1-2-3 Go G.C. !!!! On a gloomy Saturday afternoon this past weekend with cool temperatures, wind and a fine mist in the air, the Jericho Jets hosted the Garden City Strikers in a match that the Strikers never got off the ground from the start of the game. As the whistle blew for the start of the game, the Jericho Jets quickly tried taking control. The Striker midfielders quickly responded and were exchanging control of the ball with the Jets. While the first half contained a good solid defensive battle on both sides, the Jets were lucky enough to slip a goal past Kathryn Montgomery for the first score on a left corner shot. A good try to save the score was made by Kathryn, but could not get to the ball in time. With the Jets scoring first, the Strikers knew they had their work cut out for them to stay in the game. With the Strikers forwards trying with use of speed, passing as well as dribbling the ball in the 18 yard box, Taylor Hennig, Megan Martinelli & Jesssie Stein just could not get one past the Jets goalie. There were many attempts but all were turned away. The Jets then went on another run, pass play offense and just barely scored another goal just before the end of the first half. The half ended with score 2-0 in favor of the Jets.

Jillian Yoo dribbling past the Jets defense In a quote by Mary Crowley “You may occasionally give out, but never give up” is what was on the minds of the Strikers as the second half started. With weather a factor and the constant long running up and down the field, the midfielders Jenna Fuchs, Kathleen Galgano, Katie Trimmer & Jillian Yoo were not going to give up. In the second half the Strikers were knocking on the door several times and took many shots on goal. Taylor Hennig, Megan Martinelli and Jessie Stein took some fine shots on goal but once again the Jets goalie denied the Strikers a score. Then a play by the Jets, in which the ball was kicked high and hard above goalie Maggie Comiskey’s head was just impossible to stop and gave the Jets their third goal. Maggie also made some real good plays denying the Jets more points on the board. The defensive line consisting of Maggie Kiley, Darcy McGuire, Elizabeth Malhame & Marisa Cameron also provided good protection from additional scoring by the Jets. That is how the game ended with the Jets shutting out the Strikers 3-0.

Maggie Comiskey with a save When the game ended, the Strikers did the traditional handshake with the Jericho Jets, and then formed a bridge and cheered the Jets on their successful win. If you looked at the Strikers you could see smiles on their faces and signs of fun and contentment. Knowing they lost the game, they still enjoyed playing the game and if you asked any Strikers what they thought about the game, one reply was “ I wish we could of won. We played good but we still had lots of fun anyway. Just wish the weather was better”. That’s what the game is all about, to go out and have fun. That is what these two teams accomplished today.

Jessie Stein fighting a Jericho Jet for control of the ball. Jillian Yoo and Maggie Kiley also supporting defensively.