Girls U-10 Flash Blanks North ShoreTo Take Division Lead

On September 29, 2007, the U-10 Garden City Flash beat the previously undefeated North Shore Strikers by a score of 5-0 at St. Paul's. The Flash controlled the game from the outset, moving the ball comfortably in the North Shore end of the field. Their passing took the ball across the field and back and generated multiple opportunities. But while the girls were repeatedly able to get the ball in prime scoring position in the box, the first ten minutes found them repeatedly putting efforts high, wide or straight at the goalie. Katie Muldoon ended the wait and got the team off the schneid midway through the half. Collecting a punt from Nicole Derby, Katie put on an impressive display of raw speed, running straight through the left side of the North Shore defense, before rifling the ball past the North Shore goalie on the short side. Anyone who missed her first run was treated to a prompt encore. Picking up a rebound from a North Shore free kick in her own end, Katie simply ran away from her defender, putting an identical shot in at the near post. With a two goal cushion, the Flash settled back into their passing game, and this time got the finish that had eluded them before. Isabel Klatt moved the ball from left back to Katie Muldoon on the right wing. Katie stepped inside and split two defenders with a pass to Kerry Defliese at the top of the arc. Kerry took a touch and then put the ball through (!) the back left hand corner of the net to close the scoring in the first half.

The second half picked up where the first had ended, with the Flash moving the ball all over the field. Center forward Katherine Galzerano received a throw in from the left side from Isabel Klatt, took a few dribbles and released Emily O'Neill past the last defender on the right hand side. Emily took advantage of a fine feed to drill a low shot just inside far post and make it 4-0. Shortly thereafter, Michaela Bruno moved the ball up the left wing to Julia McGuire. Julia, who had provided excellent service to her teammates all day, found Katherine at the near post. Katherine did not disappoint, turning and putting the ball past the keeper on the far side. Thereafter, Nicole Leto and Nicole Derby took turns setting one another up in the North Shore area, but were not able to find another goal for the team.

Led by Grace Cameron, who played both center and right back, the Flash's defense was again stout. North Shore rarely got the ball into the Garden City end and, once there, could not threaten Flash keepers Nicole Derby, Nicole Leto and Isabel Klatt. In three league games this season, the Flash has allowed only a single goal.

The victory, and the fine overall team effort that led to it, puts the Flash alone at the top of their division. Next week finds the Flash in New England at the Columbus Day tournament in Windsor, Connecticut. They will resume league play on October 13 against Manhasset. Go Flash!