Gabrielle Nesi, Catherine Dorn, Amanda Murolo and Brigid O’Malley are all smiles after their comeback victory. The Garden City Centennial Blizzards traveled to South Merrick to play the 92 Sharpshooters in their first league game. Finally, some wonderful weather for the players and fans to enjoy what was an excellent match between two talented soccer teams. After an early goal by the Sharpshooters, the Blizzards staged an impressive comeback and won the match 2-1.

Three minutes into the match, the South Merrick left midfielder served a lofted ball into the Blizzard’s 18 yard box. The ball hit the shoulder of one of the players and ricocheted into the goal. This goal gave the Sharpshooters some early momentum and had the Blizzards backing up and playing a lot of defense. Tremendous pressure was now upon the Blizzard’s defense, knowing they could not allow another goal. To their credit, backs Allison Gerspach, Christine Codignotto, Kristina Kelly and keeper Gabrielle Nesi kept their team in the match. The backs constantly got to the ball and tuned it back up the field. Gabrielle was busy in the half, but showed great skill in stopping all scoring chances. Midfielders Brenda O’Donnell, Amanda Murolo and Lauren Singer also hustled back to defend and marked the South Merrick attackers very effectively. As the half progressed, the Blizzards neutralized the match and started mounting some counter attacks with the great speed and play of forwards Nicole DeRose, Katherine McCarthy and Erin Dean.

Nicole DeRose closes in on her opponent. The second half showed the “never quit” attitude of the Blizzards. Four minutes into the half, Emma Kane played a great ball to Catherine Dorn. Catherine then pushed the ball through to Kendall Fries who carried to the corner. Kendall then sent an incredible cross to Victoria Aldrich who one timed the ball into the goal to tie the match. Now the Blizzards had the Sharpshooters backing up with relentless pressure on their defense. Four minutes later, Emma again found Catherine in the mid field. Catherine this time carried the ball near the top of the 18 yard box. At this point, she passed to a sprinting Victoria, who then fired a low liner into the net to give the Blizzards the lead. Through out the half, Colleen Mullin showed great dribbling ability which helped the Blizzards keep possession of the ball. Brigid O’Malley and Delsey Attardi were in at midfield with Emma, their play tremendously aided the Blizzards comeback, winning 50/50 balls time and time again. When the South Merrick team did attack, second half keeper Kristina Kelly made some key saves to secure the victory.

Erin Dean sprints up the field.

Brigid O’Malley and Delsey Attardi surround the attacker.