Kathryn Montgomery fielding the ball with Taylor Hennig behind her. The Garden City Strikers played their opener away last Saturday against the Rockville Center Liberty Soccer Club. A sunny brisk day made for excellent conditions to watch an exciting soccer match. The game started with Rockville Center Liberty trying to dictate a slow paced match. On the other side, the Striker's were looking to use their speed. The contrast made for an interesting game.

With the opening of the match, Rockville Center Liberty used the short ball to advance into their offensive zone. The Striker's defensive team Marisa Cameron, Maggie Kiley, Elizabeth Malhame and Darcy McGuire were challenged throughout the match. They fought with determination to contain the Rockville Center Liberty forwards. Intercepting many scoring opportunities, they repeatedly cleared the ball up the field to put Rockville Center Liberty on the attack. The Striker's midfielders, Maggie Comiskey, Jenna Fuchs, Megan Martinelli, Jessie Stein and Jillian Yoo fought hard for every loose ball and used well executed passing combinations to advance the ball to the forwards. The fowards for the Striker's were Taylor Hennig, Kathleen Montgomery (1st Half), Kathleen Galgano (2nd Half), and Colleen Metzler. Using their quickness to maneuver around the Rockville Center Liberty defense they penetrated the box several times, but just could not get a shot pass the strong Rockville Center Liberty goalie. When Rockville Center Liberty got the ball down in the box and took shots on goal, Kathleen Galgano made some good saves preventing the score. The first half ended with a scoreless finish.

Jillian Yoo pressured by Rockville Centre Liberty player Kathryn Montgomery closing in to assist. The second half started and was unlike the first half, with both teams playing a little differently. The Striker's forwards continued to apply pressure to the Rockville Center Liberty offense creating some scoring opportunities, but the Rockville Center Liberty back line prevailed with the assistance of a good goalie as well. The Striker's pushed up as the second half progressed, which lead to a Rockville Center Liberty counter attack. Striker goalie Kathryn Montgomery made a diving attempt to retrieve a ball shot to left side of goal with considerable amount of force. Unable to retrieve the ball, Rockville Center Liberty was now on the scoreboard. Kathryn Montgomery was injured on the play and left the game. She later in the half returned to play again. In her absence, Katie Trimmer filled in and continued as goalie for the remainder of the game. Minutes later Rockville Center Liberty again challenges the Striker's goalie. Katie was ready and made a fine block for a save, but another Rockville Center Liberty player was right there and took another shot with the ball and was able to get the ball just past Katie for a second score. A tough break for the Strikers. With the score now 2-0, the Strikers knew their work was cut out for them. Right down to the whistle, the Striker's fought hard to score but came up empty.

Kathleen Galgano taking a shot on goal. All in all, it was an action packed game, full of suspense and they sure kept the sidelines on there feet. A big thanks to the cheering committee on the sidelines. The Striker's were well represented at the game and I am sure that made them very happy. Next week the Striker's are home and will host Massapequa at 2:00 P.M. To all the Striker team good luck next week and keep up the good work. We are all proud of you and enjoy watching you play!

Maggie Kiley moving the ball between two defensiveplayers.

Jessie Stein taking shot on goal with assist from Katie Trimmer.