Fireballs Finish Terrific Season

Christina Cesarini leads the break with Kim Verderber. In the sweltering heat last Saturday, the girls completed another successful campaign with a 0-0 tie against the Hicksville Nightmare. The Fireballs ended their season with 18 points in division three with a record of 5 wins and 3 ties against only one loss. After moving up a division each of the last two seasons the Fireballs proved that they can compete at the higher levels by utilizing their team cohesiveness and all around soccer skills. For the season the girls dominated defensively surrendering the least number of goals in the division - only seven in the nine game. On the offensive end, they did come up with their fair share of scoring - managing to put the ball in the net 15 times.

Shannon McWilliams with the take away. The match this week featured two solid teams that were not ready to give an inch. The Fireballs and Nigthmare played the majority of the match between the 18's with both teams trying to counterattack but stopped by aggressive defenses. The Fireballs got another solid performance up the middle from Christina Cesarini, Christine Malhame and Michelle Rotondo. The trio does not allow opponents any room if they attempt to attack through the middle, which Hicksville did try but were turned back. Adding to the defensive pressure are outside backs Paige Vincent and Shannon McWilliams and stopper Adair Alexander. On the balls that were sent in over the top, keeper Joanna Matuza quickly got to each and distributed back up field. The outlets were often picked up and controlled by midfielders Courtney Chmil and Kendall Alexander.

Michelle Rotondo looks to clear the ball. The Fireballs had the best scoring chance of each half. Midway through the first half Christine Malhame took a free from just outside the 18 yard box and delivered it across the front of the goal. The ball floated over the head of the keeper but seemed to curl horizontal to the goal line and out to the far corner. A terrific cross that just missed connecting with the head of Kendall at the far post. The remainder of the half had several good runs by Alexa Kentfield, Liz McDougal, Alex Rooney and Kim Verderber stopped by the Nightmare defense.

Courtney Chmil waits to take the ball out of the air. The best chance of the second half came when Christina Cesarini broke through the defense from a long throw-in from Michelle Rotondo. As she got into the box the Hicksville keeper came out to force the shot just wide, keeping the game scoreless. Earlier in the half, Kendall and Kim connected on head balls in the box that were just off the mark. The game ended in a scoreless tie that ensured the Fireballs would finish no worse than third place in the division. Another terrific finish to a fun and successful season for the Fireballs.

Joanna Matuza steps up to get the loose ball. Coaches Malhame, Rotondo and McDougal are very proud of the girls and enjoy working with them and watching them grow - not only as soccer players but as successful young ladies. The next step in their development will come this Fall as they move on to the U13 age group.

The Fireballs welcome back to Garden City Megan Zariella for the upcoming campaign. Megan will be coming off of a winning season with Franklin Square in which she was an important member of a Waldbaum's championship, as well as a member of the State ODP team. Franklin Square's loss will be the Fireballs tremendous gain. Welcome Megan. And to all of the Fireballs, their families and friends - have a wonderful summer, work with a ball often and stay safe in all of your travels.

Christine Malhame turns the corner on defense.