Fireballs Defeat Patriots

Courtney Chmil takes control.

The Fireballs came out last Sunday morning to face the Smithtown Patriots and didn't disappoint their fans. Starting out fast, the girls took control of the match and forced the play. Gaining the advantage, the Fireballs had numerous scoring chances come from tremendous corner kicks from Christina Cesarini that flew into the box. GC capitalized on one of the kicks at about the ten minute mark as Meaghan Walsh was first to a ball that ultimately was put into the back of the net by Christine Malhame. The second goal came about 15 minutes later on a great cutback move by Victoria Aldrich and deadly left foot past the keeper. The play started off a long throw in from Michelle Rotondo and terrific volley pass by Cez. The half ended with the 2-0 advantage, although there were several opportunities to add to the score - Courtney Chmil was stopped by the keeper, Erin Dean fired two shots just wide and Monique had a head shot grabbed at the goal line.

The second half saw the Patriots come out the aggressor, getting a quick turnover at midfield and catching the Fireballs in transition. The result was a goal after only about a minute of the second half and a much too close score of 2-1. But with Smithtown trying to push up the field the Fireball defense held strong, Joanna Matuza grabbing balls in the box, and the outside defenders were especially strong with Amanda Murolo, Kim Verderber and Jackie Wisniewski keeping the Patriots at bay. About 20 minutes into the second half control started to turn again in favor of the Fireballs. With Shannon McWilliams playing a forceful stopper position, the Patriots had trouble breaking through midfield and GC started to get good scoring chances. Taking a through ball from Kim, Daniella Sampram raced into the box and was setting up for the shot as a Smithtown defender came crashing into her forcing the shot wide. Then on a terrific cross from Courtney, the ball just missed the lunging head of Meaghan. But with about 8 minutes left in the match, Christina launched another fine corner kick into the box that Monique one timed into the lower corner of the goal for a 3-1 lead.

Christine Malhame wins the 50 -50 ball.

The Fireballs have gotten out to a great start this season and get a well deserved break for the Columbus Day weekend. With most of the girls playing seven days a week the girls should come back stronger for their match against the Wantagh-Seaford Jaguars at Soccer Park on Oct. 14th. Continue the good play on your high school teams and enjoy the Columbus Day weekend! Good luck to all of the other GC teams traveling up to Windsor this weekend - we'll miss being up there.

Christina Cesarini set for the corner kick.

Shannon McWilliams transitions the ball. Michelle Rotondo switches fields.