Extreme Battle 96 Arsenal

Jenna Codignotto turns the ball up the field.

Last Saturday, the Xtreme traveled to Stillwell Fields to play a new opponent, the Syosset 96 Arsenal. The warm weather from the previous weeks was over, this day was brisk and sunny, an excellent day to play soccer. The match started out as great as the sunshine with the Xtreme dominating the first half with brilliant play. Unfortunately in the second half, the Arsenal got some breaks and overcame the deficit and won the match.

The Xtreme's play in the first 30 minutes of this match was never better. From the goalkeeper to the forwards, all the players executed to perfection. Passing from the back line to the halfbacks and then to the target players, was pinpoint. Attacking runs by the outside halfbacks were perfect, keeping the Arsenals under pressure for most of the half. Often the forwards played the halfbacks into the offensive third, creating some splendidly lofted crosses into the area where an Xtreme player was running to the post. These methods of applying pressure on the Arsenal got the Xtreme on the scoreboard 18 minutes into the match. Deanna DiPierro sent in a dangerous corner. Katie Roscoe kept the ball from coming out of the box and played it into Lauren Miesemer. Lauren pivoted toward the goal and drove the ball into the net. The Xtreme had some more chances but came off the field at halftime feeling great about their play.

Colette Seel raced up the field.

The start of the second half had the Arsenal sending more players forward trying to get the equalizer. This neutralized the match somewhat, having the Xtreme concerned about making sure the Arsenal didn't get the numbers advantage. At the twelve-minute mark, the Syosset team was awarded a free kick from 8 yards outside the penalty area. The Syosset player drove a perfect ball into the goal just inches below the top post, an unstoppable shot. A few minutes later, the Arsenal got another goal after it appeared the ball was clearly out of bounds. The Syosset team stole the momentum and scored two more goals out of the air on corners. It was a tough loss after playing so well in the first half and then losing the match in the second half.

Joanna Sokolovic fights to win the ball with Cara Adams in support.

The Xtreme will put the loss behind and get ready for another tough battle against New Hyde Park this Saturday.

Isabel McKeown battles for possession.