and heartbreak to jubilation as the team notched a tie, a loss and a win over the three games.   The roller coaster stared on Sunday, April 29  when the Storm Runners met the Bayshore Blast at Rockburn Park in the first of a home and home series.  The Blast came into the game with a perfect record having throttled each of their opponents.  Early goals by forward Makenzie Rynn staked the Storm Runners to a 2 -1 lead late into the second half but a late rebound off a Blast direct kick resulted in the equalizer.  Both teams left the field knowing that they could have won the match and looked forward to the rematch.  That rematch took place on Saturday, May 5 on the Eastern Shore. 

In this game it was forward Natalie Chin that provided the offense for the Storm Runners as she notched a tally in each of the halves.  The Blast scored once again on a rebound and on a penalty kick so the score was tied at 2 – 2 as play entered its final stages.  Another late score from the Blast gave them the lead but that lead seemed short lived as Chin broke through the defense and was about to hit home the equalizer when she was tripped from behind in the Blast box.  Somehow, the referee did not see the foul and play continued with Chin on the ground holding her clipped heels and the Blast keeper holding the ball.  The game ended with a 3 – 2 loss for the Storm Runners.  While this game resulted in a loss on the scoreboard, the Storm Runners certainly won the hearts of their supporters with the effort put into the game.  Despite having only 12 girls due to injuries and SAT test commitments, the undermanned Storm Runners gave the Blast everything it could ask for.  Goalkeeper Julia Crowe made several spectacular saves and the defense of Becca Riley, Lilly Hermina, Erica Noppinger, Rynn and Erica Sadler stymied the powerful Blast offense throughout the game.  Selena Chin was everywhere in the midfield and forward Jonae Queen wreaked havoc  with her speed and power, almost finding the back of the net on several occasions.

The next day found the Storm Runners in LaPlata battling their rivals, the LaPlata Knights.  Again, having only 12 girls with Selena Chin, Lily Hermina  and Jonae Queen out with injuries sustained the previous day, the Storm Runners kept the Knights at bay and then notched the opening goal near the end of the first half when Natalie Chin struck again when her shot from distance eluded the diving Knight keeper and found the back of the net.  The Knights equalized in the second half after a corner kick caused a scramble in the Storm Runners’ penalty box that resulted in the ball falling to the feet of the Knights’ striker who whipped a shot into the far side netting.

Storm Runners goalkeeper Elaina Quinn kept the score knotted with incredible acrobatic and courageous saves, including several tips over the bar and punches of dangerous balls into the box.  The game seemed destined for a tie when the Storm Runners broke through late.  Midfielder Christina Kochanski struck a low hard corner kick that found an onrushing Natalie Chin at the far post.  Chin’s one time volley screamed into the back of the net before the Knight keeper or defense could move and the Storm Runners then held on for a hard fought 2 -1 victory.

This victory was the result of hard work from every Storm Runner player.  Despite playing two games in a row, the girls never wavered in their commitment to the cause.  Midfielder Jabria Rogers played in the back to game games even though this was her first action since knee surgery sidelined her last season.  Defenders Becca Riley, Erica Noppinger and Erica Sadler played every minute of both games and their play never faltered.  Carley Noppinger and Makenzie Rynn played every position on the field with passion, energy and skill.  Jenney Haynes played through injury and exhaustion to provide a stellar performance on Sunday.  Sarah Levin played both days despite suffering from asthma attacks that forced her to the sidelines on several occasions.  Despite her breathing problems, Levin gave the Storm Runners great energy and fire as she fought for every loose ball and provided several scoring chances with her determined play.  Midfielder Christina Kochanski played center midfielder in both games; controlling play and finally getting her just reward with her perfectly placed corner kick that resulted in the winning tally from Chin.  Midfielder Katherine MacKie missed Saturday’s game due to SAT testing but she made up for that absence with stellar play – including a game saving recovery run during which she caught a fleet footed Knights’ winger and forced a turnover that averted a dangerous scoring chance as the Knights tried to equalize.

The results of these games leave the Storm Runners with a record of 4 – 1 – 2 with one game to play.  They currently reside in second place in the Baltimore Beltway Soccer League with one game remaining.

On a rain soaked Sunday afternoon, the CSC Storm Runners remained undefeated by running past the St. Mary’s Inferno 9 – 0 in their Baltimore Beltway Soccer League match.  Knowing that conditions would worsen as the game went on, the Storm Runners pushed early and scored 6 goals within the first 15 minutes of play.  Makenzie Rynn scored the first two, followed by fellow forward Selena Chin’s two and then single goals from midfielders Lilly Hermina and Christina Kochanski who each hit rockets from distance.  Scoring in the first half was capped by forward Carley Noppinger who placed a shot over the Inferno goalie’s head to make the score 7 – 0 at the half.

