Twisters and Thunder Battle for AISL Lead

The first ever encounter this Saturday between the Massachusetts Twisters and the Rockford Thunder might just be the biggest game in the young AISL 2006-07 season, when the two clubs meet at the Indoor Sports Center in Loves Park, IL.

After a 3-0 start where they averaged over ten points per game, the Thunder came crashing down to earth last Saturday night when they were pounded by the Cincinnati Excite 15-5 at the Game Time Training Center. A pair of three goal performances by Marcel Matis and Mike McGinlay helped power the Excite to their first ever win over the Thunder. Bato Radoncic and Ante “Slash” Cop led the Thunder with two goals.

The strong start by the Massachusetts Twisters has been a pleasant surprise around the AISL. After dropping their first game of the season to the Excite, coach Eric Da Costa’s side has rebounded strongly, winning their next three in a row. The solid early season is in no doubt due to the strong goalkeeping of Paul “the Cat” DelloStritto. DelloStritto is leading the AISL in fewest points allowed (16), saves made (67), and points against average (4.00).

Should the Twisters win, it will be the first time in the club’s AISL history that they will be in first place this late in the season. However, it will not exactly be an easy road. After playing in Rockford Saturday night, the Twisters will catch an early morning flight into Columbus, OH. From there, they will drive down Interstate 71 to Cincinnati, where they will face the Excite at 4PM Sunday afternoon.

The resurgent Excite, under new player-coach Craig Rhodis are looking to place themselves back into the AISL race, and a win will place them at the .500 mark for the first time this season.