Playing 11 on 11 with no substitutes for 60 minutes is hard enough. But what about playing down two players, with no subs, for the entire match? That was the predicament facing the Garden City Strikers U12 girls soccer team last Saturday when they played 9 v 11 against East Meadow. That the Strikers gutted out a 0-0 stalemate was a tribute to the girls' determination.

With just nine players to work with, coach Bill Metzler improvised to keep his team fresh for the entire 60 minutes against a full contingent from East Meadow. Coach Metzler played Jenna Fuchs in goal in the first half and Kristen Conboy in goal in the second half, and both girls played great in thwarting East Meadow chances. He also went with no forwards and instructed the girls to conserve their energy.

But it wasn't as if Garden City went into a defensive shell. The Strikers had chances. Megan Martinelli, who was pesky all game, was pulled down in the box, resulting in a penalty shot. Kimberly Ryan took the kick and hit the post. In the second half, Kimberly took an arching direct kick that was batted down by the East Meadow keeper who grabbed the bouncing ball at the goal line to keep the game tied.

Garden City got great efforts from Darcy McGuire, Christina Capetola and Elizabeth Malhame who all played smart soccer on defense. Colleen Metzler, Liz Stutzmann, Kristen Conboy, Megan Martinelli Jenna Fuchs and Kimberly Ryan also gave strong efforts for all 60 minutes.

Afterward, coach Metzler called it the best game the Strikers have played in two years.