Fireballs Take Two

Christina Cesarini cuts back around a defender.

The Fireballs seem to be suited for back-to-back games. For the third time this season they came out of a two game weekend without a loss - defeating a tough and very physical Albertson Fury team 3-2 on Saturday and then coming back for a nice 4-0 victory over Rockville Center in the State Cup. Hopefully the two games in a weekend streak continues as the girls are in the semi finals against Albertson on Saturday for the State Cup and then take on Hicksville in the semi finals of the Waldbaum's Cup on Sunday. It will probably be the toughest weekend of soccer for the girls in their short careers.

This past Saturday the girls played by far their toughest match of the season against Albertson, a team that is known for its physical play, and they came out winners on the scoreboard as well as in the sportsmanship category. With the winning goal being scored by Christine Malhame on a free kick that was awarded when a Fury defender was yellow carded for an unnecessary take down about 25 yards from the goal. It was the second goal of the game that was scored because fouls by Albertson gave GC free kicks within range of the goal. The previous one coming from another free kick that Christine served into the box and Monique Roberge was able to head down to the waiting foot of Courtney Chmil for the goal. At the 25 minute mark of the first half, the opening goal of the match was scored by Daniela Sampram who was sent through the middle on a great feed from Christina Cesarini after Michelle Rotondo won a 50-50 ball at midfield. On the defensive side of the ball the Fireballs were able to hold off Albertson from scoring in the first half with some aggressive saves from keeper Joanna Matuza, although they finally broke through in the second half, but only after the Fireballs had 2-0 and 3-1 leads. A great win for the girls.

Daniella Sampram and Shannon McWilliams control the middle.

On Mother's Day, the girls were on the road in RVC trying not to have a let down after a tremendous win the day before. And they played a much calmer and controlled match against the Freedom, keeping the ball moving with some crisp passing. The first score was one of the prettiest, a feed from Daniela to Meaghan Walsh in front of the goal that started with a great run down the sideline from Courtney. While the last one was pure desire, as Courtney got the ball just outside the box and carried through several defenders in the tight space and pushed the ball past the keeper. In between, the Fireballs had another beautiful free kick from Christine hit the back of the net from 35 yards out and a well placed left foot by Meaghan eluded the diving keeper after Victoria Aldrich put the ball through to Meaghan.

Courtney Chmil blows past another defender.

The Fireballs look to keep up their level of play in the two semi final games this weekend. Good Luck girls!

Joanna Matuza gets out on the loose ball. Christine Malhame nails a free kick.