Courtesy Photo

SANTA CLARITA, California – Brett Croft lead Santa Clarita Storm on Sunday scoring four goals in a blow-out for the home team in their 8-0 win over Banning FC at Golden Valley High School.

 The second game of the season for Storm (4 points, 1-0-1) saw them start off warmed up netting a goal in the 3rd minute finishing off the first half scoring again in the 37th, 41st and 48th minute.

 “This game was crucial for our team (Storm) to get some momentum going into the season and everyone contributed in different ways that helped us get the victory” said Brett Croft Storm striker in his first game with the Storm scoring more than two goals in a match. “The opponent was a young group and will benefit from the experience in the future but were not up to the level at the moment.”

 Defense played a key role in the victory as Banning (0 points, 0-1-0) night’s got worse as they were ready for the game to end standing by as Storm added goals in the 55th, 60th, 62nd, and 63rd minute to cap off an exciting victory.

Starting out in a 4-4-2 formation Storm tried to experiment in the face of lopsided competition pushing Scott Landon to the mid field in a 3-5-2 formation so he could help out with attacking.  This move gave the same results with Landon behind Croft and Zach Klindworth the other Storm striker giving Storm different options for future adjustments in the future..

 This was the biggest margin of victory for Storm as they have only played a handful of times this there inaugural UPSL season. The UPSL has seen this type of disparity in the past when La Maquina previously beat Banning FC 10-1 and La Maquina winning 9-0 over OC Crew last season in League matches.

 “We needed this boost to get everyone excited and ready to take on the rest of the season” said Croft. “ I’m thankful to be apart of a great club surrounded by quality players who’s focus is winning games for the club.”

 Storm will now see if they can continue their hot start to a match travelling to play FC Hasental next Sunday May 23.