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Storm "Strikes Gold" in the 2012 Pocono Premier Cup

The Storm, ended the season by winning the gold medal in the Poconos Premier Cup on July 15, 2012.
 
In the qualifying round, the team was to face four very tough opponents.  The Gloucuster Hornets Impact (Canada) and the Branchburg Cheetahs (NJ) were the first day opponents.  In game 1, against the Canadiens, the Storm struck two early goals to take a commanding 2-0 lead that it never relinquished.  In the 2H, the Canadiens displayed a very strong and physical game that lead to one of the Storm players suffering an injury and the Hornets' player earning a red card.  The Storm, taking advantage of the numbers, struck another goal to take a 3-0 lead.  The Hornets' only goal came with 4 minutes left in the game.  In the Storm's second game, the players displayed a tactical discipline by playing a stingy midfield trap.  Branchburg had several scoring attacks that Union's goalie was able to secure or save.  With 1 minute to go in regulation time, the Storm finally struck on a counterattack that lead to the game's only goal.

In game 3, the Storm faced the JDI NJ force, who played a defensive trap all around and JDI's goalie had many key saves, thus frustrating the Storm's forwards' and midfielders' attacks.  In the end, the game ended in a 0-0 tie, but with many unlucky scoring opportunities for Union.  Game 4, still in the qualifying round, was against the Syosett Arsenal team from New York, who had earned a first place tie with the Storm going into the game.  The game had all the characteristics of a final as the winner advanced to the championship game.  In the end, a well played game with attacks from both teams, the Storm scored at the end of the 1H and protected the lead.

In the championship game, the Storm faced the MC United Big Valley Fury.  Interestingly, this was a "rematch" of a final game played at a previous college showcase tournament in April.  In the end, both teams played well, but it was the 2H, where the Storm showcased their endurance training as they commanded the game and outplayed their opponent with a good display of possession and deep runs.  With 7 minutes remaining the Storm scored on a cross and volley that found the upper right corner of the net for the 1-0 and final score.

Congratulations Storm!!!