Julia Biscardi with another booming kick! The Garden City "Patriettes," a new U10 girls' soccer team played their inaugural game on Saturday, Sept 9 th at Soccer Park against a very competitive Hicksville United Club. The 1 st half began evenly matched, with both teams penetrating midfield, only to have the opposition regain possession. Patriette midfielders Annemarie Kane, Kelly McDonnell, and Margot McTiernan fed nice passes to forwards Alicia Mueller, Claire Murpy, Laurel Nothel and Kelsey Whitney, who in turn, attempted to slice through a stubborn Hicksville defense. The 1st half ended in a 0-0 tie. The Hicksville offense came out very strong in the 2 nd half. Patriette defenders Caitlin Kaczynski, Christine Pflume, and Erin Rode rose to the challenge and did their best to keep them at bay. Goalie Julia Biscardi was like a "Patriette Missile," intercepting and knocking down "Scud Rockets" that were aimed at the back of her net. Although the Patriettes ended up on the backside of a 2-0 final, all in all, it was a great effort and a learning experience. Coach Marianne Rode, assisted by Mike Kaczynski, are both to be congratulated for their efforts. They have spent much of their time teaching the girls soccer and more importantly, sportsmanship. The Patriette parents appreciate that very much and enjoyed the opportunity to watch such a well-contested match. In spite of losing the opportunity to play in a pre-season tournament due to inclement weather, the Patriettes were well prepared and proved to be a worthy opponent against a veteran Hicksville team.

Patriettes: Top row L-R: Coach Mike Kaczynski, Kelly McDonnell, Christine Pflume, Catlin Kaczynski, Kelsey Whitney, Erin Rode and Coach Marianne Rode. Go Patriettes!!!

Annemarie Kane gains control of the ball with Margot McTiernan backing her up. Laurel Nothel leading the charge with support from Kelsey Whitney.