Reed Bonvissuto collides with a Bethpage player as they go after the ball. (photo by Newsphoto.com) On Saturday, April 22, 2006, the Garden City Blazers met the Bethpage Blue Flames on the Garden City home field. The game started with the traditional coin toss which was won by Bethpage who defended from the east side of the field. The early part of the half saw no scoring as both teams kept up with their opponent. Bethpage scored the first goal of the game midway through the first half as their players skillfully crossed the ball and kicked it into the goal off the top crossbar. Two more goals followed in strong offensive drives by key Bethpage players. The Blazers received a direct kick on goal for a penalty called on the Bethpage goalie. The kick was taken by Joey Trapasso who just narrowly missed as the goalie made the save. Following this exciting play the Blue Flames made their way down the field but were denied a goal as Reed Bonvissuto interrupted their momentum and cleared the ball. Patrick Mohan made many great diving saves throughout the half even as Blue Flames players were rolling and diving over him. As the first half was drawing to a close, Aidan Logan made a great pass to Brendan Harney who skillfully brought the ball to the goal, shot and scored a very exciting goal ending the first half.

A Bethpage player is airborne as he tries to block Aidan Logan's kick. (photo by Newsphoto.com) The second half saw Adam Davies in goal, Reed Bonvissuto, Joey Trapasso and Joseph Giarraputo on defense and Matt Kelly, Aidan Logan and Zachary Miner on offense. Adam was also very strong in goal as he made many terrific saves against a very strong offensive team. Midway though the half, Joey Trapasso stole the ball and passed it to Zachary Miner. Zach took the shot and scored the Blazers second goal of the game. The Blazers had some terrific plays and worked as a team as they moved the ball down the field. Unfortunately, the game was not to end in their favor but their enthusiasm and energy on a cold, rainy Saturday morning deserve our praise. Great effort Blazers!

Brendan Harney faked out the Bethpage goalie and scored on this shot. (photo by Newsphoto.com)Zach Miner and a Bethpage player fight for possession. (photo by Newsphoto.com)