GC Sparks (GU11) End Season With Victory

The Garden City Sparks (GU11) defeated Oceanside 3-1 in a well played game last weekend to end their season on a high note. This was the team's third straight victory over tough competition. Kate Demarco opened the scoring for the Sparks pouncing on a loose ball in front of the goal midway through the first half. The play started from the back when Emma Gallagher passed to Katherine Malhame down the wing. Katherine's cross found Taylor Carpentier whose shot was blocked by the keeper but Kate jumped on the rebound to make it 1-0. Oceanside would equalize right before half-time on a beautiful in-swinging corner kick that found its way into the back of the net. Coach Malhame's spirited half-time pep talk brought out the best in the girls who immediately began to win every 50/50 challenge. The Sparks started to swarm the Oceanside goal winning a number of corner kicks. Ten minutes into the second half Sarah Galzerano drove a shot from the top of the box into the goal for a 2-1 lead. Shannon Callahan picked up the assist on that goal. Shortly after, Erin Connelly was taken down just outside of the box after she worked a nice give-and-go with Tara DeAngelo. Caroline Beatty's free kick sailed over the wall and was deflected by the keeper off of the goal post. However, Anne Blanco sprung into action to hammer in the rebound for a 3-1 lead. The game was never in doubt after the third goal as Haley O'Hanlon controlled the back line and Kaitlyn Gorman stopped any shots on goal. The Sparks finished the season with 15 points (fourth place) in Division 1, which should be good enough to put them in Long Island Division 1 in the fall 2007. Have a great summer!