A Strong Showing For The Patriettes

Top row: Claudia Caracciolo, Cailee McCarthy, Kelly McDonnell, Isabel Balady, Maddy Stone, Kristen Adams. Middle Row: Christie Pflume, Laurel Nothel, Jillian Curtin, Caitlin Kaczynski, Julia Biscardi Bottom Row: Erin Rode, Annemarie Kane, Alexis Leighton, Margot McTiernan

The Garden City Patriettes enjoyed a strong showing at the Paul R. Cody Tournament in Windsor, CT. over Columbus Day week end. The Patriettes started the tourney against the Simsbury Sparks. Garden City controlled the ball throughout the game, with Annie Kane scoring first with her second half goal. Jill Curtin's theatrical goal tending lent excitement to the game, which ended in a 3-0 win for Garden City. Game 2 against the Windsor Strikers proved hot and difficult. The Windsor offense was forceful, requiring aggressive defense by the Patriettes, and Julia Biscardi delivered by policing her end and forcing the ball away from the goal. Maddy Stone, as goal keeper, made great saves, but the Strikers went up by two goals. Caitlin Kaczynski made some great moves to blast one in late in the second half but Garden City sustained a 2-1 loss. The Patriettes matched up against the Agawam Fire on Sunday Afternoon. Erin Rode played strong defense against the Fire, preventing a first half goal and stopping two break-aways. Christie Pflume used her foot skills to turn the ball up field to Alexis Leighton. Alexis executed a beautiful pass to Kelly McDonnell, who sent the ball into the goal. Kelly's superior speed allowed her to fly past defenders minutes later to put another ball in the net, giving the Patriettes a 2-0 win. Game 4 proved to be the most physically demanding for Garden City, as they faced off against the Wethersfield Blue Bombers. Wethersfield played tough, aggressive soccer and the Patriettes responded by kicking their game up a few notches. Kristen Adams landed an early goal, giving the Patriettes a much needed advantage. Claudia Caracciolo provided vigilant defense while Isabel Balady made heart stopping saves, which further frustrated the Blue Bombers. Cailee McCarthy overcame the formidable Wethersfield defense and put another ball in the opponent's net. Christie Pflume ended the game by sailing one more goal into the net, solidifying both the 3-1 win and her chances of getting a puppy! The Patriettes' final game was against the Glastonbury Galaxy to determine the first, second and third place standing. Laurel Nothel worked relentlessly to control the ball in midfield. Margot McTiernan, playing forward, assisted by executing passes in front of the opponent's goal. Once again, the Patriettes were bolstered by stellar goal tending, however the Galaxy were able to put two balls into the Garden City net, giving the Patriettes their second loss and a third place standing in the tournament. The Garden City Patriettes returned home happy with their success, confident in the remainder of the season and looking forward to seeing Christie Pflume walking her puppy on 7th Street.