Xtreme Battle Rockets

Sam Miesemer punts the ball out of the penalty area.

Last Saturday, the Garden City U-10 Xtreme traveled to Farmingdale to play the Rockets. It was a very warm day and the match was played on an artificial surface, which made it feel even warmer. The Xtreme and the Rockets had played a very competitive match weeks before in a Waldbaums Cup game, so it was no surprise that the game turned out to be a highly contested match. Two excellent soccer teams, both very athletic and skilled, gave a super effort. Only rightfully, the match ended 1-1.

At the beginning of the first half, the Xtreme put the pressure on the Rockets immediately. A Rocket back was forced to play the ball over the goal line, awarding the Xtreme a corner kick. Deanna DiPierro played a perfectly lofted ball into the 18 yards box. Isabel McKeown quickly won the ball and played it to Alison Holfester. Alison blasted the ball into the net and put her team up 1-0. Throughout the match, Cara Adams, Alison, Jenna Codignotto and Colette Seel saw space and sprinted to support their forwards. The team's forwards, Lauren Miesemer and Isabel, smartly played these backs in on goal. This spread out the Farmingdale back line and gave the Xtreme a great advantage with shots on goal. On the defensive side, Deanna was in at sweeper and didn't allow anyone in her penalty area unchallenged. She covered for the backs, not allowing the Rockets many scoring chances. In the goal was Sam Miesemer. Sam's keeper play was outstanding. She came up with some great saves and made accurate split second decisions.

Deanna DiPierro looks for her target.

In the second half, the Xtreme were as determined as ever to preserve the lead. Unfortunately, the midday heat was starting to take a toll on the players. Katie Roscoe was in at center back and controlled the middle of the field for her team. Katie made some awesome stops and played the long ball to her speedy forwards. Lauren Miesemer was the second half keeper. Like her sister, her play was exceptional. Lauren communicated with her defenders well and made some talented saves. Late in the second half, with a drained and overheated Xtreme team, the Rockets scored to tie the match. The Xtreme players missed their teammate Sam Derby. Same broke her ankle and will be out for the remainder of the season. Get better soon Sam, we miss you!

Katie Roscoe and Cara Adams mark their opponent.

Isabel McKeown closes on the attacher. Colette Seel drives past the defender. Lauren Miesemer shields the ball.