South Jersey Soccer:
Hurricanes Tame Dobermans

Sunday, November 14, 1999

By Jerry Amari
SJSports Special Correspondent

The Vineland Hurricanes took to the field to tangle with the Highland Dobermans at the Vineland Soccer Complex. A strong wind blew across the field throughout the match making accurate ball movement difficult. To make matters worse, Vineland had to play the first half of the match against the wind and the talented Highland squad. The 'Canes were playing to avenge an earlier season loss to Highland.

In the early going, both teams had scoring chances. The Hurricanes offense was able to gain the control of the match as corner kicks were taken by Ryan Gregor and Steve Bond. Shots by halfback Chris Downey and forward Bobby Rupp were blocked by the Doberman keeper. Meanwhile Vineland goalkeeper Jeremey Chini handled every shot sent towards the Hurricane net.

After a scoreless first half, both teams switched sides for the second period. Now Vineland had the wind at their backs. Coach Ted Daplyn's players took full advantage of the situation. Just three minutes into the final period, Ryan Gregor settled the ball 20 yards away from the Doberman goal. Gregor passed to Evan Bostrom inside the 18 yard line. Bostrom was able to quickly touch the ball to an unmarked Steve Bond, who was racing towards the goal area. Bond finished the play by blasting the ball by the Highland keeper to give Vineland a 1-0 lead.

The Hurricanes now had momentum, and kept the heat on the besieged Doberman defense. Tom Tobolski's shot went wide. Bob Rupp's chance hit the near post. Steve Bond's next shot flew over the crossbar. When the ball managed to get out of the offensive zone, the Hurricane defense of Dan Perretti, Al Pellegrini, Nick Ruskoski, and Mike Rigo were able to disrupt the attack by Highland. With 15 minutes to play, Ryan Gregor blasted a Highland clearing kick back at the Doberman goal. As the ball neared the net, it ricocheted off Nick Ruskoski's back (which fooled Highland's defense) into the net for a 2-0 lead.

With the victory over Highland, the Hurricanes raised their record to 3 wins, 3 losses, and 2 ties in the North American Divsion of the South Jersey Soccer League.