Physical size and strength played a huge role in the 10U Lightning Kickers victory over the Soccer Stars.

The Lightning Kickers muscled up to beat the Soccer Stars 4-2 Saturday at Youth Sports Inc.

Size and strength might have been the ultimate reason for the Lightning Kickers pulling off the victory, but speed and athleticism helped the Soccer Stars get off to a fast start. Soccer Stars forward Leah Gabler dribbled down the right side of the field and around two Lightning Kickers defenders before she was met by their goalkeeper. The goalkeeper decided not to use her hands to pick up the ball, but instead dribbled it back to the left side of the field.

Gabler ran past the goalkeeper and stole the ball back. She then turned around to face the goal and booted a shot into the open net.

Lightning Kickers forward Jessica Ferguson was able to get her team on the board with a powerful leg. Ferguson rifled a shot from 25 yards outside the goal, over the heads of four Soccer Stars defenders, including the goalkeeper, and into the goal.

Minutes later Ferguson struck again with her strong shot. The Soccer Stars defenders adjusted their pressure on Ferguson inside the goal box. The defenders swarmed Ferguson, but she was still able to turn with the ball at her foot to face the goal and she slip a shot past the goalie.

Lightning Hannah Reussner continued to build the lead for her team. After the Lightning Kickers defense cleared the ball downfield, Reussner got behind the Soccer Stars defense to score the third goal of the game for the Lightning Kickers.

Soccer Stars forward Leah Gabler, left, battles Lightning Kickers defender Hannah Reussner, right, for the ball Saturday at Youth Sports Inc.

Gabler struck again before halftime to cut into the Lightning Kickers lead. Gabler took the ball half the distance of the field and used nifty footwork to beat the final defender and slip the ball into the goal.

The second half of the game saw much less offensive action. Neither team got into a groove, and they were unable to string multiple passes together to mount an aggressive attack.

Lightning Kicker Heidi Dumesich was able to score one goal during the second half to bring the final score to 4-2 in favor of her team.