Allison Gerspach clears the ball out of the box. On Saturday, May 21, the Garden City Centennial Blizzards hosted the New Hyde Park Power Cats at the Community Park. This match was intense and fast paced from beginning to end. With relentless perseverance, the Blizzards clinched the victory with a goal in the second half.

From the start, the Blizzards controlled the middle third of the field. Our midfielders were quick to the ball generating some great scoring opportunities. Lauren Singer, Amanda Murolo and Brenda O’Donnell fought continuously to win the 50/50 battles. This put immediate pressure on the Power Cats defense as the Blizzards went on the attack with a vengeance. Forwards Colleen Mullin, Victoria Aldrich, Catherine Dorn and Kendall Fries used accurate and skilled passes to get the ball into the 18 yard box. Once in the box, the Blizzards kept the Power Cats keeper busy with a barrage of threatening shots. Throughout the first half, the Blizzards were in control. Brigid O’Malley, Maria Ortiz and Emma Kane continued to keep the play in the Blizzards offensively half by winning the battles for possession in the middle of the field. Although there were some great chances, the Blizzards were held scoreless and half ended 0-0.

Brigid O’Malley prepares to challenge the attacker. The frustration of not getting the first goal ended for the Blizzards 3 minutes into the second half when Victoria put a shot into the upper right corner of the net. Catherine and Kendall connected on a couple of short passes which unbalanced the Power Cats defense. This freed up Victoria in the defensive zone and gave her a direct shot on goal. With the Blizzards up 1-0, the teams intensity increased since they were determined not to allow the Power Cats the tying goal. With Delsey Attardi playing stopper and Christine Codignotto, Kristina Kelly, Gabrielle Nesi and Allison Gerspach as backs, the New Hyde Park team struggled to get the ball into their offensive third. With close marking and numerous passes intercepted, the Blizzard’s defense minimized the Power Cats ability to score. Nicole DeRose, Erin Dean and Katherine McCarthy continued the Blizzards onslaught of the Power Cats defense. Crisp passes and attacking runs by these forwards allowed the Blizzards to keep constant pressure on the Power Cats in the second half.

Brenda O’Donnell, Kendall Fries, Victoria Aldrich and Emma Kane are all smiles after their victory. Hats off to our fantastic goalkeepers, Kristina and Gabrielle. They both took charge of the defensive zone, giving direction to the midfielders and backs. When a save was necessary our keepers handled the ball expertly. Their goal keeping skills ensured the Blizzards fourth shutout in seven matches.

Katherine McCarthy sprints to win the ball. This weekend the Blizzards are playing in the Commack Memorial Day Tournament. The players are looking forward to lots of competitive soccer and spending time with their teammates.

Colleen Mullin dribbles the ball up the field.

Catherine Dorn races to gain possession of the ball.