Alison Holfester fights for the 50/50 ball Last Saturday, the Garden City Xtreme played the Hicksville United at Nassau Haven Park. The Xtreme out played the United for 50 minutes; they won the majority of 50/50 balls, out shot the United by a wide margin and had many more corner kicks. In the end, the Xtreme struggled to hit the back of the net and the match ended in a 1-1 tie.

As the match started, the Xtreme showed great energy and desire to win this important match. The United were one point ahead of the Xtreme in the division standings and an Xtreme victory would have moved the team up nicely. This enthusiasm and spirit lead to brilliant soccer on the part of the Xtreme. Forwards Isabel McKeown and Lauren Miesemer got some early shots on goal. The United keeper and defense were up to the early test. Backs Katie Roscoe, Cara Adams and Colette Seel were quick to ball and kept the play in the Xtreme offensive end. The United did have some very fast forwards, but Deanna DiPierro tracked down the attachers, not allowing many scoring opportunities. With Alison Holfester and Jenna Codignotto in a back positions, the Xtreme continued the offensive pressure. At the sixteen minute mark, Alison sent a long ball into the six yard box. Joanna Sokolovic wisely flicked the ball past the keeper to put her team in the lead. The first half keeper was Sam Miesemer. Sam turned in another strong performance. Her positioning, the way she controlled the 18 yard box and her punts were excellent.

Jenna Codignotto battles for possession The constant pressure by the Xtreme continued in the second half. As the United pushed up to try to get the equalizer, the Xtreme played the long ball with great success. Isabel, Joanna and Sam M used their speed to obtain threatening shots on goal. The United keeper made one spectacular save after another. An unfortunate hand ball in the penalty area lead to the tying goal by the United. With 10 minutes remaining, the Xtreme put forth a relentless effort to win the match. Katie, Jenna, Alison, DDeanna, Colette and Cara kept sending the ball over the top or made forward runs trying to get the winning goal. Lauren Miesemer was the second half keeper. Lauren stopped all the United shots and communicated well with her backs. With two minutes left, a Hicksville forward broke through and Lauren came out of the goal and saved the match with a fantastic stop.

Joanna Sokolovic makes a supporting run The Xtreme travel to Massapequa tomorrow looking to end the season on a high not.