The Freedom Team On Monday, April 4, the Garden City Freedom team came up against Wantagh Seaford’s Tsunamis in their first game of the Waldbaum’s Cup. The game opened with a strong offense from Gabrielle Barcklow, Kelly Sprotte, and Kristen Conboy, who kicked in the first goal from an assist by Gabrielle Zafont. Freedom kept the Tsunami’s at bay with the wonderful defensive moves of Olivia Chessman, Cara Durand, and Gabrielle Zafonte, who on a rebound kick scored the second goal of the game. Throughout the game, the Tsunamis were kept on the defensive with the great passing of Freedom’s mid-fielders, Courtney Basel, Elizabeth Stutzman, and Lauren Wiezel.

Kristen Conboy about to get the first goal of the game The Freedom team came out strong again for the second half with a beautiful third goal by mid-fielder, Kristiana Pelizzoli. Soon after the Tsunamis fought back and scored their first goal. A few minutes later, they scored again with a corner kick soaring over the heads of the Freedom players. Garden City’s Olivia Giordano, Katherine Kiely, and Marguerite Rix skills kept the Wantagh Seaford team on guard. Unfortunately for Freedom, the Tsunamis scored their third goal leaving the score 3-3 at the end of the second half. In overtime, neither team managed to score.

Gabrielle Barcklow scores the first goal in the shootout With strong determination both teams readied themselves for a shootout. Freedom’s Gabrielle Barcklow and Kristiana Pelizzoli kicked in two powerful goals but the Tsunamis were keeping up. Both teams came out of the shooting tied. They moved into position for the second shootout of the game. The Wantagh Seaford team went first with a strong kick caught by goal tender, Jessica Gunther. It was then Freedoms turn at goal and with the magical feet of Lauren Wiezel, the winning goal of the game was scored with a final 6-5 lead.

Olivia Chessman ondefense Special recognition for the outstanding goal tending of Jessica Gunther, who remained cool under extreme conditions. Congratulations to the Freedom girls and coaches, who continually play as a team with true sportsmanship.

Kristiana Pelizzoli going for the third goal of the gameKristiana Pelizzoli scores the second goal in the shootoutFreedom team wins. Elizabeth Stutzmann and Kristen Conboy give each other “High 5’s” for a job well done.