Sarah moves away from Merrick Fire after Katherine's pass Only one word can describe the Garden City Sparks (GU11) performance over the weekend...AWESOME!! On Saturday the Sparks hosted the Merrick Fire who were coming off a big win the week before over Massapequa Spirit. From the opening whistle Sarah Galzerano, Katherine Malhame, and Kate DeMarco attacked the Fire. Shots from Tara DeAngelo, Erin Connolly, Brianna Maglio rattled the keeper and unsettled the Merrick defense. With the constant pressure taking its toll, Anne Blanco jumped on a loose ball in the 18 yard box and chipped it over the keeper for a 1-0 advantage. Despite the one-sided possession, the first half ended 1-0. In the second half, the well skilled Merrick Fire picked up the pace but the Sparks back three of Haley O'Hanlon, Caroline Beaty, and Emma Gallagher had the Fire contained. With the score still 1-0, the Fire had a free kick turned away by Sparks keeper Kaitlyn Gorman. Soon after, Shannon Callahan and Taylor Carpentier rallied the Sparks and Annie Blanco got her second goal to put the game out of reach. The 2-0 victory served notice to the rest of the Division 1 teams but would pale in comparison to Sunday's State Cup triumph.

Brianna leds the charge with Annie, Shannon and Erin in pursuit HBC Fury came to Garden City on Sunday for a first round State Cup game. The Fury are considered one of the top 3 teams in Suffolk County and clearly top 5 in Long Island. The Sparks, last seasons Division 2 Champions and newly promoted to Division 1, were rightfully heavy underdogs. Prior to the game, Coach Malhame rallied the girls and instructed them that they had nothing to loose and if they played hard for 60 minutes good things would happen. Well he was wrong on one account, the game went into double overtime, the girls played 80 minutes. The Sparks high energy aggressive team defense rattled HBC and completely took them out of their possession soccer. This was a battle between two determined teams. Back and forth the game flowed. The first half ended 0-0 with both teams displaying great skill and determination. There was no let-up in the second half. The Sparks started to mount more offensive pressure resulting in numerous corner kicks, but could not get the much needed goal. At the end of 60 minutes, the game remained 0-0. At the end of regulation in State Cup competition two 10 minute periods must be played, there is no golden goal. As overtime started, the atmosphere at St. Pauls was wonderful since the teams and parents for the next game and games scheduled on the adjacent fields began to gather around the field. The heat and high energy began to take its toll on the girls but they continued to play hard. The first 10 minute overtime period again was a test of wills. Neither team scored in the first overtime although the Sparks dominated corner kicks and HBC had a free kick saved by Sparks keeper Kaitlyn Gorman. With six minutes left in the second overtime and four minutes before penalty kicks, Brianna Maglio side stepped a tackle and fired into the corner of the goal for a 1-0 lead and the eventual winner. The remaining four minutes felt like a full 30 minutes, but the Sparks maintained their composure and held on for the victory. The girls clearly brought their game to a new level. The Sparks have played in exciting soccer games including a Division Championship and a Waldbaum Cup final over the past year. However, Sunday's State Cup game ranks with the best of them. From the moment the girls stepped onto the field until the last whistle of the 2nd overtime, the girls never ever let up. The Sparks continually applied pressure to HBC not allowing them to get into the flow of their game. Each and every girl on the Sparks contributed in a total team effort. In a show of class, the parents of the HBC Fury applauded the Sparks as they walked to the parents sideline, it was that kind of a game. The Sparks could not have asked for a tougher draw in the State Cup, the teams second round match-up will be against the Massapequa Stars who are undefeated in two seasons in Division 1. Good luck girls, keep it going!!

Haley, Annie, Tara, Emma and Katherine outnumber Merrick Fire

Caroline breaksup attack with Haley, Kate, Tara and Kaitlin on guard. Katherine shouts out defense assignments. Tara and Kaitlin focus on play