Xtreme Catch Lady Tigers

Deanna DiPierro goes by the defender

Last Saturday the Garden City Xtreme hosted the New Hyde Park Lady Tigers at St. Pauls. Another great day to play soccer, warm and sunny. The Xtreme anticipated a skilled and fast New Hyde Park team. Within minutes, it was evident the Lady Tigers were up to their billing. Although the Lady Tigers had a 2 goal lead with 20 minutes remaining in the second half, the Xtreme never quit and scored two brilliant goals before the match concluded to make it a 2-2 tie.

Just two minutes into the match, the Lady Tigers got the early lead. The Xtreme didn't let the early deficit effect their play. The team instantly went on the attack and had the Lady Tigers under pressure. Forwards Isabel McKeown, Lauren Miesemer and Joanna Sokolovic got possession and either went 1 v 1 or played their halfbacks in on goal. The Xtreme got some quality shots on goal and forced the Lady Tigers to concede corner kicks. The speedy NHP back line and the super fast Xtreme forwards lead to some very entertaining soccer throughout the match. Cara Adams, Kati Roscoe and Colette Seel playing halfback, controlled the middle third of the field for their team. Quick to the ball and their relentless battle for possession, kept the Lady Tigers on their heels. Sam Derby was the first half keeper. Sam settled and directed her defense throughout the half. Not allowing another goal in the first half, kept the Xtreme in the match.

Katie Roscoe muscles to win the ball

The start of the second half had Xtreme pushing forward for the equalizer. Alison Holfester, Sam Miesemer and Kelsey Whitney were in at halfback. They continuously linked passes with their forwards, creating scoring chances for their team. At the ten minute mark, the Lady Tigers right wing sent a lofted shot to the far post that went in the goal. It seemed NHP thought they would now win the match. To their surprise, the Xtreme came roaring back. Alison and Sam M. used combination passing and got the ball into the NHP penalty area. Positioned perfectly, Kelsey got possession at the top of the area and drove a rocket of a shot over the Lady Tigers keeper's head to make it a one goal match. In the defensive end, Jenna Codignotto, Sam Derby, Deanna DiPierro and Alicia Mueller were shutting down the Lady Tigers offense. The NHP forwards had some great speed of their own, but the Xtreme backs tracked them down to stop any more goals. Shannon Tierney was the second half keeper. She made some great saves and cleared the ball to midfield on a regular basis. With constant pressure on the Lady Tigers defense, the Xtreme were awarded a corner kick with 8 minutes remaining. Deanna, who was dropping corner after corner in the 6 yard box for the whole match, this time amazingly curved the ball into the goal to tie the score. The Xtreme were flying high and had the momentum, but time ran out and the match ended 2-2.

Lauren Miesemer takes the ball out of the air

Kelsey Whitney battles for possession Sam Miesemer and Alicia Mueller contain the attacker Sam Derby goes 1 v 1