Fireballs Battle Plainedge

Maria Danza breaks through the defense The girls traveled to Plainedge to take on the division rival Tornadoes on another beautiful Saturday afternoon. With the threat of rain in the forecast, and heavy winds sweeping up and down the field, the conditions were perfect for a youth soccer game. Well, not really, but at least the girls didn't get drenched like last week nor have any problem with heat exhaustion!

Taking advantage of the strong wind, the Fireballs came out quickly. They maintained the pressure in the offensive end of the field with strong midfield play and a defense that was able to push up to the midfield line to keep up the attack. Working the ball inside and out with some good passing and teamwork, the girls were able to get into position several times for good scoring chances that were grabbed by the Tornadoes keeper. About 12 minutes into the match the Fireballs finally broke through by moving the ball across the field with several good passing combinations. Courtney Chmil worked the ball down the right sideline deep into the corner and pulled the ball back into the middle to an oncoming Christine Malhame. Changing the field with a quick touch of her left foot, Christine sent a perfect ball to Liz McDougal at the far post. Liz one timed the ball into the net and GC had the 1-0 lead. Continuing to push the attack, the Fireball backline of Michelle Rotondo, Paige Vincent, Adair Alexander and Shannon McWilliams formed a wall across midfield and continually sent the midfielders on the attack with quick outlet passes. Christina Cesarini and Kendall Alexander battled all game against some bigger Plainedge defenders and tried to get the attack going several times. The best attack came towards the end of the half and was mounted when Alexa Kentfield took the ball down the sideline past the outside back and sent a good cross into the box. Just missing the scoring chance were Maria Danza and Alex Rooney as the Tornadoes defense collapsed on them. The Fireballs continued to work hard in the offensive end of the field but to no avail, the score at halftime remained 1-0.

Kendall Alexander challenges for the loose ball The second half, typically the half where the Fireballs come on strong, was a battle. Not only did the girls now have to face a strong wind in their face but also an invigorated attack of Plainedge. The Tornadoes got fired up when they were awarded a penalty kick about ten minutes into the half. However, the subsequent goal was called back because of an infraction on one of their forwards for entering the box too soon. Boosted by the call against them, Plainedge stepped up their attack and it paid off for them about 5 minutes later as one of their midfielders got loose for a terrific shot from the 18 yard line that made it over the outstretched hands of keeper Joanna Matuza. And the score was tied at 1. The Fireballs continued to challenge for every ball and tried to create counterattacks but the Tornadoes had gotten control of the match. Pushing the ball deep into the Fireball area, Plainedge had several good scoring opportunities that were turned away by the defense or stopped by Joanna. But with about 4 minutes remaining in the game the Tornadoes were able to force their way into the box and come up with the deciding goal on a scramble in front of Joanna. The Fireballs had one last run down the field, but as Kendall got loose in the box, the Plainedge keeper came sliding out to knock the ball away from her - a clean tackle by a very aggressive goalie who clinched the victory for the Tornadoes. The whistle blew and the Fireballs had tasted their first defeat of the regular season.

Paige Vincent controls the ball Although a tough defeat, the Fireballs held together as a team and battled right to the end. As coach Malhame explained to the girls after the game - sometimes you step onto the pitch and the other team just has a better game and today was one of those days. Disappointed with the result, the Fireballs vowed to come back tomorrow with the fire in their belly to take on the Syosset Invasion at the Soccer Park. Good luck girls!

Christine Malhame fires the free kick.

Michelle Rotondo with the long throw.