Fireballs Grab First Place Honors

Courtney Chmil looks to turn with the ball.

The Fireballs, U14 girls team, took the annual trip to Windsor, Ct. for the Columbus Day tournament with more than 20 other GC teams and came home with the gold! With a stellar record of 3 wins and 2 ties and not yielding a goal all tournament, the girls added to their fine collection of hardware with a shiny new first place trophy. With the weather cooperating all weekend the girls took to the pitch in great playing conditions and didn't let their fans down, jumping on the Madison Tigers in game 1 on Saturday and never looking back until they clinched first place with a nil - nil tie against sister team, the GC Goalbusters. Saturday's games displayed the offensive talents of the Fireballs as they came up with a 2-0 win against Madison and a 4-0 win against the Wetherfield Sparks. Playing a beautiful style of soccer the girls benefited from countless passing combinations through the midfield and on to the forwards. Leading the attack from the midfield were Courtney Chmil, Christina Cesarini, and Meaghan Walsh. While strikers Victoria Aldrich, Amanda Murolo, Liz McDougal and Monique Roberge applied the pressure throughout the two games that translated into the six goals. Oh, and the defense didn't do too shabby in coming back with two shutouts. Welcome back Joanna Matuza! To celebrate another fine start to a tournament, the girls joined several other GC teams for a night of bowling (as well as for a clinching game by the Mets!) and a little celebration.

Christina Cesarini switches fields.

On Sunday afternoon the girls returned to the fields and got down to business. First, in a tough match against the Burlington All Stars, the team that ultimately would finish a point behind the Fireballs in the standings, the girls played to a scoreless tie. In that match the Fireballs lost a critical member of the team as Paige Vincent went down from a bruising elbow to the midsection that not only knocked the wind out of her, but also left her unable to lift her arm. Paige later returned from the hospital and gave the thumbs up to her teammates who went on to win the second game on Saturday against the Shelton Sparks, 1-0. Paige was sorely missed in the second game, but Amanda Murolo stepped into the outside back position and handled it flawlessly. Along with Amanda, the Fireball defense continued to shine. Led by keeper Joanna Matuza (returning after almost four months of inactively with an elbow injury), sweeper Michelle Rotondo, stopper Christine Malhame and defenders Kim Verderber and Shannon McWilliams, the girls continued their scoreless string to four straight games - although the last two forced the girls to step up the 'D' continually. To celebrate their 3-0-1 record on Sunday night, the Fireballs joined with a select group of friends (about 250 of them) in the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom for a fun night that was set up by coach Rob Malhame. Rob not only is a great coach but can easily slide into a role as party planner as he handled this event for 6 of the GC teams and the over 250 people that were at the tournament. But back to soccer...

Birthday girl Shannon McWilliams through the midfield

On Monday the Fireballs returned to the fields knowing that a win or tie would mean first place. Unfortunately it was also a game against their friends on one of GC's other U14 teams, the Goalbusters. So with the championship on the line, both teams put on their game faces and played an amazing game of soccer. The game featured chances on both sides of the pitch, excellent defense, strong keeper play, crisp passing in the midfield and a great display of how the game is played when two talented teams step on the field. Several Connecticut coaches, as well as referees, remarked that it was amazing how we could bring two such talented teams to the tournament. Garden City should be proud to have two teams that can represent them so well! Oh, and by the way, the game ended in a scoreless tie - giving the Fireballs their fifth shutout and the First Place trophy for the Columbus Day Tournament. Great job girls! It's now back to league play on Sunday against the Center Moriches Power at the Soccer Park in Plainview. Paige - get well soon!

Joanna Matuza grabs the ball out of trouble.

Victoria Aldrich makes her move. Christine Malhame steps up and pounds the shot. Fireballs proudly display the First Place trophies. Michelle Rotondo strips the ball and looks up field. Paige Vincent gets some space with the ball. Kim Verderber looks up field for the clearing pass.