The Blizzards congratulate the Cougars on a match well played This past Sunday, the U13 Blizzards hosted the Longwood Cougars at St. Pauls. Without a doubt, this was the best contested and well played match this season. Their opponents were extremely athletic, continuously challenging for the ball the entire 70 minutes. The Blizzards were up to the task, scoring with 9 minutes remaining and recording their first shut out of the season.

Having played the Cougars at Ref-fuel, the Blizzards knew they would have to play quality soccer in the re-match of these two teams. Within a minute of play, the intensity and competition was furious. Good ball handling and accurate passing by Colleen Mullin, Victoria Aldrich and Kendall Fries put instant pressure on the Cougar defense. The Cougar stopper covered a lot of space and just about single handedly kept the match scoreless. Brenda O’Donnell, Amanda Murolo and Lauren Singer were quick to the ball and controlled the middle third of the field throughout the half. The Cougars did mount some good offensives, but the Blizzards defense and first half keeper Gabrielle Nesi contained their attackers. Gabrielle pounced on all loose balls in her 18 yard box and skillfully saved all shots, frustrating the Longwood team. Jennifer Blair, Allison Gerspach, Kristina Kelly marked the Longwood Cougars so well, no great scoring attempt was manufactured. Sweeper Maria Ortiz and stopper Delsey Attardi refused to allow any penetration down the middle. Both Delsey and Maria carried the ball out of the box and sent the Blizzards back on the attack. After an entertaining 35 minutes of play, it was 0-0 at half.

Maria Ortiz prepares to take the goal kick Nothing changed in the second half, continued skilled and aggressive play by both teams made the 0-0 match more exciting minute by minute. As the half progressed, each time the teams went to goal, the players and spectators were hoping to get the game winning score. Nicole Derose, Erin Dean and Katherine McCarthy used their great speed to challenge the Cougar backs. Making runs into space, these forwards gave Emma Kane, Catherine Dorn and Brigid O’Malley targets to play the ball into. With each minute passing, the Blizzards, in usual fashion, poured on the offensive. In the defensive end, Kristina Kelly was now in at goal. Kristina handled numerous shots from outside the box, the relentless wind made them even more challenging. The decisive moment came 26 minutes into the half when the Blizzards backs cleared the ball to midfield. Brenda got possession, carried the ball to the offensive third and sent a perfectly played chip into the penalty box. There Victoria got a quick shot off which the keeper could not control. Victoria wisely followed her own shot, got the rebound and put the ball into the goal for the game winner.

Nicole DeRose and Kendall Fries

Lauren Singer, Allison Gerspach, and Gabrielle Nesi are all smiles after the victory