The Blue Lightning's Philip Burckhardt (left) square's off against the Lighthouse Azzurri in Northeast Philadelphia, in a 5-2 win. When the season's final whistle blew in Lancaster County last month, …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
White Lightning Head Coach Mark Clugston was proud of the way his team handled the promotion to Division 1.
"Every time they faced a new challenge, they really rose to the occasion," said White Lightning Head Coach Mark Clugston. "They boys performed very well for themselves."
Defender Stephen Clugston anchored the White Lightning from the back, supported by rangy goalkeeper Jack McDonald, who stopped most of the penalty kicks he faced. Forwards Will McHugh and Morgan Plant tormented defenses all season long with their speed, as did midfielder Robert Spain. Coach Clugston praised CHYSC newcomers Edwin Stitt and Sam Johns, both of whom blossomed into major contributors at midfield, as well as dependable Jackson Craig, Jack Heil, Abi El and Simon L'Tainen.
The Black Lightning came into being after a record number of U-12 boys showed up for tryouts in the summer. Head Coach Dave Younkin stepped in to lead a team with five first-time travel players to a 3-5-2 season in ICSL Division 4 in the squad's first year of play. A highlight of the season was a 4-2 win at Falls United in October. After losing three consecutive games, the Black Lightning rallied, playing their best game of the season — even earning post-game praise from the referee for their style of play and sportsmanship.
"I'm so proud of the amount of progress our players made," Younkin said. "By the end of the ICSL season, our kids were playing a thoughtful and strategic brand of soccer."
The Black Lightning were led by stout defender Tre Douglas, who was cited by Younkin for his relentless effort, as well as a core group of heady midfielders and defenders: James Nalle, Malcolm Campbell-Sydor, Miles Gomez Younkin and Malachi Shapiro. Charles Bristol and Patrick Fehm were superb in goal and sacrificed field time to help the team. Carlo and Sante Filippini put their speed to use as forwards, and Wiley Corlett and Cam Marrow made essential contributions.