The LDC United U-10 Boy’s team participated in the 2012 Gettysburg Blue-Gray Cup over the Memorial Day weekend and were rewarded for their efforts.

The tournament format had the boys play three “seeding” games on Saturday each of which was 25 minutes long and one 50 minute game within their “seeded” bracket. In their first seeding game the LDC Stormrunners scored early against the St. Mary’s Wolf Pack with a well placed shot coming from outside the eighteen by Ben Baker. The lead was short lived as the lone Stormrunner goal would not be enough to overcome the offensive power of the Wolf Pack as they went on to win 7-1.

The Stormrunners second seeding game pitted them against a familiar foe in the M.O.T. Strikers. During the 2010 Blue-Gray Cup the Stormrunners defeated the M.O.T. Strikers in overtime. The Strikers had revenge in mind. The game was largely defensive in nature with the Stormrunners trailing 2-0 until a goal by Ryan Sanson pulled them within one.  Despite a late push by LDC, the M.O.T Strikers went on to win the contest 2-1.

The third seeding game matched the Stormrunners against a well coached Boyertown team. This unfamiliar foe matched up well and held the Stormrunners to a 1-0 halftime lead with the separating goal being scored by Josh Koteles. In the second half the Stormrunners began to hit their stride and seemed to gain new life. The match ended with a final score of 3-0 with the additional goals being scored by Josh Koteles and Ryan Sanson.

Under a threat of inclement weather the Stormrunners faced a highly motivated Manheim Township team for the first bracket placement game of the day. This game would play well to the Stormrunners strength of conditioning and fitness. A superb display of individual and team skills on both sides of the ball had the spectators on their feet the entire match. In the end, the Stormrunners had the advantage with a final score of 3-1 with goals being scored by Johnny Hanosek, Jackson Mascari and Devin Roth.

On the second day of the tournament the Stormrunners faced a talented team in the Alliance Argonauts.  This warm and sunny Sunday morning was the perfect venue for a semi-final soccer game and both teams had come ready to play! The Stormrunners struck first with a goal by Elijah Hitz and managed to hold a 1-0 lead at halftime. As the contest progressed it became clear that the Stormrunners were very relaxed and were moving the ball very well. A well executed goal by the Argonauts was quickly answered with two Stormrunner goals by Casey Ahern and Josh Koteles. Final score: Stormrunners 3, Alliance Argonauts 1.

In the championship game the Stormrunners were faced with another unfamiliar opponent in the CDSA United boy’s team. Each team played very well and the contest was largely defensive during the first half. Going into the second half, the Stormrunners had secured a 1-0 lead and appeared to be focused and motivated. After several well coordinated attacks by both teams the Stormrunners managed a strong offensive assault with goals being scored by Johnny Hanosek, Devin Roth, Josh Koteles, and two scores from Teagan Therit. A superb defensive effort by the Stormrunners resulted in a shutout of their opponent. Final score: Stormrunners 5, CDSA United 0.

Interesting tournament statistics:

– The Stormrunners held a 1-0 halftime lead in all 3 bracket games with the outcome’s in balance until final 10 minutes.

- Goalies Andrew Hare, Johnny Hanosek and Josh Koteles combined to save 20 of 22 shots over the 3 bracket games, including breaking up several scoring chances with charging saves.

- The Stormrunners demonstrated a well balanced scoring attack with 7 different players scoring goals in the 3 bracket games.

- More tournament photos can be viewed at http://donhare.smugmug.com/Sports/2012-Blue-Gray-Cup/23243029_8QNPqq