Goalbusters Victorious Over Warriors

Defender T Takach takes possession of the ball while Kara Zerille looks on.

The Garden City Goalbusters, a GU-14 Travel Soccer Team, did battle with the Warriors of North Babylon at Soccer Park on Sunday, October 16, 2006. Except for a bit of a breeze, the weather was beautiful under a bright, sunny sky and perfect ground conditions.

Goaltender Lauren Williams took her post at 1:30 while the Goalbusters took the field for the initial kick-off. At the sound of the referee's whistle, the Goalbusters went to work, controlling the tempo and play, keeping the ball in Warrior territory. Teamwork between the Goalbuster middies and the defense line dominated the field by keeping the ball up into scoring range. The speed of these two lines was too much for the Warriors to conquer. At the 26 minute, mid-fielder Barbara Sullivan received the ball and dribbled it up, finding forward Maria Sokolovic for the first goal of the match. The Goalbusters came out at the start of the second half a little bit slower than the first 35 minutes of play. The Goalbuster defense and goalie were able to thwart the few goal attempts by the Warriors. Garden City finally took back control, which led to two more goals being scored in the second half. At the 48 minute, Barbara Sullivan had the ball in scoring range. She took a wide shot that rolled slowly in front of the goal line. Forward Krysta Cento was there with a crisp shot to the far right side of the net, making the score 2-0. Garden City was not done yet. Good communication and teamwork led to the third and final goal of the match. Defender Christine Codignotto took the ball away from a Warrior middie and played a pass-back ball to teammate defender T Takach. T passed the ball up to forward Colleen Mullin. Colleen took a shot pulling the Warrior goalie out of the box and forcing a loose ball. Maria Sokolovich was there with a sliding shot, making the score 3-0.

Forward Caroline Tarzian on a break-away. Midfielder Emily Winchurch follows the play.

Every Goalbuster on the field contributed to the victory. Carly Cento, Cate Murphy, Mikaela Rix and Emily Winchurch completed the speedy and skilled mid-field line. Their contribution to the victory is duly noted. Kate Butcher and Katie McCarthy were important to the defense by utilizing speed and good, clearing passes. Kelly Reis and Caroline Tarzian aided their teammates with break-away feeds up to their fellow forwards and taking shots on goal, working the Warrior goalie. Coaches Bill Mahoney and Pete Takach ran the show for the business traveling Walt Winchurch, and we are sure that they are pleased to be able to report the big "W".

Forward Krysta Cento makes the run for the ball.

The Goalbusters competed in the Windsor, Connecticut tournament over Columbus Day Weekend. It was a fun time for everyone. The beautiful weather helped make the Fall weekend a joy to experience. There were haunted hay rides, OOPS! No there wasn't, there was shopping, there was pumpkin picking and just plain hanging out with friends. The Goalbusters didn't lose a match and gave up only one goal, in a questionable PK. Not bad, considering they went up to Windsor with their active league roster and without three of their teammates. The Goalbuster parents should also be commended for their decorum and sportsmanship on the sidelines. Congratulations Goalbusters!