Everyone had a great time at the pumpkin field. Over the Columbus Day weekend, the Garden City Centennial Blizzards traveled to Windsor, Connecticut to play in the Paul R. Cody Columbus Day Tournament. The Blizzards, along with many other teams from the Centennial Soccer Club, traveled up to Windsor for the first time. The accommodations, the tournament and perfect fall weather made for a great weekend for all.

The tournament consisted of five games over the three day weekend. Four out of the five matches were played against teams from Connecticut. The players enjoyed competing against these new opponents.

Maria Ortiz races to win the 50/50 ball. On Saturday, the team got off to a great start with a 4-0 victory. The Blizzard’s attack was in high gear forcing constant pressure on their opponent’s keeper. The second game was an extremely physical match, the opposition broke through the Blizzard’s defense in the second half for the only goal of the game.

On Sunday morning, the team played their best match of the tournament. The Blizzard’s backs put immediate pressure on any attack and the offense penetrated their opponents 18 yard box throughout the match. A goal in each half gave the Blizzards their second victory. Sunday afternoons match was intense and exciting. The Blizzards fought hard until the last second, but couldn’t get a shot past the keeper and lost 2-0.

Katherine McCarthy takes possession of the ball. With two wins and two loses, the Blizzards needed a victory on Monday to secure 3 rd place. The team handled the pressure well by being the aggressor and winning a majority of the 50/50 balls. This lead to numerous shots on goal by the team. Two well deserved goals and a shut out by the Blizzard’s defense secured the victory.

The tournament was a huge success with the players and their families bringing home lots of great memories.

Brenda O’Donnell positions herself to take control of the ball.

Emma Kane shields her opponent from the ball.