Lightning Co-Ed Soccer Start Another Session

On May 13, a team comprised of the Session 2 champion Johnston Lightning under-8 girls and the Lightning boys under-8 squad — — played in their first co-ed soccer game against the Teamworks Tigers in Session 3 at Teamworks in Warwick.

Head coach Dan Robbins explained how the co-ed team has three brother-and-sister sets, which is pretty unique — Julia and Dylan Robbins, Emma and Michael Salzillo and Alex and Charlie Baxter.

As the contest got under way, Robbins assigned Kylie Marandola to her usual goal keeping post.

Within three minutes of the first half, the sibling pairings paid off, as midfielder Julia Robbins kicked in the first goal with an assist by her brother Dylan.

Charlene Hohlmaier and Alex Baxter each booted in a goal, and Julia Robbins once again made a beeline to the net to score the last goal in the first half, giving Johnston the lead, 4-1, going into the second half.

Lightning assistant coach Steve Cambio praised the teams' offense and defense, and told the team they were playing very aggressively.

Anthony Marsella took over the goal keeping post as the second half began. Johnston added another two goals by Dylan Robbins scoring with an assist by Michael Salzillo, and Emma Salzillo was credited for the last goal for her team to bring the final score to 6-4.

"They put their heart and soul in the game," said Robbins, adding the kids are unselfish and they always share.

Johnston's next game is May 20 a 5 p.m. against the Teamworks Gray team.