After playing to a tie last week, the 10U Thunderbolts found themselves in another dogfight against the Cobras Saturday at Youth Sports Inc.

The Cobras kept things close throughout much of the game, but it was Bailey Pattin who created just enough offense to help the Thunderbolts to a 4-0 victory.

Early on, it was the Cobra offense that set the tone with several shots on goal. Madison Fowler and Keegan Mathis worked together, setting one another up for several scoring opportunities.

Defensively, the Cobras received contribution from the Jacobson brothers. Michael and Griffin Jacobson used their tenacious defense, speed and quick feet to slow the Thunderbolt attack.

The Cobras also benefited from solid goalkeeping from Gabriel Fluke and Karissa Aldrich. The two faced the daunting task of slowing down Thunderbolt strikers Pattin and Josh Schurer. Both Fluke and Aldrich stood strong all game, stuffing several odd-man rushes, keeping the Cobras within striking distance.

Thunderbolt Josh Schurer looks to outrun the Cobra defense Saturday at Youth Sports Inc.

“I like playing goalie, but sometimes it’s hard trying to hang onto the ball with everyone trying to kick it,” Fluke said.

Despite the strong play by the Cobra goalies, it was the overwhelming offense and smothering defense that gave the Thunderbolts the victory.

Jacob Morgison led the defense in goal, stopping the Cobras early.

The Thunderbolt defense was led by Emily Foglesong and Michelle Doemland. The two worked together, stealing the ball from the Cobras and clearing it out of the defensive zone. “We’ve been working real hard on defense,” said Thunderbolt head coach Mike Schurer. “Emily Foglesong really stepped up today for us defensively. Every practice we have emphasized the importance of defense because we are fortunate to have a handful of good strikers.”

At the midfield, Nikki Lee Aguilar used her precision passing to set up the Thunderbolt attack.

While Schurer harassed the Cobra defense, it was Pattin’s hustle play that got the Thunderbolts on the board. Pattin seemed to be in the right place at the right time, recording two of his four goals off of rebounds.

With the strong play in goal and the dangerous combination of Pattin and Schurer, the Thunderbolts will look to finish off their season next week with a similar performance.