FC Sonic Win Conference Title!

FC Sonic Win Conference TitlePosted On July - 12 - 2010 FC SONIC Lehigh Valley came into Friday’s game with the Erie Admirals at Lehigh’s Ulrich Sports Complex needing a win. Both teams had nine wins in the National Premier Soccer League Keystone Conference. Lehigh Valley’s record was 9-1-1, while the Admirals were 9-1-0, with their loss to the Sonic. The first half was played evenly, as both teams had chances. FC SONIC started the match controlling the rhythm of play and possession. However, the Admirals gained momentum in the middle third of the half. In the second minute of the game, Lehigh Valley’s Carlington Lamont shot was wide right to an open net. In the 54th minute, Joe Sales had a great point black shot that was saved by Erie goalkeeper Dan Mudd. Four minutes later, Lehigh Valley’s Ricky Mucelli was taken down in the box while he was wide open, but no penalty was called. Jordie Ciuffetelli’s goal off an Erie defender and post in the 88th minute spelled the difference as Lehigh Valley defeated the defending champions, 1-0. The win gives the Sonic the Keystone Conference championship and sends them into the playoffs. Defending champion Erie is eliminated from the playoffs, with two losses to Lehigh Valley. The teams were equal in shots and saves, with four apiece. Lehigh Valley held a 4-3 edge in corners. The Sonic (now 10-1-1) took the game to the Admirals (now 9-0-2) in the second half and were on the attack almost constantly. Sonic coach Dave Weitzman received the customary Gatorade shower for the win, then celebrated with his players. “I told the boys at halftime that we had to win it,” Weitzman said. “We didn’t want to rely on what Erie would do against the Pocono Snow on Sunday. We wanted to be really attack-minded and aggressive and go for it tonight. The boys persevered all year. They won so many games in the last few moments and they did it again tonight.”