Lightning Fall to Sockers in US Open Final

By Ben Wilson

LOUISVILLE, KY - April 10, 2010 - The San Diego Sockers ended their impressive season by winning the US Open Arena Soccer Championship at Mockingbird Valley Arena. The Louisville Lightning put forth a valiant effort, but eventually fell to the Sockers by an 11-7 margin.

San Diego’s first-quarter play showed Louisville what a champion looks like. Coming in as the winners of the PASL-Pro North American Championship, the Sockers scored five goals in the first quarter of play. Each of the five goals was scored by a different player, showing the depth and talent of the San Diego roster. Louisville, who had looked quite impressive all throughout the US Open Cup, had not faced a high-quality team such as San Diego.

Sockers goalkeeper Riley Swift made 23 saves in the first half, allowing only three goals. His incredible first-half performance gave endorsement to why he was named PASL’s 2009-10 All League First Team goalkeeper. Still, Swift felt that Louisville gave him trouble in goal. “They came in (Louisville) and had a flurry of attacks—that kept me on my toes,” said Swift.

The second quarter proved to be difficult for the Lightning. In 15 minutes of play Louisville gave up 3 goals, were outshot 11-5, and were continually tested by the San Diego’s smothering defense. Louisville’s only surge came late in the second quarter with 2 minutes to go, as Safet Kovacevic scored off a Lightning free kick.  Both teams wearily walked into their locker rooms with San Diego nursing an 8-3 lead at the half. 

Whatever Lightning head coach Scott Budnick said to his team at halftime must have worked. In less than minute—at the 12:06 and 11:33 mark—Louisville’s scored two abrupt goals, which cut San Diego’s lead to 3. But the Sockers kicked their experience into overdrive, as midfielder Eric Wunderle answered back with a screaming kick that sailed quickly past Lightning goalie Frank Peabody. Kovacevic, Louisville’s star midfielder and primary offensive weapon, gave the Sockers a punch in the mouth with two third-quarter goals.  San Diego still went into the fourth quarter with 9-6 lead.

San Diego’s athleticism was too much for Louisville, outscoring the Lightning 2-1 in the fourth quarter. It was a bold effort by Louisville, but San Diego showed Lightning fans why they are the number one indoor team in the country by defeating the Lightning 11-7.  “They were a savvy, experienced, veteran squad, and they certainly showed it tonight,” said Budnick.

The US Open ends the season for both the San Diego Sockers and the Louisville Lightning.