A revamped line-up in the second half didn’t slow the Storm Runner attack as two goals by Jonae Queen kept the Storm Runners comfortably ahead.  The victory was an entire team effort as Elaina Quinn, Noppinger and Katherine MacKie shared the goalkeeping duties and the normal defensive line of Tory LaFemina, Becca Riley, Kate Harkleroad  and Erica Sadler played all over the field while the midfield of Kochanski, Hermina, MacKie and Jenny Haynes dominated possession.  Sarah Levin, who left the field with an illness, gave an incredible effort on the wing during her limited time.

Two CSC teams met in a well played and even match at Fairland Park. The Explosion prevailed after scoring a late goal on a corner.  Magic had golden opportunities but both shots were fired just off target.

Match Photos on the Magic page.

Clash Drop a Hard Fought Game to the Fauquier Fever at Fairland Recreational Park, 0-2.

Click Here for Match Photos

Bruised, battered but unbeaten was how the CSC Storm Runners (U-16 Girls) left the pitch after Sunday’s tilt with the LaPlata Knights.  In this intense, physical and well played contest, a depleted Storm Runners squad gave its all to forge a 3 – 3 tie and preserve its undefeated record.  The Storm Runners jumped out early when Natalie Chin anticipated a short goal kick from the Knights, intercepted the free kick and then drove home the opening goal.  From that point in the half, the Knights pressured the Storm Runners defense but the undermanned back line held its own until late in the half when the Knights equalized.  Just before the first half whistle, though, the Storm Runners’ Jonae Queen struck from 6 yards out and the Storm Runners went into halftime with a 2 – 1 lead. 

In the second half, the Storm Runners got their second wind and doubled their lead when Natalie Chin again forced the Knights defense into a turnover and converted beautifully to make the score 3 – 1.  The score stayed that way well into the second half – largely because of the heroics of Storm Runners goalkeeper Carley Noppinger, whose acrobatic and fearless saves frustrated the relentless Knights’ forwards and gave hope to the Storm Runners defenders.  Noppinger’s efforts were bolstered by the backline of Tory LaFemina, Erica Noppnger, Erica Sadler and Lilly Hermina who fought the physically imposing and aggressive Knights tooth and nail for 80 minutes.  The midfield and front line of the Storm Runners – Jenny Haynes, Christina Kochanski, Selena Chin, Katherine MacKie and Sarah Levin ran from end line to end line and touch line to touch line for the entirety of the match, creating chances, winning most of the individual battles and thwarting the playmakers from LaPlata. 

With 8 minutes left in the match, the Knights halved the lead when a seeing eye low liner found the back of the Storm Runners’ net.  This goal seemed to energize the Knights, who then sent everyone forward looking for the equalizer.  With a little over 3 minutes to go, the Knights equalized when a controversial goal was awarded to  them after a corner kick.  The corner kick resulted in a mad scramble at the near post of the Storm Runners’ goal.  During the melee, a fallen Knights’ player seemingly used her hand to pass the ball to a teammate who then nudged the ball over the goal line.  Neither the ref nor the linesmen saw the handball due to the bodies in the scrum but several Storm Runners’ players stopped after the player pushed the ball with her hand, thus allowing the Knights that moment of freedom to score the equalizer. 

This game was a display of tenacity, heart, skill and effort on the part of both teams.  While never wilting on the field, many had to be helped off after the whistle blew simply due to exhaustion.  While neither team could claim a victory, all players could celebrate a match well played and a tie well earned.

The CSC Storm Runners (U-16 Girls) started off their winter futsal season with a bang on Sunday with a 10 – 2 victory over the Arundel Magic.  In futsal, goalkeeping is key and the Storm Runners got terrific keeping from Carley Noppinger and Katherine MacKie – both of whom stopped several point blank shots and frustrated the Magic offense throughout the match.  Christina Kochanski led the Storm Runners on offense – scoring 3 goals and pressuring the Magic defense with quick ball movement  and thunderous shots on goal.  Maddie Jones and Carley Noppinger had 2 goals apiece while Kate Harkleroad, Makenzie Rynn and Lauren Marshall each chipped in with a goal.  Strong defense and adept ball control and passing from Becca Riley and good overall play from Erica Noppinger gave the Storm Runners the advantage throughout the 40 minutes and allowed the team to open its season with a resounding win.
 
The Storm Runners will play in the Baltimore Beltway Soccer League in the spring and are looking for a solid defensive player to round out its roster.  Any interested girls born after 8/1/1995 should contact the team at stormrunners@hotmail .com.

