Minnesota Lightning News Release - www.mnthunder.com
Saturday, June 30, 2007
ST PAUL, MN -- The Minnesota Lightning remained undefeated after tying the Chicago Gaels 2-2 on Saturday night. The Lightning is now 5-0-1 with 16 points and looking into advancing into the playoffs. The Gaels were coming off two solid wins in which they scored 16 goals. They were looking to be as successful against the Lightning, but the Lightning shut down their scoring streak.
In the first half, there were three goals, two by Julianne Sitch of Chicago. In the 27th minute Sitch put the ball past Lightning keeper Ann Gleason, putting the Gaels up early in the first half. Katie Klimczak was dangerous in the first half, shooting three times against Gleason, who managed to stop all of them.
The Lightning defense was up to the Gaels challenge tonight when in the 32nd minute a run by Klimczak looked dangerous to Gleason. Michelle Molinari stepped in on defense to stop the goal from happening and Gleason retrieved the ball shortly after.
In the 33rd minute, the Lightning got on the board, making the score 1-1.
Caroline Smith passed the ball back to Kelsey Hans who took a left footed shot which sailed past Gaels keeper Kristen Eggert.
The score didn’t stay tied for long. In the 35th minute the Gaels counterattacked. Sitch took a shot that Gleason tipped over the net, thinking it was over. The ball instead hit the cross bar and with Gleason on the ground, Sitch put the ball easily past her. The Gaels had the lead going into the half, 2-1.
In the 49th minute, Lindsey Schwartz made a run down the sideline, looking for Smith. Smith then hit it to Becky Junkermier who hit the ball just wide of the goal.
The Lightning tied the game up in the 60th minute when a cross from Junkermier found the head of Hans who headed the ball far past the keeper. The goal put the Lightning even with the Gaels to end the game.
The Lightning will face the West Michigan Firewomen on Thursday, July 5, then again on Saturday July 7. They will play both games at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. The game on July 5 starts at 7:05pm and the one on July 7 starts at 2:05pm.
