South Jersey Soccer:
Warriors Dominate Lightning For Division Title

Thursday, May 27, 1999

By Jim Hopkins
SJSports Special Correspondent

The U-11 Washington Township Warriors traveled to Linwood, NJ to take on the Linwood Lightning for the East Continental Division title of the 1999 Spring South Jersey Soccer League. The Warriors, detemined to avenge a tough fought 3-2 loss to the Lightning during the regular season, were more than ready for the rematch. The Warriors scored a 4 - 2 dominating win, bringing their first division title to the Township.

Linwood scored the first goal of the game to take a 1 - 0 lead, but the Warriors fought back as Stephen Dages scored on a beautiful low shot to the right corner of the goal, tying the score at 1 - 1. Jamie Rogers scored the next Warrior goal, heading the ball past a sprawling Lightning goalie and making the score 2 - 1. The first half ended with the Warriors holding a 2 - 1 lead.

The second half opened with the Warriors pushing the ball into their offensive zone and dominating play with great passing and strong teamwork. Two second half goals were added by Wayne Sartorio and Justin Burshtynsky to stretch the Warrior lead to 4 - 1. Linwood added another goal late in the second half but couldn't penetrate the Warrior defense for the rest of the game. Excellent goaltending was provided by Danny Houston. The Warriors came home with the 4 - 2 victory and the division title.

Coaches Jim Hopkins and Bruce Jones salute the Warriors for their hard work and dedication during the season and their well-deserved division championship. Team members are: Chris Bennett, Justin Burshtynsky, Vinnie DiCastelnuovo, Stephen Dages, Ian Hopkins, Danny Houston, Mike Jones, Drew McDonald, Danny Mangini, Jimmy Murphy, Jamie Rogers, Wayne Sartorio, Matt Schleicher, C.J. Schmied and Chris Smith.