Sparks Sink Oyster Bay Pirates 3-0

Erin's goal, Katherine, Kate and Sarah

The Garden City Sparks (GU11) dominated the Oyster Bay Pirates from the opening minute of the match last Saturday. The victory avenged a loss last year that was the only blemish on the Sparks Fall 2005 season. Two minutes into the match Erin Connolly hammered in a goal from close range after quick passing from the midfield trio of Sarah Galzerano, Kate Demarco and Katherine Malhame and forward Anne Blanco. The Sparks continued to pressure earning a corner kick. On the ensuing corner kick from Caroline Beatty, Oyster Bay failed to properly clear the ball out of the box. Haley O'Hanlon stepped up and hammered a low hard strike into the bottom left of the net. The goalie never saw it because of its pace and the swarming Sparks in front of the goal. The half ended 2-0. The Pirates attempted to battle back but keeper Kaitlyn Gorman was up to the task. Her goal kicks kept Oyster Bay on their heels and started several Spark attacks. In the second half Emma Gallagher drilled a shoot with Beckham swerve, Sarah side volleyed off a corner kick and Tara DeAngelo smashed a rocket that were either saved or just wide of the mark. Late in the game and under total control Shannon Callahan, Taylor Carpentier and Briana Maglio broke through the Oyster Bay defense and forced another corner kick. Once again, Erin Connolly found the ball at her feet from the corner kick and properly deposited it into the goal. It was a total team effort and a well deserved 3-0 victory. The dominating victory over a team that beat the Sparks last year is a credit to the girls hard work and determination over the past 12 months. The Sparks will face Levittown this weekend in Garden City. Lets keep it going girls!

(L to R) Sarah, Haley, Emma, Caroline, Shannon, Tara, Taylor and Kaitlyn

Shannon, Anne and Briana in background