The Garden City Sparks (GU-11) opened their Division 1 campaign with a 2-0 victory over Auburndale. The margin of victory was only limited by the goal posts and the Auburndale keeper. The Sparks pressured from the start and scored within the first five minutes of the game. On a set corner kick play, Erin Connolly played a short corner to Sarah Galzerano who passed it back to Erin. Erin crossed into the box where Katherine Malhame ran through traffic and one-timed the ball into the goal. As the Sparks mounted continued pressure, Sarah Galzerano's shot was turned aside by the keeper but Erin Connelly raced in for the rebound to make it 2-0. Several minutes later, Tara DeAngelo drove down the wing and lofted the ball into the box where Katherine Malhame VOLLEYED just wide. This clearly would have been a Top 10 goal. Auburndale's two top players were completely shutdown by a ferocious defense. Shannon Callahan and Annie Blanco completely frustrated Auburndale's star player. Caroline Beaty filling in at goalkeeper was rarely tested as the back line of Haley O'Hanlon, Kate DeMarco and Emma Gallagher shutdown any attacks. When a ball did get through to Caroline, her booming punts added to the GC attack. In the second half, the Sparks continued to pressure as Brianna Maglio fought through the Auburndale defense and passed to Taylor Carpentier flashing down the wing. Taylor's point blank shot was saved by the keeper. Annie Blanco just missed a Top 10 goal when Erin Connolly crossed the ball and Annie's HEADER went just wide. The well deserved victory was a great way to start the season.