Shannon Tierney prepares to send the long ball. This past Saturday the Garden City Xtreme traveled to Giese Park in Hicksville to battle the Hicksville United. The Xtreme were looking to avenge a disappointing tie at the Covanta Tournament against the United.

There was a better outcome on this day. The United took the early lead but the Xtreme tied the score in the first half and scored with less than five minutes remaining in the second half to pull off a brilliant comeback and a spirited victory.

As the first half started, the United had the Xtreme under pressure. The Hicksville team won the majority of the 50/50 balls and went on the attack. Sam Derby was in at keeper and made three brilliant saves to keep the match even.

Sam sustained a broken ankle last spring and worked very hard all summer to get back into shape. The hard work paid off as Sam was back in top form.

At the fifteen-minute mark, the United striker drove an unstoppable shot into the goal to give her team the lead. This goal seemed to invigorate the Xtreme.

Lauren and Sam Miesemer go on the attack. From this point on it was the Xtreme that won most of the unpossessed balls and applied constant pressure on the Hicksville defense and keeper. At the 21-minute mark, the United fouled an Xtreme player in the penalty area. Alison Holfester was called upon to take the penalty shot. Alison outsmarted the United keeper by looking left and burying the ball in the upper right hand corner to tie the match.

Forwards Isabel McKeown, Lauren Miesemer and Joanna Sokolovic deserve great credit for putting the United under pressure. They played their attacking midfielder's in on goal with perfectly-paced balls and fired well-struck shots on goal. In the back, Alicia Mueller, Deanna DiPierro, Jenna Codignotto and Alison did an outstanding job of shutting down a very fast and athletic United offense. The backs also assisted the offense by hitting their target players and sending their team forward.

With a 1-1 tie at half, it was anyone's match. With midfielder Katie Roscoe, Cara Adams and Colette Seel constantly battling and winning the ball, the Xtreme dominated the half. Katie also controlled the middle of the field for her team. Cara and Colette made splendid attacking runs, which gave the United defense more headaches. Also playing midfield were Sam Miesemer, Kelsey Whitney and Shannon Tierney. Kelsey fought relentlessly for every 50/50, winning a majority of the balls. Sam and Shannon got back on defense quickly, not allowing the Hicksville team a numbers advantage. With four minutes remaining, the Xtreme forced a corner kick. Alicia served a perfect lofted ball into the 18 yard box. Cara ran onto the ball perfectly and drove it into the goal for the match winner. With a few minutes remaining, the Xtreme were not going to give the United a single chance to tie the score. A tenacious effort to get to the ball first for the remainder of the match sealed the victory.

Cara Adams tracks down the United forward. The Xtreme look forward to their league match this Saturday and their State Cup match Sunday.

Alicia Mueller wins the 50/50 ball.Sam Derby about to punt the ball.Alison Holfester takes a goal kick.