Kanata 89/90s Complete Busy Spring Showcase Schedule.

While most soccer teams have not stepped on an outdoor field yet, the 89/90 Kanata Lightning  have already taken part in 3 tournaments and college showcases. A very busy 5 week stretch kicked off with an exhibition tournament near Albany, NY in early March that the Lightning won with wins over current Super-Y east champs Albany Blackwatch (3-1) and the Albany Alleycats (3-0) and a tie against Clifton Park Premier (1-1).

Two weeks later, the team was off to New Jersey for the MAP/MSSL Spring Challenge. The Lightning booked their place in the semis the first day with wins over Brentwood Excel from NY (1-0) and SDA of NJ (7-2). The following day brought high winds and some poor results with Kanata loosing their last round-robin game to Middlepath FC of NY (1-0) and then the semi-final by the same score to Clifton Park Premier.

The intense build up of tournaments and exhibitions now paid off as the Lightning headed to NJ again on April 5th for the MAPS/MSSL Spring College Showcase featuring over 100 college scouts and fifty U17 teams. The Lightning were placed in the top group with teams from four states for the round-robin style showcase. The Lightning opened with a tentative 0-0 tie vs Inter SC of Boston. The next game was against the New Jersey Lancers whose high ranking ensured that the sideline was crowded with college coaches. The game proved to be a classic with both teams carrying the play for extended stretches of time. Another 0-0 tie saw Kanata end the first day with 2 points. But they gained the attention of several scouts who would return the following day to watch the Lightning players.

Day 2 remarkably brought two more hard fought 0-0 ties against the Hockessin Blizzard (ranked #1 in Delaware) and Revolution FC from PA. With the four points, Kanata placed 3rd of 5 teams. But the real purpose of the trip was exposure to college scouts. In this regard it was a great success with several making contact with the team following the games.

The Lighting now takes a break from travelling until the end of May when they are off to Erie, PA for another showcase. The team plans to attend 6 more showcases over the following 8 months. The team will also play in the U21 division of the ERSL making for a very hectic schedule.