Shannon's Goal: Anne, Shannon, Taylor, Caroline and Tara The Garden City Sparks (GU11) defeated Levittown 1-0 last Saturday controlling play for the majority of the game. The victory set up a winner take all encounter for the Division I title on Saturday December 2, against the East Meadow Sparks. Garden City controlled play for the majority of the game, possessing the ball with some terrific passing. Right from the start, the Sparks pressured with Erin Connolly released on a breakaway only to be denied by the keeper. Although the Sparks dominated possession, Levittown was always a threat on the counter attack. However, backs Haley O'Hanlon, Emma Gallagher and Caroline Beatty shutdown any Levittown progress. Late in the first half, Brianna Maglio and Tara DeAngelo worked the ball deep into the Levittown box. Taylor Carpentier whipped in a cross, which Shannon Callahan struck into the lower left of the goal. Although the Sparks were up 1-0 at the half and dominating possession Levittown remained dangerous. The second half was more of the same. Sarah Galzerano threaded a pass to Katherine Malhame on the wing who then worked a perfect give and go with Erin. The result was a corner kick. On the ensuing corner kick, Kate Demarco passed to Haley whose back post cross was volleyed by Anne Blanco. Only a great save by the keeper kept the score 1-0. Midway through the second half, Levittown got a free kick from about 20 yards out dead center. The Spark wall was no match for the rocket shot and the ball headed for the top of the goal. Kaitlyn Gorman at full stretch (pictured) palmed the ball up and made a fantastic save. The Levittown attacked lacked steam after that save and the girls began to wear down from the constant Garden City pressure.

Erin, Kate, Caroline, Sarah and Shannon prepare wall The East Meadow match was originally scheduled for October 28, but was rescheduled to December 2, by the league. Garden City will enter the game in second place with 7 wins and 1 loss (21 points), while East Meadow is currently at the top of the league with 7 wins and 1 tie (22 points). The game will be the third season in a row that the Sparks will be playing the last game of the season for a Division crown. In the Fall of 2005, the Sparks lost to Oyster Bay, while last season the Sparks won Division II. Although the Sparks have played in championship games before, a Division I "Title Game" is a bit different. Just playing for the Division I title is a remarkable accomplishment for the girls considering that they moved up to the division this season. Clearly, the Sparks will be underdogs. East Meadow is considered Nassau County's best and may be the best team on Long Island. Their coach has put together a nice group of players from the surrounding towns. However, the Sparks have something that is rarely matched in Division I soccer, they go to school with their teammates and are true friends. While piling up victories the girls have created a strong bond and can always be seen getting together after the games. This may be similar to the vast majority of Garden City teams, but it is very uncommon in this Division. The Garden City Sparks (GU11) will host the East Meadow Sparks at St Pauls on December 2, at 1:30. Fan support from friends and neighbors will be greatly appreciated. Win or lose, the Sparks have had an incredible run. Let's continue to have fun with it and let's keep it going!

Kaitlyn's awesome save!

Katherine marked Levittown's best Sarah clears ball with Taylor, Haley, Brianna and Emma