Strikers Post Pair Of Shutouts

Elizabeth Malhame, left, and Brooke Van Valkenburg are ready to pounce on the loose ball. The Garden City Strikers U-12 girls soccer team notched a pair of victories last weekend, defeating Syosset, 2-0, on Saturday and Carle Place, 1-0, in a make-up game on Sunday.

On Sunday, the Strikers faced Carle Place with several players missing. But the players who were there battled gallantly in the victory. On defense, Brooke Van Valkenburg. Elizabeth Malhame, Christina Capetola and Darcy McGuire excelled; so did the the midfield contingent of Kathryn Montgomery, Jenna Fuchs, Liz Stutzmann, Gabby Zafonte and Megan Martinelli; and the forward line of Colleen Metzler, Kristen Conboy and Kathleen Galgano shined as well.

Kathleen Galgano battles for possession against Syosset Jenna Fuchs, who traveled fromConnecticutto make the game, scored in the first half on an assist from Gabby Zafonte for the only goal of the game.

Carle Placehad a couple of chances in the second half thwarted, including one great save by Kathleen Galgano.

On Saturday, the Strikers put together a solid 60 minutes of soccer to defeat the Syosset Shockers, 2-0.

Garden City shook aside the rain, cold and windy conditions to put together one of their finest games of the season. At the 15-minute mark of the first half, Garden City's pressure paid off. Jenna Fuchs made a nice lead pass to Kimberly Ryan who drove a shot past the Shocker goal keeper to make it 1-0. About five minutes later, Liz Stutzmann, following a pass from Colleen Metzler, lofted a nice shot high over the keeper's head to make it 2-0.

Megan Martinelli accelerates past a Syosset defender. That was all the scoring in the game, but the Strikers worked hard to preserve that shutout. Kathryn Montgomery played a fine first half in goal for Garden City and Gabby Zafonte, who was strong on the field in the first half, shut the door in the second half when Syosset some pressure on.

Kimberly Ryan is about to score the Strikers' first goal of the game. The defense was solid for Garden City. Tara Mahon prevented any breakaways, Maggie Comiskey made several terrific plays and passes, Brooke Van Valkenburg made numerous contributions, and Elizabeth Malhame and Darcy McGuire made several smart plays to get the transition game going.

Offensively, there was some great teamwork, passing and good rushes exhibited by Kristen Conboy, Kathleen Galgano, Megan Martinelli and Christina Capetola.