...but can't stop the rain! The Fireballs made the trip out to Deer Park on a soggy, rainy afternoon last Sunday knowing that no matter what the weather was like they were going to get their game in. The reason - Deer Park has a beautiful turf field with great drainage and the Fireballs had already played through one rainstorm out there a year ago. And with the same outcome - a 1-0 Fireball victory! A victory that was made possible with an overall team effort; even if the team had a short bench with only 12 available players for the game. Although the girls did not appear to be ecstatic about playing another game in the rain, they did perform as they have in the past when bad weather was a factor - with a ball control, quick passing game added to an attacking, hustling defense.

The first half was played with GC dominating in the mid field and having a much greater time of possession, but not getting any real strong scoring opportunities. Working the middle of the field and putting pressure on the Thunder were Christina Cesarini, Christine Malhame, Amanda Murolo and Shannon McWilliams who all played outstanding two way soccer. On the wings it was Courtney Chmil and Meaghan Walsh tirelessly pushing the ball forward, beating their defenders and dumping crosses in to Liz McDougal and Victoria Aldrich. And as they do every week, the Fireball defense of Michelle Rotondo, Kim Verderber and Paige Vincent did a great job of stepping up and trapping the Thunder whenever they attempted to break through, giving keeper Monique Roberge a bit of a break in the first half. But with a driving rain and slick surface, it was not easy to get off a strong shot and the half ended scoreless.

The second half started with Deer Park coming out of the gate a little quicker and gaining some control of the match and putting pressure on the Fireball defense. But with a quick stepping and attacking defense, the Fireballs were able to turn that around after about 10 minutes. Paige and Kim shut down any runs down the sidelines, while Michelle and Christine controlled the middle of the field; and Monique became an active part of the defense from her keeper position with several terrific runs to the top of the box to pound the ball out of trouble. After the short lull, the Fireballs energy level came back and they got back on top of their game and took control of the match. With Cez and Courtney working some terrific overlaps on the right sideline and Meaghan and Victoria doing the same on the left, it was only a matter of time before they could break through.

The sequence that led to the goal started rather simple but finished with a blast. Paige made a run out of the back down the right sideline and made a quick pass inside to Christine, who quickly sent a ball down the middle of the field to Amanda just inside the 18 yard box. As the ball approached, Amanda did a fabulous job of shielding the ball from the Deer Park defense and one touched the ball to Liz, who in turn layed off a perfect pass to Courtney at the right side of the box. Just as you would draw it up, Courtney served a great ball across the box beyond the reach of the keeper and to the waiting foot of an onrushing Meaghan who buried the shot into the back of the net. Six players, about 12 touches, and 60 yards later the Fireballs had a 1-0 lead about 20 minutes into the game.

Several more opportunities were just missed by GC in the remaining 15 minutes of the half, as well as having to defend against a Deer Park team that was now sending everyone into the attack. The girls stayed true to their defensive game plan by attacking the Thunder offense and never really gave up any good scoring chances. And finally, after an additional couple of minutes of stoppage time were added, the referee blew his whistle and the Fireballs had a hard fought, albeit very wet, win. The girls come back to close out the season this Sunday at St. Paul's against the East Islip Strikers at 12:30. It should be a great match with a chance for second place in the division on the line. Good luck girls!