The Garden City Strikers U12 girls soccer team opened the spring season last Saturday with a 1-0 victory over Wantagh-Seaford in a first-round game of the Waldbaum?s Cup tournament.

The match was played in difficult conditions, with a cold, gusty wind blowing continuously off the water at Seaman's Neck Park in Seaford.

With the wind at its back, Garden City controlled the first half with the ball in the Wantagh-Seaford end virtually the entire 30 minutes. The Strikers had plenty of chances in the early going with Kathleen Galgano and Liz Stutzmann keeping the pressure on with good opportunities.

At about the 7-minute mark, Kimberly Ryan, a strong presence in the middle, knocked down a goal kick and headed the ball to the left of the goal where Tara Mahon was positioned to drill the ball into the right corner of the net for a 1-0 Strikers lead. Garden City's Gabby Zafonte, Maggie Comiskey and Colleen Metzler all had good rushes at the goal as well.

In the middle and on defense, Darcy McGuire had many good plays and throw-ins, while Jenna Fuchs, Elizabeth Malhame and Brooke VanValkenburg all shined. Garden City also got good efforts from Christina Capetola, Tate McLaughlin and Kristen Conboy. Kristen played the first half in goal.

Despite the wind in its face in the second half, Garden City continued to outwork and outplay Wantagh-Seaford en route to its solid victory. Keeper Gabby Zafonte made a couple of nice stops to preserve the victory.

Garden City opens league play on Saturday with a home match vs. the East Meadow Freedom.