Extreme Battle The Phoenix at St. Pauls

Colette Seel races to win the ball with Isabel McKeown in support.

On Saturday September 14th, the Garden City Xtreme had their first home match against Farmingdale Phoenix. The Xtreme expected that the Phoenix would be a tough competitor. To the team's delight, the Xtreme dominated the Phoenix for 60 minutes and walked off the field with a 2-0 victory.

Looking to get off to a fast start, halfbacks Katie Roscoe, Colette Seel and Cara Adams, took immediate control of the middle third of the field. Quick to the ball and making accurate passes, the Xtreme had the Phoenix under pressure immediately. Six and a half minutes into the half, the Xtreme scored the first goal of the match. Fowards Lauren Miesemer and Isabel McKeown made a couple of sharp passes to get their team on the attack. Isabel then played an overlapping Alison Holfester into the Farmingdale penalty area. Alison went into the corner and smartly played the ball back to Isabel. Isabel sent an awsome cross to the far post where Colette, who was making a perfect run, one timed the ball into the goal for a very pretty goal. The Xtreme were now flying high with emotion and energy. Sam Derby was the keeper for the first half. Sam again was in top form, saving all the Phoenix shots and clearing the ball past midfield. Deanna DiPierro, Jenna Codignotto, Sam Miesemer and Alicia Mueller were the back linefor the Xtreme. The Phoenix had some crafty and speedy fowards, but the defense shut them down for the entire match.

Kelsey Whitney prepares to send the ball up the field

The start of the second half had Shannon Tierney in the goal for the Xtreme. Shannon was playing keeper for her team for the first time. With pressure on to hold the 1-0 lead, Shannon showed great technique, super leadership and most important, confidence. Her play was just outstanding. Her temamates also rose to the occasion and continued to shut down the Phoenix. Cara, Kelsey Whitney and Johanna Sokolivic were in at halfback. Their relentless pressure on the ball barred the Phoenix from setting up many scoring opportunities. Sam D. also played in the back this half and aided the defense to maintain the shut out. With 4 minutes remaining, Colette again found the back of the net for her second goal. Cara sent a perfect cross into the 18 yard box, where Colette quickly got the ball under control and blasted it past the Phoenix keeper.

Deanna DiPierro takes a goal kick.

Katie Roscoe takes control of the ball Jenna Codignotto fights for the 50/50 ball. Joanna Sokolovic pressures her opponent for the ball.