Marina Mckeown breaks through the RVC defenders On a bright Sunday afternoon, the Strikers went to Soccer Park to meet with the Rockville Center Xtreme. Before the Strikers took the field they chanted 1-2-3 GO GC. Both teams were very anxious waiting for the sound of the whistle to get the game started.

With the tip of the ball the Strikers came out and cautiously moved the ball around the field, getting to see the Xtreme defense and what they would be up against. There was plenty exchange of the ball in the beginning. As the game got to about mid way in the first half, the Strikers scored their first goal! The goal started with a cross from Megan Martinelli to Marina McKeown. The Strikers defense, Christina Capetola, Darcy McGuire, Kathleen Galgano, Olivia Chessman, and Colleen Metzler kept the rest of the half scoreless leaving the Strikers with a 1-0 advantage going into the second half.

The second half included strong offensive plays by Tara Mahon, Courtney Murphy, and Kathleen Galgano. As the Xtreme tied it up, Garden City would not give up and Marina McKeown scored her second goal and gave the lead back to the Strikers. The Strikers kept control of the ball by the great work of the midfielders, Gaby Barcklow, Maggie Kiley, Megan Martinelli, Jenna Fuchs and Marina McKeown. Though the Xtreme tied it up, GC wasn't going to settle without a fight. The Strikers were able to preserve a tie by fantastic goalkeeping by Sarah O'Dell. The Xtreme and the Strikers both fought in an intense battle. The 2-2 tie showed the Strikers' great work and their determination not to give up and keep striving to get another score, but with little time left and the X-treme defense denied the Strikers the opportunity for the win. Coaches Bill Metzler, Chris Fuchs, and Jim McGuire were happy with the determination the Strikers' showed.

Tara Mahon keeping Strikers' possession The Strikers would like to welcome back Colleen Metzler to the line up after recovering from a broken wrist. And hope soon to see Kristen Comboy back on the field. Next week the Strikers are on the road and will be challenged by the Baldwin Jaguars at 10:00AM.

Gaby Barcklow showing great footwork Maggie Kiley passing the ball Colleen Metzler beats an RVC player