Garden City Sparks Division 1 Champions!!!

2006-12-08 / Sports

GC sparks division 1 champs The Garden City (GU11) Sparks defeated East Meadow on Saturday 1-0 in the "title match". Garden City with 21 points was 1 point behind East Meadow and needed a victory to win the division. The Sparks entered the game as underdogs but emerged as Division 1 Champions. East Meadow had led the division from the beginning with only a tie against Massapequa Spirit preventing them from being perfect. The Sparks defeated the Massapequa Spirit but lost to the Massapequa Stars 3-2. Coach Malhame kept the girls loose by reiterating to them this game was as opportunity to have fun. The pressure was on East Meadow as the favorite. Their coaching staff had put together a wonderful group of girls from the surrounding towns. After coming in second place last season in Division 1, East Meadow brought in additional quality players and was considered Nassau County's best entering the game. Yet, there was something about this Garden City team that few teams can replicate. These girls had proven throughout the season that they cared for one another and would do anything to not let their teammates down. The heart, determination and skill of the girls are phenomenal. The girls refused to loose and found ways to win even when not at their best, a true sign of a champion. The number of spectators was a sign that this was to be a special game. The support of friends and family was tremendous. Friends from the GU11 Lions and Tigers stayed to cheer on the girls, as well as, other GC Centennial coaches and board members. East Meadow also brought a large cheering section. Coach Malhame took the gusting wind in the first-half with the hope of grabbing the lead. Shift the pressure to East Meadow who had not trailed at any point during the season and let them play from behind was the strategy. The GC Sparks started the game with an unbelievable pace and intensity. They pressured from the start with the ball predominately in the East Meadow half. Although the Sparks could not break through they were dominating play. Finally, late in the first half Shannon Callahan drilled a shot that deflected off an East Meadow defender into the goal. The pace of the shot could not be controlled. GC Sparks 1 East Meadow 0. In the second half, East Meadow had the benefit of the wind. Yet, GC still controlled the game. On a corner kick by Caroline Beatty, Anne Blanco flew in and volleyed only to have the goalie make a tremendous save. Anne also made a run down the left wing only to have her shot blocked at the last minute by the defender. In addition, a give and go worked by Sarah Galzerano and Kate Demarco left the EM backs exposed and caused a wild scramble in front of the East Meadow keeper that almost resulted in an Erin Connolly goal. Coach Malhame stressed team defense all season and the girls worked it to perfection on Saturday. Tara DeAngelo tracked back from her forward position to upset a potential 2 on 1 for East Meadow. Katherine Malhame defending from her midfield position denied East Meadow's main shooting threat from even taking a shot. By the way, this was Katherine's specialty all season. Emma Gallagher raced back on an East Meadow counter attack to get her foot in front of a potentially dangerous shot on goal. Taylor Carpentier from midfield position raced back to catch an open EM player and clear the ball. Haley O'Hanlon the GC sweeper patrolled the back line and stopped numerous threats. Although down 1 goal, East Meadow knew they only needed a tie to be champions. That goal almost came about near the 25 minute mark. Working down the right side, East Meadow crossed the ball to the top of the 18 yard box where another East Mesdow player took a touch and unleashed a rocket toward the upper left corner of the goal. However, Sparks keeper Kaitlyn Gorman brilliantly reacted and denied East Meadow. This was another phenominal save from the Sparks keeper. East Meadow would continue to pressure but would not come that close again. The Division 1 Champion Garden City Sparks are Caroline Beatty, Anne Blanco, Shannon Callahan, Taylor Carpentier, Erin Connolly, Tara DeAngelo, Kate Demarco, Emma Gallagher, Sarah Galzerano, Kaitlyn Gorman, Briana Maglio, Katherine Malhame, and Haley O'Hanlon. A common theme all season was great game Lets Keep It Going! Well you did and we are all proud of your TEAM achievement. Congratulations to the girls, the coaches and the club!