GC Sparks (GU-12) In Thick Of Division One Soccer

The Sparks with their trophies in Windsor

In their first season in Long Island Division One, the GU-12 Sparks are holding their own against Long Island's best. On October 27, the Sparks traveled to Suffolk County to take on the East Islip Red Dragons, considered Long Island's top team and one of the highest-ranked teams in the Northeast. The game was a nail-biter, with tense moments for both sides. Keeper Kaitlyn Gorman made several beautiful saves, including one on an East Islip penalty kick, while contending with muddy turf in the box. Defenders Emma Gallagher, Haley O'Hanlon and Caroline Beaty shut down the East Islip attack and thwarted every attempt by East Islip to spring an attacker on a breakaway. Midfielders Annie Blanco, Tara DeAngelo, Kate DeMarco, Katherine Malhame, Shannon Callahan, Taylor Carpentier and Sabrina Rodgers were flying around as play surged up and down the field. Forwards Erin Connelly, Sarah Galzerano, Brianna Maglio, Lauren Mixon and Kayla Murphy kept the pressure on the East Islip defense. As the game wound down, the Sparks turned up the heat, forcing play in the East Islip box. With a minute to go, there was a clear hand ball by East Islip inside the box, which would have given the Sparks a penalty kick, but the ref refused to make the call. The game ended in a hard fought 0-0 draw.

The Sparks after a game in Windsor

In six league games so far, the team has given up only three goals. The Sparks opened their season with a tough 2-1 loss to perennial powerhouse East Meadow (the team the Sparks defeated last Fall to win the GU-11 Nassau Division One title). The Sparks bounced back the next week against West Islip, winning 2-0 in a game the Sparks controlled from the outset. The next three games ended in draws against tough Suffolk teams. The matches against Dix Hills and Northport ended 0-0. The game against Lindenhurst was a 1-1 tie; Lindenhurst scored off a corner kick just before halftime, and the Sparks rallied to even the score in the second half.

Getting a break from league play, the Sparks joined the other Garden City teams in the Columbus Day tournament in Windsor, Connecticut. Playing in the top division for their age group, the Sparks took first place with a 5-0 record, outscoring their opponents 17-0 during the tournament. When not on the field, the girls had lots of fun enjoying the Windsor area and getting together with several other teams at a Sunday evening party at the team's hotel. A great time was had by all!

Kate carries the ball as Katherine and Emma look on

The Sparks play Rockville Centre this Saturday at St. Paul's at 10:00.

Sabrina battles for the 50-50 ball Shannon and Kayla on the attack Lauren heads toward the goal Erin beats the defender Kaitlyn makes a save Haley sends the ball into the box Sarah controls the ball