The Garden City Tomahawks U-16 Soccer Team traveled to Ft. Totten in Queens on Sunday September 19 for their first game of the season. The Tomahawks were victorious in an extremely tight and physical game. It was a game in which the players all played their positions very well and made teamwork their number one priority. The passing and communication was excellent.

The first fifteen minutes of the contest was a defensive struggle with nice plays on both sides. The Auburndale Patriots had a great chance in the box but Matt Steinhauer the Tomahawk goalie make a point blank save on a hard shot. At the twenty five minute mark the Tomahawks had a corner kick and James Carey made a beautiful kick in front of the Patriot goalie. Andrew Butler was in perfect position and put in what would be the games only goal.

The second half was very heated with several players getting yellow cards. There was no scoring in this half but it was filled with action and some nice chances. Early in the half Matt Steinhauer deflected a high hard shot with his right hand right hand over the goal.

The defense was anchored by sweeper Teddy Gurskis. He had an excellent game in the back constantly controlling the ball and clearing it out of danger. Pat Bradley was solid at left defense as he covered his position well and helped out where needed. Chris Gallagher was terrific at right fullback stopping many rushes and advancing the ball nicely up the field to the halfbacks. Chris Zingali played the stopper position and used both his offensive and defensive skills well.

The halfbacks played a cohesive game. Corey O’Brien played right-outside halfback and used his speed and soccer skills in advancing the ball to the forwards. James Carney played at inside-right halfback and he did a fine job of controlling the middle of the field. Steve Vitale was the inside-left halfback and he also controlled the middle of the field. Michael Ripp played outside left halfback and was steady throughout the contest.

The forwards were Andrew Butler who played the right side. Andrew played his position well and hustled all game long. He also scored the winning goal. Mike Moran played left forward and had several nice scoring chances. He was steady all game long.

The Tomahawks are looking forward to the season and this win shows how well they can play as a unit. They will be exciting to watch and are a close knit team who gives one hundred percent every time out.