Sparks Beat Hicksville 2-0

The Garden City Sparks (GU11) defeated Hicksville Saturday 2-0. Garden City controlled the game but needed a late goal by Katherine Malhame to secure the three points. This game was more about work rate than beauty as the Hicksville team employed a direct play strategy of launching the ball downfield. This was a learning experience for the Sparks who had not played against this style for some time. Nevertheless, the girls maintained their composure and work rate to grind out the victory. The midfield of Sarah Galzerano, Kate DeMarco, Katherine Malhame, Shannon Callahan and Taylor Carpentier battled all game up and down the field. Kate DeMarco opened the scoring in the first-half pouncing on a beautiful cross. Forwards Anne Blanco, Erin Connolly, Briana Maglio and Tara DeAngelo pressured throughout the game yet the Hicksville defense stood firm. The backs Haley O'Hanlon, Emma Gallagher and Caroline Beaty ran down the Hicksville long balls and combined with the back tracking midfielders, limited Hicksville's chances. Keeper Kaitlyn Gorman recorded her third clean sheet and has yet to be scored on in league play this season. The Garden City Sparks are 3-0 in league play and have yet to concede a goal. These facts are a testament to the girls' unselfish style of play and teamwork.

The Massapequa Stars came to town on Sunday for a second round State Cup game. In the rain, both teams battled to a 0-0 score line at half-time. Garden City matched up well defensively with Massapequa owning the majority of possession in the first-half. Nevertheless, the best scoring chance of the first-half came from the Sparks as Erin Connolly blasted a rising shot on goal that the Massapequa goalie tipped over the bar. At about the 10 minute mark of the second-half Massapequa scored from a half-volley that struck the post and went in. The Sparks had held two of the best GU11 teams scoreless in State Cup play for about 120 minutes. Although this goal seemed to let some air out of the game the girls battled on until Massapequa put the game out of reach with a second goal near the end. The game would end 4-0 but the score clearly did not indicate the competitiveness of the match.

The team will travel to Connecticut this weekend along with the majority of Garden City Centennials teams to participate in tournament play. During the weekend, the team plans bowling, dancing, singing and other FUN.