Paige Vincent turns the corner. The Fireballs played last Sunday against a very skilled Smithtown Jaguars team and came away with a hard fought 0-0 tie. Both teams displayed speed, agility and a good deal of talent on the field for the full 70 minutes. In the first half the Fireballs had several good chances but couldn't get the last touch that would give them the opening score. Their best chances came on some terrific crosses. The first by Daniela Sampram that just missed clicking with the onrushing duo of Liz McDougal and Victoria Aldrich. The second came on a corner kick off the foot of Christina Cesarini that dropped into the six yard box and just missed Megan Zarriello before the keeper jumped on it. Then there were a couple of efforts off the foot of Christine Malhame on free kicks from about 25 yards. The first coming from the right side that just missed Meaghan Walsh who one timed a shot just wide. And the second from the left side that sailed inches over Courtney Chmil's head at the far post. The remainder of the half was played mostly in the midfield, with the Fireball defense of Paige Vincent, Michelle Rotondo, Shannon McWilliams and Amanda Murolo tracking down any attempt by the Patriots and turning them back. When Smithtown pushed the ball through, keeper Monique Roberge was there to jump on the ball and launch one of her booming punts up field.

Michelle Rotondo looking to go wide to Liz McDougal. The second half followed much the same as the first, with tight marking, good passing and some good soccer, but with fewer scoring chances than the first half. The Fireballs had a few good opportunities. First it was Daniela getting a through ball from Courtney and breaking in on the goal. She got around the keeper but the speedy opposite defender got across in time to deny a shot. Then there was another free kick from Christine that the goalie was able to grab before the Fireballs could close. And the last chance came with only a minute or two on the clock off a throw in from Michelle deep in the Patriot area. She fired a throw to the foot of Daniela, who one timed a rocket off the corner of the goal post and cross bar and ricocheted out of harm for the Patriots. And the game ended in a hard fought 0-0 score. With the tie the Fireballs remained in third place in the division and travel to take on second place Deer Park on Sunday. Good Luck girls!

Amanda Murolo clears the area.

Christina Cesarini gets the ball under control. Meaghan Walsh with a burst of speed.