The Garden City Liberty Soccer Team went up against the Garden City twisters this past Sunday in a match to see who would go to the next round of the State Cup Games.

When the game started, the Liberty girls had to re-acclimate themselves to the fields after a long and rainy week with no practices and a washout at Windsor. The Twisters came out strong and it was clear that they wanted the win. Liberty also came out fighting. About 20 minutes into the game, Liesl Jaye, with her awesome speed pushed her way through the Twister defense and cleared a shot over the goalie’s, making the score 1-0. The Liberty girls were elated. Within a few minutes of celebration, the Twisters came back and tied up the game.

Allison Miller, who made many great saves, gets help from defender Linda Attanasio In the second half, Liberty came out stronger and the offense took control of the game. Stephanie DiPierro, Erin Vierengel and Nicole Miesemer dominated. The front line kept the pressure on, faking out the defense, passing to the middle, which translated into key plays which resulted in numerous shots on goal. Of course, our defense was in check throughout the second half with Erin Higgins, Linda Attanasio, and Deidre McGuinness dominating in the back and always winning the ball, sending it down field, keeping the pressure off the goalie. The midfielders Lucy Donahue, Charlotte Castronovo, and Liz Kane did a spectacular job winning the ball and executing accurate passes to the forwards, Caitlin Mallon and Marielle McCartin took away any scoring opportunities by doing what they do best, charging the ball and moving it down field to the offense. Our Goaltender, Allison Miller, made some great saves. Unfortunately, Paulette Mohacsci was not able to play in last Sunday’s game due to a fractured foot. She will be out for the next couple of weeks. The team hopes she feels better soon!

Lucy Donahue makes sure she keeps control of the ball When the ref blew the whistle for the end of the game, the score was tied at 1-1. Because it was a State Cup game, Liberty and the Twisters went into overtime. Both teams came back hyped for sudden death. Five minutes into the 10 minute overtime, Erin Vierengel kicked a shot over the goalie’s head and sunk it into the net. The Liberty parents got to their feet and the girls cheered for the final score 2-1.

Marielle McCartin dribbles the ball down field The Twisters showed great determination and sportsmanship. They are a great group of athletes and the Liberty wishes them a great season and knows they’ll do well.

The Liberty ladies look forward to next cup game and continued victories. Go Liberty!