In preparation for the upcoming Columbus Day weekend soccer-fest, the Garden City Sparks, our hometown U-10 girls' team, extended their undefeated season with wins over the Mineola Tigers and the Baldwin Lions, with both games played on the plush carpet that we are proud to claim as our St. Paul' s fields. The girls used their trademark aggressive and disciplined style of play, which they have consistently shown since sweeping the competition to place first in the season opening Ref-Fuel tournament.

Saturday's game was against the blazingly fast Mineola Tigers, who kept close by exchanging goals in the first half. Caroline Beaty provided the Sparks' first score, and the Sparks utilized their practiced offensive schemes, which led to several corner kicks and allowed the Sparks' offensive specialists Sarah Galzerano and Joanna Georgiton to control the game. The Sparks took the lead to close the half, on Emma Gallagher's defensive steal and pass to Ivanka Reksono. Ivanka found a streaking Shannon Callahan, whose spinning kick zipped past a stunned goalie.

In the second half, the Sparks' conditioning and patience allowed the girls to pull away. The Tigers' impressive speed was neutralized by a gritty and studied defense led by Katherine Malhame, whose slicing steal staunched a 2-on-1 Tiger breakaway. Erin Connolly controlled the ball on offense, providing consistent and effective centering passes that dismantled the Tigers' defense.

Sunday's game featured a swarming defensive effort and another awesome performance in goal by Kaitlyn Gorman, Tara DeAngelo's streaking speed started many fast breaks and allowed Tara to score and to assist her teammates in scoring. Defensive sweeper Haley O'Hanlon continues to anchor the defense, swarming onto and staunching any opponent's attempt to cross midfield.

Kudos to the girls on their great start. Thanks again to our dedicated Coaches Malhame, Galzerano and Georgiton.