2012 Recaps

The Thunder lost at home 5-2 versus Parsippany in a lackluster effort. Despite outmanning our opponent 11 vs 10, we were unable to match their intensity. Goalkeeper Chris Torres competed hard. His backliners Justin Vizzi, Matthew Brauer, Mike McCloskey all fought to stem the tide of attackers. Trevor Miller scored his first goal of the season in the match.

Midfielders Ethan Rampersad, Devin Gray and Kyle Jernee gave effort despite injury and illness. Matthew Rondriguez and Brian Thuring accounted well for themselves in the game.

The PLAYER OF THE MATCH was HASAN ABASI who scored the opening goal on a brilliant header.

TRY AGAIN THUNDER!

Game 7

The Thunder earned a hard-fought 0-0 tie on the road against Cranford. After losing to Cranford 6-0 in our opening tilt, the Thunder had something to prove. Chris Torres made his debut in goal in the second half and matched the clean sheet kept by Ryan McLaughlin in the first half.

Backliners Justin Vizzi and Brian Thuring frustrated the opposing strikers in a fine showing. Midfielders Hasan Abasi, Ethan Rampersad, Matthew Rodriguez, Devin Gray and Kyle Jernee played strongly in controlling the pitch. Dan Auciello was the victim of a poor red card very late in the match after playing well at Striker.

Defenders MIKE McCLOSKEY and MATTHEW BRAUER were our PLAYERS OF THE MATCH for their brilliant effort in front of our goalkeepers.

THUNDER FIT TO BE TIED!

Game 6

Again playing with only 10 on the field, The Thunder went down valiantly against the undefeated Merlin Brace 4-1 on the road in Elizabeth.

Dan Auciello scored our lone goal. Backliners Kyle Jernee, Matthew Brauer, Justin Vizzi all fought hard to ward off their attackers. Chris Torres played both fullback and midfield in a strong outing. Ethan Rampersad and Hasan Abasi played well on the outside. Devin Gray and Brian Thuring anchored our central midfield.

The PLAYER OF THE MATCH was RYAN MCLAUGHLIN who starred in goal in facing over 20 shots.

ALL HANDS ON DECK THUNDER!

Game 5

Despite having only 10 players, an injury riddled Thunder earned a hard fought tie in a 2-2 thriller at Branchburg. We were down 2-0 in the match but battled back to knot the score.

Goalkeeper Ryan McLaughlin played very well between the pipes only giving up a PK and another difficult chance while turning aside multiple shots. Defenders Mike McCloskey and Matt Brauer played courageously in defending our end. They were joined on defense by Kyle Jernee and Justin Vizzi who filled in admirably on the backline.

Midfielders Hasan Abasi, Joe Palella and Devin Gray showed their stamina in working hard for the full 90 minutes and running well at the end of the game.

Striker BRIAN THURING and defender CHRIS TORRES earned Player of the Match honors for scoring our two goals and for their spirited play throughout the match. Brian's goal got things started for the Thunder and was a great effort tally as he outworked and out fought defenders to create the scoring chance. Chris' goal was a beautiful left-footed strike capping off his fine run from the defending third to the scoresheet.

THUNDER ROLLS!

Game 4

The Thunder earned their first win of the Spring campaign in a hard-fought battle at home against the New Providence Lancers. Despite playing only 10 available players, we managed to control the pitch and come away with a 1-0 victory!

Our lone striker Dan Auciello had some good chances. Our midfield of Justin Vizzi, Devin Gray, and Kyle Jernee played their hearts out. Goalkeeper Ryan McLaughlin again sparkled in net for our squad. The backline of Mike Mckloskey, Matt Brauer, Chris Torres and Trevor Miller was like a fortress in front of our goal.

The Player of the Match was ERIC ORTOLANO who scored our first goal of the season and the gamewinner on a fine run after two passes put him on the break.

HALLELUJAH!

Game 3

Our second home game saw Ryan McLaughlin make his debut in goal for the Thunder. He came on in the second half after a barrage of shots from the Cranford Clash drove Matt Dacruz from between the posts. We suffered our third defeat of the season in a 6-0 loss. Brian Thuring and Danny Auciello were strikers in the game. Joe Palella, Matthew Rodriguez, Hasan Abasi, Ethan Rampersad, Eric Ortolano and Justin Vizzi all saw time at halfback. Defenders Trevor Miller and Chris Torres anchored our middle with able assistance from Mike McCloskey and Matt Brauer at outside fullback.

The Player of the Match was RYAN MCLAUGHLIN who steadied our team when he put on the gloves.

KEEP CRASHING THUNDER!

Game 2

Our first home game of the Spring season was a tough one as we were beaten soundly by the Merlin Barce 8-0. Strikers Dan Auciello and Brian Thuring tried to carry our attack. Midfielders Matt Rodriguez, Kyle Jernee and Justin Vizzi gave a good accounting for themselves. They were joined in the midfield by Max Martinez, Joe Palella, Ethan Rampersad and Ryan McLaughlin.

Defenders Matt Brauer, Mike McCloskey and Chris Torres worked hard to limit opponent chances. Goalkeeper Matt Dacruz was under siege time and again, facing many shots.

Once again, TREVOR MILLER earned Player of the Match honors for his persistent effort and leadership of his teammates.

GO THUNDER!

Game 1

The Thunder opened the 2012 season on the road in Piscataway. In a spirited outing, we lost to the Parsippany Lions 3-0.

Making their Thunder debuts were Matt Dacruz in goal, Matthew Rodriguez, Max Martinez, Kyle Jernee and Justin Vizzi at halfback. Despite their inexperience, each gave a strong effort in our operning tilt.

Returning Thunder strikers Dan Auciello and Brian Thuring gave a good showing up front. Midfieiders Devin Gray and Ryan McLaughlin battled for control in the middle third of the pitch. Outside backs Matthew Brauer and Mike McCloskey worked hard to limit shots.

Players of the Match CHRIS TORRES and TREVOR MILLER worked to solidify our middle defense and to steady younger teamates. Each worked very hard in a grand showing.

THUNDER SPIRIT!