On Sunday, the CSC Storm Runners (U16 Girls) traveled to New Carrollton to play the New Carrolton Soccer Association Fusion.  Both teams entered the game undefeated and tensions were high as play began.  As the game unfolded the different philosophies of the two teams quickly became apparent with the Storm Runners using passing and movement to gain the advantage while the Fusion used its superior physical size to try to disrupt play.  Despite these efforts the Storm Runners quickly tallied the first goal when forward Christina Kochanski smartly played a direct quick to a wide open Kate Harkleroad who one timed the shot past a surprised Fusion defense and goalie.  The lead was soon doubled when Kochanski once again was over the ball on a direct kick.  This time she played the ball over the defensive wall to a waiting Selena Chin who chested down the chip and calmly knocked home a left footed shot.  Twice more the Storm Runners struck before halftime - Midfielder Jenny Haynes once again showed her shooting prowess when as she curled a 20 yard blast into the lower left corner of the net and finally, Jonae Queen finished off the scoring when she headed home a cross from Makenzie Rynn to make the halftime score 4 - 0.  

Line-up changes by the Storm Runners did not change the balance of play in the second half.  First half goalie Elaina Quinn and sweeper Tory LeFemina moved to the front line and both notched second half goals.  LaFemina's goal came after a brilliant stretch of play that resulted in a perfectly placed pass from Natalie Chin finding LaFemina wide open on the right side of the Fusion box.  LaFemina wasted no time knocking home the 5th goal for the Storm Runners.  Quinn, the newest Storm Runner, played solidly at midfield after shutting out the Fusion in the first half.  Her good play culminated in her first Storm Runner goal when she struck a hard low shot that could not be handled by the Fusion keeper.

Carley Noppinger played goalie in the second half.  Her excellent play was highlighted by the stoppage of 2 penalty kicks which preserved the shut out and ended any hope of a Fusion comeback.  The defense in front of Quinn and Noppinger was its usual solid self.  Despite being at a size disadvantage, defenders LaFemina, Becca Riley, Kennedy Citro, Erica Noppinger and Erica Sadler frustrated the Fusion forwards throughout the match.

The midfield of the Storm Runners, led by Haynes, S. Chin, Harkleroad and Katherine MacKie were brilliant from the outset, forcing the Fusion players to chase perfectly placed passes and beating the Fusion to every loose ball.  

The front line of Kochanski, N. Chin, Queen, Rynn and Sarah Levin spent the majority of the game in the Fusion end, maintaining possession and unleashing a barrage of shots that resulted in the 6 - 0 final score.  The victory leaves the Storm Runners on the top of the standings with a 2 - 0 record in their Baltimore Beltway Soccer League season.

The CSC Storm Runners (U-16 Girls) kicked off their fall Baltimore Beltway Soccer League season with a dominating 5 – 0 defeat of the Perry Hall/White Marsh Tornadoes on Sunday.  After a hard fought scoreless first half that saw many Storm Runner chances go wide or into the arms of the Tornadoes’ goalie, the second half saw the offense of the home team kick into high gear as a tiring Tornado defense could not withstand the pressure.  The scoring started on a brilliant individual effort from midfielder Jenny Haynes who stole the ball from her mark, deftly threaded her way through 2 Tornado defenders and then rocketed a shot past a defenseless goalie from the top of the box into the up right corner of the goal.  Her effort not only gave the Storm Runners the lead but also seemed to open the flood gates for the team.  Newcomer Natalie Chin netted the next two from her left wing position with nice assists from center forward Christina Kochanski on the first and midfielder Lilly Hermina on the second.  Right wing Makenzie Rynn notched the fourth goal after a scramble in front of the net and the final tally was recorded by another Storm Runner newcomer, Kate Harkelroad, who took a perfectly played touch pass from Kochanski and calmly drove the ball past the Tornadoes keeper from the six yard box.
 
The Storm Runners defense was solid throughout the match, allowing no real threats to get to goalkeeper Carley Noppinger.  Central defenders Maddie Jones and Becca Riley and outside defenders Tory LaFemina, Erica Noppinger and Kennedy Citro kept the Tornadoes at bay and transitioned the ball from defense to offense with precise passing and timely and dangerous runs.  The midfield of the team supported well in the back and created dozens of scoring chances for the forwards with dominating ball control.  Selena Chin and Katherine MacKie, along with Harkelroad, Haynes and Hermina controlled the play and set up the forward line.  The front line of Kochanski, Rynn, Chin, Sarah Levin and Hannah Kennedy were dangerous throughout the 80 minutes and without the outstanding efforts of the Tornadoes’ goalkeeper, many more shots would have found the back of the net.