The Hurricanes scored early and often.

On October 7 and 8, at the George Pratt Tournament in Cape May, the WCUSC Hurricanes realized a 2-1 tournament record, racking up some nice scores in games 1 and 3.

In the first game, against the Verona Storm, the Hurricanes’ Tomas Brooks scored seven minutes into the game. And the offense didn’t stop there. Midfielder Jerry Baldino fed the offense with line-drive kicks and accurate headings during this game, taking his lead from the ever-accurate Will Mau. Jimmy Scorzetti provided great ball control and dribbling to keep the Storm out of scoring range as much as possible. Ryan Fogel also demonstrated reliable ball control, and passing was spot-on, with targeted, on-the-ground crosses from Bret LePard.

Right before the end of the first half, Tyler Gallen scored on an assist from Kyle Leidheiser. At the start of the second half, Brooks scored again from a Gallen pass. To cinch the victory, Tyler Marraffa -- who had moved up to the striker position -- sent a cross from the right corner to a streaking Alex Kemmler who tapped it in for a score at 11:21 a.m., giving the Hurricanes a 4-0 win. WCUSC lost Marraffa for game 2, however, due to a knee injury.

The Hurricanes played the second game, against the Hockessin Vortex, in gail-force winds and with rough physical play. Although WCUSC lost 0-2, it was not for lack of effort, particularly from the Hurricanes’ defense. Goalie David Natalie fought off 12 Vortex shots-on-goal, many as diving saves. Connor Battilana took advantage of his powerful feet and hands to kick penalty kicks and provide strong throw-ins against the wind. In the midfield, Mark Butte, Ryan Kirkman, and Andrew Brightbill fed the ball as often as possible to the Hurricanes’ wings, with help from Scorzetti. Colin Neilon’s ball control protected his side of the field, and Mau’s kicking protected his. Hockessin scored once in the first half on a corner kick and once in the second half, to best the Hurricanes.

Undaunted, the Hurricanes blew away the Buckingham Blizzards in game 3 on Sunday, winning 4-1. The Hurricanes scored early on a Gallen kick, assisted by Brooks. The second goal was by Matt Pope, on a Fogel pass. Still in the first half, Kirkman put in goal 3 on a solo shot. Natalie, who played goalie in the first half, gave the Hurricanes a header goal in the second half.

Coach Tim Kemmler and assistant coach Jill Gallen shook up the lineup a bit, enabling players Brightbill and Butte, for example, to showcase some front-line footwork and Baldino to reveal his diving skills at goalkeeper.

It was a solid showing for our team. We missed the Zarrs, however, and look forward to this Saturday’s game.