Thunder rolls on in State Cup play

The Bayside U16 Thunder, ranked sixth in the state by GotSoccer.com, went 1-0-2 March 27-28 to advance to the round of 16 of the Florida Youth Soccer Association's State Cup.

The Thunder, coached by Fraga DaRosa, tied the Central Pasco Spartans 0-0 and the Miami Strike Force 1-1 before blanking Satellite Beach 6-0.

The tie against the Strike Force was especially gratifying since the Strike Force plays in the national 'Super Y' league and is considered to be a favorite to advance to the Final Four which will be held in Pace on May 17-18.

After falling behind 1-0 to the Strike Force, striker Diego Figueroa (a sophomore at Catholic) answered with a quick chip shot over their keeper's head. The play was made possible by the outside passing of Max Gerke and Danny Gibble that drew their defenders wide.

The next day the Thunder exploded for five goals in the first half led by two scores from Chance Winn.

The Thunder has prepared for State Cup by winning the Pensacola Classic Tournament in February, then traveling to Louisiana to win the Lagniappe Cup. They beat the U15 state champions and the U16 state champion finalists while there.

The next local tournament appearance for the Thunder will be the Bayside Soccer Club's Gulf Coast Invitational on May 3-4.