South Jersey Soccer:
Hurricanes Quiet Storm

Sunday, March 12, 2000

By Jerry Amari
SJSports Special Correspondent

A soccer match played in early March usually means one thing, a lot of wind. At game time on March 12th was no exception. The Vineland Under-13 boys traveling soccer team hosted Mt. Laurel at the Vineland Soccer Complex with winds of 15 to 20 mph blowing down the field. The gusty winds seemed appropriate with two teams named the "Hurricanes" (V), and the "Storm" (ML).

The Vineland Hurricanes won the coin toss and chose to attack in the first half with the wind at their backs. Vineland was able to launch several shots at the Mt. Laurel defense. The strong wind help keep the Storm penned on their defensive side of the playing field. Vineland shots by Kerry Daplyn, Evan Bostrom, Chris Downey and Saverio Brunnetti missed their mark in the first 15 minutes. Two corner kicks by Billy Redden were successfully cleared by the frantic Mt. Laurel defense. Redden scored for Vineland with a 25 yard shot that nicked the near goalpost and ricocheted into the net. The Hurricane pressure continued as Saverio Brunnetti powered a low shot by the Storm defense for a 2-0 advantage. Before the half ended, Redden banged a shot off the Mt. Laurel crossbar, and Kerry Daplyn's shot went wide.

Now the Hurricanes had to face a desparate Mt. Laurel squad and the strong gusty winds in the second half to clinch their first victory of the Spring season. The Storm fired shots at Vineland goalkeeper Jermey Chini. Chini was able to stop every ball except a breakaway by Mt. Laurel that was "chipped" over the keeper's reach. The Hurricanes avoided a tie game when defenseman Mike Rigo cleared away a misdirected shot late in the match. Final Score: Vineland 2, Mt. Laurel 1.